Ghent’s charms flow forth like the Lys and Scheldt Rivers it sits upon. Don’t take our word for it: A short trip from Brussels (or Bruges) is all it takes to bask in the glory of its 12th-century Gravensteen castle, or walk along the picturesque Graslei, flanked by medieval guild houses. This has made Ghent a Euro-tripper sensation as of late, with visitor numbers doubling since 2010. Hospitality booms in tandem, and big-league operators like Marriott are leaning in to capture this growing affection.
Meanwhile, the #34-ranked Ghent University keeps the city flush with hungry talent. Its business ecosystem, also ranked #34, is all the better for it. Here you’ll find a true automotive hub, its bustling ports home to Volvo and Honda assembly plants. Meanwhile, start-ups dot the city, pushing the limits of biotech, pharma, and deep tech.
Residential is evolving, too: 1,100 new homes will sprout up in the Afrikalaan neighbourhood in the next few years, while the Leopoldskazerne military barracks have re-emerged as a mixed-use district. And, of course, there are megaprojects simmering, including the monumental R4WO ring road project, which will pump at least €720 million into mobility and infrastructure improvements – revolutionising how Ghent connects with Belgium and beyond.