St. Macharius Travel Guide

Ghent

This was my favourite place to visit in Ghent. I could have taken pictures all day in the ruin of St. Bavo's Abbey. An quiet oasis in the city, we were the only people there. So quiet and serene and many courtyards to explore including a medieval church. Founded in the 7th century, the former abbey is now ruins echoing the history that took place here. The oldest wall in Ghent stands here. The original Romanesque church that was destroyed is marked out by lovely hedges so you can see where it once stood as the five-metre-high shrubbery columns mark out the foundations. Entry was free.
This was my favourite place to visit in Ghent. I could have taken pictures all day in the ruin of St. Bavo's Abbey. An quiet oasis in the city, we were the only people there. So quiet and serene and many courtyards to explore including a medieval church. Founded in the 7th century, the former abbey is now ruins echoing the history that took place here. The oldest wall in Ghent stands here. The original Romanesque church that was destroyed is marked out by lovely hedges so you can see where it once stood as the five-metre-high shrubbery columns mark out the foundations. Entry was free.
Ghent

Popular places to visit

Gravensteen featuring street scenes, heritage architecture and a river or creek

Gravensteen Castle

4.5/5(66 reviews)

One of the only remaining medieval castles in Flanders, this historic fortress provides a fascinating insight into the weaponry, culture, and drama of Ghent’s past.

Gravensteen Castle
Saint Bavo Cathedral which includes religious aspects, a church or cathedral and heritage architecture

Saint Bavo Cathedral

4.5/5(71 reviews)

One of the iconic Three Towers of Ghent, this historic cathedral is known for its outstanding collection of art.

Saint Bavo Cathedral
Ghent Town Hall featuring an administrative building, interior views and heritage architecture

Ghent Town Hall

4/5(11 reviews)

See one of the city’s most unusual landmarks, a striking building constructed over the course of almost four centuries.

Ghent Town Hall
St. Nicholas\' Church showing a church or cathedral, religious aspects and heritage architecture

St. Nicholas' Church

A beautiful example of Scheldt Gothic architecture, this striking blue-gray church is among the oldest landmarks in the city.

St. Nicholas' Church
Ghent, Belgium, at sunset in spring with a rainbow. Historic city where you can see both Korenlei and Graslei as the river Lys

Ghent University

4/5(13 reviews)

Enjoy the student vibe at Ghent University during your stay in Ghent. While in this culturally rich area, find time to visit its shops.

Ghent University
Belfry of Ghent which includes a city, night scenes and heritage architecture

Belfry of Ghent

4.5/5(45 reviews)

Visit one of Ghent’s most famous attractions, an imposing tower that defines the city’s skyline and symbolizes its independence.

Belfry of Ghent

Things to do

Ghent: 50-Minute Medieval Center Guided Boat Trip

Ghent: 50-Minute Medieval Center Guided Boat Trip

฿412
per adult
86% of travellers recommend
Ghent: 50-Minute Medieval Center Guided Boat Trip
Guided Boat Trip in Ghent

Guided Boat Trip in Ghent

฿412
per adult
Guided Boat Trip in Ghent
Bruges and Ghent Day Tour from Brussels

Bruges and Ghent Day Tour from Brussels

฿2,966
per adult
Bruges and Ghent Day Tour from Brussels
Belgian Hidden Architectural Gem

Belgian Hidden Architectural Gem

฿577
per adult
Belgian Hidden Architectural Gem
Evening Tour of the Dark Side of Gent

Evening Tour of the Dark Side of Gent

฿112
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Evening Tour of the Dark Side of Gent
Ghent Walking Tour with Audioguide on Your Smartphone

Ghent Walking Tour with Audioguide on Your Smartphone

฿262
per adult
Ghent Walking Tour with Audioguide on Your Smartphone
See all activities in Ghent

Top hotels in St. Macharius

Aparthotel Castelnou

Aparthotel Castelnou

3.5 out of 5
Kasteellaan 51 Ghent
The price is ฿3,647 per night from 22 Feb to 23 Feb
฿3,647
฿4,157 total
22 Feb - 23 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Ghent. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (446 reviews)
Beautiful hotel, lovely breakfast, helpful staff, great location.

Reviewed on 16 Feb 2026

Aparthotel Castelnou
Van der Valk Hotel Gent

Van der Valk Hotel Gent

4.5 out of 5
Akkerhage 10 Ghent
The price is ฿3,746 per night from 22 Feb to 23 Feb
฿3,746
฿4,262 total
22 Feb - 23 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Ghent. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (667 reviews)
A limpeza, os restaurantes do hotel, o conforto

Reviewed on 6 Feb 2026

Van der Valk Hotel Gent
B&B HOTEL Gent Centrum

B&B HOTEL Gent Centrum

3 out of 5
Voldersstraat 17 Ghent
The price is ฿2,678 per night from 1 Mar to 2 Mar
฿2,678
฿3,130 total
1 Mar - 2 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Ghent. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,004 reviews)
Staff and location great, really clean hotel. Would definitely recommend.

Reviewed on 13 Feb 2026

B&B HOTEL Gent Centrum
Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Reylof Ghent

Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Reylof Ghent

4.5 out of 5
Hoogstraat 36 Ghent
The price is ฿5,560 per night from 2 Mar to 3 Mar
฿5,560
฿6,184 total
2 Mar - 3 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Ghent. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,002 reviews)
Beautiful hotel 10/10 couldnt recommend highly enough.Superb

Reviewed on 24 Jan 2026

Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Reylof Ghent
ibis budget Gent Centrum Dampoort

ibis budget Gent Centrum Dampoort

Kleindokkaai 27 Ghent BE
The price is ฿1,918 per night from 9 Mar to 10 Mar
฿1,918
฿2,323 total
9 Mar - 10 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Ghent. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,005 reviews)
The reception area is very welcoming

Reviewed on 16 Feb 2026

ibis budget Gent Centrum Dampoort
Novotel Gent Centrum

Novotel Gent Centrum

3.5 out of 5
Hoogpoort 52 Ghent
The price is ฿3,334 per night from 8 Mar to 9 Mar
฿3,334
฿3,823 total
8 Mar - 9 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Ghent. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (990 reviews)
Clean room

Reviewed on 12 Feb 2026

Novotel Gent Centrum
See all 529 properties in St. Macharius
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around St. Macharius

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Red Light District

While there might not be top attractions in Red Light District, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Glass Alley and Capitole Theatre.

Red Light District
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Heirnis

Heirnis might not have many top sights, but Capitole Theatre and St. Bavo's Abbey are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Heirnis
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Zuid

You'll enjoy the parks and shopping in Zuid. You might want to make time for a stop at Ghent South Shopping Center or Ghent Public Library.

Zuid
Ghent Town Hall featuring street scenes, a sunset and an administrative building

Ghent City Centre

4.5/5(70 area reviews)

Historical sites, cafes and museums are some highlights of Ghent City Centre. Make a stop by Masons' Guild Hall or Belfry of Ghent while you're exploring.

Ghent City Centre
Gravensteen featuring street scenes, heritage architecture and a river or creek

Patershol

4.5/5(2 area reviews)

Patershol is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Gravensteen Castle and Old Fish Market.

Patershol
Ghent XXL panorama

Graslei and Korenlei

If you're spending some time in Graslei and Korenlei, Korenmarkt Square and St. Michael's Bridge are top sights worth seeing.

Graslei and Korenlei

St. Macharius Travel Guide