What to say about this beautiful architecture. A building full of sculptures and details, all I can do is admire the work.

Ghent Town Hall is a complex of buildings surrounding the Botermarkt square. Construction of the Town Hall began in the 15th century and continued until the 17th century, but was never completed according to the original plan. The Town Hall has 51 rooms. The Town Hall symbolises the history and culture of the city of Ghent.

Everyone talks about Brugge but let me tell you Ghent we fell in love with. Same feel and look but less popular and I found to be more beautiful. Definitely stop here it is so so beautiful and romantic and a place where they captured a time way before we were here. Castles and waffles heaven. You won't be disappointed.

Wonderful location and surroundings at night. Feels like time travel into the past, with historic buildings in the area, no cars due to the pedestrian zone, and only a few tourists around. I couldn’t imagine Gent being so beautiful, but the City Hall is definitely one of the landmarks.

The town hall (Stadhuis) is a great piece of art in the finest Gothic form richly decorated with statues. It looks beautiful during the day and luminates at night.

Ghent is located 30 minutes from Brussel. Small city but with beautiful architecture. We visited City Hall, Several Churches and the Graffiti street.

Ghent City beautiful place in Belgium... With stunning architecture.. It's a great a stop off if your travelling from the UK to other parts of Europe... The people are lovey and friendly with lots to do.

Nous sommes allés en vacances quelques jours en Belgique pour visiter bruges, gent, Bruxelles en février 2024. 15 jours après notre retour nous avons reçu 4 contraventions pour avoir circuler en voiture en allant a l'hôtel pour motif interdit de circuler. C'est un piège à touristes très déçu car aucune signalisation . Très grosses arnaque à touristes. (Translated by Google) We went on vacation for a few days to Belgium to visit Bruges, Gent, Brussels in February 2024. 15 days after our return we received 4 fines for driving by car on the way to the hotel for reasons prohibited from driving. It's a very disappointing tourist trap because there is no signage. Very big tourist scam.

This is such an interesting castle/museum and a must visit when in Ghent! The audio guide was entertaining. There are a lot of spots to sit and listen to the stories. I recommend you get the ticket online in advance.

An absolute must see in Ghent, the best attraction in town. The English audio guide was one of the best I've experienced. Great humour, content and delivery. So much history, stories and items. They have done a fantastic job in the layout and experience of the castle.

Castle is well perserved, and offers plenty of things for exploring. It is located in the middle of the city, which was convenient for us. I would advice you to buy tickets in advance. Time on the ticket should match the actual time when entering, otherwise they will not let you in (or maybe they would, but better to be on time). Nice views from the top.

A very beautiful well restored castle. The audio guide was very helpful and you could chose and stop it whenever you like. The narrative is very funny. I went here around 1:30 pm. After I finished, the cue was long to enter the castle. So I suggest if you are visiting Ghent on a day trip to come here when they open at 10 am. I was able to get good pictures of the city of Ghent up in the tower. The stairs going up is quite narrow and lots of stairs.

It's a very beautiful castle!! We visited during weekends and was very busy. The entrance is allowed only on time intervals of 20 minutes. We bought our tickets at 12:00 and we had to wait until 12:40 to enter. The ticket's price is normal, just 13 euros per adult. The view from the top is great! It's better to buy your tickets online and arrange in advance for the time you can enter to the museum.

Great castle, strangely built in the centre of the city. If you take the audio guide tour, you will understand why. It gives you some insights into the history of Ghent and the Counts of Flanders.

One of my favorite castles. It's very well preserved and fun to walk around. Be aware there are some narrow stone spiral stairs and lots of steps to navigate. The gift shop is a bit underwhelming but the castle is fabulous.

I had the opportunity to visit this mystery castle around walking and in a boat and the experience was fabulous. I could not do the interior of the Castle tour and the torture museum but the exterior tour was totally majestic. All the surrounding areas was very clean and in good condition.

Fascinating history. We were so glad we had a chance to visit the castle but the audio tour could have been much better. It tried to entertain, and I understand that no one knows exactly what went on in each of the rooms, but the droning on about everything but the actual castle's history was a waste of time. Regardless, it's fun to wind up and down the staircases, imaging what it must have been like to live here. And we loved the armory and dungeon. There are lots of steps, but worth it for the great views from the top!

Beautiful place. You can get an audio tour and buy gifts inside. Bought the ticket there and it was pretty fast. Totally recommended and many spots to take pictures.

My favourite part of our daytrip to Ghent. The audio tour was entertaining even though I usually prefer exploring without audio but it was included in the ticket price and was indeed a great addition as it felt like listening to a story. The castle itself looks amazing and is definitely worth a visit.

Loved walking around this castle set in the historic city of Ghent. The free audio guide is hilarious and takes you on an easy-to-follow 18-point journey round the castle. Views were great too.

This was a really cool castle and one of my favorites outside of Spain and Germany. There is a great view from the roof and alot of great items within the castle/museum. Tour guides are not necessary in my opinion as audio guides were sufficient for the wife and me.

Beautiful Medieval castle in Ghent, East Flanders. Very innovative audio instrument guide you to around 18 places in the castle. The narrator is very funny and you can thoroughly enjoy the tour and enjoy the splendid view of Ghent from the top of the tower.

Honestly, to say that I love this castle is an understatement. It's so absolutely perfect. Not just the castle, but the experience. You get an audio player that has the best narrators I've ever come across in any museum ever. The guy is absolutely hilarious and his storytelling is second to none. Further, the tour is organized in kind of like a numbered 'waypoint' based system. So you kind of feel like being inside a medieval adventurer game or a simulation. Needless to say it was extremely entertaining and full of fun facts about the castle's history and the Count and related people that lived in this castle. Highly recommended to visit. 100% worth the money.

Was a great experience. The conmentary was also so humorous and kept my attention all the way. Be prepared to walk quite a bit but the views are worth it. The people who sell tickets are kind of rude but that didn't spoil the day.

Beautiful castle, nice for a stroll around in the sun. However, the audio tour lacked much historical education with a strange mix of child level information with adult jokes. Would recommend the audio tour.

I loved the tour. Very informative and entertaining. The castle is beautiful. For the audio tour, you get a little device and listen to it like a phone. You can go at your own pace and even when the tour is done, you can keep exploring. I would say it was worth the price we paid (less than 15 euros). I will say there are a decent amount of steps. Nothing too strenuous, but it could be a problem for people with limited mobility.

Wonderful tour, large castle and a funny Audioguide that explains the history in an entertaining way. Didn’t expect that. Beautiful view over the city. Hopefully we will be able to come again in a few years. My recommendation for everybody who likes castles and history. The full hour takes some time but it is worth it. No waiting times, but specific time slots. Partly outside. Didn’t book tickets in advance which was no problem.

Visit on: July 1, 2023 --- Reason to visit this castle? I already knew this fantastic castle but my girlfriend had never been there. Always talking about it with her, but never visiting, we decided to visit the Gravensteen. Unfortunately it was a slightly grayer day, but that didn't take away the feeling. The castle, which has been present in Ghent for a long time, and has been used and reused by many, is magnificent to visit. My girlfriend could enjoy the view and the way the castle was built for a long time. The visit itself was super good and the staff was always friendly and helpful. From the top of the castle you have a great view over the city of Ghent. Visit it and let yourself be surprised! Well worth a visit!

This castle makes the difference between Brugge and Gent! I love Gent more be cause this castle from Middle Ages is kept in a perfect situation and stands in the city as an outstanding masterpiece of architecture! I advise you to tour every corner of it and take photos of that unforgettable time you are there!

The audio tour is narrated by a Belgian comedian, focusing on the lives of the people who lived in the castle and a light-hearted way that blends history and comedy. You can move through the castle at your own pace, instead of traipsing through with a guide. We were there on a late July weekday, and there were no crowds. I would highly recommend buying tickets online ahead of time though to avoid having to stand in line at the gate. While the castle isn't furnished, there is a torture chamber downstairs that still has some of the implements. Overall, this was a really interesting and fun to her of a really spectacular piece of medieval architecture that lets you get a glimpse into life in another era. Loved it!

Considering it was raining very heavily, I enjoyed going round the castle. There is a lot of rooms inside thankfully. Audio guides were good but could have included more history and fewer jokes. The outer wall had no hand rails and we did worry that people and especially children could fall, the drop is quite considerable.

It is a quite old castle and the main function is a castle to protect the city. The audio guide is free but it speaks too long before entering the point, so don't pay much attention to it. The castle is very cold, please prep your gear accordingly. At night it is quite beautiful too. If you stay around here, you can come by and get some pictures at night.

Being in castle always feels amazing, right? Well here is the same feeling + free audio guide that you need to get from the gift shop. Be prepared that the one who tells you the story of the castle is joker and doesn't take it serious so you can relax instead! Worth visiting for sure!

A super attraction for an hour or two that I'd heartily recommend visiting if in Ghent. It's walking distance from the centre of town and a pleasant place. It's not a massive castle, it is simple but it has history and is well maintained. (It has the first ever chimney in Belgium!) Don't expect a fancy or big castle, just a well maintained piece of Belgian history. Get the audio tour, and even if it is a little annoying at times you get a good intro to the building's history.

This was the first location we visited in Gent and we couldn’t be happier with our choice! If you are visiting DO NOT miss out on the audioguides (included in the price of the ticket) - there isn’t much written information around the castle so not only are they essential to understanding the place’s history but they are wildly entertaining. I’m usually impatient with audio guides but I couldn’t help but listen to each point with this one - funny, engaging, well-written and delivered, a highlight of the experience in this beautiful castle.

A lovely castle in the middle of town, easily accessible and with great views all around. The audio tour is amusing for almost anyone, although personally as a history fan I would have liked a bit more history in it. I think this is easily worth an hour of any visitors time for 10 euros

Ghent's Gravensteen castle offers a fascinating glimpse into medieval history. The highlight of the visit for me was the exceptional audio guide. The narrator's engaging and humorous delivery kept the tour light and entertaining, while still providing informative insights. Each room held its own story, brought to life by the narrator's witty personal inferences The earlier rooms of the Gravensteen house some truly captivating displays. Impressive suits of armor and gleaming weapons are showcased in central displays throughout the rooms. The audio guide provides interesting details about the different types of armor and weapons, making history come alive. You'll learn about the challenges faced by knights clad in heavy armor, which was wooing women I highly recommend Gravensteen to anyone visiting Ghent. The informative audio guide, intriguing historical setting, and captivating displays of armor and weaponry make it a worthwhile stop.

Oh my got! So funny! You need max 2 hour for the whole visit. The story used in the audio guide is amazing! I had it in Spanish and my boyfriend in German and we both were laughing must of the time. Highly recommend it! You may do a little line to buy the tickets.

A castle that we would have liked to visit, being half a day in Ghent on 11.03.2024. Although I entered the official website the day before and on the day we wanted to visit it (tickets could be bought), nothing was announced. When we arrived at the castle, the gate was locked and there was a poster only in Flemish announcing that "exceptionally it is closed only today". Very cool. Four stars for the castle, zero for the administrators.

One of the best audio tours I've heard. The audio guide was informative and hilarious. It was very entertaining! We booked our tickets ahead of time so we were able to go right in. Would definitely recommend it!

Amazing, it's like a small Vatican, the art and sculpture are quite simply superb. It is clearly much loved and cared for. Ghent is quite possibly the most beautiful medieval city in northern Europe. The architecture is astonishing. We will be returning for a longer stay.

The Ghent Alter is very impressive! Don't forget to peak behind to see the outside panels when they are closed! The cathedral is very impressive. This is worth a stop in Ghent!

I don't know what to say other than "you need to see this with your own eyes". This is the home of the world-famous Ghent Altarpiece- one that has been stolen, hidden, sold, and kept safe for centuries. The history of the piece- and the fact that it even exists today, is a miracle! It is so much larger than you would ever imagine You think of it as something above the altar- something medium-sized. It is gigantic- it fills an entire side room where it is displayed! I explored the entire cathedral, and paid the extra for the VR tour of the basement that included stories on how the altar was created, and what happened to it since it was first commissioned. I usually don't do these kinds of things but this was so informative, it was absolutely worth it. People walk around and talk to you- history comes to life, in a way that no other tour could do. The cathedral is as massive as it sounds- and each floor and section is covered with beautiful carvings, paintings, and just decorated beyond belief. This was the very first stop of my trip in Belgium, and was my first venture out of Brussels where I braved the train and found it all on my own. I was very proud of myself, even though I did originally take their above ground subway in the wrong direction at first! This is not to be missed, and it is worth spending more to learn everything you can while you are here. Read ALL the plaques, see all the things! And please donate some extra money to keep this in top condition. I always light an candle and leave money.

Nice church for the Palm Sunday celebration. The mass is in Dutch. Very nice and charming. The mosaic and decoration are very beautiful and mesmerizing

The cathedral is free to go in and look around. To see the Ghent altarpiece you may need a reservation if it’s busy. Buy tickets online before or walk up to the desk and buy them there. The fee is 12.50 euro to see the altarpiece, the virtual reality headset tour costs more. The altarpiece is absolutely breathtaking. The latest restorations finished in 2020 have made it seem magical with the case it’s in and the lighting. Wow! There are souvenirs near the entrance to help you remember the altarpiece :) History at its best!

The cathedral is amazing; many chapels to explore aside from the capacious interior to goggle at. Highly recommend doing the AR tour and seeing the Ghent Altarpiece. There are also other large works viewable aside from the altarpiece on the tour.

Visiting Ghent with a group of first timers. Decided to finally check out the famous altarpiece inside St. Bavo’s cathedral. It was my first augmented reality tour and while it took some getting used it (only a couple of minutes) it was quite impressive. The augmented reality tour for €16 granted access to the underground floor of the cathedral where while wearing augmented reality goggles patrons are given the history of the famous lamb altarpiece. An audio clip plays for each part of the visit and then directs you to the next step. What was convenient was when someone bigger or taller stepped in front of you it was no problem as you saw the image playing at the time. The tour then ended with you returning the goggles and going upstairs to the cathedral to see the altarpiece in person. Having done the tour before made seeing the famous panels of the altarpiece that much more special. Highly recommend! Also we went on a hot summer day and we were grateful that it was very cool inside. Also, there are free lockers to store your cameras, purses or backpacks right outside the entrance to the augmented reality tour. All you need is to pick an available locker and then choose a code. Super easy and extremely convenient.

De Sint-Baafskathedraal vindt haar oorsprong in een kapel van 942 , toegewijd aan Sint Jan Baptist , oudste patroon van de koopmansstad De schatrijke lakenhandelaars der middeleeuwen lieten in 1274 een bovenkerk bouwen . Het werd een gotische meesterwerk . In 1462 legde men de eerste steen van de toren die in 1569 beëindigd werd. Keizer Karel werd in deze , nog onvoltooide kerk gedoopt . Hij schonk in 1550 een som geld om de kerk te voorzien van boogramen met gebrandschilderd glas. Het huidige hoogaltaar , vervaardigd uit marmer , verguld hout , koper , en brons dateert uit het begin van de 18de - eeuw. In het koor staat het grafmonument van Antoon Triest , één van de grootste weldoeners van de kathedraal, en bisschop van Gent van 1621 tot 1657. Het merkwaardigste kerkmeubel is de preekstoel . Dit rococo kunstwerk is ontworpen door Laurent Delvaux. Het meest beroemde schilderij " De Aanbidding van het Lam Gods " is ondergebracht in een speciaal daartoe ingerichte kapel. Dit meesterwerk wordt toegeschreven aan de gebroeders Jan en Hubert Van Eyck. De kathedraal is iedere dag open van 08u30 tot 17u . Zondag van 13u tot 17u 30. De kathedraal is gratis te bezichtigen. Om het " Lam Gods " te zien betaald u 12,50€ pp. (Translated by Google) St. Bavo's Cathedral has its origins in a chapel from 942, dedicated to St. John Baptist, the oldest patron of the merchant city The wealthy cloth merchants of the Middle Ages had an upper church built in 1274. It became a Gothic masterpiece. In 1462 the foundation stone of the tower was laid, which was completed in 1569. Emperor Charles was baptized in this unfinished church. In 1550 he donated a sum of money to provide the church with arched windows with stained glass. The current high altar, made of marble, gilded wood, copper and bronze, dates from the beginning of the 18th century. The choir contains the grave monument of Antoon Triest, one of the cathedral's greatest benefactors, and bishop of Ghent from 1621 to 1657. The most remarkable piece of church furniture is the pulpit. This rococo work of art was designed by Laurent Delvaux. The most famous painting "The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb" is housed in a specially equipped chapel. This masterpiece is attributed to the brothers Jan and Hubert Van Eyck. The cathedral is open every day from 8:30 am to 5 pm. Sunday from 1:00 PM to 5:30 PM. The cathedral can be visited for free. To see the "Lamb of God" you pay €12.50 pp.

One of the most beautiful cathedrals I’ve ever been to in Europe. The detailed work is just amazing, the structure and up keep is impressive. I was just so amazed by the interiors of the church and the grotto of mother Mary is beautiful. Parking is 5 minutes away at Centrum Parking and is reasonable. If you’re in Gent, it’s a must visit. They do have paid tours but they’re timed.

According to guides and recommendations, this place is one of the top ten things to see in Gent - and they were right. Well worth the stop, but I hope you like stairs...lol (but well worth it). Lots of great views from the top and interesting pieces.

Saint bavo cathedral, wow what a fantastic architecture and has huge history for this cathedral, spent around an hour just to see the architecture. Such a huge building in the middle of the city . So quite and nice to be here , amazed by the construction, must visit place when you are in gent , no tickets for the front hall , but to visit more inside then you need ticket , prices 9 euro per person . But I don’t recommend to get ticket. You can see from the hall itself .

It is one of the most prominent visual art of Ghent. This 89 meter high catholic gothic cathedral is certainly not to be missed. Needless to mention the amazing architecture and beautiful paintings that would leave you mesmerized. You can witness the Ghent altarpiece or the decorations of the mystic lamb here which is seen as the first major oil painting to gain global fame. The cathedral is open until 5:30pm and the entry is free so plan your visit accordingly. However there is a fee to view the altarpiece which is priced at 12,5 Euros.

What a stunning Cathedral with one of the most iconic artistic pieces the ‘Adoration of the Mystic Lamb’ painted by the van Eyck brothers. A must see! Keep in mind to see the Mystic Lamb, there is an entrance fee of €12.50 per adult. Can book a ticket online or pay on site. Price is the same.

Located in heart of Gent. Entrance is free, how ever if you want to see popular icon of this church, you have to buy a ticket (cost 16 euros, kid for 8 euros). Mosaic on window glasses are really nice. Also, there is souvenir shop inside the church.

Definitely worth the visit. Impressive architecture and obviously... The Altar. MIND YOU - the whole upper half of the altar is being renovated and is replaced by a 1:1 photo (originals returning in 2026). At first it is difficult to spot and there is obvious information available. To see the upper pieces - visit the City' Museum.

Lovely and unique among the Gothic Cathedrals I have visited, and there have been many. The altar piece is my favorite part of this cathedral, featuring a stunning painting by Van Eyck (Adoration of the Lamb). There is also a great observatory near the top of the Cathedral for stunning views of the city.

Beautiful cathedral. Entrance to the top is 11€ for visitors and 5 for students and locals. The inside is beautiful and worth seeing. Not sure about the top

Impressive gothic cathedral in Ghent. You can take a VR tour and also see an exceptionally well restored Adoration of the Mystic Lamb. This altarpiece was created in the 15th century by the Van Eyck brothers.

100% recommend VR master details tour. It will be an unforgettable experience to see the masterpiece of Van Eyck brothers and to know the history and the story behind this incredible work. The church itself is also an art gallery.

Just to see the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb is worth a visit. It is a very beautiful altarpiece painted by Van Eyck's brother. But the panel opens only once in the morning so if you want to see it open please check for the time. They also have the painting of the Conversation of Saint Bavo by Peter Paul Rubens here too.

This cathedral is a mixture of Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque styles and is one of the city's must-sees. It contains several works of art such as "The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb". These works of art are in a separate paying section. Don't miss it, it is impressive and you can also visit it with 3D glasses that allow you to learn about the history of the painting and its artists.

The location of the world, famous altarpiece “Adoration of the Mystic Lamb“ which was painted in the 15th century by Van Eck. The altarpiece was described in the movie “monuments men“ but that is not its claim to fame. It has been stolen by a variety of invaders, including Napoleon, Austrians and Nazis, so it is a wonder that it is still intact and now in Sint Bavo (Baafs). It is currently undergoing a multi year restoration, sponsored by the Getty Museum from Los Angeles. It is in the final stage of that restoration so some of the panels have been removed, and can be observed being restored in the Ghent fine arts Museum. Which is located in another place in town in addition to the altarpiece, which requires a separate admission fee, there are numerous beautiful sculptures and final resting places of bishops and popes, rulers of Belgium, and saints. One of the nice things about visiting is that Belgium has beautiful, artwork and cathedrals, but you don’t have the crowds here that you encounter visiting equally famous places in Paris, Munich, Berlin, or other places. If you are truly interested in European and renaissance masterpieces, this would be a must stop visit on your explorations. The altarpiece is ethereal and breathtaking. It has an aura about it. The cathedral has beautiful stained glass and is well worth 2 to 3 hours each time you visit. The local neighborhood has plenty of beer bars that you can quench your thirst after you visited.

Kinda average looking cathedral when you first enter, but some of the artwork and architecture there is really amazing. They also have a paid VR tour and other things that costs €16, supposedly it's cool, but I personally didn't take it.

Beautiful street and area, great for photography. The medieval atmosphere of this area is really nice

One of the most beautiful European city views. Tons of nice restaurants and boats to choose for a 40 min sightseeing trip.

Beautiful early morning before the crowds arrive.

Characteristic Flemish gable along the beautiful riverside. A little bit disappointed at the extent of these buildings though, not as many as I imagined. Worth a go nonetheless.

The Best view of Ghent. It was just beautiful to walk along the banks. Ghent is a must visit place in Belgium.

Pretty beautiful

One of the most beautiful places to take a stroll or sit by the canal enjoying a couple of Belgian beers or to simply gaze at the medieval guild houses. I missed visiting at night but I am sure that it is magical in the evenings with the night lights

Such an amazing place, beautiful, relaxing, architectural, taking you all back to the Middle Ages

One of the most beautiful city in Europe…love the vibe. an excellent place to rest and have an ice cream!

Nice place near the centre of the city. Bars and restaurants, outdoor terraces and you can get on a boatride on the canals

Beautifulll. The best part of Gent.

This is hands down the prettiest spot in the whole city. No matter the weather, you’ll be impressed here.

If you visit Gent, it is one of the must-see places. I recommend that you set aside at least an hour. If you have a CityCard Gent, you can enter for free; if not, for eight euros. The city view from the five-floor top floor is exquisite. You can also listen to the melodic bells that ring every 15 minutes.

Beautiful view of the Ghent and close by cathedrals and markets from up top. There are around 250 stairs and they get narrower as you go up. So, preferably take the lift while going to the top and come down via the stairs. The top may get also get crowded if you don't follow this path because that's how the markers are set up. There are also chambers which you can visit while coming down that talk about the history of the Belfry.

It was a great night walk, beautiful atmosphere, all christmasy 🎄 we loved it you could feel the vibe. Much recommended even if it is cold, a good walk will make you hot or grab a hot chocolate 🍫 from the market

A clock tower from where the entire city of Ghent can be seen. Ticket is €10 and worth every cent. The view of the city was the best part of my day. There is a museum inside the tower as well. You can go up using the elevator and take the stairs to get down.

Let's start by saying this is an absolutely beautiful and iconic tower from the outside. It is one of the many gorgeous historical buildings that make Ghent one of the most beautiful city centers in the world. The rest of the review is for the inside. There is some historical placards to read but there are really 3 key attractions to the Belfort: the view from the top, the carillion and it's mechanics and formerly used bells, and the dragon from the top. Was a pleasant time, but not worthy of a bucket list visit.

One of the main attractions of Ghent, stunning 360 views of the whole city. I saw some reviews mentioning that it was very disorganised going to the top, our experience was very pleasant (maybe cause it was a Monday). Basically you are meant to take the lift up and the stairs down, surprisingly the stairs down felt very short Highly recommend getting tickets in advance if visiting weekends and peak times.

Excellent experience, the lift really helps on the way up! Typically tight walking and steps, not for the faint hearted, impressive dragon weather vane and bells, amazing views even on a murky grey day, great history. Very good value at €11 each (Dec 2023).

Het Belford van Gent offers very nice aerial views of Gent. Going to the top of the tower is easy, as you can take an elevator. I would say the price might be too expensive for what it is. 10€ per person.

Loved the view. The ticket costs €10 and its easy to go upstairs with an elevator. Stairs to go down and the space to actually see from the tower is very tight (consider this if you have claustrophobia). I loved it! No line even tho the weather was super great

Went today right at 10am and was one of the first ones to go up. You can take the stairs but they are circular and somewhat dangerous especially if you are older and other people are coming up or down so I opted for the elevator. Great views at the top of the entire city of Ghent. Very windy make sure to bring a jacket if it’s cooler outside the day you go

Beautiful views of the city. Needs much better traffic flow at the top. We bought our timed ticket online from the phone and walked in 3 minutes later. You climb a few stairs then choose the elevator or a lot more stairs (I believe it said 254). Going up the stairwell was mostly fine until you encountered someone who needed to come down the stairs. The stairs are very narrow because they were designed for the tower guard, not a bunch of tourists. With the many languages it is hard to convey what should be done. We encountered a young lady who was afraid to pass around a corner on some narrow stairs so we shifted to the other side only to be trapped by 30 more people behind the lady. IF I RAN THE TOWER, 1. Only allow people up or down sections of the stairs at rotating times. Use a red light/green light system as they do in construction areas. 2. Make the top a full circle (It appears a closed door is all that prevents this now) and make the traffic move only one way. As it is today the stair people approach from one side and the elevator people the other so you have two opposing flows in a very narrow area. 3. Allow fewer people at the top per time slot. It was packed when we were up there so we wasted a lot of time waiting for people to find the perfect pose. Worth a visit, just know you will waste considerable time waiting around and that you will be brushing against all your fellow tourists at the top.

Worth the money more when it’s a clear day! I knew that I had to go up the tower when the day was sunny, and it’s rarely is in the winter. The bell tower interesting stories on the up, you could even catch the music being played.

Very interesting. It's a 366 step climb to the top, but you'll be rewarded with fabulous views all around the area. There are intermittent landings where you can take a breather if you need it, particularly the drum room that houses the mechanics.

Good experience and view of the city. We came during the raining day and the small narrow passage on top was flooding. A little hard to walk while it was dripping water from the top. There is not much to view in the actual tower. And people were walking in both directions on the narrow, slippery stair cases. Kind of scary but still interesting. I wish there were more exhibits inside the tower, especially for the price. You are really just paying for the view.

4-star experience for me, as it's definitely not that impressive for the tax you pay. Nice view and some floors of small history and bells, but overall that's it. Something to note: try to be on the second floor around exact hour like xx:00 to hear really nice music coming from the bell!

It is worth a visit for the views from the top and the interesting history. From the 1st floor you have to take the elevator to the top and go down the stairs because the stairs are very narrow and do not allow movement in both directions.

The most beautiful place I’ve seen from all the traveling I’ve done especially around Christmas and holiday time. Would highly recommend!

A 13th century Scheldt-Gothic church. Architectural style Scheldt-Gothic actually originated from the Scheldt river and shows specific features such as a long tower and the use of blue-green stone blocks collected from the river. It’s been demolished and renovated over the years. The church is known to be one of the most common spots for merchants and marketers in the history. Completely free to visit and I would definitely recommend.

This church is awesome.entrance is free. Its baroque architectural style and the statues inside are breath taking. You shouldn’t miss visiting it when you are in Gent. By the way, the back side of the church is also great for views and photography. Strongly recommended especially in sunny days. Take a break in its yard and enjoy the beautiful scenery

Magnificent place to be. Really bad that the front side is entirely separated to host something as low as Dali

The architecture is really beautiful. I couldn't get a chance to get inside ,however, the surrounding area is amazing to roam around.

It is a smaller church compared to Belfry and St. Bavo's Cathedral. The architecture is just fine. The statue of Peter holding the key cought me by surprise.

The digital Dali is a joke (scam). 10 meters of roll up banners and a projection screen so bright that you can barely see anything. We were literally in and out in 5 minutes.

Fascinating exterior. We didn't make it inside, but we loved the area around and thought it was beautiful

St. Nicholas is one of the oldest and most prominent landmarks in Ghent, Belgium. Begun in the early 13th century as a replacement for an earlier Romanesque church, construction continued through the rest of the century in the local Scheldt Gothic style (named after the nearby river). Typical of this style is the use of blue-gray stone from the Tournai area, the single large tower above the crossing, and the slender turrets at the building's corners. The central tower, which was funded in part by the city, served as an observation post and carried the town bells until the neighboring belfry of Ghent was built.

Stunning cathedral, one of the main attractions of Ghent. Both exterior and interior is so stunning, was really surprised that Ghent would have such a cathedral, the alter is a true work of art. There are some renovations taking place currently, so parts of the cathedral are closed but can see it through glass.

Very beautiful church, quite big and nice architecture inside. A must visit when in Ghent. The outside look is also very good and beautiful.

Free to enter. Lots of statues with different holy objects. Be quiet and prohibit to talk to phone.

Incredibly beautiful cathedral! Very beautiful frescoes and interior decoration. The entrance is free.

Saint Nicholas Church is yet another beautiful work of art in Ghent. The entry is free and the church is open until 4pm. Please note that the tower is not above the entrance, it is said that the tower used to serve as some sort of a natural lantern when light shines through the tower.

Beautiful church. Amazing history. Definitely go if you're in Ghent.

Great architecture and positioning, nice small garden behind and many places to sit and have a beer in front.

I got to see the "Home(Land)" exhibition. Very beautiful and thought-provoking

This former city Palace has been transformed in quite a big museum with a more modern wing. The collection gives you the highlights of the evolution in design furniture and housing. And the kids have to search for some hidden playmobil toys during the tour.

Quite nice, went for the gent design fest. Was Ohk. The shop was closed. Had a very nice little food and drink set up though

Small museum but nice pieces of furniture. A little trip thru the centuries looking at different types of furniture. The building the exposition is in is beautiful definitely also adds to the visit. It will take no more than an hour to see

I liked it a lot, but my friends had mixed opinions. It houses a curious mix of design and contemporary art in a fine old building. The exhibition focusing on the interaction of humans and animals was thought provoking and the most effective aspect of the museum.

My 8 year old really wanted to visit the robot exhibition. We both enjoyed it. It's a good place to visit even if you don't speak French or Flemish as all the exhibitions have information in multiple languages including English.

Museum exhibits very modern and contemporary pieces of art and design in a city palace of 18th century. All the exhibitions look very good.

Love the interior. Tasteful exhibition about robots at the time. Really friendly guide. She was lovely and eager to learn. Relevant information in the tour.

Brilliant museum. Despite the bottom two floors being shut. Great exhibitions and reasonably priced. Second visit as it made such an impression. Block out 2hrs to see it properly. Good place to escape a rain storm too...

It's a delightful place to explore the history of Belgium and Ghent. The welcoming staff and convenient amenities like coat storage and lockers enhance the experience. The exhibit begins with a captivating satellite photo of Ghent, followed by well-organized rooms showcasing various historical periods. The cleanliness and thoughtful design add to its appeal. After your visit, grabbing a coffee or snack at the cafe is a nice touch, although it can get crowded due to its limited size. Parking may be a challenge on busy days, so plan accordingly.

Great museum, lots of interactive features in different languages, brilliant exhibition, beautiful setting, friendly staff, great facilities.

Short review: worth every euro Long review: I really love interactive museums, yes, it shows the history of Ghent, but in unique and amazing way, and there are some small things to read about everything you see, lots of things to interact with and different stories you can hear. Me and my friends fall in love with it and if you are planning to visit - make sure you have at least 2 hours for full experience of STAM!

Nice museum. It was closed for renovation for a while and now it looks much better than before. Got a nice outside space and a café for people to chill around. The garden on the inside is beautiful. Good collection. Definetly worth a visit.

Worth the visit. Not blown away, but interesting for sure to learn more about Gent's history and history of this site. If you have some time to burn, go check it out.

So much to do here! The exhibition is interactive and tells a comprehensive history of Ghent, nicely presented. I wished I had more time to explore the multimodal elaboration of Ghent. Just FYI, I only spent 1.5 hours there, and it was not enough.

Really appreciated the reception accepted my press card unlike the RUDE reception at the Museum of Fine Arts. Love that ALL the permanent exhibition placards are translated in English and French. I found Ghent’s history and the numerous artifacts to illustrate that very well-presented. It’s definitely a compact museum, with the modern history given shorter shrift. The medieval refractory is beautiful. The museum wasn’t crowded at all on Saturday at noon. As for the temporary exhibition, it’s unfortunately not translated into English. It’s on skylines. I found that less interesting anyway and ran out of time so wasn’t as big a deal for me.

STAM museum is THE museum to visit when you come to Gent. Tells you the history of gent from its inception to present day. The entry is cheap (2,5€ for under 26) and worth so much more.

Loved every minute of 2,5 hours here. The receptionist welcomed us in Slovak language after finding that we are from Slovakia ! 👍🏼 They described that there is permanent exhibition and temporary exhibition. Permanent exhibition starts with room size map of Gent. And after that starts history of the city, room by room you will learn large parts of history. There are artifacts, infographics, and even in some rooms interactive maps with timeline information ❤️👍🏼👏

Superb museum on the history of the city of Ghent, and in a very nice place, a former abbaye. Very very nice staff! Most of the time also temporary exhibition added; nowedays on the Skyline of Cities; interesting. There is also a nice café.

Nice experience. All exhibitions are informative, interactive, well organized and friendly approaching, even for children (I think). I can feel the love toward the city from all people who made this museum alive. Very emotional sequences of experiences, too. I still rate 4 stars because there were some maps and perspective drawings that I hope they would print out as postcard, but there were almost no postcard that can really show off this museum. That's a pity.

Solid station for Ghent. There was a significant amount of construction underway when I was there but the trains, for the most part, ran on time. If you have luggage, be prepared to pull them up and down the step due to the construction.

So busy & the whole place looks like it's been bombed. Bag storage facilities are closed. Temporary walkways everywhere with not many escalators. Must be the longest improvement work in the world. Would have been quicker to build a new train station near the centre of the city.

Enorm druk en hectisch voor de moment Spoor veranderingen Werken... Betering op komst zeker. (Translated by Google) Very busy and hectic at the moment Track changes To work... Improvement is coming for sure.

This is a simple basic train station. Does its purpose. For your information taxis are located left and down the steps or ramp. There are no signs showing this which is absurd.

Vuil, vragen 50 cent voor het toilet, terwijl ze vuil zijn, 2 mannen zitten daar om te ontvangen en poetsen niet, algemeen vuil en niet onderhouden, triestig!! (Translated by Google) Dirty, ask 50 cents for the toilet, while they are dirty, 2 men sit there to receive and do not clean, generally dirty and not maintained, sad!!

Vernieuwde site die een heel belangrijke rol speelt in de toekomstige mobiliteit van stad Gent. (Translated by Google) Renewed site that plays a very important role in the future mobility of the city of Ghent.

It's a train station! Nothing special. Oh wait the historical events are special. But that's it.

It is a place, that if you are nearby just go an have a look, I would not set this place in my agenda..... there some good graffiti that they tried to shows different perspective and some that are just like signatures. Maybe if they were more organised this place could be amazing.

My visit to Graffiti Street in Gent was a visually stimulating experience that added a unique flair to my exploration of the city. This street art haven is a testament to the creative spirit thriving in Gent, and it's a must-see for tourists seeking an alternative and edgy side of the city. The vibrant and ever-evolving graffiti murals lining the walls of Graffiti Street showcase a diverse array of artistic styles, from abstract designs to thought-provoking political statements. Exploring the alley felt like wandering through an open-air gallery, with each mural telling a story and contributing to the dynamic atmosphere of the area. The authenticity of Graffiti Street lies in its impermanence; artworks change over time, providing a fresh canvas for new talent and perspectives. This constant evolution adds an exciting element to the experience, making each visit a unique and unpredictable adventure. While the street is relatively small, the energy it exudes is palpable. However, I would advise visitors to exercise caution with their belongings, as the popularity of the area attracts crowds. Additionally, it would be beneficial to have more information available about the artists and the significance behind some of the murals to enhance the overall appreciation of the art. In summary, Graffiti Street is a dynamic and engaging destination that offers a different lens through which to view Gent's artistic scene. For those with an appreciation for street art, this colorful alley is a delightful addition to any tourist itinerary.

It's a really nice street of graffiti but it's very short and most of them are signatures which is not my preference. Since it's a ever changing street, it's a must visit..who knows you stumble upon some good artworks. During my walk, I did found few good ones.

The street art in ghent is amazing, really enjoyed exploring the city finding hidden gems. Graffiti Street is a great way of seeing street art if you don't have much time to explore.

A cramped up street decorated with amazing graffiti art. Shouldn’t be missed if you’re around that area.

What a beautiful street. Filled with graffiti, and they keep drawing over another. It is a long, narrow street where you can walk and admire the beautiful work of different artists. They have plenty of interesting graffiti as well. This place gets really busy, so it is difficult to take photos without people in it. But we managed. It's definitely recommended if you are an art lover.

Very beautiful, nice place for nice photos. And cool arts and sometimes you can see artists 👩‍🎨 painting live 😀

Of course this is not for hours of walking, the street is pretty short. But still, interesting enough to walk through. I was surprised how thick the layer of paint at some places was. A lot of artists spent a lot of time here.

Nicely done. Small alley with lots of grafitti. Not all worth a visit, but some really cool ones.

Cool funky alley with graffiti art. Unfortunately, amateurs have come through and covered some great art with juvenile ones and just peoples names.

Very colorful, enjoyable and with a guide rather informative. Had a great time and quite different from the medieval rest of the historic downtown.

A small alley in Ghent which has load of graffiti on the walls. There are a lot of pictures to take. Make sure to go on a weekday as it can get busy. If you love graffiti then this place is for you.

Really cute alley. The perfect place to take pictures and see some good graffiti. It might be a bit crowded at times though.

We went late at night and the atmosphere was very different! Nice to stop by and take a few photos if you're nearby

A great walk through if you generally like art and street art (also got to see someone adding to the wall)!

Take some time to visit this street because there are a lot to see. Amazing art work.

This was a surprise spot that’s e ran into on the way to our chocolate workshop. The art through is incredible. You could probably spend hours going through all of the different styles and stories. According to my daughter, it’s also a great place to take pictures for Instagram.

Wonderful museum, with significant focus on late medieval and renaissance biblical paintings. Some of the more recent era works (paintings and statues) are absolutely stunning, possibly up there with the best I’ve ever seen.

We gingen op zondag samen met de kinderen naar het Museum voor Schone kunsten. Heel fijn dat er ook audiogidsen zijn voor kinderen. Op die manier leren ze naar kunst kijken, verhalen ontdekken in de verschillende schilderijen. De verschillende koffers doorheen het museum zorgen ook voor interactie en spel. Heel mooi uitgewerkt voor zowel kleinere kinderen als grotere. TOP (Translated by Google) We went to the Museum of Fine Arts with the children on Sunday. Very nice that there are also audio guides for children. In this way they learn to look at art, discover stories in the different paintings. The different suitcases throughout the museum also provide interaction and play. Very nicely designed for both smaller children and larger ones. TOP

I gave this museum a try with its great reviews. I am not disappointed! The permanent collections are divided into digestible themes that put the artworks into context. I am not particularly interested in the arts and I learned quite a few things from this museum.

Very good. Some old masters, modern, surrealism & weird. Like all art museums not enough time to look at all fully if just visiting the city. Highly recommend.

Spontaneous museum trip, was wonderful! Lots of variety and not too crowded on a weekday (Wednesday afternoon), Entrance was €3 (ages -26) fun little photo booth where you can take pictures for 3€ and got a card of my favourite painting there for 1€ .

Prachtig museum met minder bekende maar zeer getalenteerde kunstenaars van 1300 tot nu. Prachtige laat middeleeuwse collectie (Translated by Google) Beautiful museum with lesser known but very talented artists from 1300 to the present. Beautiful late medieval collection

The Museum voor Schone Kunsten in Gent is an absolute gem for art enthusiasts and tourists alike! I was captivated by the diverse collection spanning centuries, featuring masterpieces from renowned artists. The curation is exceptional, providing a seamless journey through the evolution of art. The museum staff are incredibly knowledgeable and friendly, enhancing the overall experience. The layout is intuitive, making navigation a breeze. The attention to detail in preserving and presenting the artwork is commendable, creating a truly immersive atmosphere. For tourists, the museum offers informative guides in multiple languages, ensuring everyone can appreciate the rich cultural history. The convenient location in the heart of Gent makes it easily accessible, and the surrounding area boasts charming cafes and shops for a perfect day out. Whether you're a seasoned art connoisseur or a first-time visitor, the Museum voor Schone Kunsten is a must-visit destination that seamlessly blends cultural richness with a warm, welcoming ambiance.

Very nice museum where paintings of great Flemish artists are exhibited. Apart from the works of the renaissance era, when flemish art was at its bests, you can also see works by artists from other periods. Some of them are really interesting. The entry to the museum is free with the Ghent city card.

Nice painting and sculpture museum from middle ages to more recent many times linked to the city of Ghent. The contemporary art museum is just across the road. They regularly change a part of the museum - it was Theodoor Rombouts until 23/4/23 when I visited. Good audio guide

Very interesting exibition of Rombouts. I enjoyed it very very much... The museum is a beautiful place to visit with a great collection. Always a joy to visit!

A true gem in Ghent. After visiting this museum my girlfriend and I decided to buy a museum pass so we could visit the museum as often as we would like. And of course to explore the rest of Belgium’s top musea.

We had a wonderful 2.5 hours last week here. I really love that the museum features so many local artists but also offers international artwork – I was so delighted to see one of Anders Zorn's most famous works right here. Everyone was very nice, it wasn't too crowded & for the price of your tickets you can also leave your stuff in the locker room which was very helpful and there are also audio guides for you to take, and the descriptions of paintings are also in English, so it was even cooler because we got to understand everything. 😊

Very impressive selection of traditional art in a wide range of styles. Personally, I loved taking my time to look at the details in the background of paintings to find interesting and sometimes amusing scenes/illustrations.

Wanted to see Bosch here, but one of the two paintings was traveling. The other was worth the visit. Then- BIG surprise- this is where the “Adoration of the Mystic Lamb” is being restored and you can watch!!

Beautiful art museum with many Belgian artists Entrance for adults below 25 was only 2,5€ Some of the museum is undergoing construction right now but there was still much to see

Stunning collection of works from different eras. I especially loved the James Ensor paintings. They have Rubens and Bosch, too. There were a few rooms dedicated to children’s art as well, which proves Ghent is focused on the future art world, too. Highly recommend you visit.

Overall very happy with my visit; spent about 1.5 hours there. Not crowded at all on the Sunday, when I arrived about 12:30. Only negative is the HASSLE the reception gave me over my press business card, claiming it was invalid bc it didn’t have my picture and wasn’t laminated in plastic. Get a clue lady, not every press organisation does that. She reluctantly let me in for free as per press conditions. On the plus side, wonderful art collection especially of Gothic art. Everything is translated into English and French. Museum layout is confusing. Photos allowed inside except at the Van Eyck panels under restoration.

The exhibition was set up with a lot of love and attention to detail. I loved the interactive part of it as well where you got to smell and hear and touch parts of the exhibitions. You really get immersed in a previous time and the the texts help you get a better understanding of life back then. For foreigners, everything is translated in the main exhibition in English as well so it is great for locals and Internationals alike. The student discount allowed me to enter for very little money which is always a big plus.

We visited the huis van Alijn on the "Erfgoed dag" which made it possible to visit for free. The museum is cosy and welcoming. Each room is assigned to a month in the year having a theme which is related to a festivity or happening in that month. They also had some very cool toys on display sich as old Lego. The museum staff was very kind and helpfull overall. We would definitely recommend this place.

The main museum part provided great deal of information, the other part of the museum about 90s was also interactive which made it more enjoyable

GO AND SEE IT! A fantastically nostalgic exhibition, with a current bonus until 21/4/24 of a special 90's tribute exhibition. Great memories for most visitors of a certain age & probably most visitors of all ages! Go & enjoy a trip down memory lane for a few hours for a bargain 9€! Bravo the Huis van Alijn, thank you. Ps. DON'T forget the café, really great prices & a non-profit enterprise towards the upkeep of the Huis. Highly recommended.

I loved it! It was amazing to go back in time and see how people in Belgium used to live!

Went for a puppet theater for our toddlers 4yrs and 6yrs. They had so much fun, and I also enjoyed myself. The performance was split into 3 pieces of ~ 30mins with ~5 mins pause. We are definitely booking for another show very soon.

併設のカフェが穴場。他のお店が混んでる中でゆったりビールを楽しめるいい場所だった。 建物の景色も良く気持ちの良い場所。 (Translated by Google) The attached cafe is a hidden gem. It was a nice place to relax and enjoy a beer while other shops were crowded. A pleasant location with a nice view of the building.

A true walk down memory lane. Very carefully and nicely designed museum with information of the everyday life of people from the 20th century.

Nice museum about everyday life in the 90s. The museum is quite small so a visit will not take more than two hours. I really like that you can get a headset and listen to videos and music on the way. Most videos are in Dutch. Worth visiting if you are in Ghent.

A small and welcoming museum with an interesting storyline and nostalgic daily-life collections. Recalls good-old memories and tells some unknown stories behind the Belgian daily routine. There are also some cute interactive installations, family and kids friendly.

Great Museum - really interesting exhibition through the ages and through the year. Quite interactive and well set out. Cafe is also great - very good selection of beers which are well priced. You can sit in the lovely courtyard surrounded by Almshouses

Fun! Takes about 1 hr. Fun expo for the price.

Huis van Alijn in Gent is a delightful treasure trove of nostalgia and cultural richness. This museum beautifully captures the essence of everyday life through its immersive exhibits, showcasing the evolution of Belgian traditions over the years. From vintage artifacts to interactive displays, each corner tells a unique story. The staff's passion for preserving cultural heritage is evident, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Tourists will appreciate the multilingual guides and informative displays that provide insights into the charming history of Gent. Situated in the heart of the city, Huis van Alijn is easily accessible and complements a day of exploring the picturesque streets of Gent. For an authentic Belgian experience, don't miss this hidden gem. It's a perfect blend of history, nostalgia, and genuine hospitality, making it a must-visit destination for tourists seeking a deeper connection with local traditions.

A fantastic museum of the ages in Ghent, focussing on the last century it is more modern in its style. The current 1990s Expo (runs to April 2024) is amazing, and fits me perfectly, the music, the events, the TV, the technology everything is well kept, well laid out and described. Thoroughly enjoyed it.

Nice museum for a throwback to the 80's & 90's. Interesting decorated rooms and at the end of the tour have a drink (Gruut local beer) on the square. The "getting old" feeling is always around the corner. PS: Museumpas accepted

Really nice little museum of al sorts of everyday appliances, in the center of the city. With cosy bar at one side of the little square inside. Lockers available. Friendly and helpful reception.

The 90's exposition we visited was very nice. A great trip down memory lane. Highly recommended

Absolutely gorgeous little museum with some very engaging exhibitions. Most of the information was written in Dutch, French, and English, and there were lots of interactive elements. Some parts seemed to be only accessible by stairs but there was lots of adaptations for blind and visually impaired visitors (particularly bumps on the ground before any steps). The exhibition on the ninties was beautifully curated and oozing with nostalgia, with lots to watch and read and listen to. Plus, the toilets were gender neutral and the sun was shining!

If you visit Gent, it is one of the must-see places. I recommend that you set aside at least an hour. If you have a CityCard Gent, you can enter for free; if not, for eight euros. The city view from the five-floor top floor is exquisite. You can also listen to the melodic bells that ring every 15 minutes.

Beautiful view of the Ghent and close by cathedrals and markets from up top. There are around 250 stairs and they get narrower as you go up. So, preferably take the lift while going to the top and come down via the stairs. The top may get also get crowded if you don't follow this path because that's how the markers are set up. There are also chambers which you can visit while coming down that talk about the history of the Belfry.

It was a great night walk, beautiful atmosphere, all christmasy 🎄 we loved it you could feel the vibe. Much recommended even if it is cold, a good walk will make you hot or grab a hot chocolate 🍫 from the market

A clock tower from where the entire city of Ghent can be seen. Ticket is €10 and worth every cent. The view of the city was the best part of my day. There is a museum inside the tower as well. You can go up using the elevator and take the stairs to get down.

Let's start by saying this is an absolutely beautiful and iconic tower from the outside. It is one of the many gorgeous historical buildings that make Ghent one of the most beautiful city centers in the world. The rest of the review is for the inside. There is some historical placards to read but there are really 3 key attractions to the Belfort: the view from the top, the carillion and it's mechanics and formerly used bells, and the dragon from the top. Was a pleasant time, but not worthy of a bucket list visit.

One of the main attractions of Ghent, stunning 360 views of the whole city. I saw some reviews mentioning that it was very disorganised going to the top, our experience was very pleasant (maybe cause it was a Monday). Basically you are meant to take the lift up and the stairs down, surprisingly the stairs down felt very short Highly recommend getting tickets in advance if visiting weekends and peak times.

Excellent experience, the lift really helps on the way up! Typically tight walking and steps, not for the faint hearted, impressive dragon weather vane and bells, amazing views even on a murky grey day, great history. Very good value at €11 each (Dec 2023).

Het Belford van Gent offers very nice aerial views of Gent. Going to the top of the tower is easy, as you can take an elevator. I would say the price might be too expensive for what it is. 10€ per person.

Loved the view. The ticket costs €10 and its easy to go upstairs with an elevator. Stairs to go down and the space to actually see from the tower is very tight (consider this if you have claustrophobia). I loved it! No line even tho the weather was super great

Went today right at 10am and was one of the first ones to go up. You can take the stairs but they are circular and somewhat dangerous especially if you are older and other people are coming up or down so I opted for the elevator. Great views at the top of the entire city of Ghent. Very windy make sure to bring a jacket if it’s cooler outside the day you go

Beautiful views of the city. Needs much better traffic flow at the top. We bought our timed ticket online from the phone and walked in 3 minutes later. You climb a few stairs then choose the elevator or a lot more stairs (I believe it said 254). Going up the stairwell was mostly fine until you encountered someone who needed to come down the stairs. The stairs are very narrow because they were designed for the tower guard, not a bunch of tourists. With the many languages it is hard to convey what should be done. We encountered a young lady who was afraid to pass around a corner on some narrow stairs so we shifted to the other side only to be trapped by 30 more people behind the lady. IF I RAN THE TOWER, 1. Only allow people up or down sections of the stairs at rotating times. Use a red light/green light system as they do in construction areas. 2. Make the top a full circle (It appears a closed door is all that prevents this now) and make the traffic move only one way. As it is today the stair people approach from one side and the elevator people the other so you have two opposing flows in a very narrow area. 3. Allow fewer people at the top per time slot. It was packed when we were up there so we wasted a lot of time waiting for people to find the perfect pose. Worth a visit, just know you will waste considerable time waiting around and that you will be brushing against all your fellow tourists at the top.

Worth the money more when it’s a clear day! I knew that I had to go up the tower when the day was sunny, and it’s rarely is in the winter. The bell tower interesting stories on the up, you could even catch the music being played.

Very interesting. It's a 366 step climb to the top, but you'll be rewarded with fabulous views all around the area. There are intermittent landings where you can take a breather if you need it, particularly the drum room that houses the mechanics.

Good experience and view of the city. We came during the raining day and the small narrow passage on top was flooding. A little hard to walk while it was dripping water from the top. There is not much to view in the actual tower. And people were walking in both directions on the narrow, slippery stair cases. Kind of scary but still interesting. I wish there were more exhibits inside the tower, especially for the price. You are really just paying for the view.

4-star experience for me, as it's definitely not that impressive for the tax you pay. Nice view and some floors of small history and bells, but overall that's it. Something to note: try to be on the second floor around exact hour like xx:00 to hear really nice music coming from the bell!

It is worth a visit for the views from the top and the interesting history. From the 1st floor you have to take the elevator to the top and go down the stairs because the stairs are very narrow and do not allow movement in both directions.

The most beautiful place I’ve seen from all the traveling I’ve done especially around Christmas and holiday time. Would highly recommend!

Very beautiful and interesting place/building to visit and the people working there were in general very accommodating. Unfortunately the contents of the actual museum were very lackluster. Just half a room of contents about actual psychiatric stuff. The rest was weird artworks or comics. Very small and uninteresting. They had temporary exhibitions where the actual contents looked like trash on the floor (or cut cloth in the Japanese section). It costs 10€ admission per person and is really not worth it. They should make contents about psychiatry and psychology and the patients instead of weird drawings and comics. It would have lots of potential, could be a very interesting subject in this incredible building. Unless they change the museum part, cannot recommend the travel there. Also the area surrounding I wouldn't recommend to stroll around at night, very shady.

Very unassuming museum on the outside but a fascinating collection, and respectful treatment of the subject matter, in a beautiful (and historically relevant) building. Temporary exhibition (on fashion) was more interesting than the permanent collection, which could do more to contextualise the items. Guide was a bit unintuitive to use.

Unfortunately I cannot recommend this museum unless you absolutely have done everything else in Ghent. The building of the museum is very beautiful. However, that's about the only positive I can say about my experience. For a museum dedicated to a psychiatrist, you'd expect more information and exhibition about mental health issues. Unfortunately, the vast majority of what was on display was some random paintings and abstract art. Such a missed opportunity.

Very fascinating museum of mental health and mental illness. Nice cafe to have a coffee after or during the visit.

A must see for anyone interested by the subjects close or somehow related to mental health, located in a beautiful setting full of so many memories. The temporary exhibitions are always worth the visit and contain a mix of items relating to the theme. Went to see "Windstoot" today and as far as I'm concerned it's again another masterpiece. Looking forward to the return of the semi-permanent exhibition of Outsider Art, can't get enough of it. An afternoon should allow to visit all collections.

Amazing place especially for people who in professions of mental health.

Disappointed 😔 Lots of paintings, drawings from patients, some tools they used to use to operate. Some pictures as well. Sorry but not worth it, the building is very beautiful from the outside though.

A very interesting museum on mental health. They have very nice exhibitions. At the time of our visit there was the very interesting exhibition on the influence of mental illness on art by way of dance. It had some nice art pieces and lots of footage. There was also an exhibition of photos and video work on addiction which was very high quality. The permanent collection on mental health and on the facility itself is also good, but lacks context and information. The permanent art collection of “non professional” artists or artists who have turned away from the art world, is curious, but less interesting than the other collections. The buildings are the former mental asylum, which gives extra value to the visit. We experienced the staff as a negative point: they were clearly bored and gave the impression of being inconvenienced by the visitors. Some were downright rude, which was a shame.

Honestly, I am a bit mixed about the museum. The building and the courtyard are beautiful, and the museum does portray the absolute dread of having to stay in this significant place, at the birth of psychiatry: this development represented frontier medicine and this exhibition shows the abuse and hefty dose of stigmatisation that still exists. What I do miss however, is more explanation about the various mental illnesses that are defined and removed from clinical books and how they initially manifested in this new frontier of psychiatry and psychology. There is perhaps a slight suggestion made by the museum that it was and is perceived that mental health issues are entangled with certain types of artistic expressions. This is currently shown with the outsider art exhibition and the artistic expressions shown, all made by people who are mentally disturbed in one way or another

It was my second time to go visit this museum. I expected more about the story of the psychiatric institute, but they only put one section about it and the other part was about art. It is not worth it what you have to pay. The first time I visited this museum, you saw a lot more! More materials, pictures, etc...

This place is a must when in the area.the exhibitions are split into different areas and so engaging and informative. Site is beautiful and calm. A must is to visit the insider art section for some of the most interesting and dynamic art work Plenty of Parking at the Museum. Allow time for your visit We spent 4 hours here.very good value for money. Cafe on site excellent value 3 Euro's for coffee and 2 Pancakes!!!

Really fascinating museum. The building itself is really beautiful on the outside. I found the permanent exhibit (history of psychiatry) both interesting and disturbing. There was a special exhibit on anxiety that I enjoyed. Loved the mix of objects, photos, videos, and words.