Quick verdict: best for a full Ghent weekend
CityCard Gent is unusually broad: besides museums and monuments, it includes city public transport, an eligible boat tour and time-limited bicycle or water-tram benefits. But for a one-day wander around the canals and just one castle visit, it often costs more than individual entry.
As checked on 19 October 2026, the official prices are:
CityCard Gent | Current price | Validity |
|---|---|---|
48 hours | €49 | 48 hours from first use |
72 hours | €55 | 72 hours from first use |
There is no 24-hour version in the official offer. The €6 increase from 48 to 72 hours can be useful if you're staying a third day, but only if you have time and plans for additional visits. Official CityCard Gent page.
What you get for the money
The participating list includes Gravensteen (Castle of the Counts), Ghent Belfry, MSK, S.M.A.K., STAM, Design Museum Gent, and various other museums and monuments. The pass generally grants one visit to each participating attraction, plus admission to qualifying temporary exhibitions.
Its transport advantages are particularly relevant in Ghent: you can use De Lijn tram and bus journeys within the city, take one eligible guided boat trip, rent a bicycle for a day and use the hop-on/hop-off water tram for a day when operating and available. The boat, rental and water tram benefits have conditions; a bicycle deposit may apply. The city transport entitlement is not a ticket for travel outside Ghent. Official included attractions and transport rules.
Actual break-even example: castle plus Belfry
The official Visit Gent listings currently show standard adult admission of €15 for Gravensteen and €13 for the Belfry. Bought individually, those two visits add up to €28.
What you do | Individual value before other benefits |
|---|---|
Gravensteen | €15 |
Ghent Belfry | €13 |
Combined | €28 |
CityCard Gent (48h) | €49 |
More value needed to break even | €21 |
So a pass for only those two sites doesn't pay for itself. But an included boat trip, local transport, another museum and any applicable Altarpiece discount can shift the result. Count only services you were going to use anyway. Castle pricing · Belfry pricing.
Important: the Ghent Altarpiece is not simply free
The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb / Ghent Altarpiece at St Bavo's Cathedral has a distinct ticketing procedure. The CityCard currently offers a €10 reduction, not free general admission to the visitors' centre.
You must book online in advance to get the CityCard reduction, selecting the CityCard fare. Bring both the booking and the CityCard to the entrance. You can reserve that discounted ticket before physically purchasing the card, according to Visit Gent. Buying at the entrance is not the route to the card discount.
The Castle of the Counts and Belfry have different arrangements: official Visit Gent guidance says CityCard holders do not need a prior timeslot reservation there. CityCard booking FAQ.
Where to buy it: not online
This is the most important practical distinction from the Brussels and Antwerp cards: CityCard Gent is not currently sold online. According to Visit Gent, you buy it at physical sales points, including the tourist office at Sint-Veerleplein 5, participating museums and various hotels. A late arrival can make a hotel sales point particularly convenient, but check before counting on a particular desk being open.
Official CityCard Gent points of sale.
When it is — and isn't — worthwhile
For one day in Ghent centred on the Graslei, St Michael's Bridge, the castle and walking through Patershol, individual tickets are usually the better starting point. For two full days, with Gravensteen, the Belfry, at least one museum, the included boat ride and several De Lijn rides, calculate the whole package. For three days, the extra €6 for 72 hours can be excellent value if you plan to use the card beyond the second day.
Families should calculate separately: children and teenagers up to 18 may already enter many Ghent museums free or at reduced prices. The CityCard isn't automatically good value for each child.
Finally, check museum closing days; even a generous card has no value if your chosen attractions aren't open.
Verified 19 October 2026 using Visit Gent's official CityCard terms, sales points and participating list. All purchase links are official; this article does not invent a commissionable online product.