Traveling to ghent is an exciting goal for many people around the world. Whether you’re drawn to ghent’s historical landmarks, vibrant streets, cultural gems, or food scene, there’s something in ghent for everyone. But just like many popular destinations, ghent can get expensive—fast.
That’s why this comprehensive guide is here to show you how to explore ghent on a budget without compromising the quality of your experience. With a bit of planning and some local savvy, you can enjoy the best of ghent without emptying your wallet.
1. ✈️ Budgeting for Flights to ghent
Your journey to ghent usually starts with booking a flight. Depending on where you’re coming from, this can be the biggest upfront expense of your trip to ghent.
How to Find Cheap Flights to ghent:
- Book Early: Generally, booking your flight to ghent 6–8 weeks in advance (for domestic travel) or 2–4 months ahead (for international trips) gives you the best chance of scoring a deal.
- Use Price Trackers: Tools like Skyscanner, Google Flights, and Hopper allow you to monitor flight prices to ghent and book at the right time.
- Fly on Cheaper Days: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays often offer the cheapest routes to ghent.
- Consider Alternate Airports: If ghent is served by multiple airports, compare prices to find the most budget-friendly option.
- Be Flexible: Flexibility with your travel dates and airports near ghent can reduce your costs significantly.
Estimated Budget:
- Domestic Flights to ghent: $100–$350
- International Flights to ghent: $400–$900
2. Affordable Accommodation in ghent
Lodging in ghent ranges from luxury hotels to local hostels, boutique stays, and homestays. Your goal is to find a clean, comfortable, and safe space in ghent that fits your budget.
Where to Stay in ghent on a Budget:
- Hostels: Great for solo travelers and groups visiting ghent on a tight budget. Many hostels offer free breakfast, shared kitchens, and group tours of ghent.
- Budget Hotels: Smaller hotels in ghent may offer big savings, especially if located just outside the city center.
- Short-Term Rentals: Apps like Airbnb offer rooms or apartments in ghent at competitive rates.
- Guesthouses: These are common in many cities and offer a cozy, often family-run alternative in ghent.
Pro Tip: Choose accommodation in ghent close to public transportation. This saves both time and money getting around.
Estimated Budget:
- Hostels in ghent: $20–$80/night
- Budget Hotels in ghent: $50–$150/night
- Airbnb/Guesthouse in ghent: $30–$100/night
3. Getting Around ghent on a Budget
Once you’re in ghent, transportation can eat into your daily budget—or be incredibly affordable depending on your choices.
Best Transport Options in ghent:
- Public Transportation: Most large cities like ghent have reliable buses, subways, or trams.
- Daily or Weekly Transit Passes: If you’re staying in ghent for more than 2–3 days, a transit pass usually saves money.
- Walking: Exploring ghent on foot is not only budget-friendly, but also the best way to soak in local life.
- Bike Rentals: In some areas of ghent, public bike systems are inexpensive and eco-friendly.
Avoid rental cars in ghent unless you’re planning to visit rural or outlying areas—parking in central ghent is often expensive.
Estimated Budget:
- Public Transport Pass ghent: $5–$15/day
- Bike Rentals in ghent: $5–$12/day
4. ️ Eating Cheap and Well in ghent
Tasting the local food is one of the highlights of any trip to ghent—and the good news is, you don’t have to spend a lot to eat well in ghent.
Where and What to Eat in ghent on a Budget:
- Street Food: Whether it’s food trucks or local market stalls, ghent is likely to have affordable and delicious street food options.
- Ethnic Neighborhoods: Often, the most flavorful and authentic meals in ghent are found in immigrant-run eateries and food stands.
- Supermarkets & Bakeries: Buy snacks or picnic-style meals in ghent and eat in a public park.
- Lunch Specials: Many restaurants in ghent offer affordable set menus during lunch.
Pro Tip: Avoid tourist traps around landmarks in ghent—the food is often overpriced and underwhelming.
Estimated Daily Food Budget in ghent:
- Budget: $20–$35
- Mid-range: $35–$60
- Splurge meal in ghent: $40–$100
5. ️ Sightseeing and Attractions in ghent for Less
Even if you’re traveling to ghent on a tight budget, you can still enjoy many of its world-famous attractions.
Free and Affordable Things to Do in ghent:
- Parks and Green Spaces: Almost every city has a public park where you can relax, people-watch, or picnic.
- Museums with Free Entry: Many museums in ghent offer free admission on specific days or hours.
- Cultural Landmarks: Walking tours, historical buildings, and public squares in ghent are usually free.
- Free Events: Look for local events, concerts, and festivals taking place during your visit to ghent.
Budget Tours and Experiences:
- Consider tip-based or “pay-what-you-want” tours in ghent.
- Some cities offer all-inclusive passes (e.g., city cards) to major attractions in ghent for a discounted rate.
Estimated Budget for Attractions in ghent:
- Free to $10/day (for low-cost experiences)
- $30–$50/day if including premium attractions
6. ️ Smart Souvenir Shopping in ghent
It’s tempting to shop when visiting ghent, but souvenirs don’t have to be expensive to be meaningful.
Souvenir Tips in ghent:
- Visit Local Markets: These offer handmade, affordable souvenirs unique to ghent.
- Buy Local Snacks or Spices: Small and inexpensive gifts from ghent that travel well.
- Avoid Airport Shops: Prices in ghent’s airports are usually much higher.
Estimated Souvenir Budget in ghent: $10–$40
7. Sample 5-Day Budget for ghent
| Category | Estimated Cost |
| Flights to ghent | $150–$900 |
| Accommodation in ghent | $250–$600 |
| Transport in ghent | $25–$50 |
| Food & Drinks in ghent | $100–$250 |
| Attractions in ghent | $30–$100 |
| Souvenirs in ghent | $20–$40 |
| Total | $575–$1,940 |
This flexible range reflects different travel styles—from ultra-budget to moderate comfort—while keeping your experience in ghent affordable.
8. Final Budget Travel Tips for Visiting ghent
- Travel off-season: You’ll find cheaper flights, lower hotel rates, and fewer crowds in ghent.
- Use a travel budgeting app: Tools like TravelSpend or Trail Wallet help you track daily spending in ghent.
- Ask locals for tips: Residents of ghent can often direct you to hidden gems or affordable restaurants.
- Carry a reusable water bottle: Many cities like ghent have drinkable tap water—save money and the planet.
- Learn basic local phrases: This helps you haggle at markets or understand menus in ghent.
Conclusion: Enjoying ghent on a Budget
Visiting ghent doesn’t have to mean breaking the bank. By following the strategies in this guide, you can experience the heart of ghent—its culture, cuisine, neighborhoods, and people—without sacrificing quality or comfort.
With thoughtful planning, local exploration, and some budgeting wisdom, ghent can offer you a rich and rewarding experience, even on a modest budget.
So wherever your wanderlust takes you, know this: ghent is waiting—and you don’t need a fortune to discover it.