Not quite as “chocolate box” as Bruges but there’s nothing quite like the stunning gothic skyline of Ghent. And, unlike Bruges, Ghent stays open after 8.30pm. Here are 5 of my bars that, despite visiting countless times, I still look forward to returning to.
1. Waterhuis aan de Bierkant
When the sun is shining it is almost impossible to get a seat on this waterfront terrace. If you do manage to, you can't help but feel a little bit smug as you watch people subsequently turn up only to find there is no room at the inn.
🍺 Must-order: Klokke Roeland — although not pictured, this is the house beer with an impressive ABV of 11.5% (limited to 3 glasses per customer for obvious reasons)
💡 Insider tip: If you can't get a seat on the terrace, there is a table inside, by a window that opens and looks out onto the river.
Shop the Klokke Roeland glass →
2. Artevelde Brewery
Opened in August 2022, this is another brewery that Alain de Laet, CEO of Brouwerij Huyghe, was involved in creating (see Haeseveld Brewery). Beautifully laid out and with a prime position opposite Ghent City Hall, this brewery produces a range of wonderful beers on site and offers an impressive food menu.
🍺 Must-order: Artevelde Gentse Wijze — a delicious tripel
💡 Insider tip: Ask for the smallest measure so that you can sample all of the beers.
Shop the Artevelde 50cl glass →
3. Dulle Griet
I include this, not as one of my favourite bars but, as one that you really should visit when in Ghent. Famous for its 1-litre boot of beer that you have to leave a shoe as a deposit for until you return the glass. This fame comes with a degree of nonchalance when it comes to customer service, at least when I've ordered beers there.
🍺 Must-order: Dikke Mathile brewed by Brouwerij Strubbe — or Virgin of Ghent as it was historically known
💡 Insider tip: Despite the many seats outside, try and get a seat inside where you can experience a beautiful example of a quirky Belgian beer bar.
Shop the Dikke Mathile glass →
4. Backdoor Café
Deep in the heart of the university district, Backdoor Café is a weekday drinking establishment. On one of the rare occasions that it was open on a Saturday, 3 friends and I enjoyed a range of beers recommended by the house whilst sitting at the bar with the place to ourselves. If you like music and beer then this ticks all of the boxes.
🍺 Must-order: Stille Nacht Reserve by De Dolle Brouwers — a rich, complex aged ale served in the brewery's branded glass
💡 Insider tip: Be careful when exiting the toilet after a few beers as the door opens up onto the top of a steep flight of steps!
5. Haeseveld Brewery
A newer addition to Ghent's brewing scene and a short drive out of the centre. A huge garden area serving a range of beers brewed on site makes Haeseveld's tap room a must-visit on a sunny day. This beautiful brewery was created with help from, although not owned by, Brouwerij Huyghe (brewers of Delirium beer and see Artevelde Brewery).
🍺 Must-order: Haeseveld Strong Blond — served in the branded glass
💡 Insider tip: The award-winning Haeseveld glass features a rabbit on the stem.
Shop the Haeseveld 33cl glass →
Plan Your Visit
Best time to visit: Any time of year but it is worth noting that the Ghent Festival takes place for 10 days during July. If you like live music, crowds and an almost limitless supply of delicious beer then this is the time to visit.
💡 Top tip: When driving, whether you’re staying for a day or two or just taking a daytrip, it’s worth considering leaving your car at a train station like Bruges and taking the train to Ghent Dampoort (not Ghent Sint-Pieters). This means you get heavily discounted parking when you present your train ticket and you’re a gentle stroll away from the action.
⚠️ A word of caution: In Belgium there is no guarantee that a bar or restaurant will actually be open on any given day.
Can't make it to Ghent? 🍺
We don’t sell beer — there are plenty of online retailers who do a good job of that already. We do sell over 500 different Belgian beer glasses though. It will be nowhere near as enjoyable but you can try and create a similar experience at home with the right beer in the right glass...
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About the Author
Rob has spent years travelling across Belgium and loves nothing more than visiting the weird and wonderful breweries and bars that this unique country has to offer. Beer Glass Enthusiast was born from that passion and an obsession with sourcing authentic Belgian brewery glassware to ship direct to your home. Read more guides →