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

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Things to do


Top hotels in St. Macharius

Aparthotel Castelnou

Aparthotel Castelnou

3.5 out of 5
Kasteellaan 51 Ghent
The price is S$168 per night from 22 Mar to 23 Mar
S$168
22 Mar - 23 Mar
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! (452 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
B&B HOTEL Gent Centrum

B&B HOTEL Gent Centrum

3 out of 5
Voldersstraat 17 Ghent
The price is S$127 per night from 8 Mar to 9 Mar
S$127
8 Mar - 9 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! (1,002 reviews)
Very nice hotel, new and clean in great location.

Reviewed on 26 Feb, 2026

B&B HOTEL Gent Centrum
Van der Valk Hotel Gent

Van der Valk Hotel Gent

4.5 out of 5
Akkerhage 10 Ghent
The price is S$191 per night from 8 Mar to 9 Mar
S$191
8 Mar - 9 Mar
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! (673 reviews)
The room was nice but the bed uncomfortable and bedding very poor quality. Good hotels should invest in good pillows and towels. Location is what it is but easy enough to get a taxi. Staff were nice throughout.

Reviewed on 21 Feb, 2026

Van der Valk Hotel Gent
ibis budget Gent Centrum Dampoort

ibis budget Gent Centrum Dampoort

Kleindokkaai 27 Ghent BE
The price is S$95 per night from 22 Mar to 23 Mar
S$95
22 Mar - 23 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! (1,003 reviews)
The reception area is very welcoming

Reviewed on 16 Feb, 2026

ibis budget Gent Centrum Dampoort
Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Reylof Ghent

Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Reylof Ghent

4.5 out of 5
Hoogstraat 36 Ghent
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is S$220 per night from 13 Mar to 14 Mar
S$220
13 Mar - 14 Mar
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. ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (1,001 reviews)
This is such a beautiful hotel, very well Located and room was spotless, comfortable and great spa. It’s nice that it stays open a bit late too. Staff were very nice too.

Reviewed on 23 Feb, 2026

Pillows Grand Boutique Hotel Reylof Ghent
Ghent Marriott Hotel

Ghent Marriott Hotel

4 out of 5
Drabstraat 37 Ghent Flanders
The price is S$236 per night from 29 Mar to 30 Mar
S$236
29 Mar - 30 Mar
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Ghent. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,004 reviews)
Very un please F

Reviewed on 28 Feb, 2026

Ghent Marriott Hotel
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.

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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 showing a sunset, an administrative building and heritage architecture

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 featuring heritage architecture, a river or creek and street scenes

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