Annual Leave Explorers

If you’re dreaming of a hidden gem weekend away in Europe that blends medieval architecture, lively bars, peaceful canals, and one unforgettable adventure, Ghent, Belgium is the city you’ve been overlooking. Compact, beautiful, affordable, and incredibly easy to reach, it’s the perfect 24–48 hour escape for couples, friends, hen dos, stags, or anyone craving something different from the usual European city break.

Effortless Travel From London (Arrive Before Lunch!)

One of the biggest perks of Ghent is how simple it is to get to. We left London at 8am on the Eurostar, glided into Brussels just after 10am, and hopped onto a quick 40‑minute train. By 11:30am we were standing in the centre of Ghent, coffee in hand, ready to explore. You can also fly into Brussels and take the same easy connection.

For an affordable, stress‑free European getaway, the journey alone makes Ghent a standout choice.

A Medieval City That Feels Like a Film Set

Ghent is one of those rare cities that feels both ancient and alive. Its skyline is dominated by Gravensteen Castle, the Belfry, and a trio of towering cathedrals. Cobbled streets wind past gabled guild houses, canals cut through the centre, and every corner looks like it belongs on a postcard.

Unlike Bruges, Ghent is less touristy and more lived‑in. It’s vibrant without being chaotic, historic without feeling staged, and full of character at every turn.

The Best Thing to Do in Ghent: Rent Your Own Boat

If you do one thing in Ghent, let it be this: rent a small electric boat and drive it yourself through the city centre. It’s easily the most magical, memorable, and unique way to experience Ghent.

We booked with Minerva Boat Hire, which you can reserve online in advance. A two‑hour rental costs $75, and here’s the insider tip you must know: Pay the extra $5 to access the historic centre. It’s 100% worth it.

The outer waterways are calm but fairly plain. But once you motor under the stone bridges and into the medieval heart of Ghent, everything changes. Cathedral spires rise above you, people wave from the quayside, and you glide past centuries of history at your own pace.

Before boarding, stop at a Carrefour to pick up snacks, crisps, and a bottle of wine. There’s nothing better than sipping a cold drink while steering your boat through the sunlit canals.

Beer Bars, Waffles & Ghent’s Famous Shoe‑Hoisting Tradition

Ghent is a paradise for beer lovers, and even if you’re not a beer expert, the bars alone are worth exploring.

Some must‑visits include:

• Dulle Griet — the legendary bar where you hand over one of your shoes (which gets hoisted into the ceiling) in exchange for drinking a yard of beer.
• Local beer bars around Groentenmarkt — perfect for ordering a “beer float” to sample several Belgian styles at once.
• Chippies and Belgian waffles — no trip is complete without both.

Ghent’s food scene is relaxed, affordable, and full of comforting classics that pair perfectly with a day of exploring.

Nightlife: Where to Dance at the End of the Night

If you’re looking for a fun, unpretentious night out, Ringo’s is the place to go. Great music, great atmosphere, and the perfect spot to end your night dancing.

Perfect for Hen Dos, Stags & Group Trips

Ghent is ideal for group weekends away. It’s:

• Easy and affordable to reach
• Packed with activities
• Full of great bars
• Walkable and safe
• Beautiful in every direction

Whether you’re planning a hen do, stag, birthday weekend, or just a quick getaway with friends, Ghent strikes the perfect balance between fun and charm. We stayed one night, and it was the perfect amount of time — though you could easily stretch it to two.

Where to Stay: Affordable, Central & Highly Rated

Here are four excellent, centrally located, budget‑friendly options on Booking.com:

• Anamo Apartments – modern, stylish, and perfectly located
• Snooz Ap Holiday Flats – great value and walkable to everything
• The House of Edward – charming rooms in a historic building

All offer excellent ratings, comfort, and easy access to the city’s highlights.

Why Ghent Is the Hidden Gem You’ve Been Searching For

Ghent delivers everything you want from a European weekend away: beauty, culture, fun, affordability, and that one unforgettable experience — steering your own boat through a medieval city. It’s unique, atmospheric, and wonderfully easy.

If you’re craving a trip that feels special without the stress or cost of long‑haul travel, Ghent is the answer.