Introduction
While Bruges gets the lion’s share of tourists, its equally picturesque neighbor Ghent often gets overlooked. This compact yet vibrant Flemish city makes for an ideal budget travel destination. With affordable lodging, free walks, and a bounty of cheap eats, Ghent delivers an unforgettable old-world experience without burning a hole in your wallet. Here’s how to explore its canals, cathedrals, and culinary delights on a shoestring.
Where to Stay
Ghent has a variety of hostels offering dorm beds for around €20-25 per night. Top budget picks include Hostel Uppelink and Ghent Hostel de Parkmotel right downtown. For a small private room, expect to pay €60-80. Camping Blaarmeersen offers a cheap camping option just outside the city center.
Getting Around
Ghent’s medieval core is easily explored on foot, while trams and buses can connect you to outer neighborhoods for just €1.80 per ride. A City Card gets you unlimited transit for 24, 48, or 72 hours. Cycling is very popular too – rent wheels from Gamapeters for just €2 an hour or €6 per day.
Top Free Activities
• Stroll channels like Graslei and Korenlei lined with historic guildhalls
• Admire the medieval castle Gravensteen fortress
• Explore St. Bavo’s Cathedral to see famous artwork like The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb
• Check out the quirky Ghent Light Festival each January
• Visit the Graffiti Street to see vibrant murals
• Take a free walking tour through Ghent to orient yourself
Budget Bites
Stop at one of Ghent’s beloved lunchrooms like Het Vlaams Bierhuis near St Bavo’s for an affordable traditional meat stew or flemish stew. Grab a portable cone of famous fries from shops like Prik Natee, or try a ghent kjoeken (stuffed waffle) for under €5. Hit the Kraanlei area at night for cheap ethnic eats and drinks at budget eateries. The indoor Groot Vleeshuis food hall also has wallet-friendly options.
Day Trips
Base yourself in Ghent and take a day trip to Bruges or Brussels, both under an hour away via cheap trains. The UNESCO listed béguinages (quaint beguine convent homes), Grand Place, and Brewery tours in Bruges make for a rewarding excursion all around.
With its youthful vibe, vibrant culinary scene, and wealth of free activities, Ghent makes for an unbeatable budget-friendly city break. Spend your euros on sampling local specialties and beers rather than overpriced attractions. Charming, walkable, and easy on the wallet – Ghent is small-town Flanders’ ultimate cheap and cheerful gem.
READ ALSO: Top 5 Cheapest Cities in Western Europe for Budget Travelers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to get to Ghent?
Ghent has excellent rail connections, with frequent trains from Brussels (30 minutes), Antwerp (45 minutes), and even Amsterdam (3 hours). Buses also link Ghent to nearby airports.
Is Ghent safe for solo/budget travelers?
Yes, Ghent is considered very safe, even for those exploring on a tight budget. Take normal precautions, but the compact center is ideal for walking at night.
When is the best time to visit Ghent to save money?
Like much of Europe, Ghent’s low season is November-February excluding the Christmas/New Year period. You’ll find the cheapest lodging rates and far fewer tourists during these colder, rainier months.
How much spending money do I need per day in Ghent?
On a backpacker budget of €50 per day, you could cover a hostel dorm, cheap eats, transit, and some light sightseeing. A modest holiday would be around €80-100 daily.
What are some free outdoor activities in summer?
In warmer months, relax in parks like Centen Agora, stroll the Leie riverfront, or head to the Blaarmeersen recreation area with lakes and green spaces.
Conclusion
While often eclipsed by bigger Belgian cities, overlooked Ghent delivers a wonderful punch of medieval charm, cultural riches, and affordability. By tapping into its ample budget offerings from inexpensive lodging to free walking tours and picnics along the postcard-pretty canals, even the most frugal travelers can experience the city’s magic without going broke.
From the majesty of St. Bavo’s Cathedral and Gravensteen fortress to beloved local specialties like crispy frites and waffles costing just a few euros, Ghent generously dishes out an old-world Flemish experience for all budgets. Add in its convenient location for day trips, walkable size, and ever-present cheap transportation options, and it becomes clear why this hit-the-highlights stop demands to be inexpensive.
So skip the splurge on bigger Belgian destinations, and let your euros stretch for more memories with every cone of fries or cozy cafe beer in this underrated gem. With charming sights and treats around every cobbled bend, Ghent wholeheartedly embraces the penny-wise philosophy without sacrificing its abundant atmosphere or treasures. Get your budget travel goals squared away, and unlock this pint-sized city’s king-sized value.
In another related article, Top 5 Craft Beer Destinations in Europe