The choice ultimately depends on your preferences: Ghent provides a more modern, eclectic experience, while Bruges immerses you in a timeless, romantic setting. Large crowds included.
Overall, Bruges is more memorable, the tourist zone is bigger with more to do, and the food is better. Ghent has one small area that is breathtaking...but it's small and can be seen in about two to three hours. Beyond that, it's not nearly as picturesque as Bruges. Save Ghent for your second trip to Belgium.
In hindsight, the two cities of Bruges and Ghent were definitely do-able in one day due to the ease and close proximity, but when exploring both extensively on foot and getting up so early, tiredness most definitely ruled in my case.
Ideally, spend one full day in Bruges and one full day in Ghent to have the best experience. You get to slow down and savor these cities. We did feel rushed while in Bruges, trying to see as much as possible while still saving time for Ghent.
Bruges is absolutely worth visiting, with its stunning Flemish architecture lining the beautiful canals and a good waffle or two, what more could you want? Well, how about some rather good local beers?
Belgium BRUGES VS GHENT: Unique Differences You Need To Know
Is Ghent worth seeing?
Ghent is a great addition to any vacation in Belgium. It's easy to get around and has unique historical buildings and picturesque views. The tourist-oriented attractions are mixed with a local flavor that makes Ghent feel real and laid-back—the kind of place you'd like to hang out for a while.
They are both beautiful cities with a lot to offer visitors, but there are some key differences between them. Ghent is a larger city than Bruges, and it is located closer to the capital of Brussels. This city is known for its medieval architecture and its canals.
The cheapest tickets we've found for trains from Ghent to Bruges are €7.03, and there isn't much difference in price depending on when you book. If you book 30 days in advance, tickets will cost around €7. The cost is usually the same if booking is done 7 days in advance.
How long is the train journey from Bruges to Ghent?
The average journey time by train between Bruges (Brugge) and Ghent is 28 minutes, with around 89 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.
The historic city center of Bruges is relatively compact and can be easily explored on foot. There are many pedestrian-friendly streets and charming alleyways that are perfect for strolling and taking in the sights.
The distance between Bruges and Ghent is 39 km. The road distance is 45.7 km. How do I travel from Bruges to Ghent without a car? The best way to get from Bruges to Ghent without a car is to bus which takes 40 min and costs €6 - €10.
Ghent is larger and more sprawling, with much more of a big city feel. Its historic parts are reminiscent of Bruges but it also has street art, a modern art gallery, a design museum and more of a craft beer scene outside the traditional Belgian pubs.
Dinant has some of Belgium's most picturesque buildings, many of them overlooking the River Meuse. This clifftop village's landmark is the Collégiale Notre-Dame de Dinant, a Gothic cathedral with a unique pear-shaped bell tower.
From the vertiginous belltower of Leuven's university library, you get a great view across the mottled rooftops of Belgium's most underrated city. Leuven isn't swarming with sightseers, like Bruges. It isn't choked with commuter traffic, like Brussels.
Ghent is also more picturesque than Antwerp. However, if you are looking for lots of things to do and the buzz of a big city, Antwerp ticks these boxes.
In Brussels, you can easily find affordable accommodations, dining options, and a range of activities to suit various budgets. Bruges, on the other hand, tends to be pricier due to its popularity among tourists, making it a bit more challenging to find budget-friendly alternatives.
Like most cities, Ghent can be enjoyed throughout the year. The summer brings warm days and waterside strolls, along with boat tours and rafting trips. And in July, Gentse Feesten hits town, with ten days of music and theatre at every turn.
One of Belgium's oldest cities and the historic capital of Flanders, Ghent was powerful, well-organized in its wealthy trade guilds, and virtually independent until 1584. Within its walls was signed the Pacification of Ghent (1576), an attempt to unite the Lowlands provinces against Spain.
Known for its picturesque streets, stunning architecture, delicious food, and famous Christmas market, there are loads of things to do in Bruges that make it a very popular holiday destination, which is why so many people visit each year. Find out for yourself what makes Bruges so magical.
Yes! the locals in Ghent speak Flemish (Dutch), but many people also speak English, especially in places like hotels, restaurants and among the younger crowd. Normally you will be able to communicate in English with ease, but knowing a few Dutch phrases can be a nice addition during your visit.
Unless you want to visit one of the museums, Ghent is good on Mondays because the cathedral (for Mystic Lamb) and castle are open. Naturally, weekends in June are very busy at the coast, and on fine days, trains are very likely to be crowded in the direction of the coast in the mornings and Brussels in the evenings.
