An active city trip in autumnal Ghent

Urban walking

Actively enjoy the most beautiful streets and sights of Ghent during a city walk. Put on your sports shoes and follow the city walk . Follow in the footsteps of former residents in the historic center in 5,600 steps. Walk along more than 50 points of interest , such as churches, squares and towers.

^{Foto: Martin Corlazzoli © Stad Gent - Dienst Toerisme}

On the Sunday Markets Walking Route you combine shopping and walking. In the fall there is an extra nice atmosphere on the Ghent markets . Which markets you can visit during the walk depends on which day you go. Buy second-hand books to dream away on the long winter evenings or collect brocante for a new interior.

For a touch of colour on the dreary autumn days, take a street art walk through the city centre. The 'Sorry, not sorry street art' plan takes you to the most beautiful works of art. You can also follow a ready-made route along graffiti .

^{Foto: Martin Corlazzoli © Stad Gent - Dienst Toerisme}

Extra magical walking in Ghent

Want to see Ghent in a whole new light? Follow the Light Walk , a 3.2-kilometre long magical evening walk through Ghent. With the early sunsets in autumn, you don't have to stay up late to see Ghent at its most atmospheric. Admire the illuminated historical buildings of the old city centre and artistic reflections in the water.

^{Foto: Martin Corlazzoli © Stad Gent - Dienst Toerisme}

You can also go to Ghent for a brisk walk in a yellow-orange-red autumn landscape. Near the city, hiking trails have been set out in the green . Walk between fields full of chirping migratory birds in the Bourgoyen-Ossemeersen Urban Nature Reserve or enjoy the photogenic autumn lanes in the Gentbrugse Meersen nature reserve . Also very beautiful in the autumn, especially with a bit of low-hanging mist: the beautiful old graves of the Campo Santo cemetery .

^{Foto: Bas Bogaerts © Stad Gent-Dienst Toerisme}

Tracking in Ghent

Not only your body, but also your brain can actively enjoy Ghent. Choose one of the games and quests and discover Ghent in a new way. Discover the architecture of the Miljoenenkwartier or the hidden places in the city centre with a quest. Fun for young and old! When the weather is not so nice, you can put your inner Sherlock Holmes to work in the escape rooms.

Cycling in and around Ghent

You can also discover autumn in Ghent on two wheels. Dress comfortably and warmly, rent a bike and the adventure can begin. Choose a cycling route or create your own route along the cycling junctions in the city. The Ghent Cycling Route runs for 37 kilometres along 15 hidden gems, such as the weeping willow in the Prinsenhof and the Western Cemetery. Cycling fans can delve into the history of the sport on the Gandrien Route . Cycle 40 kilometres along the cycling hotspots of Ghent. Are you more of a fairytale lover? Follow the 50 kilometre long Castles Route along the most beautiful castles in and around Ghent. You can experience cycling fun with children on the Gentbrugse Meersen Children's Cycling Route, which leads past parks and playgrounds.

Tip: On this page you will find everything you need to know about cycling in Ghent, including routes, bike rental points and cycling events.

^{Foto: Martin Corlazzoli © Stad Gent - Dienst Toerisme}

Tips for the wetter autumn days

A shower is part of autumn. Don't feel like walking or cycling in the rain? Wait for the sun in a cozy restaurant or go in search of an indoor adventure. For example, experience Augmented Reality Karting by Supercube in Flanders Expo , where it feels like you're karting in a video game. Do you prefer to take it easy? Visit the historic buildings of the Belfry of Ghent and Gravensteen Castle . Art lovers can visit the many autumn exhibitions in the city

Get more inspiration for rainy days in Ghent here.

^{Foto: Bas Bogaerts © Stad Gent-Dienst Toerisme}

Want to get more inspiration for an active autumn adventure in Ghent? Discover  the best activities and great addresses to warm up between activities here . Parents can get inspiration for autumn family adventures in Ghent here .

This article was created in collaboration with Visit Gent. For more travel inspiration for a city trip to Ghent, take a look at the website of Visit Gent .