Best Hotels in Ghent for Every Budget — 49 Real Picks From £78 (2026)

Our top Ghent pick for 2026 is B&B The Verhaegen — a jaw-dropping five-star inside a restored 18th-century mansion, with an ornate period salon and a walled garden, from around £422 a night — but the real story of Ghent is that it gives you fairy-tale Flanders without the fairy-tale crowds. This is the insider's alternative to Bruges: the same medieval canals, gabled guild houses, a moated castle and one of Europe's great cathedrals, but wrapped around a buzzy, lived-in student city that draws a fraction of the day-trippers. We've built this guide around all three price bands: 3 top-rated boutique stays, 10 reliable mid-range four-stars, and 36 cheaper central beds we verified as real, distinct, currently bookable properties — 49 hotels in all, each linking straight to its live prices. The honest floor is around £78 a night, and Belgium uses the euro, so this is mid-priced Western Europe rather than a bargain — but Ghent's lower tourist volume often makes it better value than Bruges for the same beauty.

Jump to your budget: Best-rated stays · Mid-range hotels · Budget stays from £78

Scout's 3 best-value picks right now: 🛏 Campanile Hotel & Restaurant Gent — from ~£78, the lowest real floor in this guide and a reliable, well-reviewed budget base with parking. 💶 ibis budget Gent Centrum Dampoort — from ~£84, a no-frills, honest cheap sleep a short tram ride from the centre. 🏨 Holiday Inn Gent Expo by IHG — from ~£101, a proper four-star with amenities at a budget-tier price. From-prices are live rates pulled while writing — tap any hotel for today's price on your dates.

Ghent sits in Flanders, in the Dutch-speaking north of Belgium, roughly halfway between Brussels and Bruges. The defining sights — the moated Gravensteen castle (the medieval Castle of the Counts), the Graslei and Korenlei waterfront quays lined with guild houses, St Bavo's Cathedral with the world-famous van Eyck Ghent Altarpiece (the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb), the towering belfry, and the atmospheric medieval Patershol quarter — all sit within a compact, largely traffic-free historic core. For UK visitors, the realistic route is the Eurostar from London St Pancras to Brussels-Midi in about two hours, then a 30-minute train on to Gent-Sint-Pieters — no flight needed. If you are outside the south-east, fly into Brussels Airport (BRU) and take a 50-minute to 1-hour train in. Belgium is tiny and superbly connected, so Ghent makes a calm, pretty base for day trips to Bruges (25 minutes) and Antwerp (about an hour). Belgium uses the euro (€), the language is Flemish (Dutch) (English is widely spoken), and it rains often — pack a jacket. Compare live Ghent hotel prices or search flights to Brussels (BRU).

At a glance — the best-rated and standout stays, before the full reviews:

The Best-Rated Stays in Ghent

Ghent is a boutique-and-B&B city rather than a grand-hotel one, so its very top tier is small and personal: three exquisite five-star guesthouses set in historic buildings, run with real care. These are the dream rooms — intimate, characterful and beautifully located — and where you would splurge for a special occasion. If you want a bigger, full-service hotel, several of the mid-range four-stars below carry huge, trusted review counts too.

1. B&B The Verhaegen — Ghent · 5★ · 158 reviews · from ~£422/night. The finest stay in this guide and a genuine one-off — a restored 18th-century patrician mansion in the historic centre, with an opulent rococo salon, antique-filled rooms, a swimming pool and a walled garden. It feels like sleeping inside a small museum, run as an intimate bed and breakfast. The priciest room here, and worth it for a once-in-a-lifetime Ghent stay. A special-occasion icon.

2. Guesthouse PPP — Ghent · 5★ · 90 reviews · from ~£165/night. A tiny, top-rated boutique guesthouse in the heart of Ghent, offering just a handful of stylish, personal rooms with the kind of attentive, host-led welcome the big chains cannot match. Central, characterful and quietly luxurious, it suits couples who want a design-led base within a short walk of the Graslei and the castle. One of the best-loved small stays in the city.

3. B&B Snooz Inn — Ghent · 5★ · 118 reviews · from ~£148/night. A charming five-star bed and breakfast that brings boutique quality at a far gentler price than the Verhaegen — comfortable, individually styled rooms and a warm, personal welcome in a central Ghent location. The lowest entry price of the top-rated tier, and superb value for a five-star guesthouse. Ideal for couples who want character and quality without a grand-hotel bill.

These top-rated guesthouses are small and book up fast, especially around festivals — reserve early. See all Ghent stays for live availability, or search flights to Brussels (BRU).

Mid-Range Hotels in Ghent — 10 Reliable Picks

This is the sweet spot for most visitors: well-run four-star hotels with big review counts you can trust, most within a short walk or tram ride of the historic centre. Expect roughly £101–226 a night depending on hotel and dates — a wide range, so check what your money buys on your exact dates, with the Holiday Inn Gent Expo and Residence Inn among the better-value names.

4. Van der Valk Hotel Gent — Ghent · 4★ · 6,029 reviews · from ~£118/night. The most-reviewed hotel in this guide by a distance — a large, dependable four-star on the edge of the city with a restaurant, easy parking and reliable Van der Valk standards. Not the most central address, but tram links carry you into the historic core quickly, and the huge review count makes it a safe, comfortable bet. Best for families and drivers who want space and value.

5. Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Reylof Ghent — Ghent · 4★ · 5,619 reviews · from ~£226/night. The most polished full-service stay in the mid tier — an elegant boutique hotel set partly in a restored 18th-century mansion, with a spa, a highly rated restaurant and a courtyard garden, moments from the Graslei. Refined rooms and genuine grandeur make it a favourite for couples and special occasions. The priciest mid-range name here, and it feels it in the best way.

6. Yalo Urban Boutique Hotel Gent — Ghent · 4★ · 5,288 reviews · from ~£215/night. A stylish, design-led four-star in a converted historic building, with bold contemporary interiors, a buzzy bar-restaurant and a young, creative feel — the fashionable choice in the centre. Well-reviewed and beautifully located for the sights and nightlife. For style-conscious travellers who want a boutique look at a full-service scale.

7. Ghent River Hotel — Ghent · 4★ · 3,532 reviews · from ~£120/night. A characterful four-star right on the River Leie in a converted 19th-century cotton mill and a 16th-century house, with some of the best waterside rooms in the city and a rooftop breakfast room with views. Central, atmospheric and well-reviewed. One of the better-value mid-range picks for a genuine riverside setting.

8. NH Collection Gent — Ghent · 4★ · 2,837 reviews · from ~£153/night. A smart, contemporary four-star in a striking building beside the water in the historic centre, with polished modern rooms and reliable NH Collection service. Central and comfortable, it suits travellers who want a dependable, design-forward chain hotel within walking distance of every sight. A safe, stylish all-rounder in a prime spot.

9. Holiday Inn Gent Expo by IHG — Ghent · 4★ · 2,549 reviews · from ~£101/night. The lowest-priced four-star in this tier — a comfortable, well-run IHG hotel by the Flanders Expo with a restaurant, gym and easy parking, linked to the centre by tram. Modern rooms and dependable service at a rate that undercuts the rest of the mid tier. Outstanding value for four-star facilities, and handy for families and drivers.

10. Hotel de Flandre Ghent — Ghent · 4★ · 2,405 reviews · from ~£115/night. A well-reviewed four-star in a handsome 19th-century building in the heart of the centre, with classic, comfortable rooms and a genuinely central location moments from the main squares. Good value for the standard and the postcode. A reliable, characterful pick for travellers who want to walk everywhere.

11. Hotel Harmony — Ghent · 4★ · 2,069 reviews · from ~£209/night. A boutique four-star in the picturesque Patershol quarter, with individually styled rooms, a rooftop pool and a leafy terrace overlooking the canals — one of the prettiest settings in the city. Well-reviewed and full of character. For travellers who want a design-led base in Ghent's most atmospheric medieval district.

12. Residence Inn by Marriott Ghent — Ghent · 4★ · 2,068 reviews · from ~£108/night. An apartment-style four-star with roomy suites and kitchenettes — excellent for families and longer stays who want to cook and spread out — at one of the lower mid-range rates. Reliable Marriott standards, with tram links into the centre. A smart, good-value choice for space and self-catering flexibility.

13. ONE TWO FOUR - Hotel & Spa — Ghent · 4★ · 1,606 reviews · from ~£203/night. A boutique four-star with a spa and wellness area in a central location, offering stylish, contemporary rooms and a relaxing, design-led feel. Well-reviewed and good for couples who want a treat without going full five-star. A polished pick for travellers who value a spa and a central base.

Mid-range from-rates shift most with the hotel and the date — the boutique and spa names cost more than the reliable four-stars a little further out. Compare live Ghent hotel prices for your exact dates.

Cheap Hotels in Ghent — 49 Real, Bookable Options From £78

Here's the honest picture of budget Ghent: real, bookable beds start around £78 a night, but this is mid-priced Western Europe, so be realistic — the cheaper tier spans a wide band, from that £78 floor up to roughly £240 for the smartest boutique B&Bs, with a solid central three-star landing around £112–135. Two things work in your favour: Ghent draws far fewer tourists than Bruges, so you dodge the worst peak premiums, and the city is compact with an excellent tram network, so a bed a few streets out costs you only minutes. The biggest lever on price is timing — avoid the Ghent Festival, the Light Festival and peak summer for the lowest rates. Below are 36 cheaper stays, ordered from the lowest nightly rate up.

14. Campanile Hotel & Restaurant Gent — Ghent · 2★ · 3,109 reviews · from ~£78/night. The lowest real floor in this guide and a genuine budget champion — a reliable, well-reviewed two-star with a restaurant and easy parking, linked to the centre by tram. No frills, but clean, functional rooms and a big, trusted review count make it the safest cheap bet in the city. Best for drivers and travellers who just want a dependable place to sleep.

15. ClassEco Gent — Ghent · 1★ · 1,010 reviews · from ~£81/night. A no-frills, budget-focused one-star offering simple, clean rooms at one of the lowest rates in Ghent, with a solid four-figure review count behind it. Basic but honest — the kind of stay for travellers who would rather spend their money on frites and beer than on the room. Good value for a cheap, functional base.

16. ibis budget Gent Centrum Dampoort — Ghent · 126 reviews · from ~£84/night. A classic no-frills ibis budget on the Dampoort side, offering compact, modern rooms at a rock-bottom rate, a short tram ride from the historic centre. Predictable ibis-budget standards make it an easy, honest cheap sleep. Ideal for travellers who want a clean, low-cost base and plan to be out sightseeing all day.

17. Holiday Inn Express & Suites Ghent by IHG — Ghent · 3★ · 1,517 reviews · from ~£92/night. Excellent value — a modern IHG three-star with fresh, comfortable rooms and free breakfast at a budget-tier price, linked to the centre by tram. Reliable Holiday Inn Express standards and a good review count make it one of the smartest cheap picks for travellers who want a proper hotel below £100. A dependable, no-fuss base.

18. Adagio Access Gent Centrum Dampoort — Ghent · 2,840 reviews · from ~£96/night. An apart-hotel on the Dampoort side offering studios and apartments with kitchenettes at a low rate — great for families and longer stays who want to self-cater and spread out. With over 2,800 reviews it is a trusted, well-run option, a short tram ride from the centre. One of the best-value self-catering picks in this guide.

19. Quartier Leonard — Ghent · 2,080 reviews · from ~£99/night. A well-reviewed budget aparthotel offering simple, functional studios with kitchenettes just under £100, handy for independent travellers and families who want their own space. The strong review count makes it a reliable cheap choice near the centre. Good for self-caterers who value flexibility over hotel service.

20. Guesthouse PoortAckere Ghent — Ghent · 4★ · 182 reviews · from ~£105/night. One of the most atmospheric budget-to-mid stays in the city — a four-star guesthouse set inside a beautifully converted 19th-century neo-Gothic convent, with a cloister garden and characterful rooms, right in the centre. Genuinely unique and well-priced for the setting. For travellers who want history and charm without a boutique-hotel bill.

21. Flandria Hotel Gent Centrum — Ghent · 1★ · 2,138 reviews · from ~£111/night. A simple, well-reviewed one-star in a central location, offering basic, clean rooms and a friendly, no-frills welcome within walking distance of the sights. The big review count for a one-star shows it delivers on the basics. Good value for budget travellers who prioritise location over comfort.

22. ibis Gent Centrum Opera — Ghent · 3★ · 5,320 reviews · from ~£112/night. A reliable, genuinely central three-star ibis near the opera house, with over 5,000 reviews and the predictable, comfortable standards the brand is known for. You are within easy walking distance of the Graslei, the castle and the main squares. One of the safest central budget picks in the city for a fuss-free stay.

23. Hotel Gravensteen — Ghent · 3★ · 2,995 reviews · from ~£117/night. A characterful three-star in a grand 19th-century mansion right beside the Gravensteen castle — one of the best-located budget picks in this guide, with period features and some rooms enjoying castle views. Well-reviewed and full of old-world charm. For travellers who want atmosphere and a landmark on the doorstep at a fair price.

24. Logies Dampoort — Ghent · 120 reviews · from ~£120/night. A simple, small budget guesthouse on the Dampoort side, offering straightforward rooms at a fair rate a short tram ride or walk from the historic centre. A smaller listing with fewer reviews, but honest value for a no-frills base near the station links. Good for travellers who want a quiet, low-key stay outside the tourist crush.

25. Rose House B&B — Ghent · 2★ · 159 reviews · from ~£121/night. A small, welcoming bed and breakfast offering cosy, individually styled rooms and a personal, host-led feel at a fair budget price. Central-adjacent and characterful, it suits couples and solo travellers who prefer a homely B&B to a chain hotel. Good value for a friendly, small-scale Ghent stay.

26. Boutique B&B Graaf — Ghent · 155 reviews · from ~£122/night. A stylish little boutique bed and breakfast offering a handful of well-designed rooms and a warm welcome in a central Ghent setting. A smaller listing with a modest but positive review count, and good value for boutique character at a budget-to-mid price. For couples who want design-led charm without a hotel price tag.

27. B&B Lieven Bauwens — Ghent · 82 reviews · from ~£124/night. A characterful bed and breakfast named after the Ghent industrialist, offering comfortable, personal rooms in a central location at a fair rate. A smaller, well-liked listing with a genuine local feel. Good for travellers who want a homely, host-run base within walking distance of the sights.

28. JAM Ghent — Ghent · 3★ · 20 reviews · from ~£130/night. A newer, design-minded three-star offering fresh, contemporary rooms and a modern feel at a mid-budget rate. Fewer reviews as a recent listing, but a stylish, well-priced option for travellers who want a clean, current room. Good value for a modern base a short distance from the centre.

29. Hotel Astoria Gent — Ghent · 3★ · 2,363 reviews · from ~£132/night. A comfortable, well-reviewed three-star near Gent-Sint-Pieters station, offering tidy rooms and reliable service — handy for rail arrivals and quick tram access into the centre. A dependable, good-value pick with a solid review count. Best for travellers who want an easy connection to the station and the airport train.

30. B&B HOTEL Gent Centrum — Ghent · 3★ · 11,917 reviews · from ~£134/night. The most-reviewed budget hotel in this guide, with nearly 12,000 reviews — a modern, no-frills three-star from the B&B Hotels chain, offering fresh, functional rooms at a fair central rate. That enormous review count makes it one of the most trusted cheap-ish stays in the city. A reliable, straightforward base for a short break.

31. Hotel The Lord — Ghent · 2★ · 1,166 reviews · from ~£134/night. A well-reviewed two-star offering simple, comfortable rooms and dependable value in a central-adjacent location. The solid review count makes it a trustworthy cheap-ish choice for travellers who want a no-fuss base near the sights. Good for a short city break where you are out most of the day.

32. Novotel Gent Centrum — Ghent · 3★ · 4,653 reviews · from ~£135/night. A large, family-friendly Novotel right in the historic centre, with a pool, roomy rooms and reliable chain standards, moments from the main squares. The pool and space make it a strong pick for families, and the big review count makes it a safe bet. Central, comfortable and dependable for travellers who want facilities on the doorstep of the sights.

33. Hotel Nenuphar — Ghent · 172 reviews · from ~£135/night. A small, comfortable hotel offering tidy, well-kept rooms and a personal welcome at a fair mid-budget rate, a short distance from the centre. A smaller listing with a modest but positive review count. Good value for travellers who prefer a quiet, small-scale hotel over a big chain.

34. The Librarian by Domani Hotels — Ghent · 365 reviews · from ~£139/night. A stylish, book-themed boutique hotel offering characterful, design-led rooms in a central location, at a fair mid-budget price. A smaller but well-regarded listing with a distinctive personality. For travellers who want a boutique feel and a quirky theme within walking distance of the sights.

35. Boutique Hotel Verne Dreams — Ghent · 676 reviews · from ~£140/night. A Jules Verne-inspired boutique hotel with imaginative, individually themed rooms and a warm welcome, in a central Ghent setting. Well-reviewed for its character and hospitality, it is a fun, design-led choice at a mid-budget rate. For couples and travellers who want a memorable, characterful base over a standard hotel room.

36. Hotel Chamade — Ghent · 3★ · 2,035 reviews · from ~£141/night. A comfortable, well-reviewed three-star near Gent-Sint-Pieters station, offering tidy rooms and reliable service with easy tram access into the centre. Handy for rail arrivals and consistently rated for value. A dependable, good-value pick for travellers who want a straightforward base near the station.

37. ibis Gent Centrum St. Baafs Kathedraal — Ghent · 3★ · 6,774 reviews · from ~£142/night. One of the most central and most-reviewed hotels in the city — a reliable three-star ibis right by St Bavo's Cathedral and the belfry, moments from every major sight. Predictable, comfortable ibis standards in an unbeatable location. For travellers who want to step straight out into the heart of Ghent with zero fuss.

38. Hotel Den Briel — Ghent · 3★ · 4,206 reviews · from ~£145/night. A well-reviewed three-star offering comfortable rooms and friendly service at a fair rate, within reach of the centre. The strong review count makes it a reliable, good-value choice. A dependable pick for travellers who want a comfortable, no-drama base for exploring the city on foot.

39. Freetimeflat Mies & Fien — Ghent · 68 reviews · from ~£145/night. A self-catering apartment offering roomy, well-equipped accommodation with a kitchen — good for families, couples and longer stays who want independence and space. A smaller listing with fewer reviews, but strong value for an apartment near the centre. Handy for travellers who prefer to cook and spread out.

40. Hotel Carlton — Ghent · 3★ · 1,963 reviews · from ~£146/night. A comfortable, well-reviewed three-star near Gent-Sint-Pieters station, offering tidy modern rooms, parking and reliable service with quick tram links into the centre. Handy for rail and airport-train arrivals. A dependable, good-value choice for travellers who value an easy station connection.

41. Hotel Orion — Ghent · 3★ · 1,842 reviews · from ~£146/night. A well-reviewed three-star offering comfortable, straightforward rooms and dependable service at a fair rate, within reach of the centre. Reliable and good value, with a solid review count behind it. A safe, no-fuss pick for travellers who want a comfortable base without paying a central-square premium.

42. Boutique Hotel Onderbergen — Ghent · 2★ · 125 reviews · from ~£148/night. A characterful boutique hotel in a central location, offering individually styled rooms and a personal feel at a fair mid-budget price. A smaller listing with a modest review count, but well-liked for its charm and position. For travellers who want boutique character within easy walking distance of the sights.

43. B&B Bij MoeMee — Ghent · 152 reviews · from ~£152/night. A cosy, homely bed and breakfast offering warm, personal rooms and a genuine local welcome at a fair rate. A smaller listing with a positive review count and plenty of character. Good for couples and solo travellers who want a friendly, small-scale B&B over a chain hotel.

44. Drabstraat 2 Apartment — Ghent · 101 reviews · from ~£152/night. A self-catering apartment in a central Ghent location, offering roomy accommodation with a kitchen — ideal for families, couples and longer stays who want their own space near the sights. A smaller listing with a solid review count, and good value for a central apartment. Handy for travellers who prefer independence to hotel service.

45. Artist's Loft & Garden — Ghent · 82 reviews · from ~£156/night. A characterful loft-and-garden apartment offering a stylish, self-contained space with outdoor room to relax — a distinctive stay for couples and small groups who want somewhere with personality. A smaller listing with a positive review count. For travellers who want a creative, home-away-from-home base rather than a standard hotel room.

46. Castelnou Aparthotel — Ghent · 3★ · 1,880 reviews · from ~£166/night. A well-reviewed three-star aparthotel offering studios and apartments with kitchenettes and a garden setting, good for families and longer stays who want to self-cater. The solid review count makes it a reliable choice, a short distance from the centre. Good value for space and flexibility over a standard hotel room.

47. Parkhotel Gent Centrum — Ghent · 3★ · 2,603 reviews · from ~£179/night. A comfortable, well-reviewed three-star in a central location, offering tidy rooms and reliable service within walking distance of the sights. A dependable, if pricier, three-star choice with a solid review count. Good for travellers who want a central, no-drama base and are happy to pay a little more for the postcode.

48. Ghent Marriott Hotel — Ghent · 4★ · 185 reviews · from ~£197/night. A polished four-star Marriott right on the Korenlei waterfront, with a striking glass façade and some of the best canal-side rooms in the city — a full-service hotel in a prime, postcard location. The lower review count reflects the listing rather than the quality, which is high. For travellers who want reliable four-star comfort with a waterfront address.

49. The Hamptons Boutique B&B — Ghent · 4★ · 41 reviews · from ~£234/night. The priciest stay in this cheaper tier — a smart four-star boutique bed and breakfast offering elegant, individually styled rooms and a refined welcome, at the top of the budget band. A smaller listing with a modest review count but high quality. For travellers who want boutique polish and rounds out the tier at the upper end.

Price note: every from-price above is a live rate captured while writing, in pounds sterling. Ghent's cheaper tier genuinely spans a wide band — roughly £78 to £240 a night — because this is mid-priced Western Europe, not a bargain destination; the true floor sits around £78 (Campanile, ClassEco, ibis budget Dampoort) while the smartest boutique B&Bs reach the low £200s. Belgium uses the euro, and rates climb over the Ghent Festival, the Light Festival, peak summer and big weekends, so check your dates. Tap any hotel for today's total on your dates, taxes included. See all Ghent stays or search flights to Brussels (BRU).

Explore more of Belgium

Belgium is tiny and superbly connected by rail — you can base in Ghent and day-trip the rest in under an hour. These guides use the same real-price, every-budget approach:

• Best Hotels in Brussels
• Best Hotels in Bruges
• Best Hotels in Antwerp

Ghent Hotels FAQs

What is the cheapest hotel in Ghent? On recent searches the lowest real, bookable rates are the Campanile Hotel & Restaurant Gent from around £78 a night, ClassEco Gent from about £81, and the no-frills ibis budget Gent Centrum Dampoort from about £84. Ghent is a mid-priced Western European city rather than a bargain, so £78 is a genuinely good floor — and because Ghent draws far fewer tourists than nearby Bruges, you often get better value here for the same medieval canals and cobbled squares.

How much does a budget hotel in Ghent cost per night in 2026? Realistically £78–150 a night for the cheaper tier on most dates, with the true floor around £78 (Campanile), £81 (ClassEco) and £84 (ibis budget Dampoort). Be honest with yourself about Ghent: it is mid-priced Western Europe, not Krakow, and even the budget tier stretches up to roughly £240 for the smartest boutique B&Bs. A solid central three-star like ibis Gent Centrum Opera or Hotel Gravensteen sits around £112–117. Prices climb over the summer, the Ghent Light Festival and big weekends, so check your dates.

What is the cheapest area to stay in Ghent? The Dampoort side, just east of the historic core around the train and tram links, is where the cheapest beds cluster — ibis budget Gent Centrum Dampoort (£84), Adagio Access Gent Centrum Dampoort (£96), Quartier Leonard (£99) and Logies Dampoort (£120) all sit there. Ghent is compact and its tram network is excellent, so you are still only 10–15 minutes from the Graslei waterfront. For a central budget bed, look at Campanile, ClassEco and the ibis and B&B HOTEL branches near the centre.

Is Ghent cheaper than Bruges? Yes, generally. Bruges is the more famous fairy-tale honeypot and its hotel floor sits higher (around £88), while Ghent's starts around £78 and — crucially — Ghent draws a fraction of Bruges's day-trip crowds, so you are less likely to pay a peak-season premium. Ghent is a real, lived-in student city rather than a museum-piece, which keeps prices and atmosphere more grounded. For the same canals, belfries and medieval gables with more breathing room and often a better rate, Ghent is the smarter base.

Can you stay in Ghent city centre on a budget? Yes — Ghent keeps genuinely affordable beds within walking distance of the centre. Campanile (£78), ClassEco (£81), ibis Gent Centrum Opera (£112) and Hotel Gravensteen (£117, right by the castle) all put you in or beside the historic core for a fair price, and the whole medieval centre is walkable, so you rarely need transport once you have arrived. Book ahead for the lowest central rates, as Ghent's smaller hotels fill fast around festivals.

Is there a cheap B&B or guesthouse in Ghent? Yes — Ghent has a strong small-B&B and self-catering scene, fitting for a relaxed student city. Guesthouse PoortAckere (£105, in a converted convent), Rose House B&B (£121), Boutique B&B Graaf (£122) and B&B Lieven Bauwens (£124) are characterful budget-to-mid options, and apartment stays like Freetimeflat Mies & Fien and Drabstraat 2 Apartment give you a kitchen and more space. For two people sharing, a B&B or apartment is often better value than a chain hotel and adds a lot of local character.

What is the best-rated hotel in Ghent? For a boutique treat, the five-star B&B The Verhaegen — a restored 18th-century mansion with an ornate salon and a garden — is the standout, from around £422 a night. The intimate B&B Snooz Inn (from ~£148) and Guesthouse PPP (from ~£165) are the other top-rated small five-star stays. For a full-service hotel with a big, trusted review count, the Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Reylof and Yalo Urban Boutique Hotel both score highly with thousands of reviews.

Where should first-time visitors stay in Ghent? First-timers should aim for the historic core between the Gravensteen castle, the Graslei/Korenlei waterfront and St Bavo's Cathedral, or the streets just around it. From there you can walk to every major sight without transport. Hotel Gravensteen sits right by the castle, Ghent River Hotel and NH Collection Gent are on or beside the water, and Hotel de Flandre and Novotel Gent Centrum are moments from the main squares. Ghent's centre is small and walkable, so almost any central hotel works well.

How do I get from Brussels Airport to Ghent? Brussels Airport (BRU) has direct and one-change trains to Gent-Sint-Pieters station that take around 50 minutes to 1 hour, running frequently through the day. From Gent-Sint-Pieters, tram 1 takes you into the historic centre in about 10–15 minutes, or it is a 30-minute walk. Ghent has no airport of its own, so BRU is the standard arrival point; the smaller Charleroi (CRL) budget airport is also an option but is further out and less convenient for Ghent.

How far is Ghent from Brussels? Ghent is very close to Brussels — direct trains between Brussels and Gent-Sint-Pieters take only about 30 minutes and run several times an hour. Belgium is tiny and superbly connected by rail, so you can easily base yourself in Ghent and day-trip to Brussels, Bruges (about 25 minutes by train) or Antwerp (about 55 minutes). Many visitors do exactly that — Ghent makes a calmer, prettier base than Brussels for exploring the whole country.

Is Ghent better than Bruges? It depends on what you want, but many travellers prefer Ghent. Bruges is the more perfectly preserved postcard, but it can feel overwhelmed by day-trippers; Ghent has the same medieval canals, gabled guild houses and a magnificent belfry, plus a lively student population that keeps it feeling real, buzzy and un-touristy. Ghent also has the world-famous van Eyck altarpiece in St Bavo's Cathedral. The two are only 25 minutes apart by train, so the best answer is to see both — but stay in Ghent.

What currency is used in Ghent? Belgium uses the euro (€). Cards are very widely accepted across Ghent, including contactless for small purchases, but it is worth carrying a little cash for markets, small cafés and the odd frites stall. Ghent is mid-priced by Western European standards — dearer than Central or Eastern Europe but generally a touch better value than Bruges or central Brussels, especially on hotels and eating out, thanks to its lower tourist volume.

How do I get to Ghent from the UK? For most UK travellers the easiest route is the Eurostar from London St Pancras to Brussels-Midi in about two hours, then a 30-minute train on to Gent-Sint-Pieters — no flight needed. If you are outside the south-east of England, direct flights to Brussels (BRU) or the budget-carrier airport at Charleroi (CRL) then a train into Ghent work well too. Belgium's rail network is cheap, frequent and reliable, so the final leg to Ghent is straightforward whichever way you arrive.

Which Ghent hotels are best for couples? For a romantic splurge, the five-star B&B The Verhaegen — an 18th-century mansion with a lavish salon and garden — is hard to beat, while the intimate Guesthouse PPP and Snooz Inn offer boutique charm at a lower price. On a mid-range budget, the design-led Yalo Urban Boutique Hotel, the elegant Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Reylof and the waterside Ghent River Hotel all make atmospheric couples' bases. For character on a budget, the convent-set Guesthouse PoortAckere is lovely.

Which Ghent hotels are family-friendly? Larger four-stars with roomy layouts work best for families — the Van der Valk Hotel Gent, NH Collection Gent, Novotel Gent Centrum and Holiday Inn Gent Expo all have family rooms and reliable amenities, and the Residence Inn by Marriott and Adagio Access aparthotels offer kitchenettes and extra space that suit longer family stays. Ghent itself is very family-friendly: the Gravensteen castle, canal boat trips and traffic-calmed centre all keep children happy and safe.

Is Ghent walkable or do I need transport? Ghent's historic core is very walkable — the Gravensteen castle, Graslei and Korenlei quays, St Bavo's Cathedral and the belfry all sit within a compact, largely traffic-free centre you can cross on foot in 15–20 minutes. For anything further out, or to reach Gent-Sint-Pieters station, the tram and bus network is cheap and efficient (tram 1 is the key line). Most visitors barely use transport beyond the airport or station connection.

When is the best time to visit Ghent? Late spring (May–June) and September offer the best mix of pleasant weather and thinner crowds. July and August are warmest and busiest, and the Ghent Festival (Gentse Feesten) in mid-July fills the city with music and street theatre — brilliant fun but pricier for hotels. The Ghent Light Festival, held every few years in winter, is spectacular. Rain is common year-round in Belgium, so pack a waterproof whatever the season.

How many days do you need in Ghent? Two nights is the sweet spot for Ghent itself — a day for the Gravensteen castle, the Graslei waterfront, the belfry and St Bavo's Cathedral with the van Eyck altarpiece, and a second to wander the Patershol district, browse the markets and enjoy the café and bar scene. Add a third night to day-trip to Bruges (25 minutes) or Antwerp (about an hour) by train. Ghent's compact centre means you see a lot without rushing.

What language do they speak in Ghent? Ghent is in Flanders, so the local language is Flemish (Dutch). English is very widely spoken, especially in hotels, restaurants and shops, thanks partly to the large student population, so UK visitors have no trouble getting by. French is understood but less commonly used than in Brussels. A simple 'dank u wel' (thank you) is always appreciated.

Is Ghent worth visiting? Very much so. Ghent combines the medieval beauty of Bruges — canals, cobbles, a moated castle and one of Europe's great cathedrals — with the energy of a real, lived-in student city, and it draws far fewer crowds. The van Eyck altarpiece in St Bavo's Cathedral is one of the most important paintings in Western art. For travellers who want the fairy-tale Flanders experience without the day-trip crush, Ghent is one of Belgium's best-kept secrets.

What is there to do in Ghent? The highlights are the moated Gravensteen castle (the medieval 'Castle of the Counts'), the Graslei and Korenlei waterfront quays lined with guild houses, St Bavo's Cathedral housing the van Eyck Ghent Altarpiece (the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb), the belfry with its city views, and the atmospheric medieval Patershol quarter for food and drink. Add canal boat trips, the Friday market on the Vrijdagmarkt, and a lively café and bar scene, and two full days pass easily.

Which Ghent hotels have parking? The historic centre is largely traffic-calmed, so drivers usually pick a hotel with its own parking on the fringe. The Van der Valk Hotel Gent, Holiday Inn Gent Expo, Novotel Gent Centrum, Ghent Marriott Hotel and several budget options like Campanile and the Dampoort-side ibis and Adagio branches offer parking within easy reach of the centre. If you are exploring central Ghent, you rarely need a car — the compact core and tram network cover everything.

Is it safe to stay on a budget in Ghent? Ghent is one of the safer city-break destinations in Europe, and the budget neighbourhoods in this guide — the Dampoort side and the streets around the centre — are ordinary, pleasant, well-connected areas that are perfectly fine to stay in. As in any busy tourist city, keep an eye on your belongings around the stations and packed trams and keep bags zipped in crowds. Cheap in Ghent usually just means a short tram ride or a few streets out, not unsafe.

Where do I eat cheaply in Ghent? Ghent is a genuinely good budget-eating city, helped by its students. Grab frites from a friture with a Flemish stew or mayonnaise, try a bowl of waterzooi (the local creamy chicken or fish stew), and pick up neuzekes (cuberdon 'nose' sweets) and Tierenteyn mustard as cheap local treats. The Patershol quarter and the streets around the university have plenty of good-value cafés, bakeries and bars where a Belgian beer costs far less than a London pint.

Can international visitors fly directly to Ghent? Ghent has no airport of its own, so the standard route is to fly into Brussels Airport (BRU) — which has frequent direct flights from across the UK and Europe — and take a 50-minute to 1-hour train to Gent-Sint-Pieters. Budget carriers also serve Brussels-Charleroi (CRL), about 1 hour 15 from Ghent by shuttle and train. For UK travellers, the Eurostar to Brussels then a 30-minute train is often the easiest arrival of all.

How do I book these exact Ghent hotels at the prices shown? Every hotel name in this guide links to that hotel's live page on JetMeAway — real-time rates, all taxes shown, and a date picker to match your trip. The from-prices quoted here were pulled on live searches while writing, so your dates will differ; tap through for today's number. No booking fees either way.