Ghent is one of Europe's best-kept secrets — a medieval Flemish city laced with canals, towering cathedrals, and centuries-old guild houses, but without the tourist crowds that flood nearby Bruges. It is Belgium's third-largest city and one of its most vibrant, powered by a large university population that fills the cobblestone streets with energy, nightlife, and affordable restaurants. The food scene is outstanding: waterzooi originated here, the frituren serve Belgium's best fries, and the beer selection is world-class. HYROX Ghent takes place at Flanders Expo (now officially Exhibition Centre Ghent), a major venue complex in Sint-Denijs-Westrem, about 5 km southwest of the historic city centre and well connected by tram.
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The Event
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Event | HYROX Ghent 2026 |
| Dates | December 17–20, 2026 |
| Venue | Flanders Expo |
| Address | Maaltekouter 1, 9051 Sint-Denijs-Westrem, Ghent, Belgium |
| Airport | Brussels Airport (BRU) |
Mid-December in Ghent means proper winter weather. Expect highs around 6°C (43°F) and lows near 1°C (34°F). Conditions are typically cold and damp, with grey skies, drizzle, and the occasional frost. The race is indoors, but you will be outside getting to and from the venue, and exploring the city. Pack warm layers, a waterproof jacket, and sturdy shoes. On the bright side, December is when Ghent's Christmas market (Winterfeest) transforms the city centre into a glowing wonderland of stalls, Glühwein, and ice skating.
The Venue: Flanders Expo
Flanders Expo (Exhibition Centre Ghent) is one of Belgium's largest exhibition and event venues, located in the suburban neighbourhood of Sint-Denijs-Westrem, about 5 km southwest of Ghent's historic centre. The complex spans multiple large halls and regularly hosts international trade fairs, concerts, and sporting events. The space is well suited to HYROX — flat, spacious, and fully indoors with good facilities for spectators and athletes.
What's nearby:
- Flanders Expo tram stop — Tram 21/22 from city centre, stops right at the venue
- Sint-Denijs-Westrem — quiet suburban area with a handful of restaurants and cafes
- Ghent city centre — about 5 km northeast, 20 min by tram
- Ghent-Sint-Pieters station — about 3 km, Ghent's main train station
Important: The venue is outside the city centre in a suburban area without much to do beyond the event itself. For the best overall experience — restaurants, sightseeing, nightlife — stay in Ghent's medieval city centre and take the tram to Flanders Expo on race day. The tram connection is frequent and takes about 20 minutes.
Where to Stay
Ghent's historic city centre is compact, atmospheric, and packed with restaurants and bars — the ideal base for race weekend. The medieval quarter around Gravensteen castle and St Bavo's Cathedral puts you within walking distance of everything worth seeing. If convenience on race morning is your priority, staying near Flanders Expo eliminates the commute entirely.
NH Gent Belfort — Best City Centre
4-star hotel in the heart of Ghent's old town, overlooking the Belfort tower and steps from St Bavo's Cathedral. The location is exceptional — you are right in the middle of the medieval quarter with Gravensteen castle, Graslei, and the best restaurants all within a few minutes' walk. Modern rooms, reliable service, and a solid breakfast. The top choice for combining race weekend with proper sightseeing.
Ibis Gent Centrum Opera — City Centre Value
Budget-friendly hotel in the city centre near the Flemish Opera house. Clean, compact rooms with everything you need and nothing you do not. The location is excellent for the price — walkable to the cathedral, Patershol dining quarter, and all the main sights. A smart pick if you would rather spend your money on Belgian beer and chocolate than a hotel room.
Holiday Inn Gent Expo — Near Venue
Located right next to Flanders Expo, this is the most practical option for race day. Roll out of bed and walk to the venue without worrying about tram schedules or early-morning logistics. The hotel is comfortable and well-equipped, with on-site dining. The trade-off is that you are in a suburban area — Ghent's restaurants and nightlife are a tram ride away. Ideal if your main priority is a stress-free race morning.
Getting There
From Brussels Airport (BRU)
Brussels Airport is about 60 km east of Ghent — the main international gateway for reaching the city.
| Option | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train | ~70 min | €15–20 | Take the train from the airport to Brussels-South (Midi), then a direct IC train to Ghent-Sint-Pieters. Trains run frequently throughout the day |
| Taxi | ~50 min | €120–150 | Direct door-to-door. Convenient but expensive. Book in advance for better rates |
From Brussels South Charleroi Airport (CRL)
| Option | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shuttle + train | ~2 hours | €20–25 | Budget airlines (Ryanair, Wizz Air) fly here. Take the airport shuttle bus to Charleroi station, then train via Brussels to Ghent |
Public Transport
Ghent's public transport is run by De Lijn (Flemish public transport operator), which operates trams and buses throughout the city and surrounding areas.
| Ticket | Price |
|---|---|
| Single ticket | €2.50 (app) / €3.00 (on board) |
| Day pass | €7.50 |
Tram 21/22 runs from the city centre directly to Flanders Expo. The journey takes about 20 minutes. Buy tickets in advance on the De Lijn app or at ticket machines — purchasing on board costs more.
Where to Eat
Patershol — Ghent's best dining area. A tangle of narrow medieval streets behind Gravensteen castle, lined with intimate restaurants serving Flemish classics, international cuisine, and fine dining. Atmospheric and walkable — wander the cobblestone alleys and pick whatever catches your eye.
Groentenmarkt — the old vegetable market square in the city centre. A daily market by day and a lively restaurant-and-bar scene by evening. Centrally located near the meat hall (Groot Vleeshuis), which now serves East Flemish regional products.
Belgian & Ghent Food to Try
- Waterzooi — Ghent's signature dish and the one thing you must eat while here. A rich, creamy stew traditionally made with fish but now more commonly with chicken, simmered with leeks, carrots, potatoes, and cream. Hearty, warming, and perfect for December
- Stoofvlees (carbonnade flamande) — Flemish beef stew braised slowly in Belgian beer, served with bread and mustard. Deep, rich, and savoury. Often paired with frites
- Frites — Belgian fries from a frituur (chip shop), double-fried for extra crunch and served in a paper cone with mayonnaise. These are Belgian, not French — and Belgians take them very seriously
- Belgian waffles — two styles: Liège-style (dense, chewy, studded with pearl sugar that caramelises) or Brussels-style (light, rectangular, dusted with powdered sugar). Grab one fresh from a street stand
- Chocolate — Belgian chocolate is among the finest in the world. Visit a chocolatier like Yuzu or Van Hoorebeke for handmade pralines and truffles. Stock up — they make excellent gifts
Budget eating: Frituren serve generous portions of frites with toppings for €4–6. Bakeries sell fresh sandwiches for €3–5. Ghent's student restaurants offer hearty, cheap meals. A Belgian beer at a brown cafe (bruine kroeg) costs €3–5 — remarkably good value for what you are drinking.
Essential Ghent Tips
Currency. Euro (EUR). Belgium is in the eurozone.
Cash vs card. Cards accepted at most restaurants, shops, and hotels. Some smaller cafes, frituren, and market stalls prefer cash. Keep €20–30 on hand just in case.
Tipping. Not expected in Belgium. Service is included in the bill. Rounding up to the nearest euro or leaving small change is a polite gesture but never obligatory.
Language. Dutch (Flemish dialect). English is widely spoken — Ghent is a university city with a large international community and plenty of tourism. You will have no trouble getting by in English. A few words of Dutch (dankjewel — thank you, alstublieft — please) are appreciated.
Weather in mid-December. Highs around 6°C (43°F), lows around 1°C (34°F). Cold, damp, and often overcast with a chance of rain or drizzle. Bring warm layers, a waterproof jacket, and a scarf. The upside: Ghent's Christmas market makes the cold weather feel festive rather than miserable.
Safety. Ghent is a very safe city. Standard precautions apply — keep an eye on your belongings in busy areas and at the Christmas market.
What to See
- Gravensteen — the Castle of the Counts. A brooding medieval fortress right in the city centre, built in 1180. Climb to the ramparts for panoramic views over Ghent's rooftops and canals. One of the best-preserved medieval castles in Europe
- St Bavo's Cathedral — home of the Ghent Altarpiece (The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb) by Hubert and Jan van Eyck. Completed in 1432, it is considered one of the most important and influential artworks in Western history. The cathedral itself is a stunning mix of Romanesque and Gothic architecture
- Graslei and Korenlei — the picturesque medieval quaysides along the River Leie. Guild houses and warehouses from the 12th to 17th centuries line both banks, beautifully lit at night. The most photographed spot in Ghent and a wonderful place to sit with a beer
- Ghent Christmas Market — Winterfeest takes over the city centre throughout December with wooden market stalls, an ice-skating rink, Glühwein stands, and festive lights strung between the medieval buildings. Your race weekend coincides perfectly with the Christmas season
- STAM Ghent City Museum — tells the story of Ghent from its origins as a powerful medieval trading city through its industrial revolution to the modern university town it is today. Housed in a striking blend of historic abbey buildings and contemporary architecture
- Blaarmeersen — a large recreational park with a lake, beach, and sports facilities, about 3 km from Flanders Expo. A good option for a shakeout jog or walk the day before or after your race
Quick Reference
| Need | Answer |
|---|---|
| Airport | Brussels (BRU), ~70 min by train |
| Venue | Flanders Expo, Sint-Denijs-Westrem |
| Nearest station | Ghent-Sint-Pieters, ~3 km from venue |
| Transport to venue | Tram 21/22 from city centre |
| Currency | Euro (EUR) |
| Cash needed? | Sometimes. Small places prefer cash |
| Language | Dutch (English widely spoken) |
| Weather | 1–6°C, cold, damp |
| Tipping | Not expected. Rounding up is polite |
| Emergency | 112 |
This guide will be updated as more event details are confirmed. Last updated: May 2026. Check the official HYROX event page for the latest information.