Ghent has the same medieval density as Bruges but far fewer coach tours, so the streets around the Graslei and Gravensteen feel lived-in rather than staged for visitors. The city's centerpiece is the Ghent Altarpiece by the Van Eyck brothers in Saint Bavo's Cathedral, which alone justifies the trip for anyone interested in Flemish painting. It's a working university city as much as a historic one, which shows in the mix of medieval buildings and ordinary shops and bars.
Ghent lies about 100 km from Lille in Flanders, Belgium, and the trip takes roughly 1h10 by train. The standard route is a TER from Lille to Kortrijk, about 30 minutes, then an intercity train to Gent-Sint-Pieters, about 35 minutes, with a fare around EUR 15 bought at the station or through b-europe.com. Rail is the practical mode, since the centre is largely pedestrian and tram-served. From Gent-Sint-Pieters the historic centre is reached by tram or a walk of about twenty minutes.
Ghent shares the medieval density of Bruges but sees far fewer coach tours, so the streets around the Graslei and Gravensteen feel lived-in rather than staged. Its centrepiece is the Ghent Altarpiece by the Van Eyck brothers in Saint Bavo's Cathedral, viewed in a dedicated side chapel with a separate timed ticket; the cathedral nave itself is free. Gravensteen is a moated medieval fortress that visitors can walk through, including the battlements. The guildhall facades of the Graslei and Korenlei along the old harbour quays are best seen from the Sint-Michielsbrug bridge, and the Belfry of Ghent is a climbable tower with a wider, less crowded view than its Bruges counterpart. Patershol, a small quarter of narrow lanes behind Gravensteen, suits a slower final hour.
A workable day starts at Saint Bavo's Cathedral before midday for the Altarpiece, then continues to Gravensteen. Crossing the Sint-Michielsbrug gives the Graslei and Korenlei view, and lunch fits the streets nearby. The afternoon is for the Belfry and a wander through Patershol before the return to the station. Food stops include the restaurants of Patershol and cafes along the quays, and Ghent is known for local specialities such as waterzooi and cuberdons, the cone-shaped sweets sold from street stalls.
April to October is the best window, with pleasant weather for the quays and terraces, though the main sights are open year-round. The Altarpiece viewing costs around EUR 10-16, Gravensteen around EUR 12-14, and the Belfry around EUR 8-10. A day covering all three plus lunch runs about EUR 55-75, excluding the train.
| Distance | 100 km from Lille |
|---|---|
| Travel time | 1h10 via train (Lille → Kortrijk → Ghent) |
| Getting there | TER to Kortrijk (30 min), then IC to Ghent-Sint-Pieters (35 min); book at b-europe.com or pay at station; ~€15 / ~$16 |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Address | Gent-Sint-Pieters Station, Koningin Maria Hendrikaplein, 9000 Ghent |
How to get there
- Mode
- Train
- Duration
- 1h10
- Cost
- ~€15 / ~$16
Location
Gent-Sint-Pieters Station, Koningin Maria Hendrikaplein, 9000 Ghent
51.0543, 3.7174 View on map
Highlights
- Saint Bavo's Cathedral - home to the Ghent Altarpiece (Van Eyck), viewable in a dedicated side chapel with a separate ticket
- Gravensteen castle - a genuine moated medieval fortress you can walk through, including the battlements
- Graslei and Korenlei - the guildhall facades along the old harbor quays are the classic Ghent view, best seen from the Sint-Michielsbrug bridge
- Belfry of Ghent - climbable tower with a wider, less crowded view than Bruges' equivalent
- Patershol - a small quarter of narrow lanes behind Gravensteen, good for a slower final hour before heading back to the station
Tips for visiting
- Take the TER from Lille to Kortrijk, then an intercity train to Gent-Sint-Pieters; total about 1h10 and EUR 15.
- Buy the separate ticket for the Ghent Altarpiece chapel; the cathedral nave is free, but the Altarpiece is behind a paid, timed door.
- Use the tram from Gent-Sint-Pieters to save the twenty-minute walk into the centre.
- View the Graslei and Korenlei from the Sint-Michielsbrug bridge for the classic angle.
- Spend the last hour in Patershol before heading back to the station.
When to visit
April to October gives the best weather for the quays and terraces. Visit Saint Bavo's before midday for the Altarpiece, when it is quieter.
Accessibility
The centre is mostly flat but has cobbled streets and bridges, which can slow wheelchair users. Trams connect the station to the centre, and the Altarpiece chapel is generally accessible, though visitors should check ahead for Gravensteen and the Belfry.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get from Lille to Ghent by train?
About 1h10, via a TER to Kortrijk and then an intercity train to Gent-Sint-Pieters. The fare is around EUR 15.
Where is the Ghent Altarpiece?
It is in Saint Bavo's Cathedral, in a dedicated side chapel with a separate ticket. The cathedral nave is free to enter.
Is Ghent busier than Bruges?
Ghent receives far fewer coach tours, so its streets feel less staged. It is also a working university city with ordinary shops and bars.
Can the Belfry of Ghent be climbed?
Yes. Entry is around EUR 8-10, and the view is wider and less crowded than at Bruges.