Looking for hidden gems in Ghent beyond the usual tourist trail?
While most visitors flock to Ghent’s iconic Gravensteen Castle and bustling Graslei canal, the city also hides a quieter, more intimate side that even some locals haven’t fully explored. If you’re planning a trip to Belgium in 2025 and want to uncover the soul of Ghent, these lesser-known spots will lead you there.
Here are 5 hidden gems in Ghent you shouldn’t miss—perfect for curious travelers looking to go off the beaten path.
1. Coyendanspark – A Secret Riverside Retreat
Hidden Gems in Ghent
Tucked behind the bustling city center, Coyendanspark is an unexpected patch of peace right along the Scheldt River. Fringed by trees and wildflowers, this small park is often bypassed by tourists but loved by students and artists.
Why it’s a hidden gem:
- Serene river views with barely any crowds
- Occasional local pop-up art installations
- A perfect picnic spot between sightseeing
Bring a book and relax under the trees, or grab takeout from a nearby vegan café and enjoy an al fresco meal with a view.
2. St. Peter’s Abbey Vineyard – Wine in the City
Hidden Gems in Ghent
Yes, Ghent has a vineyard—right in the city! Located behind St. Peter’s Abbey, this working vineyard is one of Belgium’s oldest urban wine sites. While the abbey itself is on some tourist maps, the vineyard remains beautifully under-the-radar.
What to expect:
- A tranquil garden atmosphere surrounded by vines
- Historical signage about wine production in medieval Ghent
- Occasional tastings and open days during the summer
Visit in late afternoon for golden light filtering through the vines and a unique sense of timelessness.
3. Campo Santo Cemetery – Hauntingly Beautiful History
Hidden Gems in Ghent
Located in the Ledeberg district, Campo Santo is not your average cemetery. This 19th-century burial ground is the final resting place for many of Ghent’s notable figures—poets, artists, and politicians—and it’s filled with elaborate statues and weeping angel sculptures.
Why it stands out:
- Atmospheric, ivy-draped tombstones and winding paths
- An almost cinematic quiet
- Excellent views from the hilltop location
It’s a place of reflection and beauty, especially moving on misty mornings.
4. Graffiti Street (Werregarenstraat) – A Constantly Changing Canvas
Hidden Gems in Ghent
While technically not a secret, Graffiti Street is easy to miss if you’re sticking to major attractions. This narrow alley offers a legal space for street art and constantly transforms with new layers of paint and expression.
Highlights include:
- Bold murals, political art, and spontaneous tags
- A pulse on local youth and underground movements
- Free and always open—perfect for photographers
If you return after a few days, chances are the walls will look completely different.
5. Dr. Guislain Museum – A Fascinating Look at Mental Health History
Hidden Gems in Ghent
Located in a former psychiatric hospital, the Dr. Guislain Museum explores the complex history of psychiatry, mental illness, and social perceptions. It’s thought-provoking, moving, and one of the most intellectually stimulating museums in Belgium.
Why you should visit:
- Rare medical artifacts and art by psychiatric patients
- Modern exhibits on mental health and stigma
- Beautiful 19th-century architecture
It’s quiet, respectful, and deeply human—an unforgettable cultural experience.
Final Thoughts on Hidden Gems in Ghent
Hidden Gems in Ghent
Ghent has mastered the balance between medieval charm and modern soul, but beyond the postcard-perfect spots, there’s a layer of raw, intimate beauty waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re wandering a vineyard behind an abbey or stumbling upon street art in a shadowy alley, these hidden gems in Ghent reveal the city’s depth in ways no guidebook can fully capture.
For travelers seeking authenticity, reflection, and slow exploration, Ghent’s hidden gems are not just alternatives—they’re the heart of the experience.
📍 Related Read: 7 Hidden Cities in Europe You Should Visit in 2025
🌐 External Resource: Visit Ghent – Official Tourism Website (DoFollow)