A cozy winter weekend in Ghent: shopping, culture, and conviviality

The new year has begun, the holidays are over, and maybe you also worked extra to get everything done. Now it's time to slow down and catch your breath. January is the perfect month for a quiet Winter weekend in Ghent, with a relaxed atmosphere, cozy cafes, and plenty of opportunities for shopping during the sales.

Combine culture, relaxation, and comfort with the Heart of Winter arrangement from Hotel Gent and enjoy a winter stay that is all about relaxation, coziness, and new energy.

The entire month of January is sale time in Ghent. From charming boutiques to large store chains: shopping in Ghent during the sales is a real winter classic. While strolling through the shopping streets, it's also worth taking a moment to look up. The historic facades and beautiful architecture make a day of shopping extra special.

By Visit Gent, you can easily discover the nicest shopping neighborhoods and make the most out of a day shopping in the center of Ghent.

TIP: every first Sunday of the month is shopping Sunday in Ghent.

Do you want to soak up some culture during your winter weekend in Ghent? Then the CityCard Ghent. an ideal addition. With this card, you get 48 or 72 hours of free access to the main attractions, monuments, and museums, including temporary exhibitions and public transportation.

This is how you discover Ghent in a relaxed way, without wasting time, and effortlessly combine culture with comfort during your stay at Hotel Gent.

Do you want to combine culture with an evening walk through the city? Every first Thursday of the month, the Ghent museums stay open until 10 PM. These late opening hours are often supplemented with lectures, concerts, or guided tours. This way, you can also experience Ghent in the evening, when the city is atmospherically lit and the streets become quieter.

View the program and all participating museums below

Can it all be a bit quieter? Even in the winter, a walk through Ghent is an absolute must. Walk along the Leie, through the historic center or one of the cozy squares and be surprised by the winter charm of the city.

Combine your walk with a museum visit or a short shopping stop for the perfect balance between active exploration and relaxing enjoyment.

After a day full of shopping during the sales, winter walks, and cultural discoveries, nothing is nicer than returning to Hotel Gent. With the Heart of Winter package, you enjoy a comfortable overnight stay, a delicious dine in Restaurant Cocotte and an extensive live cooking breakfast buffet in the morning.

Would you like extra relaxation? Then you can complement your stay with wellness facilities, so you can completely relax in the evening without having to leave the house. This way, your winter weekend in Ghent becomes a complete, cozy experience where comfort, gastronomy, and relaxation are central.

Posted on 9/01/2026