Ghent · Where to stay
Checked 31 August 2026 · 3 official sources
PICK YOUR BASE
The centre is car-free and small, so the real decision is whether you pay to be among the medieval streets or stay by Sint-Pieters station where the trams and trains start.
Patershol — lanes behind the castle
A pocket of narrow streets and restaurants immediately north of the Gravensteen, quiet at night and entirely walkable. There are few rooms in it, so it books out first.
📍 Map · $$
Korenmarkt and Graslei — on the water
The most central option, beside the boat jetties, the Belfry and St Bavo's. Expect noise on Friday and Saturday nights, and a great deal of it during the Gentse Feesten in July.
📍 Map · $$$
Sint-Pieters station and Citadelpark
About 2 km south of the centre with trams running in every few minutes, next to the Museum of Fine Arts, S.M.A.K. and the Kuipke velodrome. Cheaper, and the obvious base if you are arriving late or leaving early by train.
📍 Map · $$
Practical: do not bring a car in
The historic centre is car-free and the wider city is a low-emission zone — foreign-registered vehicles have to be registered with the LEZ in advance or risk a fine. Use the park-and-ride sites on the edge and the tram, or just come by train; Brussels is about half an hour away.
📍 Map · $