Ghent City Guide

Local dishes include Waterzooi, Stoverij, and Cuberdons candies. There is wide international cuisine and many vegetarian/vegan choices. Some late-night food spots are open near student areas.

Nightlife centers on student hotspots with pubs, bars, and clubs mainly around Vlasmarkt and Overpoortstraat.

Strong coffee scene with specialty shops and artisan roasters. Cozy cafés are common.

Tipping is not required; service charge is included. A small tip is appreciated for good service. Taxis usually rounded up.

SIM cards need ID and can be bought at Proximus, Orange, Telenet stores, or electronics shops. eSIMs are available from Proximus and Orange.

City is generally clean with good waste collection and recycling. Public facilities are well-maintained.

Emergency rooms and pharmacies offer 24/7 service on rotation. Some night shops and late food options exist but are limited.

Supermarkets carry international products. Main chains are Colruyt, Delhaize, Carrefour, Albert Heijn, and Lidl. Most open 8-9 AM to 7-8 PM and close Sundays and holidays, except some small stores.

Most places accept card and contactless payments. Carry some cash for smaller shops or markets.

ATMs are common near banks and shopping areas. Major banks include KBC, BNP Paribas Fortis, and ING. Watch for international withdrawal fees and decline dynamic currency conversion.

International School Ghent serves expats. Most local schools teach in Dutch. Admission timing varies; early inquiry recommended.

Some meetups and active coworking spaces support remote workers. Community is smaller but growing.

Lots of green and blue spaces like Citadelpark, Blaarmeersen, and canals. Great for walking, running, and relaxing.

Popular running routes include Citadelpark and along the Leie River. Safe and scenic with local clubs and events.

Many gyms offer day passes and short memberships.

Many clubs with clay, hard, and artificial courts. Equipment rentals and coaching available.

Several padel courts with online booking and coaching options.

Multiple studios offer various styles, meditation, and wellness classes. English-speaking instructors common.

Gyms offer BJJ, Muay Thai, Boxing, Judo, Karate, Taekwondo with drop-in options and English-speaking instructors.

No natural ski resorts near Ghent; only small indoor slopes in Belgium.

Kayaking and paddleboarding on canals and Blaarmeersen. Sailing and windsurfing possible on larger lakes and coast.

Surf spots on Belgian coast like Ostend are 45-60 minutes away. Water is cold year-round; wetsuits needed. Best in autumn and winter. Mostly beginner to intermediate.

Limited natural dive sites, mostly quarries and lakes. Equipment and certification available locally. Best in warmer months.

High-quality healthcare with public and private options. UZ Gent and AZ Sint-Lucas have English-speaking staff. Pharmacies are common and some open 24/7 on rotating schedules.

Tap water is safe and regularly tested.

Many playgrounds and kid-friendly cafés. Attractions like Gravensteen Castle offer family activities. Baby supplies are easy to find.

Open and accepting with many safe spaces and local LGBTQ+ groups. Annual Pride event held in city.

Pet-friendly city with dog parks, veterinary clinics, and pet supply stores. Many accommodations and some restaurants welcome pets.