Planning a trip to Belgium and debating whether you should visit Bruges or Ghent? Or maybe you’re visiting both and wondering where to allocate more time. I had the same dilemma when researching my trip. Luckily, I was able to visit both Bruges and Ghent back to back. I'll take you through what each city has to offer and which might be best for you!
The more time I spend in Belgium, the more delightful I find this country. It packs a lot of character into its small size. You'll taste some of the best chocolate, waffles, mussels, and beer here.
The Flemish architecture is a photographer's dream. Busy squares, cobblestoned streets, cozy cafes, and friendly locals are sure to make your trip to Belgium memorable.
Bruges and Ghent are two of the most popular cities to visit beyond Brussels (which isn't my favorite). When discussing Bruges vs. Ghent, everyone seems to have a strong opinion.
I really wasn't sure which way I was going to lean until I visited both cities back to back. One was a clear winner for my travel style and taste, which I'll share below. I can also see, and will take you through, why the other city might be best for you.
Continue reading to discover if you should visit (or spend more time in) Bruges or Ghent!
Ghent
Bruges
Why decide between Bruges or Ghent if you can do both?
Before we get into Bruges vs. Ghent, let me first say that I really enjoyed visiting both cities. They are similar in some ways and vastly different in others.
If you have at least three full days to allocate to Bruges or Ghent, I would suggest doing both.
Bruges deserves a minimum of 2 nights. You could break it out 2 nights and 2 full days in Bruges and 1 night and at least a half day in Ghent.
Or you could do a day trip to Ghent spending three nights in Bruges. Ghent Is a 30 minute train ride from Bruges, so it makes for an easy day trip.
The short and sweet answer to Bruges vs. Ghent
Since you’re reading this post on Bruges or Ghent, I'll assume you are either short on time or would like to explore one city to the fullest and not feel rushed, and therefore fitting both cities into your itinerary is not an option.
The quick answer to Bruges or Ghent is Bruges. Now, this is my personal opinion and I'll go into my reasoning below.
Overall, Bruges is more memorable, the tourist zone is bigger with more to do, and the food is better.
Ghent has one small area that is breathtaking...but it's small and can be seen in about two to three hours. Beyond that, it's not nearly as picturesque as Bruges. Save Ghent for your second trip to Belgium.
Bruges vs. Ghent - Who should pick Bruges
Bruges is more picturesque with major fairytale vibes
Bruges, nicknamed Venice of the north because of its water canals, is a charmer.
One of the things I love most about Bruges is that it's not just one small area or zone that is a joy to wander. The entire city center is beautiful, clean, and safe.
Bruges is easily one of my favorite towns to aimlessly wander and take in the views, architecture, and fairytale vibes. Rarely will you find yourself on a street that isn't beautiful. That can't be said of many cities.
It also is one of my top destinations for solo female travelers.
Ghent has a picturesque area, but it's very small
Ghent on the other hand has one area that is stunning, but small.
The photo above is of Saint Michael's Bridge. The area around this is right out of a painting. For my Harry Potter fans, it has major Hogwarts vibes.
Leave this area, and you'll find a more urban, gritty, living (as opposed to tourist) city. While it may be less touristy than Bruges, it's not nearly as enjoyable to wander.
When I first arrived in Ghent and walked by Saint Michael's Bridge I couldn't wait to explore. I checked into the hotel and hit the town.
Within about two to three hours, I explored the top sights and every square inch of the picturesque areas, including:
- Saint Michael's Bridge
- the canal waterfront under the bridge
- St. Bravo's Square and Cathedral
- Castle of the Counts
I quickly realized the areas beyond this were not nearly as picturesque nor were they a joy to wander. If you want to get a quick take on a real Belgium city; one where people live, study, and work, it's great. But it's not something you want to spend hours exploring.
Bruges wins the Bruges vs. Ghent debate when it comes to restaurants
Bruges also beats Ghent when it comes to restaurants and cafes.
While tourist-focused cities may come with downsides, it also means there are plenty of top-notch chefs and restaurants to cater to those tourists looking for an authentic Belgian meal.
And this isn't like Venice, Italy where there are more low-quality tourist traps than authentic restaurants. Bruges seems to have kept a high standard for its restaurant scene even though it's become a top tourist destination.
Yes, there are tourist traps, but for the most part, the restaurants in Brugge are quality.
You'll have a hard time deciding where to book dinner when you're in Bruges as there are so many fantastic restaurants with a cozy and intimate atmosphere.
The same goes for coffee shops and cafes in Bruges.
Ghent's restaurant scene seems to be geared towards students and locals. I laughed at how many "American burger" restaurants I walked by. A sure sign of the student population. Ghent had a lot more quick and casual restaurants and international cuisine.
In general, your options for a high-quality Belgium meal with a nice atmosphere are far fewer in Ghent vs Bruges.
Bruges offers more to do and see
Bruges offers more to do from a tourist perspective.
More cathedrals, squares, viewpoints, museums, etc. You'll also find plenty of tours including beer and chocolate-focused tours (you are in Belgium after all).
Nature enthusiasts will enjoy biking to the small town of Damme. It's along a picturesque water canal and makes for a nice three to four hour trip.
Ghent, in general, has fewer sights and attractions. Again, Ghent is more of a living Belgium city with a large student population.
Bruges has better hotels
Because Bruges is more popular than Ghent, it offers more memorable hotels. There are plenty of luxury, romantic, and cozy places to stay.
Ghent has a wonderful Marriott, but all in all, it doesn't hold a candle to the types and number of hotels that Bruges offers.
A summary for who should choose Bruges over Ghent
To sum it up, if you want charming streets to wander, countless canals and tiny bridges, delicious traditional Belgium restaurants with a cozy atmosphere, enough tourist sights/tours to keep you busy for at least 1.5 to 2 days, adorable chocolate shops, an endless supply of fresh leige waffles, cute cafes, and grand squares, Bruges is the right choice when debating between Bruges or Ghent.
This is also an easy place to slow down and have a relaxing vacation or romantic getaway. I'd be 100% ok with staying a few extra days in Bruges with absolutely nothing to do.
Book your tours in Bruges!
Ghent vs. Bruges - Who should pick Ghent
Moving on to part two of Ghent or Bruges…Ghent. Even though I personally prefer Bruges and heartily believe the average tourist will better appreciate Bruges over Ghent, that doesn't mean Ghent won't be a better fit for some travelers.
Ghent is less touristy, crowded, and gives a more realistic look into a working, living Belgium city
One thing many people complain about when it comes to Bruges (especially if they visit during high tourist season) is how crowded and "touristy" it can be. Bruges is popular, and for good reason. A picture-perfect, fairytale city won't go unnoticed for long.
I make a point to visit Bruges during shoulder season and always avoid summer. Because of this, my experiences have always been wonderful.
Does it get crowded in the afternoon with all the day trippers? Of course! That's why I do my main sightseeing in the most popular and crowded places in the morning and evening and explore the lesser-known areas in the afternoon.
If you're traveling to Belgium during the summer months and the thought of a jam-packed Bruges puts you off, Ghent might be a better choice for you.
It's not as popular as Bruges and will have fewer tourists. It will still be crowded, but not nearly as crowded as Bruges.
Those who prefer a "real" city compared to a fairytale town will prefer Ghent to Bruges.
Ghent has one of the largest universities in Belgium and brings a lively student crowd. Once you leave the core of the "tourist zone" surrounding Saint Michael's Bridge, you'll notice an imperfect, slightly gritty city where people actually live and work.
Some complain that Bruges is too perfect. That it almost feels like a Disney World version of Europe. Personally, I disagree. But I can see where that opinion comes from if you visit during a busy time and it's absolutely packed.
Bruges is pristinely clean and most restaurants are focused on pleasing tourists versus locals. Ghent is the opposite.
So if you prefer a city that gives a better look at a working Belgium city, Ghent will be a better fit for you.
Ghent is more affordable
Lastly, because Ghent is not nearly as popular as Bruges, it will be easier on the wallet. Hotels and restaurants are slightly cheaper in Ghent than in Bruges.
Book your tours in Ghent!
Bruges
Summary of Bruges or Ghent
To sum up Bruges vs Ghent…if you’re looking for a fairytale town, picturesque water canals, cobblestoned streets, cozy restaurants with excellent Belgian cuisine, enough sights to keep you busy for one to two full days, and some incredible hotels, Bruges is the best bet for you.
Bruges is a great place to slow down after busy sightseeing days elsewhere.
Ghent is better suited for those who prefer cities with a dose of reality and don't mind a bit of urban grittiness. It's one of the largest university towns in Belgium and, therefore, caters to the student crowd.
Ghent is more affordable than Bruges and will feel less touristy (especially during high season...most notably the summer months).
If you're still debating Ghent or Bruges, feel free to leave a comment below on what type of trip you want and I'll help you out!
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BRUGES OR GHENT | WHICH SHOULD YOU VISIT?
I have been in both cities recently and likes Ghent more. Both cities were equally beautiful.
The reason we liked Ghent more are the streets. Other than in Bruges Ghent has a city center almost free of car traffic, all road users were so relaxed and considerate.
We loved the calm, relaxed traffic with only pedestrians, cyclists, taxis, buses, trams and delivery traffic. It was lovely. You could easily stand and walk on the street and admire the buildings in peace.
In Bruges the traffic was less pleasant, cars were passing all the time on the majority of the streets and have caused pedestrians to swerve.
Thanks for sharing your experience! Ghent does feel a little less hectic since it’s not as popular with tourists. Sad to hear about your experience with the traffic…I’ve never experienced what you spoke of myself, most of the streets I wandered were car-free. Hopefully if you visit again it won’t be as crazy.
100% agree with all this. Having visited both Ghent wins hands down for the reasons stated. A far more pleasant experience to the super expensive and rather tacky tourist trap of Bruges.
Ghent certainly is less touristy! If you’re visiting during peak tourist season, Ghent will certainly cost less and fell less crowded.