City guide · Gent
Ghent
At the confluence of two rivers, see medieval trade, a castle and an altarpiece
Ghent's historic centre is compact, and the Graslei, the Gravensteen, the Belfry and St Bavo's Cathedral are within walking distance of one another. You can get to know the shape of a merchant city from the riverbanks, then see how the castle and cathedral carried power and faith in different periods. Some panels of the Ghent Altarpiece may be undergoing restoration, so check what is currently on display before booking. The main sights in the city are concentrated in the historic centre; the art museum cluster is in another district. Ghent's historical value also lies in its ordinary streets, riverbanks and former guild spaces, so there is no need to fill a whole day with indoor visits.
History
How the city came to be
Ghent's urban history is tied to its position at the confluence of the Lys and the Scheldt. Visit Gent traces an early religious settlement to around 630, after which the waterways and the textile trade drove the city's growth. Between about 1000 and 1550 Ghent became one of Europe's major cities, as wealthy merchants, guilds and citizens kept pressing for political rights. The Gravensteen, the churches, the Belfry and the riverside warehouse façades all bear traces of this period. In the 14th century, trade relations with England for textile raw materials drew the city into wider political conflicts. In the modern era Ghent went through economic decline, an 18th-century recovery and industrialisation; a university was founded in 1816, and later the Ghent–Terneuzen Canal restored its link to the sea. The 1913 World's Fair showcased a modern city image. Because relatively few buildings were destroyed in the two world wars, today's historic centre still continuously presents medieval streets and waterfronts. On your visit you can connect the Ghent Altarpiece with the city's commercial, guild and religious history, rather than just looking at a single masterpiece.
- c. 630The tourist office places the beginnings of an early religious settlement at the confluence of the two rivers.
- c. 1000–1550Ghent developed into a major European trading and textile city.
- 14th centuryGuild influence grew, and city politics became entangled with the raw-material trade with England.
- 1407The highest judicial body of the County of Flanders moved to the Gravensteen.
- Second half of the 18th centuryThe city's economy gradually recovered.
- 1816Ghent University was founded under Dutch rule.
- Early 19th centuryThe Ghent–Terneuzen Canal reconnected the city with a seaport.
- 1913Ghent hosted the World's Fair.
Stories
Stories of the city
The noose bearers
History · Ghent
After the failed Revolt of Ghent in 1539, Charles V, himself a native of the city, punished it severely: its nobles had to walk barefoot before him with nooses around their necks. The people of Ghent were nicknamed "Stroppendragers" (noose bearers). St Bavo's Abbey was also torn down and replaced with a fortress for Spanish troops.
The students who stormed the castle
History · Ghent
On 16 November 1949, 138 Ghent University students stormed Gravensteen in protest at a new beer tax, lowering the portcullis, barricading the gate and "capturing" a guard. They were eventually removed, and thanks to public sympathy none was prosecuted; the episode is popularly known as the "Battle of Gravensteen".
Before you go
Rules to know in Ghent
Belgium: no flash or tripods when taking photos in museums
Do
- Personal photos without flash are generally allowed, except where marked
- Flash, lights and tripods need the museum's prior written permission
- Keep your distance from the works, as signed in each museum
- Eat and drink only in the museum café or restaurant
Don’t
- Don't touch exhibits or lean on walls and display cases
- Don't use photos or videos commercially
- Don't film staff so they can be identified (Musea Brugge)
Ignoring staff instructions can get you asked to leave immediately, and the police may be called if you refuse (KMSKA rules). Safe distances differ: at least 30 cm at Musea Brugge, 60 cm at KMSKA in Antwerp and 1 m at the Royal Museums of Fine Arts in Brussels.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: Official site: Musea Brugge – Visitor regulations
Belgium: cover shoulders and knees in churches and move quietly
Do
- Covering shoulders and knees is the safest choice
- Walk and speak softly inside and silence your phone
- During Mass or prayers, give way to worship; some areas may be closed
- Follow on-site signs and staff instructions on photography
Don’t
- Don't enter in sleeveless tops or shorts
- Don't photograph people who are praying
- Don't eat, drink or give loud commentary inside
Dress requirements vary between Belgian churches and are usually reminders rather than grounds for refusal; dressing to cover shoulders and knees will satisfy even the stricter ones.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: Official site: Cathedral of Our Lady, Antwerp – Visit
Belgium: queue in order and keep quiet on transport and at night
Do
- Join the end of the line in shops, bakeries and stations
- Let passengers get off before you board
- Talk quietly on board and use headphones for music
- Keep your voice down in residential streets at night
- Greet staff when entering shops and be on time for appointments
Don’t
- Don't cut in line or hurry people in the queue
- Don't stand or stroll side by side in bike lanes
There is no penalty, but it causes irritation; standing in a bike lane also risks a collision with fast-moving cyclists.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: Advisor.travel: Belgium
Belgium: greet people in Dutch or French depending on the region
Do
- In northern Flanders (Bruges, Ghent, Antwerp), use Dutch: 'Goedendag', 'Dank u'
- In southern Wallonia (Liège, Namur), use French: 'Bonjour', 'Merci'
- Brussels is bilingual French–Dutch, with French more widely used
- If unsure, greet in the local language, then ask whether English is OK
Don’t
- Don't open with French in Flanders or with Dutch in Wallonia
- Don't joke about the language divide
- Don't assume everyone speaks English
Belgium has three official languages, Dutch, French and German, with a small German-speaking area in the east. Using the 'wrong' language carries no penalty, but language is a sensitive issue in Belgium and may earn you a cool reception.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: Wikipedia: Languages of Belgium
Belgium: shake hands at first meeting; cheek kisses are for people you know
Do
- Shake hands and make eye contact when meeting someone for the first time or formally
- Say hello when you enter a shop before asking for anything
- Let the other person start a cheek kiss and follow their lead
Don’t
- Don't offer cheek kisses to strangers or people you have just met
- A cheek kiss is a light touch of cheeks, not a real kiss
There is no penalty. The number of kisses varies: in Flanders usually one, three for celebrations; in Wallonia one or three, and male friends often kiss too.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: Wikipedia: Cheek kissing
Belgium: service is included; round up or tip about 5–10% if pleased
Do
- For good restaurant service, round up or leave about 5–10%
- In cafés and bars, leaving some change is enough
- Round up taxi fares; give porters a little per bag
- Carry some euro cash for stalls and markets that take cash only
- If unsure whether cards are accepted, ask before ordering
Don’t
- Don't treat a tip as compulsory: service is usually included in the price
- Don't pay with €200 or €500 notes; most shops refuse them
Not tipping is not rude. Since July 2022 Belgian businesses must by law offer at least one electronic payment method, but which cards are accepted varies, and cash is still accepted.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: Official site: visit.brussels – Money, currency and change
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