Though not so popular, Ghent continues to grow as a tourist destination in Belgium due to its medieval structures and a vibrant nightlife. This city located between river Schelde and Leie is one of the large cities in Belgium and the largest in the East Flanders province.
Most of the tourist attractions such as the Christmas market, the Gravensteen castle and St Bravo’s Cathedral are mostly concentrated in the city centre. The city streets are highly accessible, and the best way to tour the city is on foot through the impressive sidewalks from where you can admire the city’s medieval architecture and enjoy the fresh sea breeze.
What’s the best area to experience the city for the first time, tourists, what’s the best district for nightlife, or where to stay on a budget or romantic trip? Read on below to find out more best neighbourhoods to stay in Ghent Belgium.
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What is the Best Area to Stay in Ghent?
Best for First Time (Sightseeing): Historical City Centre (Binnenstad), Elisabethbegijnhof-Papegaai district
Gent city centre is small but yet accessible by all means such as on foot, by train, bicycles and public transport. The city centre rewards with a beautiful view of attractive historic buildings such as the medieval castle of Gravensteen and other attractions such as the St Bravo cathedral and the Christmas market if you are lucky to visit the city in December. Most of these attractions are within the city centre, meaning the distances can be covered on foot.
1. Historic City Centre or Old Town, (Gravensteen Castle, Belfry Tower, St Bavo’s Cathedral)
The best area for tourists is the city centre owing to its huge concentration of attraction sites. The sites include the medieval buildings, the Castle at Gravensteen, The docks of Graslei as well as the museums.
Tourists with a few days to spend in Ghent can stay in the city centre because most attractions will be a walking distance away from their accommodation. There are also a lot of hotels and other budget-friendly accommodations, making it easier to find a place.
- Best Hotels (Great Value): 1898 The Post • Ganda Rooms & Suites
- Best Cheap / Affordable Hotels: Novotel Gent Centrum • ibis Gent Centrum St. Baafs Kathedraal
2. Elisabethbegijnhof-Papegaai District
Elisabethbegijnholf area is also favourable for tourists due to its proximity to the historical city centre. Most of the attractions, such as the medieval castle of Gravensteen, are a walking distance away.
The area is also full of restaurants, hotels and B&B accommodations with different classes from budget to luxurious.
- Best Hotels (Great Value): Pillows Grand Hotel Reylof • Ghent Marriott Hotel
- Best Cheap / Affordable Hotels: Erasmus Hotel • Hotel Gravensteen
3. Sluizeken-Tolhuis-Ham district
The Sluizeken-Tolhuis-Ham district is an area full of budget accommodation and is close to major places of interest such as the graffiti street.
This area is busy at daytime, but there is no so much nightlife, though you can find a few pubs. Here you will also interact with the locals from the nearby apartments, mostly on the streets.
- Best Accommodation: Hotel Harmony • B&B De Waterzooi
4. Sint-Pieters Train Station Area
This area is the best for rail transport lovers. It is a fine spot for tourists from around Europe due to easy connections. The area is also full of shops and cafes plus you can use the trams to other Districts of Ghent.
Living near the train station will make it more convenient to leave if you wish to use a train when unlike when you have to connect from other areas such as Antwerp Central Station or Brussels South Station hotels.
- Best Hotels (Great Value): Hotel Carlton • Hotel Orion
- Best Cheap / Affordable Hotels: Hotel The Lord • Hotel Adoma
