Solo Female Travel in Ghent

Ghent, located in the Flemish region of Belgium, is a historic city known for its medieval architecture, stunning canals and lively cultural scene. This quintessential Belgian city is renowned for its well-preserved 12th-century castle, the 'Gravensteen', and the Saint Bavo's Cathedral which houses the world-famous 'Adoration of the Mystic Lamb' painting by the Van Eyck brothers. Ghent's picturesque cityscape, filled with charming old guildhouses and a vibrant street art scene, is best observed from the river Leie on a quiet boat tour. Famous for its local specialities like 'Gentse Waterzooi', a creamy fish stew, and traditional beer breweries, Ghent offers a tantalising culinary experience that beautifully complements its endless historic charm. The enthralling city of Ghent, with its perfect blend of the contemporary and the medieval, is undoubtedly a bucket-list staple for cultural connoisseurs and travel enthusiasts alike.

Travel rating

Meet new people

Get the Travel Ladies app to meet new people, find travel buddies, share solo travel experiences and stay with locals through couch surfing.
Download from App StoreDownload from Google Play
Get the Travel Ladies App

Travel index

Safety:Very safe

Ghent is generally a safe city to visit, even for solo female travelers. The crime rate is low, and most visits are trouble-free. It's a friendly place where locals are often willing to help tourists in need. It is always advisable, however, to take some basic precautions like avoiding less crowded areas late at night and keeping your personal belongings secure at all times.

Transport:Easy

Ghent is quite manageable even for a solo female traveler, mainly due to its compact nature. Many of its attractions are within easy walking distance from each other in the city center. However, some parts of the city might feel a bit tricky to navigate because of the old, winding streets. The city provides a good network of public transportation - buses and trams, which can take you to farther points of interest efficiently and safely. The locals are usually friendly, and most of them are proficient in English, ready to assist whenever necessary.

Things to do:Fascinating

Ghent in Belgium offers a stunning blend of history, culture, and contemporary vibes, making it an excellent destination for solo female travelers. The city stands out with its medieval architecture such as Gravensteen castle and Saint Bavo's Cathedral hailing from a rich historical background. You can also enjoy art at the Museum of Fine Arts or visit Vooruit, a historic complex turned modern arts centre. For relaxation, the stunning scenery along the Leie river is ideal for an unwinding stroll, and the numerous boutiques offer a delightful shopping escapade. Ghent is also a foodie haven where you can indulge in authentic Belgium cuisines, chocolates and craft beers. However, being a small city, it may lack the round-the-clock energy of larger cities, but its charming ambience is worth experiencing.

Food:Excellent

Ghent's food scene is both outstanding and diverse. Traditional Belgian cuisine melds wonderfully with a selection of international dishes, providing an array of meal options to suit various taste preferences. Vegan and vegetarian offerings are rather plentiful too, which is a rarity in many areas. Local street food, chocolate, waffles, and beer are must-try gems. So, the food experience here can certainly be labelled as a gourmet treat.

Budget:Moderate

Ghent is moderately budget-friendly. Accommodations, meals, and transportation are at a moderate price range. Prices are cheaper than the more touristy cities in Belgium like Brussels and Bruges. However, some attractions have entrance fees and they can add up if you visit many of them.

Is Ghent worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.2 /5

based on 6 experiences

Rating summary

Things to do

4.6/5

Safety

4.7/5

Food

4.6/5

Budget-friendly

3.3/5

Solo travel experience

Ghent is an amazing city to go to as a woman. It's very safe, many cool things to do and very open-minded. You can easily walk alone at night and ask for help in any bar or club if you are feeling unsafe. The prices are a bit high, but you can find some nice budget places such as Panos or other chains.

Posted: August 15, 2023Experienced: June, 2023
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 5/5Safety: 5/5
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Solo travel experience

To be done: - Enter the historical center - Stroll around (St. Michael's Bridge, Patershol, Gravensteen Castle, Graslei, Korenlei) - Lunch on the waterfront at Delerium Bruges - Walk around the historical center (The Markt and Belfry, Burg Square and Town Hall, Rozenhoedkaai) - Climb up the Belfry to admire the beautiful view - Boat trip on the canal (stunning!) - Shopping

Posted: November 5, 2022
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 5/5
favorite_border 60
mode_comment 0

Solo travel experience

To Do: - Cross the St. Michael's Bridge - Take a walk around Graslei and Korenlei - Go on a canal tour - Visit Gravensteen Castle - Climb the Belfort Tower Safety: Ghent is a very safe city. There's nothing to worry about. Recommendations: Ghent is a cool city and definitely worth visiting! I highly recommend a day trip there.

Posted: September 16, 2022
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 5/5
favorite_border 74
mode_comment 0

Solo travel experience

Things to do: - Go on a boat trip - Visit Castle Hrabia - Visit the Bell Tower - Visit Graffiti Street Safety: This is as safe as anywhere else in Europe. Recommendations: Ghent is cool, I spent the whole day walking.

Posted: September 9, 2022
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 5/5
favorite_border 62
mode_comment 0

Solo travel experience

To do: - Gravensteen - Cathedral of Saint Bavo - SMAK - Municipal Museum of Contemporary Art - Museum of Fine Arts - Church of Saint Nicholas - Design Museum Gent - Graslei - STAM - City Museum of Ghent - Saint Michael's Bridge Safety: Ghent is a wonderful place to visit and is as safe as it can be in Europe. Recommendations: Ghent is also a charming city and can be visited during a day trip.

Posted: September 2, 2022
Things to do: 5/5Food: 5/5Budget-friendly: 3/5Safety: 5/5
favorite_border 74
mode_comment 0

Local tips

Ghent is really a charming place! Many open minds, one of the larger cities in Belgium, although much smaller compared to Brussels or Antwerp. It's full of modern and authentic cafes, plenty of places to eat where no one looks at you when you sit alone. Beautiful views, charming streets and historical buildings, alternative areas, as well as more typical shops. Green and less crowded areas near the city center. It really has everything to offer, both for short trips and for solo travels.

Posted: November 4, 2022
favorite_border 0
mode_comment 0

Meet locals in Ghent

Meet local women in Ghent who are open to meet up for a coffee or a drink, show you around, give local advice or practice a language with.
Annalise

Annalise

About Me

Hi, my pronouns are they/she. I'm into all sorts of things really. Let's meet up!

Speaking

mode_comment 0
Jane

Jane

About Me

Im a 17 year old girl.

Speaking

mode_comment 0

Stay with locals in Ghent

Stay with local women in Ghent who offer free accommodation as part of cultural exchange. Couch surfing is a great way to meet new people, learn more about new cultures and experience destinations like a local.
Annalise

Annalise

Ghent

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hi, my pronouns are they/she. I'm into all sorts of things really. Let's meet up!

Speaking

mode_comment 0
Maartje

Maartje

Ghent

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hi, i am Maartje! Fulltime coffeeaddict, bookaddict and catlover!(although i don't mind dogs neither). Soon i'll travel to Australia, so i hope to meet up some people over there!

Speaking

mode_comment 0

Explore Belgium