Featured Destination: Living in Ghent

Ghent is an incredible city. It is the third-largest city in Belgium. This city has everything you need. There is great infrastructure, plenty of culture, a vibrant nightlife,… and above all, fast WiFi! We understand why remote workers choose Ghent as their base of operations. Keep reading if you are considering Belgium as your next destination and want to learn more.

Public Transport

There are many ways to get around the city of Ghent, as it has excellent infrastructure.

On Foot

Ghent is not too large, making it very convenient to get around on foot. The city center is mostly a car-free zone. This allows you to go out for meals or shopping without heavy traffic.

In Ghent, nothing is far away. Bars, restaurants, shops, museums, markets… everything is within walking distance. This makes it very easy to explore the city on foot. The city continues investing in expanding sidewalks, crossings, and overall road safety for residents.

Bicycles

The city is building more and more supervised bike lockers for security. It is easy to get around Ghent by bike. Most pedestrian streets allow bicycles as long as they do not obstruct pedestrians.

Train, Bus, and Tram

Ghent has trains, buses, and trams. There are two main train stations in Ghent: Ghent Dampoort and Ghent Sint-Pieters. This makes Ghent easily accessible by train.

Buses and trams are operated by De Lijn. They run from early morning until late at night. You can buy tickets via your phone. A one-day pass is probably the cheapest option if you only occasionally take the bus or tram.

Eating Out and Nightlife

Ghent is a great place for dining out and going to bars or pubs. There are many options, and you are sure not to get bored.

There is also a market every Sunday morning, ideal for grocery shopping. The pedestrian zone is also perfect for shopping. In fact, Ghent has the largest pedestrian shopping area in Flanders. However, most shops close on Sundays.

Daily Greens

Belgians love spending time outdoors (even if the weather does not always allow it). However, Ghent has many parks to gather for a picnic or barbecue. Some of the most famous are:

Blaarmeersen

It is a sports and recreational park and a true green gem in Ghent. It offers extensive sports and leisure opportunities, ensuring you will enjoy yourself.

Bourgoyen

Located just outside Ghent’s ring road, it is a wonderful nature reserve. It features a unique open landscape of wet meadows, ditches, and streams.

Botanical Garden

Belonging to Ghent University, you can visit here to enjoy the beauty of numerous flowers and plants.

There are many green gems to choose from in the city and its surroundings. You have the Citadel Park and other smaller, hidden green spots.

Barbecue

Many parks in Ghent have public barbecues. You can use them from April 1st to October 1st. All come with an information stand. This is perfect for hanging out with friends or family!

Culture

Ghent is full of culture. The old town even hosts two UNESCO World Heritage sites. Many historic buildings are excellent examples of medieval architecture, such as Saint Bavo’s Cathedral and the old Graslei harbor.

Monuments

Ghent has the feel of a small city. All famous attractions are within walking distance of each other. As mentioned, walking is a very comfortable way to get around. The city also encourages visionary architectural projects to showcase its character. For example: The City Pavilion, also known as Stadshal, is located in Ghent’s historic center. This futuristic monument really stands out.

Museums

Ghent has many museums, so everyone can find something to their taste. This is an added advantage.

Libraries

Almost every neighborhood has its own small library. You can not only borrow books but also movies, music, magazines… You will find whatever you need.

For Families

Ghent is very family-friendly. People will always help you with a stroller. There are also plenty of playgrounds, parks, walking trails… This city is perfect for families with young children!

Startups

Ghent is an energetic and dynamic city. It has a film scene, a fashion scene, and more. There are also efforts to make Ghent the new hub for startups and tech companies! Ghent’s tech sector is booming. Did you know Ghent ranks second in Belgium and 163rd worldwide for startups? This is based on its startup ecosystem.

Port of Ghent

Ghent is also home to the Port of Ghent, which is part of the North Sea Port. This creates many opportunities. The Port of Ghent is the third busiest in Belgium. Search Google for job opportunities in Ghent and you will find a list of companies looking for workers.

Where to Live in Ghent as an Expat

Patershol

Patershol is Ghent’s old quarter. It has plenty of restaurants, galleries, and cafés. Its cobblestone streets contribute to an old-world atmosphere. You are sure not to get bored in Patershol.

Does living in the heart of the historic center appeal to you? Check out Vintage, one of our favorite apartments in Ghent for expats.

Kouter

Here, life revolves around a square. Fresh flowers are available every day. On Sundays, there is an even larger plant market. This tradition dates back to the 18th century. Some say Kouter is "the garden of all Ghent residents."

Miljoenenkwartier

Miljoenenkwartier means "millionaires’ quarter" in Dutch, which says almost everything you need to know. This area was built for Ghent’s new rich. It is distinguished by luxurious mansions in Art Deco and Art Nouveau styles. Many also have views of a green park. It is a quiet neighborhood, perfect for families wanting to live in the city.

Visserij

This neighborhood is flanked by canals on both sides. It is the old industrial district and is quieter. Here you will find pastel-colored townhouses and lofts. This area is ideal for living and cycling, as the waterside location features large trees and a boulevard-like feel.

Interested in living here? See the Overreke apartment, our favorite!

DOK Noord

This abandoned port district is becoming an urban meeting point. There are new apartments, shops, art galleries, flea markets, charming bars, and restaurants. Events like skate parades, open-air discos, silent discos, workshops, and more are expected here. It is a fun neighborhood to live in.

As you can see, Ghent is a vibrant city with a young, trendy atmosphere. The open-mindedness of the people here will make you feel welcome and accepted. This will help you build a social life quickly. Go out, have fun, and connect. Globexs guarantees a successful remote work experience in this city.

Rentals in Ghent

Globexs offers an excellent selection of rentals in Ghent. The rental process is designed specifically for digital nomads: fully furnished apartments, fast wifi, flexible and hassle-free contracts.