Neighborhoods to avoid in Ghent and the safest and most pleasant places to stay

Ghent (Gent) is one of the most pleasant cities in Belgium: pedestrianized historic centre, student atmosphere, canals, bikes everywhere… and overall a safe atmosphere for travellers.

But as everywhere, some areas are more recommended than others for accommodation, especially if it's your first stay.

Here is a complete, up-to-date guide to understanding the level of crime, which areas to avoid in Ghent, and the best places to stay to get around on foot.

Is Ghent a safe city?

According to the Numbeo crime index, Belgium as a whole has an index of around 49, placing it among the European countries where the perception of crime is "moderate to relatively high", but far behind the most risky countries in the world.

Furthermore, the terrorist threat level is set at 3 out of 4, which is quite high.

But Belgium experiences disparities in security. While some areas of Brussels or the wearing ofAntwerp While facing challenges related to drug trafficking, Ghent remains largely untouched by serious crime.

Indeed, Ghent is a relatively safe city. For visitors and tourists, this city is much calmer, safer, more relaxing, and far less problematic than other major European cities such as Montpellier, Turin, Birmingham ou Frankfurt.

Neighborhoods to avoid in Ghent

There are no "no-go zones" in Ghent. The neighborhoods listed below are not "forbidden" but are less recommended for visitors because they are more sensitive (social image, petty crime, rougher atmosphere) or simply less pleasant for a tourist stay.

Brugse Poort – Rooigem A working-class neighborhood west of the city center. This area is less pleasant and best avoided at night, especially around certain streets with heavy traffic and a more gritty, street-life atmosphere. Furthermore, it offers little to no tourist appeal.
Plane Located northwest of the city center, this is a historically working-class neighborhood with a higher unemployment rate. Although undergoing urban renewal, it can feel less safe at night. It's not the picture-postcard setting you're looking for.
Dampoort (around the train station) The area around Ghent-Dampoort station (not to be confused with the main Saint-Pierre station) can be a bit seedy late at night. It's a popular spot for petty crime and therefore not an ideal place to stay.
Muide – Meulestede – Afrikalaan : Area towards the port and the main roads, undergoing gentrification according to some observers, therefore very contrasting depending on the street.
Nieuw Gent and large peripheral complexes : Some modern residential complexes, away from the centre, with a more social and less touristy image.
Parks and green spaces at night (Citadelpark, etc.) : Some residents report that Citadelpark can be unsafe at night (drunk people, gatherings), even though during the day it remains a pleasant park.
Overpoortstraat: This is Ghent's "street of thirst." Is it dangerous? No. Is it quiet? Absolutely not. This area is best avoided if you want to sleep, as Thursday nights here mean massive parties, noise, and drunken people in the streets.

The 2 best neighborhoods to stay in Ghent

For a traveler, the winning combination is: Central neighborhood + pleasant atmosphere + easy access to tourist sites on foot. With this in mind, here are the neighborhoods in Ghent to prioritize when choosing your accommodation:

Historic center / Binnenstad (Korenmarkt, Graslei, Korenlei)

This is the ideal area for a first stay:

This is the historic center, the most convenient for exploring on foot and very safe. You are just steps away from the Gravensteen (Counts' Castle), St. Bavo's Cathedral, the Belfry, the Korenmarkt and the Graslei/Korenlei quays.
Largely pedestrianized area, lively but fairly safe, very popular with tourists and students.
A very wide selection of hotels, hostels and apartments, from budget to luxury.

Patershol Quarter

It's a charming historic district, just north of the city center and the Counts' Castle. Ideal for lovers of "old towns" and fine dining, and for travelers who want a bit less nighttime noise.

This is the culinary district with its cobbled streets, old facades, intimate restaurants and cozy bars.

Which hotel is best for a tourist stay in Ghent?

For a perfect stay combining total security, historical charm and a strategic location, here is the hotel I recommend: 1898 The Post

It's a charming hotel housed in the former neo-Gothic post office building. It's one of the most photographed buildings in the city.

Located in the heart of the pedestrian area, between the grain market (Korenmarkt) and the Lys river, it is also right opposite a tram stop!

The tourist advantage is that you step out of the hotel and are literally facing the three towers of Ghent. The view from the bar (The Cobbler) is breathtaking.

See this hotel