Hotels in Ghent

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Ghent is one of Belgium's most picturesque cities, offering a stunningly preserved medieval cityscape dominated by three immense towers. It is a city of rich history, world-class art, and a vibrant, student-driven atmosphere. The city’s silhouette is defined by the three iconic towers: the medieval Belfry of Ghent, St Bavo's Cathedral, and the Church of St Nicholas.

You can explore the forbidding Gravensteen Castle (Castle of the Counts), a moated fortress right in the city centre. A must-see cultural treasure is the famous Ghent Altarpiece by Jan van Eyck, housed inside St Bavo's Cathedral. Stroll along the beautiful waterfronts of Graslei and Korenlei, or wander through the historic, cobbled streets of the Patershol district, known for its excellent food scene. Ghent is a unique blend of medieval might and bohemian charm.

The best location for your Ghent hotel is in the Historic Centre, which is highly compact and places you within easy walking distance of all the major medieval sights, canals, and dining areas.

Accommodation near St Michael's Bridge or the Graslei and Korenlei waterfronts is the most desirable choice. Staying here puts you right in the middle of the iconic views, close to the main historic towers, and near the departure points for canal tours. This area is the most atmospheric and convenient hub.

For a quieter, more local experience, look for hotels in the Patershol district. This medieval quarter is known for its gourmet restaurants and bohemian charm, offering a peaceful base while still being only a short walk from the central sights. Alternatively, the area near the Vrijdagmarkt offers a lively square with historical significance and frequent markets.

Ghent is easily accessible via Ghent-Sint-Pieters Station, which connects the city to the rest of Belgium and Brussels Airport. From the station, the city centre is a short tram ride away. The core city is best explored on foot, and local buses and trams efficiently connect the centre to the station and the city's outskirts.

Hotel prices in Ghent are heavily influenced by weekend leisure breaks and local events, particularly those related to the large student population. Prices are often higher on Friday and Saturday nights due to visitors from Belgium and surrounding countries.

The absolute highest prices occur during the Ghent Festival (Gentse Feesten) in July, a massive ten-day cultural event that sees accommodation sell out months in advance. The best value is found during the mid-week and the quieter winter months, from November to March. A unique tip for Ghent is to book a hotel for a mid-week stay. Due to the high number of students, prices often drop significantly during the university's main holiday periods, making late June or early September a potentially cost-effective time to visit.