Ghent by Design
A highly curated guide to Belgium’s most charming and quietly creative city
Dear friends + travelers,
Ghent has all the things people dream about when they picture Belgium — canals, cobblestone streets, beautiful old buildings, chocolate — but unlike some of the more touristy cities, Ghent still feels lived in. It’s a university town full of students, artists, musicians, designers, and creative energy. People actually live here. Work here. Make things here.
And that’s what I love most about it.
I lived briefly in Belgium about 25 years ago, and over the last few years I’ve returned again and again while researching and leading my Belgium by Design trips. I just got back from another couple of weeks there, and with each visit, I fall a little more in love with Ghent.
It feels vibrant and creative without becoming overwhelming.
It’s also incredibly walkable, easy to navigate, and one of the places in Europe where I’ve felt most comfortable as a solo woman traveler. And because Ghent is situated between Bruges, Antwerp, and Brussels, it also makes an excellent home base for exploring Belgium.
As always, this guide is personal, highly curated, and opinionated. It’s not an attempt to cover everything, but a collection of places that I find delightful (and I think you might, too).
If you enjoy this kind of design-led city guide, you might also like:
Ghent by Design Guide
See / Do
Begijnhof O.L.V. ter Hoyen Gent — A local musician recommended visiting the Beguinage during an open studios weekend and I’m so glad he did. I found myself moving between artist ateliers, hidden courtyards, and private homes filled with art. At one point I ducked into a small chapel café during a thunderstorm and ended up drinking tea with locals waiting out the rain.
The beguinage itself is fascinating historically — a centuries-old community where women could live independently, with or without becoming nuns. If you happen to be in Ghent during an open studios event, do not hesitate.
Boat Ride — Touristy? Yes. But so worth it.
Ghent is incredibly beautiful from the water, especially on a sunny day, and the smaller boats here feel much more intimate than the larger ones in cities like Paris.
De Bijloke Concert Hall — A former medieval hospital turned concert hall with beautiful old wooden beams and incredible acoustics. One of those places that feels deeply local rather than touristy. I love it so much I’ve been 3 times.
Flower Market — A lovely weekend stop, even if you’re not buying flowers. Although, flowers for your hotel room in Ghent feels like a very good idea.
Gent Design Museum — Currently closed for renovation while I’m writing this, but reopening soon — and very high on my personal list once it does.
Gold Listening Bar — One of the coolest spots I found in Ghent.
Inspired by Japanese listening bars, Gold is built around vinyl, acoustics, and actually listening to music. Low lighting, great sound, cocktails, tea, and a sitting-room-only atmosphere. I brought my sketchbook one night and stayed for hours.
If this kind of design-led travel speaks to you, I still have a little room left on next year’s Belgium by Design trip.
While the places in this guide can be experienced independently, the trips go much deeper — private artist studios, special visits before opening hours, memorable meals, and time spent inside Belgium’s creative circles with a small group of thoughtful, like-minded travelers.
And perhaps best of all: you don’t have to plan any of it yourself 😘
