When the sun finally breaks through in Belgium, the whole rhythm of the city changes. People head outside, terraces fill up, and suddenly there’s only one plan that matters: enjoying a great beer in the sun.
If you find yourself in Ghent on a day like this, you’re exactly where you want to be. With its mix of historic charm, vibrant streets, and strong beer culture, Ghent is the perfect city for a full afternoon of terrace hopping.
At Beer Secret, we’ve created a simple but perfect schedule for you: five carefully selected cafés, each with its own vibe, terrace, and beer experience—spread across one sunny afternoon. All you have to do? Follow the times, enjoy the moment, and take it one beer at a time 🍻
🍺 1 PM— DOK Brewing Company
We kick things off at DOK Brewing Company, located just outside the busiest parts of the city. This area has a slightly more industrial, creative feel, which makes it stand out from the typical city center spots.
DOK is a microbrewery, meaning the beers are brewed on-site and constantly rotating. You’ll find everything from crisp, refreshing blondes to bold IPAs and more experimental brews depending on the season. It’s the kind of place where beer lovers can really explore new flavors.
The terrace here is spacious and relaxed—perfect for easing into your day without the pressure of a busy crowd. Whether you go for something light to start or jump straight into hoppier territory, this is the ideal first stop.👉 Why start here? Because it sets the tone: fresh beers, open space, and a laid-back vibe.
In the heart of Ghent, Gruut Brewery brings history to life by reviving a pre-hop tradition. Instead of hops, they use “gruut”, a proprietary blend of herbs and spices dating back to medieval times.
Address: Dok-Noord 4B, 9000 Gent📍
🍻 2 PM — Het Spijker
From modern craft brewing, we move into something more traditional. De Spijker is a true Ghent classic—an authentic Belgian pub where the focus is on quality beer and atmosphere.
This is where you slow things down a bit. The terrace might be simpler, but that’s exactly the charm. Sitting outside with a well-poured Belgian beer, surrounded by locals and the gentle buzz of the city, is what Ghent is all about.
Their beer selection leans heavily into Belgian classics and specialty brews, making it a great moment to switch from craft styles to something more traditional—think dubbel, tripel, or a strong blond.👉 Why this stop? It gives you that real, local café experience that every terrace day needs.
Address: Pensmarkt 3, 9000 Gent 📍
🏰 3 PM — ’t Kanon
By mid-afternoon, it’s time to head into the heart of the city. ’t Kanon is located in the historic center of Ghent, surrounded by beautiful architecture and lively streets.
This is where your terrace day becomes more energetic. The terrace is perfect for people-watching, soaking in the city atmosphere, and enjoying another quality beer.
The beer menu offers a mix of Belgian favorites and rotating taps, so there’s always something interesting to try—even if you’ve already had a few stops before.👉 Why this stop? It brings you right into the vibrant core of Ghent, where history and café culture meet.
Address: Forelstraat 27, 9000 Gent, Belgium 📍
🌿 4 PM — Afsnis Gent
After the buzz of the city center, it’s time for a change of pace. Afsnis offers a more relaxed and spacious terrace where you can take a breather.
This stop is all about slowing down and enjoying the moment. The atmosphere is calmer, making it ideal to sit back, chat, and reflect on the day so far.
Their beer selection is thoughtfully curated—not overwhelming, but interesting enough to discover something new. It’s the kind of place where you might try a beer you wouldn’t normally order.👉 Why this stop? Because every great terrace route needs a moment to pause and recharge.
Address: Bij Sint-Jacobs 10, 9000 Gent📍
🍹 5 PM — Aperotheek
To finish the day, we head to Aperotheek—a more modern and vibrant spot that adds a fresh twist to your terrace experience.
While beer is still very much part of the menu, Aperotheek also offers cocktails, making it the perfect place to switch things up if you’re in the mood. After a full afternoon of beers, this final stop feels like a celebration.
The terrace here has a lively, social atmosphere—ideal for wrapping up the day with friends, good drinks, and that golden-hour sunlight.👉 Why end here? Because it gives you the perfect closing moment: relaxed, social, and just a little bit different.
Address: Vrijdagmarkt 31, 9000 Gent 📍
☀️ One Afternoon, Five Perfect Stops
From 1 PM to 5 PM, this route takes you through five completely different experiences across Ghent—from craft brewing to classic pubs, from busy city energy to relaxed terraces, and finally to a stylish finish.
You don’t have to rush it. Stay longer at your favorite stop, skip one if you feel like it, or turn it into an even longer evening. This schedule is just your guide to making the most of a sunny day.
👉 Ready for Your Next Sunny Day?
Save this route, share it with your friends, and plan your next terrace day in Ghent.
Because when the sun is out, there’s no better place to be than on a terrace with a great beer in hand.
Let BeerSecret be your guide!
Yes, we can’t wait to share our beer knowledge with you! 🫶
Before you start exploring Ghent, you may be eager to discover more about the Belgian beer world. Read more blog posts!Stay up to date on the latest buzz in Ghent beer city by subscribing to our newsletter.
