Ghent and Bruges are two of the best-preserved Belgian cities and are known for their city squares, waterways, and their impressive bell towers. If you are trying to decide between visiting Ghent or Bruges, this is the ultimate guide to help you decide which city to visit.
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Ghent or Bruges Overview
Ghent
Ghent is the 3rd largest city in Belgium with just over 260,000 people. Hundreds of years ago, Ghent was considered to be one of the largest and most important cities in all of Europe. The city was massively wealthy in past centuries and it is still apparent today, being such a well-preserved city. It is one of the largest port cities in Belgium.
It is known for its belfry, churches, Gravensteen Castle, and its public squares. The three towers are Sint-Niklaas church, Sint-Bavo church, and the Belfry and are iconic features of the city. The city has been a university city for centuries and still has 1/4th of its population being students.
Bruges
Bruges is the 7th largest city in Belgium with 120,000 residents. It is a city with many canals and bridges (over 80 bridges). Similar to Amsterdam, Bruges is also referred to as the “Venice of the North.” The canals and the city’s location helped Bruges gain its wealth throughout the centuries.
Since Bruges suffered very little damage for either world war, it has one of the best-preserved medieval old towns in Europe. The city is known for its Belgian beers, even having an underground beer pipeline. The city is home to many historic relics like the Blood of Christ and the Madonna of Bruges (sculpted by Michelangelo).
Places to See
Ghent
The Gravensteen, or “The Castle of the Counts”, is a large castle dating back to 1180.
Saint Bravos Cathedral is a Gothic cathedral that dates back to the 1200s.
The Belfry of Ghent is a large bell tower in the center of the city. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Saint Nicholas’ Church began construction in the 13th century.
The area around St. Michael’s Bridge is one of the most picturesque parts of the city.
Bruges
Belfry of Bruges is a massive bell tower in the center of the city.
Market Square is the main square in Bruges. It is surrounded by some of the city’s most iconic buildings.
Rozenhoedkaai is one of the most famous sights in the city.
Bruges City Hall has Gothic architecture and was completed in 1421.
Church of Our Lady Bruges is an impressive Catholic cathedral that shows the wealth the city has had through the centuries.
Food
Ghent
Like any city in Belgium, Ghent has fantastic chocolate, waffles, fries, and beer. Among some of the best traditional sweets that you must try while in Ghent are “Brussels’ Bread”, “Butter Crips”, “Cuberdons”, |Gaufre”, “Mastel”, and “Speculoos”. Other than the sweets, Ghent also offers some of the best local foods in Europe such as “Anguille au vert”, “Canniable”, “Waterzooi”, “Sirop de Liege”, “Tomates aux crevettes grimes“, and of course “Croquettes aux crevettes grises“, all of which serve as the perfect example of how exquisite the Belgian cuisine is.
Bruges
A relatively small town that’s rich in history and filled with medieval buildings, canals, and cobbled streets, Bruges is a popular tourist destination that offers not only the traditional Belgian foods but also some one-of-a-kind dishes that are certainly worth the try. Specific foods that are popular in this part of Belgium are the stews and soups, especially “Elderberry Soup“, “Waterzooi“, “Curried Mussel and Butternut Squash Soup“, and “Presoep“.
The town is also famous for the creamy and soft Passendale cheese, which is named after the village it originates from. While in Bruges, you must try some of the sweets in the area, especially the “Brugsch swaentje“, which stands for Bruges swans – an important symbol of Bruges.
Getting Around
Ghent
The center of Ghent is full of sights to see and they are all rather close to each other which makes walking your best option for exploring. As for public transportation, you can pick between the tramlines or the buses to get around. You will want to utilize some form of public transportation to see sights like Gravensteen. A fun way to see the city is by taking a boat ride through the city’s waterways. Ghent is also a great city to rent a bike and go out exploring. The Ghent city website gives you ideas of the best routes to take around the city while on a bike.
Bruges
The city of Bruges is not very large and the center of the city is quite condensed which makes it an excellent city for you to explore on foot. Much of the city center doesn’t even allow cars which makes it all the more pedestrian-friendly. There is a network of buses that can take you around the city if you want to leave the center of the city, otherwise, you might even be able to get by without using public transportation at all. If you are arriving by train, it is extremely easy to catch a bus to the Market Square. Each ride costs 3 Euros.
Nightlife
Ghent
As a city with many university students, Ghent has a pretty lively nightlife. Thursday nights are considered to be the best night to go out in Ghent. The area around the Korenmarkt has a high concentration of bars and pubs, making it the best place to start your night off in Ghent. If you want to go to a bar to try some authentic Belgian beers, you should try Trollekelder. An interesting bar that can get a little rowdier is Charleton. Kompass Nightclub is one of the best nightclubs in Ghent but it is located outside of the city center so make sure you figure out your transportation before you start to drink too much.
Bruges
Though Bruges is not known for its wild nightlife, you can still have a great night out on the city in Bruges. Even if the city isn’t spotted in nightclubs, you have to remember that you are in Belgium, which means you have access to some of the best beer in the world. There are bars scattered throughout the city center which makes it easy to go bar hopping to find the perfect vibe for you. If you want to go to a nightclub, one of the best places you should check out is De Coulissen Brugge.
Day Trips
Ghent
Brussels, the capital of Belgium, is full of impressive sights to explore.
Bruges, often called “the Venice of the North”, is known for its beautiful bridges and canals.
Antwerp is a major port city with beautiful architecture and is known for its blend of modern and historic architecture.
Bruges
Ostend is a coastal city less than 30 minutes from Bruges. It is known for its beautiful churches and beaches.
Ghent is just over 50km from Bruges. You can spend all day or multiple days exploring the city.
Knokke-Heist would be a great day trip if you want a day on the beach. You can also see the Zwin Nature Preserve.
Overall
Ghent and Bruges are two of the most impressive cities in Belgium. They are both known for their city squares and imposing bell towers. Ghent is larger than Bruges and it is typically less touristy because it is more of a working city. If you want to explore a city on the water, Bruges is definitely the city for you because of its many canals.
If you only have a day or two to spend in a city, you should go to Bruges. If you have more than two days to spend in a city, you should visit Ghent because it is a larger city and has a central location, being almost perfectly positioned between Bruges, Antwerp, and Brussels.
