Belgium, Europe, Short Breaks, Travel photography and social media tips
The most instagrammable places to visit in Ghent
Belgium is known for its beautiful medieval cities, impressive architecture and delicious delicacies such as chocolate, waffles and beer. When people decide to travel to Belgium, they often choose to visit the most famous cities such as Brussels and Bruges. As a proud resident of Ghent, I think it’s important to introduce you to my hometown, which I really love. No better way to do this with a photo guide of the most instagrammable places to visit in Ghent.
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The most instagrammable places to visit in Ghent
Best views
Ghent is a beautiful medieval city that consists of a historic center with mainly late Gothic architecture, cozy cobbled streets and alleys, romantic canals and enchanting bridges.
1. Sint Michiels bridge
My favourite place to admire all this beauty is Saint Michaels Bridge. On the top of the bridge you have a breath-taking cityscape on the most beautiful towers of Ghent. (Belfort, Saint Bavoβs Cathedral and Saint Nicolas Church)
2. Korenlei
When you descend along the bridge you end up on the korenlei alongside the canal. Here you still have a perfect view of the 3 towers from a different angle.
If you walk a bit further along the canal, you have a beautiful view of the historic warehouses with typical stepped facades. Today you will find nice restaurants or cozy bars inside these buildings.
3. Gras brug – Grass Bridge
At the end of the Korenlei, you can cross the Grasbrug. Here again you will have enchanting views of the entire area of ββthe St. Michael’s Bridge, including the beautiful historical and impressive warehouses.
Best Architecture
1. Gravensteen
In the middle of Ghent you will find the Gravensteen. This is a must seeΒ medieval fortress. Today it is still accessible as a museum where you can witness the most terrible torture equipment that was used in the Middle Ages. The exterior isΒ quiteΒ impressive and therefore perfect for a snapshot.
But as a true local, I have a secret spot where you can create a unique image of this beautiful medieval castle in total seclusion. When you are in front of the castle, go left over the bridge and then take the first street on the right. Then take the first street on the right again and follow the Sint-Widostraat to the water. There you really have a phenomenal view over the Gravesteen.
2. Sint Baafs plein – Sint Bavoβs square and surroundings
At this location you are within walking distance of the most impressive late gothic buildings in Ghent such as the Belfort, Saint Bavoβs cathedral (where you can also spot the famous painting βLamb of Godβ), Saint Nicolas Church and the town hall. From here you have different possibilities to take the most stunning photos.
The place with the most spectacular view over the 3 most famous towers of Ghent, is the Saint Michael’s bridge.
3. Vooruit
One of my favourite buildings in Ghent is the viernulvier (formerly known as the Vooruit). This spectacular building was the first concert hall In Ghent. Today it is still used for concerts, events, β¦ I especially adore the mesmerizing architecture in Art Nouveau style.
Best cozy streets
The historic centre of Ghent consists out of several city squares and a maze of cobbled streets and alleys. Here are the top instragram worthy streets of Ghent.
1. Oudburg and Patershol
Patershol is one of my favourite neighbourhoods in Ghent. Historically, the district has a varying reputation, a back and forth between prosperity and marginality.
Today this is a vibrant and trendy area with the most cozy and tasty cafes and restaurants. The little cobblestoned alleys in this neighbourhood are therefore the prefect location for unique photos.
At Oudburg you will also find the ‘zuivelbrug’ that is very popular with instagrammers because of the little pontoon over the water. As beautiful as this place is to take a picture, this wooden narrow pontoon is fenced for a reason. Beware of slip hazards.
2. Jan Breydelstraat
In this street you will find the most appealing and instagram worthy shop windows. Even if you are not into shopping, itβs just fun to stroll through this street. In the middle you also have a little hidden parc βappelbrugparkjeβ where you have a wonderful sight of the canal.
3. Serpentstraat
The most adorable street in Ghent is undoubtedly the serpent street. This is decorated with flags and this is the spot where youβll find the nicest vintage shops.
Best urban vibes
1. Graffiti straat – Graffiti street
Drop by the Werregaren Street in the centre of Ghent, better known as the graffiti street. This is the alley where graffiti artists let their creativity run free. You will find the most remarkable and original street art. The perfect spot if you are looking for a colourful backdrop.
2. De dokken – The docs
This area is situated on the edge of Ghent. This is also the place where I am currently living. It used to be the vibrant centre of the industry. Today this old working class neighbourhood is reviving with new and modern projects.Β Β The reason why I like this location so much is the mix between old an new. You can still find many traces of the flourishing industrial period in combination with contemporary trendy ventures that are perfect for photoshoots.
3. Grindbakken – Gravel bins
Shortly after the Second World War, the City of Ghent built a whole row of concrete gravel bins along the docs. Not much remains of these original buildings. The deserted place is still used by graffiti artists to exhibit their art. If you are looking for a rough, yet playful environment, than this is the place to be.
Best hidden gems
1. Lievekaai
The Lievekaai is a bit more hidden in the centre and is therefore less known among tourists. It is a charming and peaceful location where you can enjoy sitting under the majestic weeping willows on a beautiful day. The neighbourhood consists of picturesque houses and a dreamy bridge where you can admire the enchanting scenery. In short, the ideal place for a whimsical photo.
2. Portus ganda
Another lesser known place among tourists is Portus Ganda. This is a small city port where travellers by boat stop to spend the night. There is a large pontoon on the water where you look out over the picturesque harbour and the most remarkable historical facades of Ghent. The best moments to get an amazing picture are sunrise and sunset. In the summer this is an excellent place to meet up with friends and have a picnic byΒ the water.
3. Jozef Kluyskensstraat
I hope this photo guide helps you with finding the most instagrammable places to visit in Ghent.
Do you wish to extend your trip in Ghent and are you still looking for a unique place to stay. Then definitely check out my 12 favorite hotels to stay in Ghent. Or find your perfect accommodation via the useful map widget of booking.com below.Β
Booking.com
If you are planning to visit other Belgian cities, be sure to read my blog posts about Brussels, Bruges and Namur.
Which are your favorite instagrammable places to visit in Gent? Let me know in the comments below.
Thanks for reading.
Your truly,
Sarah
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Travel tips and essentials
Would you like to plan an unforgettable trip? Then be sure to check out this useful overview of my personal travel tips!


Booking accommodations is super easy through booking.com. Not only will you find plenty of stays and great deals, but by setting the filters you can quickly find an accommodation that meets all your needs.



Would you like to travel with public transport from one destination to another? Then 12togo is the place to be. Here you can easily find transfers in several countries.

Being a travel blogger I get a lot of questions about which photography equipment I use to photograph my travels.
I shoot with full-frame system camera: Nikon Z6II. I have a few lenses, but these 3 are my absolute favorites when traveling:
- All-round lens: NIKKOR Z 24-70 mm f/2.8. (I shoot almost everything with this. Are you just starting to shoot? Then I would recommend this lens)
- Wide-angle lens: NIKKOR Z 14-24 mm f/2.8. (Architecture, interior, landscapes,...)
- Zoom lens: Nikkor NIKKOR Z 70-200 mm f/2.8. (Wildlife,...)
I visited Ghent, many times, as I lived in Brussels for over a year but at the time there was no Instagram. It’s interesting how places became popular because of Instagram, attracting, as a result, more tourists.
Hi Margarida, I don’t think many people see Ghent as an instagrammable place. So I wanted to show there are many gorgeous spots in Ghent and not always the most obvious ones π
I love this! I’m hoping to move to Ghent when the borders open again π Definitely my favorite city in Belgium.
Oh really, where do you live now? Let me know when you’re in Ghent. We should meet up π
Yay! I’m not the biggest fan of crowds, so I’m all for places that are less crowded/not as touristy! Thanks for putting this together! The cherry blossoms are gorgeous!
Ghent is really ok when it comes to tourism, except during the Gentse feesten in July. π
Wow the amazing architecture and the beautiful cobblestone streets! Extremely Instagram worthy!
Yes, it’s a historical town and therefor so facinating. I love walking these streets and seeing these warehouses knowing that they played a major role in the histroy of this town.
Wow! It seems that you managed to catch Ghent on an amazing day! Your photos are gorgeous.
Haha, since I live here, I spent several days shooting for this blog post π
I used to visit Belgium very frequently when I was little and I must say, Ghent has stuck in my mind since then. However, I was very inexperienced at photography at that time, so it’s very interesting to see this city through another lens!
I do hope you return one day. It’s indeed a very lovely town.
So much beauty in these pictures! In the location but also in you. Thank you for sharing this post!
Thank you so much Jen.
These are all beautiful spots and gorgeous photos! Next time I go to Belgium, I definitely need to make my way to Ghent! π
Yes, please do so! You won’t be disappointed.
The window shopping and architecture here make me want to go back to Belgium and revisit Ghent! I can’t get over how cute all those cozy streets and shop windows are.
Molly, yes I hope you have the chance to come back and visit Ghent again one day.
Those are some mindblowing photos .. I am love it .. I love Belgium so much
Thank you so much. That means the world to me.
OMG Ghent is even more beautiful than I remembered it! It’s been years since I visited and these photos brought back so many memories
Oh you must most definitely revisit π
Wow! So many wonderful spots for IG-ready photos. I especially love the graffiti and Gravensteen.
Haha, I wanted to show that my town was IG worthy π but it’s of course so much more. Maybe I should write a more in dept post of things to do in Ghent. You just inspired me π Thanks
Great ideas! I have not yet visited Belgium, but when I do Ghent is on my list for sure π
Yes, you will love it! I’m sure π
This town is sooo pretty! Definitely need to visit as soon as this travel ban is lifted!
Merryl, I Hope you do! Ghent is inredible and let me know π so we can grab a delicious Belgian beer together π
Ghent looks sooo incredibly pretty! Love all your photos of it too, especially the shop front.
Ghent is absolutely a great historical city with stunning architecture, but also with the cutest shops π
Amai, die straat met bloeiende bloesems is echt prachtig!
Dat is echt zot he. Jammer dat ze maar een weekje in bloei staan π
Mooie foto’s, soms moeilijk te geloven dat het Gent is … moeten we dringend nog eens naartoe !
Dank je! En ja Gentje blijft prachtig π Kom zeker nog eens op bezoek!