Ghent , Belgium

85

Ghent is a medieval canal city turned university hub, where cobbled lanes and tram tracks weave through grand Flemish facades. A vast car-free core and Europe-leading cycling network make daily life feel human-scaled and quietly progressive.

Est. monthly cost €1,700 – €2,050
Overall score 85
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Livability scores

  • Walkability 19 / 20
  • Rail Connectivity 13 / 15
  • Public Transit 8 / 10
  • Affordability 10 / 15
  • Safety 8 / 10
  • Air Quality 7 / 10
  • Quality Of Life 8 / 10
  • Food Culture 4 / 5
  • Car Free Practicality 9 / 5

Food guide

Ghent’s food culture blends classic Flemish comfort dishes, craft beer and chocolate with a dynamic student-driven restaurant scene. Traditional specialties like stewed meats, waffles and fries coexist with modern bistros, vegetarian kitchens and international cuisine across the compact historic center. Historic shops and new food halls make local ingredients very accessible.

Signature dishes

  • Gentse WaterzooiCreamy stew of chicken or fish with vegetables and potatoes, typical of Ghent.
  • Stoofvlees (Flemish beef stew)Slow-cooked beer-braised beef stew, usually served with Belgian fries.
  • Belgian FritesTwice-fried potatoes served with sauces; Ghent has specialty frites shops.
  • Belgian WafflesCrisp, airy waffles often topped with fruit, cream or chocolate, popular along Graslei.
  • Garnaalkroketten (Shrimp croquettes)Deep-fried croquettes filled with North Sea shrimp and creamy roux.
  • Tierenteyn-Verlent MustardPowerful local mustard from a historic Ghent shop, used with meats and sandwiches.
  • Speculoos & Ghent sweetsCaramelized spiced biscuits and traditional candies from old confectioneries.

Where to eat

  • Hal 16 Food hallFormer brick warehouse turned food hall with barbecue, Italian and other stalls, a key Ghent food hotspot.
  • Tierenteyn-Verlent Mustard shopHistoric mustard shop near the Graslei with intense local mustard and classic interior.
  • Ooost Market-restaurantLunch spot and marketplace focused on East Flemish regional products and producers.
  • Frites Atelier Frites specialty shopDesigner fries concept by chef Sergio Herman, known for gourmet toppings and sauces.
  • Vrijmoed Fine dining restaurantTwo-Michelin-star restaurant highlighting vegetables and refined tasting menus; reservations essential.
  • Meme Gusta Belgian/Flemish bistroLively spot near Gravensteen focused on Belgian and Flemish comfort dishes.

Markets & food shopping

  • Hal 16 Food Hall
  • Ooost Marketplace
  • Kouter Flower Market (with food stalls on Sundays)
  • Vrijdagmarkt area (weekly market with food vendors)