Ghent is a great city trip destination in every season. Is a day of less-than-perfect weather forecast during your stay? No problem! There are loads of fun things to do in this city full of culture and relaxation, whatever the weather!
Ghent is much more than just a pretty face, there is also a lot worth seeing inside. Many of Ghent's monuments and historic buildings are open to the public - sometimes with free admission and often with a guide who can tell you all the interesting facts and juicy gossip. Hop from cathedral to city palace and from castle to special library: there's no better way to learn more about Ghent's history and rich architecture.
It's so obvious that it can be easy to forget that museums are great places to spend some time when the weather is bad. Instead of dodging raindrops, you can immerse yourself in art, culture and knowledge. The themes of Ghent's museums range from modern or fine art to the city's industrial past. Or how about a glimpse into the history of psychiatry or the cabinet of curiosities of university science?
The CityCard is your perfect rainy-day companion. You can use it on every bus and tram to stay dry when travelling around the city. It also gives you access to loads of top sights, museums and monuments and even a guided boat tour. The CityCard lets you see the whole city without getting your feet wet.
Just because it's raining doesn't mean you have to sit inside counting raindrops. There are lots of indoor sports activities in Ghent, such as karting, climbing gyms, (tropical) swimming pools, bowling and more. Need to relax after all that physical exertion? Then you give your brain a workout in an escape room or head to one of Ghent's many cinemas to immerse yourself in another world. Rain? What rain?
Hunger and rain don't mix. Ghent's many lunch, brunch and dinner spots are great places to take refuge from the weather. And that sudden rainstorm? It's the perfect excuse to stop somewhere for delicious cake and coffee.
No one enjoys running from shop to shop with a soaking wet coat or umbrella. That's why Ghent's indoor shopping centres are ideal destinations on those days when the rain seems like it will never stop. Combine it with a tasty lunch and you'll be happy and dry for hours.
Weather doesn't adhere to a 9-to-5 schedule, so it can also rain in the evening. But don't let that spoil your fun: Ghent is buzzing with evening activities. Book tickets to a concert, theatre or opera at one of the many cultural venues. You can often get a last minute ticket. And on the first Thursday of every month, even quite late last minute tickets are available because many museums are open until 10 pm. Had enough culture for the day? Then dive into Ghent's nightlife. Head to one of the many bars or clubs and don't give the weather a second thought.
Go to Uit in Gent to find all the activities conveniently sorted by day. The website is only in Dutch but a quick translation app can sort that out.
