If you are planning a trip to Ghent choosing the right area to stay in can make all the difference. The city is not very big, but each neighborhood has its own atmosphere and advantages. In this article we tell you what to expect from each area, what kind of accommodation you can find and some tips on how to find the right place to stay cheap accommodation in Ghent.
🛏️Ghent or Brussels?
If you are still undecided, take a look at our article with the best cities in the world. Where to stay in Belgium.
Our lodging option ⭐
On our route through Belgium, we decided to go to Ghent as a base point The first days as it is located between Bruges and Antwerp and well connected to Brussels, where we spent the last days.
We stayed at this part of Ghent and the truth is that we liked it very much, it is quite residential and in 10 minutes walking distance to the center. In addition, it is relatively near Gent-Dampoort train station which we use to visit Bruges, Antwerp or Brussels.
- Recommended hotel in this area: Trendy & Sunny Hotel.
Historical center
Ghent's historic center is the more convenient option if you want to be close to everything. This is where the main tourist attractions are located, such as the Castle of the Counts of Flanders, the Cathedral of St. Bavo and the famous Three Towers. The cobblestone streets and canals make strolling around here one of the best ways to get to know the city.
Advantages:
- You will be in the heart of the city, with everything within walking distance.
- Plenty of bars, restaurants and stores.
- Lively atmosphere both day and night.
Disadvantages:
- It is the most expensive area to stay in.
- There may be noise at night, especially in streets with bars.
Average price: €€€
This is the most expensive area of Ghent, with hotels in the region of 120-180€ per night in a mid-range accommodation. There are some more affordable hostels, but in general you will pay more for being in the center.
Gent-Sint-Pieters train station
The area around the Gent-Sint-Pieters is a practical option if you are arriving by train or if you plan to make excursions to other Belgian cities like Bruges or Brussels. Although it is somewhat distant from the center (about 30 minutes on foot o 10 minutes by streetcar), has good public transportation connections and usually offers cheaper accommodations than in the historic district.
Advantages:
- Perfect if you plan to make excursions by train.
- Cheaper and more modern accommodations than in the center.
- Quiet area, ideal if you want to avoid the night bustle.
Disadvantages:
- It is far from the center on foot, so you will have to rely on the streetcar or bike.
- There is less ambiance and leisure options compared to the historic district.
- Although it is a safe area, the area around the train stations can attract somewhat "peculiar" people at night.
Average price: €€
It is less expensive than the center, with hotels around the 90-140 per night. There are also good apartment options and some cozy B&Bs.
Ledeberg neighborhood
Ledeberg is a neighborhood in the process of change. It has traditionally been a working class area, but in recent years students and young professionals have been arriving, resulting in a more diverse environment. It is well connected to the center by streetcar (about 10-15 minutes) and offers cheaper accommodations than in other areas of the city.
Advantages:
- More affordable prices than in the center.
- Fast connection by streetcar.
- Area with local stores and less touristy.
Disadvantages:
- It is not the nicest neighborhood in Ghent and there may be some less well-kept streets.
- It does not have many nightlife options.
- It is the area farthest from the center.
Average price: €
It is one of the cheapest areas to stay in, with hotels and apartments for 70-120 per night. It can be a good option if you are looking for something economical without going too far away.
Gent-Dampoort train station
The area of Gent-Dampoort is an interesting alternative if you want to stay near the center without paying the prices of the historic center. It is about 15-20 minutes walk It is within walking distance of the main attractions and has good train and bus connections. It is not the nicest neighborhood in Ghent, but it is improving with new cafes and stores.
Advantages:
- More affordable accommodations than in the center.
- Well connected to other cities and the rest of Ghent.
- Closer to the center than Sint-Pieters station.
Disadvantages:
- It does not have much charm; it is more functional than touristy.
- Some areas may appear a bit neglected.
- There is not as much leisure and restaurant offer as in the center.
Average price: €
Prices are usually between 80-130€ per night depending on the type of accommodation. There are several chain hotels and apartment options that are less expensive than in the old town.
Patershol
If you want to stay in a charming area but without being in the bustle of downtown, Patershol is a perfect choice. This neighborhood, with its cobblestone streets and old houses, is full of small restaurants and cozy bars. It is located just a few minutes' walk from the historic center but with a quieter and more residential atmosphere.
Advantages:
- Very central, but quieter than the historic center.
- Charming streets, ideal for strolling.
- Good gastronomic offer with restaurants of different styles.
Disadvantages:
- The supply of accommodation is limited.
- Prices may be similar to those of the center.
Average price: €€€
It is one of the most expensive areas of Ghent, similar to the historic city center, with prices ranging from 110-180€ per night in hotels and apartments.
Rabot
Rabot is, like Ledeberg, a changing area that has gone from being a working class neighborhood to attracting more and more students and young people. Although it does not have the charm of the center or Patershol, it offers more affordable prices and a multicultural atmosphere. It is about 20 minutes walk the historic center and well connected by streetcar and bus.
Advantages:
- Cheaper accommodations than in the center.
- Good public transport connections.
- Young and multicultural environment.
Disadvantages:
- It is not the most beautiful area of Ghent.
- Little leisure offer compared to other areas.
Average price: €
Here you will find more affordable accommodations, with prices from 70-120 per night in hotels and apartments. It can be a good option if you want to save money and don't mind being a little further from the center.
Map with the best areas to stay in gent
Tips for finding cheap accommodation in Ghent
Staying in Ghent does not have to be expensive if you know where to look and what to consider. Here are some of them tips to find good options without spending too much:
1. Book in advance
Ghent is a very visited city, especially on weekends and holidays. If you want good prices and more options available, the best thing to do is to book with several months in advance especially if you travel in high season.
2. Avoid weekends if you can.
Accommodation prices are rising sharply in the last few years Fridays and Saturdays due to the large influx of tourists and short breaks from other Belgian cities. If you have flexibility, try to stay during the week to save money.
3. Look for apartments or B&Bs in alternative neighborhoods.
If you don't mind being a bit far from downtown, areas such as Ledeberg, Rabot or Gent-Dampoort have more economical options than the historic center. In addition, in residential neighborhoods you will find more tourist apartments which are usually cheaper than hotels.
4. Consider self-catering accommodation
Eating out in Ghent (and in Belgium in general) can be expensive, so a good way to save money is to rent a self-catering apartment. This way you can prepare breakfasts or dinners and avoid spending too much in restaurants.
5. Take advantage of last minute offers (but be careful).
If you are flexible, some platforms such as Booking or Airbnb offer last minute discounts. Of course, this is more risky in high season because the offer drops quickly and you may run out of affordable options.
6. Take a good look at the transport connections
If you opt for more distant areas such as Gent-Sint-Pieters o Ledeberg Make sure that your accommodation is well connected to the streetcar or bus. Ideally, you should be less than 5 minutes walking distance of a public transportation stop so as not to waste too much time in traveling.
7. Hostels: the cheapest option if you travel alone
If you are on a tight budget and don't mind sharing a room, the hostels are the cheapest option, with beds in dormitories by 25-50€ per night. Some of the recommended sites in Ghent are Hostel Uppelink (spectacular location next to the canal) and Treck Hostel (more alternative, with rooms in caravans).
👇 You may also be interested in:If you want to read other articles ideal for your trip that complement Where to sleep in Ghent you can visit our posts about Belgium.
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