Ghent vs Bruges: An Honest Take From Someone Who Visited Both (with a dog)

I visited both Ghent and Bruges as part of my Romania to UK road trip, and I specifically designed it to have two stops in Belgium because I wanted to experience both cities and be able to compare them. 

I wasn’t visiting Belgium as a holiday, but as overnight stops on my way to Calais, from where I took the Eurotunnel to the UK. I had one night in Ghent and another night in Bruges, travelling with a car, my partner and my small senior dog, and no tourist agenda. While I will give some opinions about visiting these places with a dog, all recommendations stand regardless of whether you’re visiting with a dog or not.

I am picky when recommending a destination, as I am not your average traveller. I dislike crowds, overtourism, excessive anything and especially businesses that would do anything to draw in more money, often at the expense of locals. Many 2-week in Europe itineraries add Bruges to the list, but I have to push back a bit, especially after visiting both and doing loads of trips all around Europe. 

I had visited Bruges for the first time more than 1 decade ago, but this was my first time in Ghent. I needed both experiences to have an opinion and share my recommendations. So now that I’ve been to both places recently, here are my thoughts on Ghent vs Bruges.

Ghent vs Bruges: Location 

Belgium is a smaller country in Europe, and the driving distance between Ghent and Bruges is only 50 km, which takes about 45 minutes by car. You can also travel by train, as the railroad connections are good and fast, and you won’t need to worry about parking (like I did). 

Given that Ghent and Bruges are so close to each other, you can realistically visit both if you’re planning a holiday in Belgium. 

As I mentioned, I visited both cities with a car, and of course you can do that if you’re planning a multi-country road trip in Europe. I recommend using DiscoverCars for car rental. 

Getting to Ghent and Bruges

Both cities are easily reachable from Brussels Airport, which is the main international hub in Belgium. From Brussels, Ghent is about 35 minutes by train, and Bruges is about an hour. Trains run frequently, and the stations in both cities are within walking distance of the centre.

If you’re driving through Europe, both cities are well connected by motorway. Ghent sits on the E40 between Brussels and Bruges, making it a natural first stop if you’re coming from the east. Large paid car parks are available in both city centres — I parked at Parking Sint-Michiels (P7) in Ghent and Pandreitje garage in Bruges.

From the UK, you can reach Belgium via the Eurostar to Brussels, or drive through the Eurotunnel and pick up the E40 from Calais, which is exactly the route I took in reverse on my Romania to UK road trip.

When to visit Ghent and Bruges

Both cities are year-round destinations. Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) are the best times to visit with mild weather, manageable crowds, and no need to book brunch tables in advance. 

Summer is busy, especially in Bruges in July and August. 

Winter is quieter and atmospheric, but you’ll still see crowds, particularly around Christmas markets, though some canal boat tours may have reduced hours.

If you’re looking for warmer winter places, check out my guide for warmer places in Europe during winter. 

Visiting Ghent Review

Ghent is a larger city that feels more authentic, where locals still wander the streets of the city, and local craft shops and everyday life necessities can be found on the cute streets surrounding the centre. 

The architecture is stunning, the canals in Ghent are gorgeous, boat tours are available, and the central part is big enough to keep you busy for at least one afternoon. 

The entire city is very dog-friendly, and most places will have signs in case they don’t allow dogs inside. Given that I visited in June, we sat outside to eat and to have a beer, so that wasn’t an issue, as dogs are almost always allowed on the terrace. 

I was charmed by all the niche stores and cafes I found on the streets around the central area. I particularly loved the Werregarenstraat (the famous graffiti street) and the small park area around the castle, where you can simply sit and have a picnic. 

We ended the day at one of the popular bars that serves over 500 types of Belgian beers (Dulle Griet), where my partner Edi (who is a massive beer enthusiast) discovered Rodenbach Classic and Gruut Amber. 

The Dulle Griet bar is in Vrijdagmarkt, which is a nice area to discover, and the interior of the bar is worth checking out. As it was already warm, we sat outside while we were people-watching and enjoying our beers. 

After leaving the bar, although it was late, the walk around the canals was enjoyable as the crowds were almost gone at that time, and only some cute bars around were open.

In a way, I loved that Ghent ignited my curiosity, as every corner was cute and new. There were not many touristy places open in the evening, but the ones that were open seemed more authentic than what you’d expect to find in similar places. 

I got the feeling that Ghent is a place that fills the needs of different kinds of people, as some come just for the beer culture, while others are more into the aesthetic side of it. 

But there is a balance to it all, and it made it feel like there is still room for me to walk around, which many of the very touristy cities in Europe don’t make me feel. 

If you only have one day, here’s what I’d prioritise in Ghent:

• Graslei & Korenlei (medieval waterfront)
• Gravensteen Castle (12th-century fortress) 
• Sint-Baafskathedraal 
• Belfort (Belfry) (UNESCO-listed)
• Patershol (the old quarter)
• Vrijdagmarkt (the main square)
• Sint-Michielsbrug (the bridge with the best view of Ghent’s three towers)
• STAM City Museum
• Werregarenstraatje (Graffiti Street)

I wish I had more time to explore Ghent, because it offers much more than what it meets the eye and the bars along the canals. 

Visiting Bruges Review

Bruges is world-famous for its postcard-perfect spot, which is the Rozenhoedkaai. This is where all the crowds gather, and where the boat tour starts. 

I visited Bruges before, more than 10 years prior to this visit, and in a way it looked familiar, but it all shattered the moment I walked on the streets. The buildings and architecture are still the same, but the vibe of Bruges has completely transformed since my last visit. 

It was a place of hostels and bars, attractive to youth from all over the world, visiting a gorgeous city in Europe while having a blast and making new friends. 

But Bruges isn’t that place anymore, and today you’ll find that all the corner beer shops and hostels have been replaced with posh beer and chocolate shops, restaurants and upscale fashion shops. 

Backpackers and world travellers are not the main target of the city’s tourism, but rather middle-class travellers looking for a good meal and a nice (but short) walk around some notable buildings. 

Bruges is indeed cleaner than I’d remember it from my first visit there, but it is also much more commercialised; every visit needs to be pre-booked, and even brunch places are full. 

We had brunch at Sanseveria Bagelsalon when we arrived from Ghent. It was quite full, and we were lucky to get a small 2-person table. Dogs are welcome. 

On the second day, before leaving Bruges, we had another brunch at That’s Toast, which was also very full, but we were able to sit without a reservation. The fact that people reserve tables for brunch gives you an idea of how busy the centre of Bruges is. 

And if you’re looking for a beer bar, check out ‘t Brugs Beertje, which is one of the few bars open late at night. The beer offer is outstanding (it offers over 300 beers), and the staff is knowledgeable and friendly. Edi had Romantic Vibes – White Pony Microbrewery, Gueuze 100% Lambic Bio and Barbãr Brasserie Lefebre.

He has an acquired taste for weird beers, but I’d recommend asking for the type of beer you prefer; the staff will certainly recommend something tailored to your taste. This was probably our favourite place in Bruges: dog-friendly, a fair selection of alcohol-free beers and a nice atmosphere. 

And if you want a truly remarkable beer, check out De Garre, which is a small and quaint bar on a narrow alley, just next to a waffle place. People come to this bar to taste their famous house tripel beer.

It’s quite busy, so be prepared to share the table with others. They close at 6 pm, but be there no later than 5 pm, or you will miss it. No alcohol-free beer here, so I had a taste of water (I’m always the driver in these trips). Dogs are welcome inside. 

It’s ironic in a way, because Bruges (and Belgium in general) was never too affordable, but all these boutique hotels are now booked months in advance, and there’s definitely a high financial barrier for many. 

And with that said, it’s crazy to see how busy this place gets, as many have bragged about its beauty and fine chocolates. 

In all honesty, the chocolate is good, but it does come at a price tag; most family shops sell very similar chocolates (but I’m no expert), the fries are all made from frozen, and I felt like the vendors deal with so many tourists in a day that are simply fed up by the time you get to say “Hello”. 

But this was my experience.

I still enjoyed a waffle, handcrafted chocolates and a beer. I endured the sun and the rain, walked on the cobbled stone streets and admired all the shops and restaurants. 

It feels like Disneyland for middle-class adults. If that’s what you’re after, then you’ll love Bruges when visiting Belgium.

If you only have one day, here’s what I’d prioritise in Bruges:

• Markt (also known asMarket Square): the historic heart of the city
• Belfry of Bruges (climb the 366 steps for panoramic views over the rooftops)
• Burg Square
• Basilica of the Holy Blood
• Canal boat tour (see the “Venice of the North” from the water)
• Rozenhoedkaai
• Groeningemuseum (see the Flemish Primitive paintings)
• Church of Our Lady (home to Michelangelo’s Madonna and Child)
• Béguinage (Begijnhof)
• Minnewater (Lake of Love)
• Choco-Story / Frietmuseum
• Windmills on Kruisvest

Ghent vs Bruges comparison 

After visiting both Ghent and Bruges, I can honestly say that these cities are both very nice but suitable for very different types of tourists. 

Bruges is the very touristy kind, the one that fits the same crowds as Amsterdam or Paris. 

Ghent is more obscure, which makes it less attractive to those seeking to simply tick destinations off the bucket list and don’t really know much about it.

But Ghent is a popular destination for those looking to taste Belgian beer and enjoy a relaxed getaway compared to other similarly affluent places. 

Ghent vs Bruges: Which should you visit?

Ghent is the better choice for anyone who travels to truly explore and experience a place. If you want to try to immerse yourself and still feel a bit of that last authentic vibe in any of these Belgian cities, Ghent might be able to give that to you. 

Ghent is a bigger city than Bruges; people still live and roam around even in the centre. Or at least they go out around the centre, and even though touristy places are evident, they fit right into the city rather than taking over it. 

And when travelling with a dog in Europe, all the differences become obvious, as Ghent is a more relaxed spot which allows dog owners to enjoy the visit with their dog. 

In Bruges, however, it felt like all sorts of businesses designed for tourism have taken over the old centre, using the beautiful architecture as a shell for the very modern boutique hotels and shops. The steep competition between all these places is driven by the insatiable tourist demand, and that explains the exploding prices, especially during summer. 

That’s my definition of a place that’s Disneyland for adults. As long as there’s a long virtual queue of tourists willing to pay for that experience, I don’t see it changing. 

Given the constant hustle, visiting Bruges with a dog is more chaotic, and your dog might not be as thrilled as you are. It’s still doable, but it will greatly depend on your dog’s personality. 

If you want a more authentic experience, then visit Ghent. If you want all touristy gimmicks on display, go to Bruges. For me, I’d happily revisit Ghent on my next trip to Belgium. 

I also made a video comparing Ghent vs Bruges while I was visiting Belgium. You can watch it on my YouTube Channel:

Also, if you’re building a longer European itinerary, Ghent deserves a spot. It made my list of the best European cities worth visiting.

Practical Tips for visiting Ghent or Bruges in Belgium

You can visit both cities using trains. The train stations are located within walking distance from the centre of the cities. 

However, if you are planning a longer trip in Europe and want to reach less popular spots, I recommend renting a car using DiscoverCars. Large car parks are available in both Ghent and Bruges. 

In Ghent, I parked at Parking Sint-Michiels (P7), which has the perfect location if you want to explore the centre on foot. 

In Bruges, I parked at Pandreitje garage, which is the closest garage to the famous Rozenhoedkaai photo spot. I also parked at Zilverpand parking, which is great if you want to visit the Sint-Salvatorskathedraal. 

Choosing your accommodation in both cities will greatly influence your stay. I urge you to book hotels in advance, as both cities are on most popular Europe itineraries and get quite busy all year round, meaning hotels are often fully booked. 

In Ghent, I recommend staying at Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Reylof Ghent or 1898 The Post & Porter’s house for a more fancy stay. Both are very well located and will allow you to walk everywhere you need to explore the city. For dog-owners travelling to Ghent, I’d recommend Hotel Cour Saint Georges by CW Hotel Collection, which also has a great location. 

In Bruges, I’d recommend staying at Hotel Biskajer (gorgeous interiors, located close to the Market Square), or Boutique Hotel Die Swaene (dog-friendly, great location and memorable interiors). 

I strongly recommend getting international travel insurance before your trip to Belgium. You can get insured for any medical expenses (no out-of-pocket spending), baggage, travel disruption and even rental car excess with Heymondo, which will give you an instant quote for your trip if you provide your country of residence and destination. 

Planning a longer road trip through Europe? Read my Europe road trip guide for more honest trip ideas and European itineraries.