Short answer: yes, and for most travellers Ghent is genuinely underrated. It has almost everything that makes Bruges famous — medieval towers, canal-side guild houses, a beautiful old town — but it's a real, working city rather than a tourism-dependent one, which means better food, better nightlife and noticeably fewer crowds.
✅ What Makes Ghent Worth Visiting
The historic centre rivals Bruges. Gravensteen Castle, the Belfry, St. Bavo's Cathedral and the Graslei quay together produce one of the best medieval skylines in Europe — and you won't be fighting day-trip crowds to see it.
It's genuinely lived-in. A third of Ghent's population is a student, which gives the city real bars, real restaurants and a real nightlife scene — not one built purely around tourism.
It's better value. Hotels, restaurants and even museum tickets run noticeably cheaper than Bruges or Amsterdam for a comparable — arguably better — experience.
It's an easy add-on. Sitting on the direct Brussels–Bruges rail line, Ghent slots effortlessly into a Belgium itinerary without adding meaningful travel time.
❌ The Honest Downsides
It's less "postcard-perfect" than Bruges. Ghent is a working city with normal traffic, construction and modern buildings mixed into the old town — if you want a pure, unbroken fairy-tale aesthetic, Bruges edges it out.
No international airport. You'll always be routing through Brussels, which adds roughly 45 minutes to an hour of connecting travel versus flying directly into a city like Amsterdam.
Some sights close on Mondays. SMAK, MSK and STAM are all closed — plan your museum day accordingly if your visit is short.
⚖️ Ghent vs Bruges — Which Should You Visit?
If you can only choose one: Bruges is the safer, more photogenic pick for a short first visit to Belgium. Ghent is the better choice if you want a more authentic, less touristy experience with better food and nightlife. See our full Ghent vs Bruges comparison for the detailed breakdown.
The smart answer: do both. They're 25 minutes apart by train, and most visitors who see both end up preferring Ghent for the atmosphere, even if Bruges photographs better.
❓ FAQs
Is Ghent better than Bruges?
For most travellers seeking an authentic, less crowded experience with better food and nightlife, yes — Ghent has an edge. Bruges wins purely on postcard-perfect visuals and being easier to navigate in a single day.
How many days do you need in Ghent?
2 days covers the main highlights comfortably. 3 days allows a relaxed pace with a Bruges day trip added on.
Is Ghent expensive?
No — by Western European standards, Ghent is genuinely good value. Budget travellers can manage on €55–75/day; mid-range visitors €110–150/day.
Is Ghent good for a first trip to Belgium?
Yes — it's compact, walkable, and covers the medieval-Belgium experience just as well as Bruges, with the added benefit of feeling like a real city rather than a theme park.