My family recently visited Belgium, and before we left, we asked many people where we should spend our time. Bruges or Ghent. While we got lots of answers, and a few “Why not Brussels?” I still wasn’t sure by the time we left. So, we chose Ghent to center ourselves in for the week.

Do you think we made the right choice? I’ll let you know what I think at the end of the article.

 

Belgium is home to two of its most charming cities-Bruges and Ghent. Each city has its unique character and attractions, making it a tough choice for any traveler. Both cities are located in the Flemish region of Belgium and are easily accessible by train from Brussels. Bruges, often referred to as the ‘Venice of the North,’ boasts of its winding canals and medieval architecture. On the other hand, Ghent is a vibrant university town with a rich history and a lively cultural scene.

Bruges is a popular tourist destination for its well-preserved medieval buildings and picturesque canals. The historic center of Bruges is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and visitors can take a boat tour along the canals or climb the Belfry Tower for panoramic views of the city. In addition to its historical attractions, Bruges is also famous for its chocolate shops and breweries, making it an excellent destination for foodies.

Ghent, on the other hand, is a bit more off the beaten path but still worth a visit. The city has a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages, and visitors can explore the impressive Gravensteen castle or the Gothic-style St. Bavo’s Cathedral. Ghent is also known for its vibrant cultural scene, with numerous museums, galleries, and music venues.

Historical Overview

Here is a little about the history of Bruges vs. Ghent that might help you make a good choice.

Bruges History

Bruges is a city located in the Flemish Region of Belgium with a rich history dating back to the 9th century. During the Middle Ages, Bruges was one of Europe’s most important commercial centers, known for its textile industry and trade with the Mediterranean. The city’s prosperity attracted wealthy merchants and bankers who built impressive Gothic-style buildings, such as the Belfry of Bruges and the Church of Our Lady.

In the 15th century, Bruges began to decline due to the silting of its harbor and the emergence of other commercial centers in Europe. However, the city remained an important cultural center, and its historic center was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. Today, Bruges is a popular tourist destination known for its picturesque canals, medieval architecture, and delicious chocolate.

Ghent History

Ghent is located in the Flemish Region of Belgium and has a history that dates back to the Roman era. During the Middle Ages, Ghent was one of Europe’s largest and wealthiest cities, known for its textile industry, trade, and cultural achievements. The city was home to the famous Mystic Lamb painting by the brothers Van Eyck and the birthplace of Emperor Charles V.

In the 16th century, Ghent played a significant role in the Protestant Reformation and was a center of resistance against the Spanish occupation. The city’s prosperity declined in the 17th and 18th centuries, but it experienced a revival in the 19th century with the growth of its textile industry. Today, Ghent is a vibrant city known for its lively atmosphere, historic buildings, and cultural events.

Architectural Highlights

Both Bruges and Ghent have some spectacular buildings, and quaint cobbestones streets. All of the walled City of Bruges is old and kep looking like it would have in the 17th and 18th centuries.

Ghent has a much more modern city surrounding the older areas, but the old downtown looks more similar to Amsterdam.

Bruges Architecture

Bruges is a city that is known for its well-preserved medieval architecture. The city’s historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is easy to see why. The architecture of Bruges is characterized by its Gothic style with a mix of Renaissance and Baroque influences. Some of Bruges’s most notable architectural highlights include the Belfry of Bruges, the Church of Our Lady, and the Basilica of the Holy Blood.

Ghent Architecture

Ghent is a city known for its stunning architecture. The city’s historic center is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Ghent is very similar to Bruges, but the buildings are bigger. Some of the most notable architectural highlights in Ghent include the Saint Bavo Cathedral, the Gravensteen Castle, and the Belfry of Ghent.

The Saint Bavo Cathedral is a Gothic cathedral, home to the famous painting, The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb, by the Van Eyck brothers. The Gravensteen Castle is a medieval castle that was built in the 12th century. It is one of the most well-preserved castles in Belgium and is a must-see for anyone interested in history. Lastly, the Belfry of Ghent is a medieval bell tower that is 91 meters tall. The tower has a Gothic style and offers stunning views of the city.

Tourist Attractions

There are plenty of things to do in each of these Belgian towns, but you may have a preference as to which looks like your favorite.

Bruges Main Attractions

Bruges is a charming city known for its picturesque canals, medieval architecture, and cobbled streets. It is a popular tourist destination in Belgium, and for good reason. Here are some of the main attractions in Bruges:

• The Markt: This is the main square in Bruges, surrounded by beautiful buildings, cafes, and restaurants. It is a great place to relax and soak up the city’s atmosphere.
• Belfry Tower: This tower is located in the Markt and offers stunning city views. You can climb the 366 steps to the top for a panoramic view of Bruges.
• The Beguinage: This is a tranquil area in Bruges where you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to a beautiful garden and a museum.

Ghent Main Attractions

Ghent is a vibrant city that tourists often overlook. However, it has much to offer and is worth visiting. Here are some of the main attractions in Ghent:

• Gravensteen Castle: This castle, built in the 12th century, is located in the heart of Ghent and is a must-visit attraction. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the city’s history.
• St. Bavo’s Cathedral: This cathedral is home to the famous Ghent Altarpiece, considered one of the most important works of art in the world. The cathedral itself is also stunning and well worth a visit.
• The Graslei: is a picturesque area in Ghent lined with beautiful buildings and cafes. It is a great place to sit and watch the world go by while enjoying a coffee or a beer.

Cuisine and Gastronomy

We found similar food in both Bruges and Ghent, however, there was much more choice in Ghent than in Bruges in terms of international food. If you just want Belgian food you will do well both places.

Bruges Cuisine

Bruges is known for its rich and indulgent cuisine, with many traditional dishes featuring meat and hearty stews. One of the most famous dishes is the Flemish beef stew, which is slow-cooked in beer and served with crispy fries.

Other local specialties include waterzooi, a creamy fish or chicken stew, and vol-au-vent, a puff pastry filled with chicken and mushrooms.

For dessert, Bruges is famous for its chocolate, with many artisanal chocolatiers offering a variety of flavors and textures.

Ghent Cuisine

Ghent is a foodie’s paradise, with a vibrant culinary scene that combines traditional Flemish dishes with modern twists. Ghent has a lot of fusion cuisine and a lot of Thai food.

Ghent is also famous for its sweet treats, including cuberdons, cone-shaped candies filled with raspberry syrup, and neuzekes, cone-shaped chocolates filled with a sweet syrup.

Accessibility and Transportation Bruges vs. Ghent

Regarding accessibility and transportation, both Bruges and Ghent are well-connected cities with good public transportation options. Bruges is a compact city, and most of its attractions are within walking distance of each other. The city center is pedestrian-friendly, and there are plenty of bike rental options are available for those who prefer to cycle around the city

 

Ghent, on the other hand, is a larger city with more extensive public transportation options. The city has a well-developed tram network, making getting around easy. Plenty of bike rental options are available, and the city has a bike-sharing program called Blue-bike, which is a convenient and affordable way to explore the city.

 

Both cities have good train connections to other major cities in Belgium and Europe. Bruges has a train station located just outside the city center, and it is well-connected to major cities such as Brussels, Antwerp, and Amsterdam. Meanwhile, Ghent also has a train station located in the city center and direct connections to major cities such as Brussels, Antwerp, and Paris.

If you want to visit Brussels and Antwerp, Ghent is closer than Bruges.

Accommodation and Lodging

Visitors to Bruges and Ghent have plenty of accommodation options. Both cities offer a range of hotels, hostels, and bed and breakfasts to suit different budgets and preferences.

Many historic hotels and charming B&Bs are located in the heart of Bruges. These options can be a bit pricey, but they offer an authentic experience and easy access to the city’s main attractions. For those on a tighter budget, several hostels and budget hotels are located a bit further out from the city center.

Ghent, on the other hand, offers a broader range of accommodation options at more affordable prices. There are plenty of budget-friendly hotels and hostels in and around the city center, as well as more upscale options for those looking for a bit more luxury.

We found Ghent to be less expensive for hotels by 20-30%.

Shopping and Markets

You will not have any trouble finding souvenirs to take home from Bruges or Ghent.  Bruges is famous for its chocolate, lace, and beer, while Ghent is famous for its textiles, jewelry, and antique shops.

In Bruges, visitors can find a variety of chocolate shops, ranging from large chains to small artisanal shops. The most popular chocolate shops include Dumon, The Chocolate Line, and Pralinette. In addition to chocolate, Bruges is also home to several lace shops where visitors can purchase handmade lace products.

The Markt and the Burg are two famous squares in Bruges that are home to weekly markets where visitors can find local produce, crafts, and souvenirs.

Ghent, on the other hand, is known for its textile industry. Visitors can find a variety of textile shops, ranging from high-end designer stores to small boutiques. The Vrijdagmarkt is a famous square in Ghent that is home to a weekly flea market, where visitors can find a variety of antiques, vintage clothing, and other unique items.

In addition to textiles and antiques, Ghent is also home to several jewelry shops, where visitors can find handmade, one-of-a-kind pieces.

Comparison Summary

After exploring the beautiful cities of Bruges and Ghent, we have concluded that both cities have their own unique charm and attractions. Here is a summary of the comparison between the two cities:

Attractions

Bruges is known for its stunning medieval architecture and picturesque canals, while Ghent boasts a mix of ancient and modern architecture. Both cities offer a variety of museums, churches, and historic landmarks to explore.

We found more to do in Ghent.

Food and Drink

Both cities are renowned for their delicious Belgian cuisine, including waffles, chocolate, and beer. However, Ghent is known for its trendy food scene and innovative culinary creations, while Bruges offers a more traditional dining experience.

We ate our best food in Ghent.

Shopping

Bruges is famous for its lace and chocolate shops, while Ghent offers a wider range of shopping options, including trendy boutiques and antique markets.

We bought a lot of chocolate in Bruges.

Transportation

Both cities are easily accessible by train and offer various public transportation options, including buses and trams. However, Bruges is smaller and more walkable, while Ghent is larger and may require more use of public transportation.

We like that we could easily walk around Bruges.

If you can visit both cities I would highly recommend it. Overall, we preferred staying in Bruges! We liked the ambiance, the quiet nights and mornings, and the fact that there was so much to see.

I hope this helps you in your trip planning. Let me know which you prefer!