12 Mistakes To Avoid in Ghent, Belgium

The top mistakes to avoid in Ghent, Belgium, include missing a river cruise and relying too heavily on public transport in a city that’s best explored on foot.

If you’re not careful, you might underestimate the strength of Ghent’s local beer or miss out on exploring the charming Patershol neighborhood, both highlights that make a visit here special.

We’ve compiled these insights through expert advice and travel recommendations so you can enjoy the best that Ghent has to offer.

From not checking the weather before you head out to showing off your valuables, these twelve tips will help you avoid common mistakes and make the most of your time in this stunning European town.

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Most Beautiful Cities in Europe Ghent Belgium

Missing historic center 1/5

Mistakes To Avoid in Ghent Belgium Relying Too Much on Public Transport

Overusing public transport 2/5

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Underestimating beer 3/5

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Mistakes To Avoid in Ghent Belgium Not Experiencing the Local Beer Culture

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Missing historic center

7 3

Overusing public transport

8 2

Underestimating beer

8 2

Skipping local food

7 3

Ignoring beer culture

7 3

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Missing Out on Local Food

One of the biggest mistakes you can make when visiting Ghent is missing out on local food. While sticking to what you know can be tempting, you’ll seriously miss out if you don’t sample the local cuisine. Belgium has an excellent cuisine that’s often praised for its quality and diversity.

Regarding diversity, Belgian cuisine is influenced by the cuisines of France, Germany, and the Netherlands. One of the most popular local dishes is waterzooi, a creamy stew. Perfect for a winter’s day, this hearty dish consists of fish or chicken, vegetables, eggs, and cream.

De Witte Leeuw is a popular place to enjoy waterzooi. You might also be pleased to hear that Ghent offers many Belgian sweet treats, such as waffles and Belgian chocolate.

Underestimating the Strength of Local Beer

Underestimating the strength of the local beer is a bad mistake in Ghent. Trust me, I know from experience. Beer is one of the things Belgium is best known for. Many travelers visit to specifically experience its beer culture.

However, some people, including myself, fail to realize how strong Belgian beer can be. Most beers in places like the United Kingdom and the USA have 4-6% alcohol by volume (ABV).

In Belgium, it’s common for beers to have an ABV of 6-8% and higher. One of Ghent’s most popular local beers, Gentse Tripel, has an ABV of 8%. That said, be careful if you’re going out drinking, or you could wake up the following day in a sorry state.

Not Experiencing the Local Beer Culture

At the same time, a mistake you should avoid in Ghent is not experiencing the local beer culture. While we warn you not to underestimate the strength of the local beers in Belgium, that doesn’t mean you should avoid them altogether. We strongly recommend sampling one or two local delights in a local bar.

Beer culture is extremely important in Belgium because it is deeply ingrained in the nation’s history, social life, and identity. Belgium started making beer around the 3rd and 4th centuries AD during the Roman era. Today, Belgians take pride in their diverse range of beers and traditional brewing methods.

Pub De Dulle Griet has the largest collection of Belgian beer in Ghent, highlights including Achel Donker and MAX beer.

Not Exploring the Historic Center

If you want to experience the best of Ghent, don’t miss the historic center. Ghent’s historic center is the beating heart of the city. It’s where you’ll find the highest concentration of historical buildings and monuments.

As such, you must ensure you not only visit the historic center but also have plenty of time to explore. You’ll need at least half a day to see the center in all its glory. Regarding things to see, you’re spoilt for choice.

However, the Belfry of Ghent is one of the main highlights. This early 14th-century structure is one of three medieval towers overlooking the old city. At 298 feet (91 meters) high, it’s also the tallest belfry in Belgium.

Relying Too Much on Public Transport

One of the most common mistakes people make in Ghent is relying too much on public transport. Ghent has an excellent public transport system with buses and trams connecting most parts of the city. However, that doesn’t mean you need to use them whenever you want to go somewhere.

In truth, Ghent is a very walkable city, so taking a bus or tram is often unnecessary. Praised for its pedestrian-friendly design, you’ll find that you can usually easily walk between tourist attractions. For example, the Belfry of Ghent is only an 8-minute walk from the Gravensteen.

By using public transport less, you’ll save more money, which will lower the cost of your trip.

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Not Going On a Canal/River Cruise

One of the easiest mistakes in Ghent is not going on a canal/river cruise. Ghent’s rivers and canals add another dimension to the city, offering travelers a unique perspective and charming atmosphere. Walking alongside the canals provides a relaxed and picturesque experience, but nothing beats traveling on the canal on a cruise.

On a cruise, you’ll be treated to a unique city view. You’ll also travel in style while passing some of Ghent’s most famous attractions. Take this Ghent boat trip, for example. This guided boat trip takes visitors through the medieval city center.

During the journey, you’ll pass famous landmarks like the Belfry of Ghent, Saint Bavo’s Cathedral, and the Gravensteen.

Only Visiting During Peak Season

A common mistake to avoid in Ghent is only visiting during peak season. Peak tourist season in Ghent is in the summer months of July and August. This is an excellent time to visit Ghent because the weather is warmer and the city is busy with festivals, like the Ghent Jazz Festival.

However, peak season is also the busiest and most expensive time to visit Ghent. Therefore, if you’re on a tight budget or want to experience the city when it’s quieter, visit during the shoulder season (spring and autumn). You’ll find more affordable accommodation and fewer crowds during shoulder season.

For context, according to Budget Your Trip, travelers spend an average of $120 daily in the shoulder season and $224 in peak season.

Not Checking the Weather

One of the worst mistakes you can make when visiting Ghent, or anywhere in Europe, for the first time is not checking the weather. As warm and sunny as Europe can be, the weather can be highly unpredictable. One day, there might be clear skies and warm temperatures. Next, it could be rainy and cold.

That said, it’s crucial to check the weather forecasts ahead of your visit so you know roughly what to expect. This is particularly important in spring and autumn when the weather can change quickly.

If you’re visiting in spring or autumn, it’s worth packing some warmer clothes and a light raincoat, just in case. In spring, temperatures range between 34°F (1°C) and 63°F (17°C), and light rain is common.

Missing the Patershol Neighborhood

An easy mistake to make in Ghent is missing the Patershol neighborhood. This beautiful corner of the city can be easily missed because most travelers head straight to the most popular attractions. However, it is one of the most charming and historically rich parts of the city, so it shouldn’t be missed.

Located north of the city center, Patershol is an excellent place to escape the hustle and bustle of the historic center. You’ll thoroughly enjoy wandering down the winding streets, admiring centuries-old architecture, and discovering quaint places to eat and drink.

You could enjoy a fresh coffee in the Museum Cafe’s courtyard or explore the Huis Van Alijn Museum. This museum features realistic sets, photo galleries, and exhibits that tell the story of Ghent’s past.

Visiting Saint Bavo’s Cathedral at Midday

Saint Bavo’s Cathedral is one of Ghent’s most famous tourist attractions, so visiting at midday is a mistake. Over a million travelers visit Saint Bavo’s Cathedral yearly, so you’ll want to avoid peak times.

Avoid the crowds by visiting the cathedral early in the morning and on a weekday. From Monday to Saturday, Saint Bavo’s opens at 8:30 am.

The earlier you arrive, the quieter the cathedral will be. You should also buy tickets for Saint Bavo’s altarpiece and augmented reality tour online to avoid disappointment and beat the queues.

Flaunting Your Personal Belongings

While Ghent is generally considered a safe city, like most European tourist destinations, there is potential for pickpocketing. Therefore, make sure you don’t flaunt your personal belongings in public. Things like leaving your phone on the table at a restaurant or revealing expensive goods in a crowded area can make you a target.

That said, be vigilant about your belongings, especially in tourist hotspots, which pickpockets usually target. Some areas in Ghent where pickpockets are likely to target include Korenmarkt, Gent-Sint-Pieters station, and outside the Belfry. You should also take extra care when carrying a backpack.

Make sure your backpack is securely closed and keep it close in busy areas.

Take a Taxi From the Airport

Taking a taxi from the airport to the city center is one of the most costly mistakes in Ghent. For those who don’t know, Ghent doesn’t have an airport. Therefore, you must fly into Brussels Airport Zaventem (BRU), approximately 45 minutes from Ghent.

Getting a taxi from the airport will set you back between €120 and €200 ($125 and $209). Let’s face it: nobody wants to pay for that. Instead, you should take a train from the airport to Ghent.
Brussels Airport Zaventem has its own railway station, Brussels-Airport-Zaventem, which offers a direct route to Ghent. The journey takes 55 minutes, and tickets only cost €19 ($20). That’s a saving of at least $85 for a couple.