Hotels in Ghent: Where to Stay in the City
Updated 15 August 2026 · 70 real hotels
Ghent's historic centre, clustered around Graslei, Korenlei and the Patershol quarter, suits most visitors who want walkable access to the city's landmarks, restaurants and nightlife. Travelers arriving by train or preferring a quieter base can also consider the Dampoort and Zuid areas, both well connected to the core by tram and on foot.
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| Hotel | Area | Rating | Price / night |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel Campanile Gent ★★★ | Gand | ★ 3.6 | 91 €/nuit |
| Flandria Hotel | Centre-ville de Gand | ★ 3.8 | 101 €/nuit |
| Courtyard By Marriott Ghent | Gand | ★ 4.5 | 120 €/nuit |
| Getaway Gent | Centre-ville de Gand | ★ 4.4 | 122 €/nuit |
| Rose House B&B ★★ | Maalte | ★ 4.2 | 128 €/nuit |
| ibis budget Gent Centrum Dampoort | Gand | ★ 4.2 | 129 €/nuit |
| voco Gent by IHG ★★★★ | Maalte | ★ 3.8 | 133 €/nuit |
| Urban Gardens Gent | Gand | ★ 4.4 | 134 €/nuit |
| Comfy 5BR Apartment in Heart of Ghent | Centre-ville de Gand | ★ 4 | 135 €/nuit |
Ghent sits at the confluence of the Leie and Scheldt rivers in East Flanders, and it punches well above its weight for a city of roughly 260,000 people. Its medieval port district, the intact guild houses along Graslei, Saint Bavo's Cathedral housing van Eyck's Ghent Altarpiece, and one of Belgium's most active university populations give it a texture that is simultaneously historic and genuinely alive after dark.
Unlike Bruges, Ghent does not empty out at sunset. Its bar scene on Vrijdagmarkt, its independent restaurants in Patershol, and its growing contemporary art offer around SMAK and the Design Museum mean the city rewards a stay of at least two nights. Getting around is straightforward: the tram network covers the main corridors, cycling infrastructure is excellent, and the historic core is compact enough to cover on foot.
Which area to stay in Gand?
- Graslei and Korenlei (Waterfront Centre): the postcard heart of Ghent, ideal for first-time visitors who want to step out of their hotel and be immediately inside the medieval canal scenery. Restaurants and bars are within a short walk.
- Patershol: a dense network of cobbled lanes just north of the castle of the Counts, lined with independent restaurants and small heritage buildings. Best for food lovers and travelers who prefer a residential, non-touristy feel without sacrificing central access.
- Vrijdagmarkt and Sint-Jacobs: the traditional working-class square that now anchors Ghent's bar and flea-market culture. A strong choice for those who want proximity to nightlife and the antiques market that runs on Friday and Sunday mornings.
- Zuid (South Quarter): south of the ring canal, this area around the Museum of Fine Arts and SMAK contemporary art museum attracts a younger, design-conscious crowd. Slightly calmer than the waterfront, with good tram connections and interesting independent shops.
- Dampoort: the eastern gateway to Ghent, served by its own train stop and close to the Portus Ganda marina. More residential and more affordable in feel, practical for travelers arriving by rail or with early departures.
- Citadelpark area: surrounding the large city park between Zuid and Ghent-Sint-Pieters main station, this zone is convenient for rail arrivals and offers a green, unhurried base with museums within walking distance.
Good to know
- Arrive by train if you can: Ghent is served by two stations, Ghent-Sint-Pieters (main intercity hub) and Ghent-Dampoort. Both connect to Brussels Airport in roughly 50 to 60 minutes with a change. Trams and buses link the stations to the historic centre in under 15 minutes.
- Book well ahead for festivals: Ghent hosts the Gentse Feesten (ten days in mid-July), one of Belgium's largest street festivals. Hotel availability drops sharply and prices rise significantly during that period, so reserve early or plan around it deliberately.
- Walk and cycle by default: the historic core is a low-traffic zone and many streets are pedestrianised or restricted to cyclists and trams. Renting a Blue-bike (the Belgian rail bike-share system) at either station is an efficient way to cover ground.
- Pack for variable weather: Ghent's climate is temperate maritime. Spring (April to June) and early autumn (September to October) offer the most comfortable temperatures for walking. Summer is warm but can bring rain; winter is mild but grey and damp.
- Validate your tram ticket: De Lijn tram tickets must be validated on board. Single tickets bought in advance from a machine or the app cost less than those purchased from the driver. A day pass is economical if you plan more than three journeys.
What to know about hotels in Gand?
What is the best area to stay in Ghent for a first visit?+
The area around Graslei, Korenlei and Patershol places you within a short walk of the city's main sights: the Castle of the Counts, Saint Bavo's Cathedral, the Belfry and the canal waterfront. Staying centrally removes the need for public transport for most daytime activities and allows you to experience the city in the evening when day-trippers have left.
What is the best time of year to visit Ghent?+
Late spring (May to June) and early autumn (September to October) offer mild temperatures, manageable crowds and good light for exploring the canal district on foot. July is lively but the Gentse Feesten festival means the city is extremely busy and accommodation books out far in advance. December brings a well-regarded Christmas market around Sint-Baafsplein.
How much does a hotel in Ghent typically cost per night?+
Based on current availability through RoomForNight, Ghent hotels range from around 128 euros per night at the ibis budget Gent Centrum Dampoort up to 207 euros per night at B&B HOTEL Gent Centrum, with most mid-range options sitting between 147 and 180 euros. Prices rise sharply during the Gentse Feesten in July and around major events.
How do I get from Brussels Airport to central Ghent?+
The most practical route is by train: take a direct or one-change service from Brussels Airport (Zaventem) to Ghent-Sint-Pieters, with total journey times typically between 50 and 70 minutes depending on the connection. From Ghent-Sint-Pieters, trams 1 and 2 run to the historic centre in around 10 to 15 minutes. Taxis and rideshare services are available but significantly more expensive.
Is Ghent suitable for a weekend trip, or does it require more time?+
Two full days cover the main landmarks comfortably, including the Gravensteen castle, the Ghent Altarpiece in Saint Bavo's Cathedral, the waterfront, Patershol for dinner and at least one of the major museums. A third day allows for a slower pace, the SMAK contemporary art museum, the Design Museum Ghent, or a cycle along the canal to Bruges (around 50 kilometres by bike path).
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