St. Macharius

Ghent

This was my favourite place to visit in Ghent. I could have taken pictures all day in the ruin of St. Bavo's Abbey. An quiet oasis in the city, we were the only people there. So quiet and serene and many courtyards to explore including a medieval church. 

Founded in the 7th century, the former abbey is now ruins echoing the history that took place here. The oldest wall in Ghent stands here.

The original Romanesque church that was destroyed is marked out by lovely hedges so you can see where it once stood as the five-metre-high shrubbery columns mark out the foundations.

Entry was free.
This was my favourite place to visit in Ghent. I could have taken pictures all day in the ruin of St. Bavo's Abbey. An quiet oasis in the city, we were the only people there. So quiet and serene and many courtyards to explore including a medieval church. 

Founded in the 7th century, the former abbey is now ruins echoing the history that took place here. The oldest wall in Ghent stands here.

The original Romanesque church that was destroyed is marked out by lovely hedges so you can see where it once stood as the five-metre-high shrubbery columns mark out the foundations.

Entry was free.
Ghent

Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in St. Macharius

Aparthotel Castelnou

Aparthotel Castelnou

3.5 out of 5
Kasteellaan 51 Ghent
The price is RM454 per night from 22 Feb to 23 Feb
RM454
RM518 total
22 Feb - 23 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Ghent. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (448 reviews)
The room and hotel itself were spotless and spacious and the location was good. The lady on the welcoming desk was lovely and very helpful. The carpark was easy and accessible. Unfortunately...the breakfast let it down as there wasn't much and the rolls were stale. Apart from that...we were very ...

Reviewed on 18 Feb 2026

Aparthotel Castelnou
Van der Valk Hotel Gent

Van der Valk Hotel Gent

4.5 out of 5
Akkerhage 10 Ghent
The price is RM467 per night from 22 Feb to 23 Feb
RM467
RM531 total
22 Feb - 23 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Ghent. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (669 reviews)
A limpeza, os restaurantes do hotel, o conforto

Reviewed on 6 Feb 2026

Van der Valk Hotel Gent
B&B HOTEL Gent Centrum

B&B HOTEL Gent Centrum

3 out of 5
Voldersstraat 17 Ghent
The price is RM334 per night from 1 Mar to 2 Mar
RM334
RM390 total
1 Mar - 2 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Ghent. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,005 reviews)
Staff and location great, really clean hotel. Would definitely recommend.

Reviewed on 13 Feb 2026

B&B HOTEL Gent Centrum
Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Reylof Ghent

Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Reylof Ghent

4.5 out of 5
Hoogstraat 36 Ghent
The price is RM698 per night from 23 Feb to 24 Feb
RM698
RM776 total
23 Feb - 24 Feb
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in Ghent. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Reylof Ghent
ibis budget Gent Centrum Dampoort

ibis budget Gent Centrum Dampoort

Kleindokkaai 27 Ghent BE
The price is RM241 per night from 15 Mar to 16 Mar
RM241
RM291 total
15 Mar - 16 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Ghent. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,000 reviews)
The reception area is very welcoming

Reviewed on 16 Feb 2026

ibis budget Gent Centrum Dampoort
Novotel Gent Centrum

Novotel Gent Centrum

3.5 out of 5
Hoogpoort 52 Ghent
The price is RM418 per night from 8 Mar to 9 Mar
RM418
RM480 total
8 Mar - 9 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Ghent. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
The overall hotel was fine and it’s in a very good central location, but there were a few issues that made the stay very uncomfortable. The room was extremely overheated even in February to the point where we had the window open constantly for 3 days and the fan on overnight to sleep. I woke up with ...

Reviewed on 16 Feb 2026

Novotel Gent Centrum
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around St. Macharius

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Red Light District

While there might not be top attractions in Red Light District, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Glass Alley and Capitole Theatre.

Red Light District
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Heirnis

Heirnis might not have many top sights, but Capitole Theatre and St. Bavo's Abbey are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Heirnis
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Zuid

You'll enjoy the parks and shopping in Zuid. You might want to make time for a stop at Ghent South Shopping Center or Ghent Public Library.

Zuid
Ghent Town Hall featuring an administrative buidling, a sunset and street scenes

Ghent City Centre

4.5/5(70 area reviews)

Historical sites, cafes and museums are some highlights of Ghent City Centre. Make a stop by Masons' Guild Hall or Belfry of Ghent while you're exploring.

Ghent City Centre
Gravensteen showing a river or creek, street scenes and heritage architecture

Patershol

4.5/5(2 area reviews)

Patershol is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Gravensteen Castle and Old Fish Market.

Patershol
Ghent XXL panorama

Graslei and Korenlei

If you're spending some time in Graslei and Korenlei, Korenmarkt Square and St. Michael's Bridge are top sights worth seeing.

Graslei and Korenlei


St. Macharius