Ghent Traveler Essentials
- Safety rating
- 8.8/10
- Best time to visit
- April to June and September to October for mild weather and the lively Ghent Festivities in July.
- Population
- 0.3M
Overview
Often overshadowed by Bruges, Ghent is a vibrant Flemish city with medieval canals, a brooding castle, and a buzzing student population. Stunning guild houses line the waterways, while a lively arts and food scene keeps it youthful.
Getting around
Trams and a walkable, pedestrianized center make getting around simple, with canal boats for sightseeing.
Local etiquette
Greet shopkeepers politely in Dutch and respect the relaxed, youthful local atmosphere.
Safety
Ghent is very safe; ordinary precautions in busy areas suffice.