Ghent hostels

If you’re backpacking through the Flemish region of Belgium and looking for budget accommodation, you’ll find no shortage of Ghent hostels. One of the most centrally located, with easy access to public transport, is De Draecke Hostel; it’s only about 0.6 miles (1 km) from the centre of town, in the Prinsenhof district. The hostel offers plenty of storage, in the form of lockers and a safety deposit box, and there’s a shared lounge with a small bar and a vending machine for drinks and snacks. When it comes to tourist attractions nearby, you’ll have a range of choices: Gravensteen Castle, St.Nicholas’ Church, Belfry of Ghent and Lakenhalle are all within about a 4-mile (6.5 km) radius.

A very good choice of Ghent hostels for families on holiday with children is Treck Hostel. You’ll get a complimentary breakfast each morning, and there’s a well-stocked games room that offers ping pong, darts and more. Board games are supplied, for everyone to enjoy before the kids’ bedtime, and bicycle hire is available, which is a great way to get around the city. A large outdoor dining garden features a patio, a BBQ and a picnic area, and you’ll also have full use of the shared kitchen. After dinner, relax in the lounge bar. During the day, your kids will have both an indoor and outdoor play area, the latter with lots of play equipment.

If you’re looking for Ghent hostels with a touch of elegance, Hostel Uppelink is quite a special place. Its castle-like facade and period furniture and decor give it a historical feel, and it’s indeed surrounded by some of the town’s oldest landmarks, like St. Michael’s Bridge. It has plenty of extra amenities, including a concierge service, on-site ATMs and a gift shop. There are laundry facilities and vending machines too, and you’ll be hard pressed to find a better location for shopping. Your room will either have a river view or a view over the city, and you can relax in the coffee shop or the lounge with an attached bar.

If you’re looking for a cheap hostel in Ghent, you should consider going during the low season. You’ll generally find lower-priced hostels in Ghent in October and April.

Hostel room prices vary depending on many factors but you’ll likely find the best hostel deals in Ghent if you stay on a Saturday. The most expensive day for hostel bookings is Friday.

If you want to ensure you grab a bargain, try to book at least 16 days before your stay to get the best price for a Ghent hostel.