Places to visit and activities to do as a couple in Ghent, Belgium
Nestled between Bruges and Antwerp, Ghent charms visitors with its historic yet lively atmosphere. With its peaceful canals, medieval facades, and golden lights at dusk, the city naturally invites intimacy. Here, love is experienced without artificial trappings: an exchanged glance on a bridge, a stroll along the banks of the Lys, a candlelit dinner overlooking the water... Whether you come for an impromptu getaway or a carefully planned stay, Ghent transforms every moment into an unforgettable memory.
Why is Ghent an ideal destination for couples?
A city of water, stone, and light, Ghent combines romance and authenticity with rare elegance. Far from the frenetic pace of major capitals, the city charms visitors with its intimate atmosphere, perfect for relaxation and discovery. Between boat trips, cultural visits and evenings on the terrace, every moment finds its harmony. Ghent is a lively but peaceful city, where you can take the time to appreciate the little things: a steaming coffee, a ray of sunshine on the old rooftops, a shared smile. It is an ideal destination for a romantic getaway, for a weekend full of gentleness.
The most beautiful places to visit as a couple in Ghent
Every corner of Ghent reveals an emotion, a setting, or a story to share. Here are a few must-see places for a romantic visit:
The Castle of the Counts of Flanders (Gravensteen)
Towering majestically over the city, Gravensteen is much more than just a fortified castle; it invites you to travel back in time, hand in hand. Its ramparts offer breathtaking views of red rooftops, bell towers, and the winding Lys River. Imagine yourself recounting knightly legends or simply admiring the sunset from the battlements. This place steeped in history suddenly becomes intimate, as if Ghent had reserved this panorama just for the two of you.
The Graslei and Korenlei quays
Lined with Gothic houses with colorful facades, the Graslei and Korenlei quays are one of the most photographed and romantic settings in Belgium. Take a leisurely stroll along the water, let yourself be lulled by the lapping of the boats, and admire the reflections dancing on the surface. In the evening, the soft lighting of the restaurants creates a cozy, almost magical atmosphere. It is here, between two cobblestones and a breath of breeze, that Ghent whispers its most beautiful promises of love.
St. Bavo's Cathedral
The imposing and serene Saint Bavo Cathedral houses one of humanity’s most precious treasures: the Van Eyck brothers’ altarpiece, The Adoration of the Mystical Lamb. Standing together before this spiritual and deeply moving work, silence becomes a shared experience. No words are needed; emotion flows in the golden glow of the stained-glass windows. It is a moment of contemplation, certainly, but also of deep connection. In this immense nave, it will be just the two of you, facing beauty, and sometimes that is where we truly find ourselves.
The Belfry of Ghent
Climb the 366 steps of the belfry, one of the tallest in Belgium, and be rewarded with a 360-degree panorama of Ghent. Red roofs, pointed steeples, winding canals… the city reveals itself to you in all its splendor. At sunset, the lights turn golden and the moment becomes unforgettable. It’s not just a view, it’s a silent promise, a “we’re here, together, at the top.” And sometimes, that’s all it takes to seal a memory.
The Patershol district
With its narrow cobbled streets, ancient facades, and restaurants with flower-filled windows, Patershol looks like the setting for a romantic movie. This medieval neighborhood, now bustling with cozy cafes and artisan shops, invites you to take a slow, leisurely stroll. Lose yourself in its alleyways, step into an intimate bistro, or sit on a bench in the shade of a lime tree. Here, every corner seems designed for two. It’s the perfect place to slow down, breathe, and simply be together.
Romantic activities to do as a couple in Ghent, Belgium
In Ghent, romance isn’t something you plan, it’s something you experience. Between water, art, flavors, and a slower pace of life, the city offers a thousand ways to reconnect with each other. Here are a few simple, sincere, and deeply human ideas to transform your getaway into a series of precious moments.
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🛶 Cruise on the canals of Ghent
Glide along the tranquil waters of the Lys at sunset. The city is reflected in the canal like a living mirror: colorful facades, ancient bridges, lights coming on one by one. Aboard a small boat, snuggled up together, you will discover Ghent from an intimate and peaceful perspective. No noise, no crowds, just the lapping of a comfortable and the complicit silence. It is in these moments suspended in tim that the magic happens, gently, naturally.
🎨 Visiting museums and art galleries
Between the MSK (Museum of Fine Arts) and the S.M.A.K. (Museum of Contemporary Art), Ghent cultivates art in all its forms. Discovering a work of art together is much more than a cultural activity: it’s exchanging glances, feeling the same emotion, or laughing at an unexpected interpretation. Standing in front of a Van Eyck or a modern installation, you learn to see the world through each other’s eyes. And sometimes, a simple canvas becomes the starting point for a conversation that lasts all evening.
💕 Romantic dinner on the banks of the Lys
The restaurants along the Graslei quays offer an enchanting setting: soft lighting, flickering candles, refined cuisine, and heartwarming wine. Take a seat on the terrace facing the water and let the magic of the night do the rest. The reflection of Gothic facades dances on the surface of the canal, laughter escapes from neighboring tables, and you savor the moment. It’s not just a meal, it’s a break where everything seems designed to celebrate your togetherness.
🚲 Bike ride through nature and heritage
Rent two bikes and explore Ghent in a different way. Follow the green banks of the Lys, ride through the old cobbled neighborhoods, or cycle along the ramparts of the Citadel. It’s a simple, joyful, and free way to discover the city at your own pace. No guide, no set itinerary: just you, the gentle breeze, and the pleasure of cycling side by side. Sometimes, a break on a bench, a burst of laughter, or a moment of silence are worth all the monuments in the world.
☕ A relaxing break in a traditional café
There’s nothing like a good coffee, a crispy waffle, or a hot chocolate to enjoy a moment of togetherness. Ghent is full of cozy little cafés, tucked away in old houses, where time seems to stand still. Sit by the window, watch life go by outside, and let the conversation flow. It’s these simple, unpretentious moments, without screens, that often become the most beautiful memories. Because when you’re together, even silence feels special.
Romantic weekend in Ghent: our idea of the perfect getaway
To fully enjoy Ghent, let yourself be carried away by the sweetness of the moment. A two- or three-day weekend is enough to soak up its charm without rushing. Choose a charming hotel in the historic center, stroll through the local markets in the morning, picnic under the trees in Citadel Park in the afternoon, or attend a concert in an old theater. When evening comes, stop on a deserted bridge to admire the golden reflections on the Lys. The hushed silence, the flickering light on the water… it is often here, in simplicity, that romance reveals itself in all its beauty.
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5 original ideas for an unforgettable moment for two in Ghent
Before discovering these experiences, keep in mind that romance doesn’t need much: it often lies in a gesture, a smile, or a moment spent together. In Ghent, magic arises from simplicity. Here are five ways to make it grow.
1. Take a nighttime stroll through the historic center
When night falls, Ghent lights up with a thousand soft lights. The medieval facades are adorned with golden glows, the canals become dark mirrors, and the cobbled streets invite you to take a quiet stroll. Follow the “Light of Ghent” trail, an artistic and magical walk that transforms the city into a giant living painting. Together, far from the crowds of the day, you will discover a more intimate, almost secret Ghent. It is in this gentle nighttime atmosphere that conversations become confidences and silences become shared.
2. Attend a show or concert at Vooruit
The Vooruit, a former workers’ palace that has become an iconic cultural venue, buzzes all year round with concerts, plays, and electronic music nights. An evening here is much more than entertainment: it’s an immersion in the creative soul of Ghent. Take your seats side by side in this Art Deco building, let yourself be carried away by the music or the emotions of a performance, and share a wonderful experience that is both modern and deeply human. After the show, a drink at the Vooruit bar will prolong the magic in a warm and sincere atmosphere.
3. Participate in a Belgian chocolate workshop
Learn how to make your own pralines together at an artisanal chocolate shop in the city center. Under the guidance of a master chocolatier, you’ll melt cocoa, choose your fillings, and shape your treats with your hands and, often, a little laughter. Between bursts of cocoa and gourmet complicity, this moment becomes much more than an activity: it’s a sweet, tangible memory that you’ll take home with you. And later, when you bite into one of your creations, you’ll relive the tenderness of that afternoon spent together.
4. Rent a private boat on the Lys River
Gently gliding along the canals of Ghent with your partner, far from the noise and crowds, is an intimate and unforgettable experience. Rent a small rowboat or a silent electric boat and let yourself be carried away by the peaceful current of the Lys. Under the ancient bridges, between the colorful facades and shimmering reflections, you’ll feel like you have the city all to yourself. No guide, no itinerary: just the water, the sky, and the pleasure of being together, floating along the river.
5. Visit the botanical garden of Ghent University
Nestled near the city center, the University of Ghent Botanical Garden is a peaceful haven where time slows down. This historic park is home to over 10,000 plant species, including tropical greenhouses, fragrant rose gardens, shaded paths, and tranquil ponds. Perfect for a romantic stroll in spring or summer, it invites you to dream and relax. Sit on a bench in the shade of a hundred-year-old oak tree, breathe in the floral scents, and let nature do the rest. Here, even a simple glance seems more profound.
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FAQ
Spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) are perfect. The city is adorned with flowers or golden foliage, temperatures are mild, and the terraces come alive with a pleasant atmosphere without being overwhelming. Summer is also pleasant, but busier; winter, with its Christmas markets and illuminated streets, charms visitors with its magical atmosphere, perfect for snuggling up together. Whatever the season, Ghent retains its discreet charm and always provides the ideal setting for two hearts.
A two- to three-day stay is more than enough time to enjoy a romantic getaway without rushing. You’ll have time to visit the must-see sights (Gravensteen, St. Bavo’s Cathedral, the Graslei quays, etc.) while leaving room for leisurely strolls, coffee breaks, and little moments of spontaneity. The important thing is not to see everything, but to experience everything. A Sunday morning at the market, a sunset cruise, dinner on a terrace… It’s these free moments that make a weekend for two so special.
Not necessarily. If you want, you can enjoy a romantic getaway without breaking the bank. Ghent offers charming boutique hotels at reasonable prices, cafés where a hot chocolate costs just a few euros, and lots of free activities: strolls through the pedestrianized city center, accessible museums (some are free on the first Sunday of the month), or simply admiring the canals. Here, romance doesn’t depend on your budget, but on being present. And sometimes, the most beautiful memories cost… zero euros.
Yes, absolutely. Ghent’s historic center is compact, largely pedestrianized, and particularly enjoyable to explore on foot. In 15 to 20 minutes of leisurely walking, you can go from the Castle of the Counts to the Patershol district, from the Graslei quays to the botanical garden. This is also the best way to soak up the soul of the city: feel the cobblestones under your feet, smell the scent of chocolate in the alleys, encounter street musicians… As a couple, every step becomes an invitation to slow down and simply be together.
Three magical moments to experience with your loved one: a peaceful cruise on the canals at sunset, a candlelit dinner overlooking the water on the Graslei quays, and a nighttime stroll through the illuminated city center. Add to that a gourmet break in a hidden café, a climb to the top of the belfry, or a stroll through the Patershol… It’s not the places that make it romantic, but the way you share them. And in Ghent, every street corner seems designed for two.