A Belgian Getaway to Ghent: An Underrated City in Belgium
Sometime either right before traveling to Antwerp in June 2019, or right afterwards already ecstatic to plan my next Europe trip (and then Covid happened and the world or whatever the heck is up there was laughing at me hysterically) – I read a blog post talking about Ghent being an underrated city to travel to in Belgium, and that it was often overlooked.
City Center overlooking traditional Belgian houses in Ghent; March 2022
Walking alongside the water in Ghent, Belgium; March 2022
I can’t find the article or blog post I read for the life of me, but I remembered it well and Ghent has been on my list of European cities and places to return to once we were all able to travel to Europe again.
And man… was the author of that article I lost was spot on – Ghent is a severely underrated Belgian city.
Underrated Beauty! Ghent, Belgium in March 2022
How Is Ghent Different From Antwerp, Brussels, or Bruges?
This city feels very different than the other three, more touristy ones I have visited. It’s quieter, to the extent that I didn’t know of another American tourist in sight besides the one I met up with at my hotel.
The architecture, as in all Belgium cities, is quite intriguing – but this Belgian city is the most colorful of them all. It’s palate changes from block to block, and the water that cuts through as bikers glide against the many bridges of Ghent gives you a delightful, subtle Amsterdam vibe.
There were many moments in Ghent I felt like I was in a miniature Amsterdam, with the cute houses and bikes piled up outside.
There were so many pops of color in Ghent, Belgium – and bridges that were reminiscent of those in Amsterdam!
There were many Bruges-like-moments in Ghent with bridges, water, and traditional Belgian archtiecture.
This little pocket of Ghent reminded me a lot of Bruges.
I was intrigued at just how beautiful this little city was.
Walking around Ghent, Belgium in March 2022
So many clock towers and churches in Ghent, Belgium!
Belgian architecture with red flowers in Ghent; March 2022
Belgian architecture in Ghent; March 2022
Street view of Ghent; March 2022
View of Ghent from a bridge; March 2022
Eating in Ghent
There were of course, still moments for what we go to Belgium for… food!
I always say that I come to Belgium for the fries and chocolate… and that I stay for the architecture…
… but, we can never let a trip to Belgium be complete before eating its cuisine.
As beautiful as Belgium is, it’s also important to eat when you’re there!
Chocolatiers in Ghent
There are many chocolatiers everywhere, but be careful – just because the city isn’t as touristy, doesn’t mean they won’t try to rip you off. We opted for Tailored Flavors Chocolatier and I can confirm the chocolate is excellent with several vegan options available.
Inside of Tailored Flavors Chocolatier in Ghent, Belgium March 2022
After making our way all the way uptown determined to eat vegan waffles at a place called V-BOX (where I ran into the owners and they told me they had permanently closed), we decided to ask the best place for vegan Belgian fries in Ghent.
Where is the Best Place to have Belgian Fries in Ghent?
As per local recommendation, the previous owners of the restaurant we went to in Ghent were happy to give us two recommendations: “Frites Ketal” and “Friterie Chasse Patat”. We went for the latter, as they had all the vegan goodies you good imagine: like croquettes, fried avocado… anything!
Watch my Ghent vlog below to see all of the options!
My friend and I wandered back towards my hotel and caught an incredible sunset alongside the river, before plopping and enjoying our fries and my (surprisingly really good) vegan croquettes.
I was caught off guard by this gorgeous sunset in Ghent, Belgium; March 2022
If you’re on a Europe trip, and it isn’t too out of the way – I really do recommend a trip to Ghent.
I really do think Ghent is an underrated Belgian City!
Locals in Ghent Belgium enjoying an aperitif; March 2022
Is Ghent Worth Visiting?
Yes, Ghent is absolutely without a doubt worth visiting – as it’s a gorgeous Belgian city often overlooked by other more touristic places in Belgium like Bruges or Brussels.
It’s the prettiest of the Belgian cities (that I have seen so far) in my opinion, with all of the classic zig-zag Belgian buildings to bask in and just as many opportunities for waffles, chocolate, and fries!
I would visit Ghent in Belgium again, for sure!
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Last updated: June 30, 2025