How to Find Cheap Hotels in Ghent, Belgium

Discover a hidden jewel in Ghent, Belgium. Less famous than its sister cities of Antwerp and Bruges, Ghent is nevertheless a beautiful, dynamic city with history, art and culture around every corner.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer with Internet access to make reservations
• Valid passport

Know Your Destination

1. Get to know Ghent, formerly the largest town in western Europe. An easy city to travel by foot, Ghent remains a marvel of museums, town squares, historic buildings, cafes and stunning architecture that dates back to the twelfth century.

2. Soak up the maritime influence in Ghent. The canals and bridges may remind travelers of Venice, Italy, but the architecture is distinctly Belgian.

Plan Your Transportation to Ghent

3. Arrive by plane in Brussels and take a short ride by train to Ghent.

4. Use local buses to get around the city. At night they are free of charge.

5. Rent a car if planning day trips. Otherwise it's best to avoid having a car while in the city.

Choose Your Accommodations in Ghent

6. To book accommodations, contact Belgian Tourist Office at [phone] or visit their Web site (see Resources below).

7. Choose from hotels, inns or bed and breakfasts for cheap accommodations. There are nearly as many of each in Ghent, though the hotels offer the most services.

8. Find cheap Ghent-area accommodations in neighboring towns in East Flanders, and then come into Ghent by commuter rail or car.

9. Stay central with your hotel. There are many cheap accommodations offered that are within walking distance of the city center.

Become Familiar With Local Fare

10. Visit the Museum of Fine Art, home to many Hieronymus Bosch paintings as well as the works of other Flemish masters.

11. Start exploring Ghent by visiting the Gothic St. Baaf's Cathedral, home to a magnificent van Eyck.

12. Visit the fifteenth-century Lakenhalle with its adjoining fourteenth-century belfry. A glass elevator lifts you to the roof for the best views of the city.

Tips & Warnings

• Travel to Ghent during the off-season. Prices will be lower and you'll avoid the summer heat.
• Consider using Ghent as a hub for other day trips throughout Belgium. Antwerp and Brussels are easily reached by train.
• Keep your eyes peeled for flowers. Ghent is the flower capital of Belgium.
• Avoid the Citadelpark at night. It is home to the seedier elements of Ghent.
• Stay central at night in Ghent. The outer neighborhoods aren't necessarily accustomed to travelers.