Brussels vs Ghent: Which Belgian City is Better to Visit?
The verdict
Brussels wins overall (8.6 vs 8.2 out of 10), taking 3 of 5 categories.
While both cities offer unique experiences, Brussels edges out Ghent due to its more diverse culinary scene, extensive cultural offerings, and superior accessibility. However, Ghent's well-preserved medieval architecture and charming atmosphere make it an excellent choice for those seeking a more intimate Belgian experience.
Ghent is gentler on the budget, with cheaper rooms and dining than the capital. Weather is virtually identical Belgian maritime—frequent drizzle in both—so cost and Ghent’s compact medieval core tip the value scales.
Best for well-rounded travelers — Brussels edges ahead overall.
Choose Brussels if…
You care most about
- Culinary Scene
- Cultural Experiences
- Accessibility and Transportation
Overall scores are editorial ratings out of 10; category winners come from the per-category scores below. The overall pick is the higher overall score.
Overall scores
Category by category
| Category | Brussels | Ghent | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Historical ArchitectureComparison of architectural heritage and preserved historical sites | 8 | 9 | Ghent |
| Culinary SceneAnalysis of local specialties, dining experiences, and food culture | 9 | 8 | Brussels |
| Cultural ExperiencesEvaluation of museums, festivals, and cultural events | 9 | 8 | Brussels |
| Accessibility and TransportationOverview of public transit systems and ease of getting around | 9 | 8 | Brussels |
| Green SpacesComparison of parks, gardens, and natural areas | 8 | 8 | Even |
Historical Architecture: the details
Brussels
- Grand Place – UNESCO World Heritage site with guildhalls
- Royal Palace of Brussels – official palace of the Belgian monarch
- Art Nouveau buildings by Victor Horta
Ghent
- Gravensteen Castle – 12th-century medieval fortress
- St. Bavo's Cathedral – Gothic masterpiece housing the Ghent Altarpiece
- Graslei and Korenlei – picturesque medieval port with guild houses
Culinary Scene: the details
Brussels
- Diverse international cuisine due to EU presence
- Famous for Belgian frites and waffles
- Countless chocolate shops, including Neuhaus and Godiva
Ghent
- Vegetarian-friendly city with Thursday Veggie Day initiative
- Local specialties like Waterzooi and Stoverij
- Gruut Brewery – innovative beer using herbs instead of hops
Cultural Experiences: the details
Brussels
- Musical Instrument Museum – over 7,000 instruments
- Magritte Museum – largest collection of René Magritte's works
- Comic Strip Center – celebrating Belgium's comic heritage
Ghent
- SMAK – contemporary art museum
- Ghent Festival – 10-day music and theatre festival in July
- Design Museum Gent – showcasing 20th-century design
Accessibility and Transportation: the details
Brussels
- Extensive metro, tram, and bus network
- Brussels-South railway station – hub for international trains
- Brussels Airport with connections across Europe
Ghent
- Compact city center easily explored on foot
- Efficient tram and bus system
- Extensive cycling infrastructure with bike-sharing options
Green Spaces: the details
Brussels
- Bois de la Cambre – large urban park with a lake
- Royal Greenhouses of Laeken – Art Nouveau greenhouses
- Cinquantenaire Park – home to several museums
Ghent
- Citadelpark – large park with Museum of Fine Arts
- Blaarmeersen Recreation Area – outdoor activities and beach
- Bourgoyen-Ossemeersen Nature Reserve – birdwatching haven
Who should pick which
Author’s take: For travelers with limited time, I recommend Brussels for its comprehensive offerings and cultural depth. For those seeking authentic Belgian atmosphere and better value, Ghent is ideal. The best option is visiting both cities in a combined trip to experience different facets of Belgian culture.
Travel Tips
- Visit both cities on the same trip as they are only 45 minutes apart by train
- Book accommodations early in Brussels due to EU business travel
- Try local specialties like carbonnade flamande and Belgian beer
- Use public transport rather than driving in both cities
- Pack layers as Belgian weather can be unpredictable
Travel tips
- Consider purchasing a Brussels Card or Ghent CityCard for free public transport and museum access.
- Visit Brussels during the biennial Flower Carpet event in August to see the Grand Place adorned with a floral tapestry.
- Explore Ghent by boat with a canal tour to appreciate the city's medieval architecture from a different perspective.
- Try the local beers in both cities – Brussels is known for its Lambic beers, while Ghent offers unique brews like Gruut.
Frequently asked questions
Which city is more budget-friendly, Brussels or Ghent?
Generally, Ghent tends to be slightly more budget-friendly than Brussels, especially for accommodation and dining. Brussels, being the capital and a major international hub, can be more expensive, particularly in areas frequented by business travelers and tourists.
When is the best time to visit Brussels and Ghent?
Late spring (May-June) and early fall (September-October) are ideal for both cities, offering mild weather and fewer crowds. Summer is peak tourist season, while winter can be chilly but offers charming Christmas markets and festive atmosphere.
Is it possible to visit both Brussels and Ghent in one trip?
Absolutely! The train journey between Brussels and Ghent takes only about 30 minutes, making it easy to visit both cities even on a short trip. Many travelers choose to base themselves in one city and take a day trip to the other.
The two side by side
Brussels
Belgium
The cosmopolitan capital of Belgium and the European Union, known for its diverse architecture and international atmosphere
- Grand Place
- Atomium
- European Union institutions
- Belgian chocolate and beer
- January: 65
- February: 100
- March: 95
- April: 30
- May: 90
- June: 85
- July: 80
- August: 75
- September: 85
- October: 95
- November: 70
- December: 60
Ghent
Belgium
A picturesque medieval city with a vibrant cultural scene and student-friendly atmosphere
- Gravensteen Castle
- St. Bavo's Cathedral
- Ghent Altarpiece
- Canal-side architecture
- January: 40
- February: 45
- March: 55
- April: 70
- May: 80
- June: 85
- July: 100
- August: 95
- September: 75
- October: 65
- November: 50
- December: 60
