Ghent makes for steady, practical shopping. Old craft traditions meet small food producers, so you can find things made by local hands and family businesses. This guide covers items you can find across the city, not one specific street or shop.

You’ll get notes on where to look, how to judge quality, and how to pack items for travel. The aim is helpful and simple so you can bring home souvenirs that last.

1. Belgian chocolate boxes

• Why it’s worth buying: Many local chocolatiers use high-quality cocoa and simple ingredients. Small boxes make a classic edible gift that stores well for a week or two.
• Where to look: food halls and market stalls carry both single-origin and mixed boxes.
• Price range: $8–$40
• How to spot a good one: Check for a short ingredients list and a cocoa origin on the label.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Keep chocolate in your carry-on if temperatures might melt it.

2. Bottled craft beer

• Why it’s worth buying: Ghent breweries often bottle small-batch ales with distinct local yeast strains. Bottles show the city’s brewing style and make a heavier souvenir worth the effort.
• Where to look: independent shops that specialize in local beers and craft selections.
• Price range: $4–$12 per bottle
• How to spot a good one: Look for a bottling date and readable brewery contact information.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Wrap bottles in clothing and put them in the center of checked luggage, or ship home.

3. Hand-thrown ceramics

• Why it’s worth buying: Pots and small bowls often reflect regional glazes and traditional firing methods. They’re useful and show craft skill without being overly large.
• Where to look: galleries and craft fairs where makers sell directly.
• Price range: $20–$120
• How to spot a good one: Inspect the base for a maker’s mark and even glazing with no hairline cracks.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Bubble-wrap each piece and surround with soft clothes in a carry-on if possible.

4. Printed linen tea towels

• Why it’s worth buying: Linen has long textile roots here and printed designs often reference local scenes. Tea towels are light, useful, and easy to fit in luggage.
• Where to look: markets and small independent shops that sell home textiles.
• Price range: $12–$35
• How to spot a good one: Feel the fabric—real linen is slightly coarse and becomes softer with wash.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Roll towels to save space and cushion other fragile items.

5. Handmade silver or brass jewelry

• Why it’s worth buying: Local jewelers tend toward simple, durable designs and use local workshops. Smaller pieces travel easily and make personal keepsakes.
• Where to look: galleries and artisan stalls in maker markets.
• Price range: $25–$150
• How to spot a good one: Check for hallmarks or a maker’s card and even soldering work.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Store jewelry in a small pouch and carry it with you.

6. Fine art prints and posters

• Why it’s worth buying: Local artists produce limited-run prints that capture the city’s architecture and culture. Paper pieces are affordable and simple to frame at home.
• Where to look: independent shops and art galleries that feature local artists.
• Price range: $10–$80
• How to spot a good one: Ask if the print is signed or limited edition and what paper was used.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Roll prints into a sturdy mail tube or flat in a portfolio folder.

7. Mustard and savory condiments

• Why it’s worth buying: Regional mustard blends pair well with local cheeses and meats. Jars are compact and brighten meals after you return home.
• Where to look: food halls and specialty market stalls selling regional condiments.
• Price range: $4–$15
• How to spot a good one: Prefer brands listing simple ingredients and a local producer name.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Wrap jars in plastic and place them in checked baggage, or ship them.

8. Speculoos biscuits and local sweets

• Why it’s worth buying: These spiced biscuits store well and are a straightforward edible reminder of the city. Packaged products are easier through customs than loose pastries.
• Where to look: markets and food halls that sell specialty packaged sweets.
• Price range: $3–$12
• How to spot a good one: Look for sealed packaging and a clear expiry date.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Keep sealed packets in carry-on or checked luggage, away from sharp items.

9. Woven market tote or shopper bag

• Why it’s worth buying: Strong woven bags are practical for daily use and made by local weavers or cooperatives. They fold flat and last a long time.
• Where to look: co-ops and artisan markets where textiles are made locally.
• Price range: $10–$45
• How to spot a good one: Check tight stitching and sturdy handles for durability.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Fold flat into your suitcase or use as a soft filler around fragile items.

10. Small leather notebook or wallet

• Why it’s worth buying: Leather goods made locally feature simple craftsmanship and age well. Compact items are handy gifts and easy to carry.
• Where to look: independent shops selling handcrafted accessories.
• Price range: $20–$90
• How to spot a good one: Inspect edges and stitching for neat, even workmanship.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Slip leather into your carry-on to avoid extreme temperature changes.

11. Hand-forged metal bottle opener or small tool

• Why it’s worth buying: Local metalworkers create useful, long-lasting pieces with clear craft techniques. These are practical keepsakes that don’t take much room.
• Where to look: galleries and maker markets featuring metalwork.
• Price range: $15–$60
• How to spot a good one: Feel the weight and check for smooth finishing without sharp burrs.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Wrap in a cloth and place between soft clothes to prevent scratches.

12. Postcards and photographer sets

• Why it’s worth buying: Photo sets capture city scenes and local architecture in a compact format. They’re inexpensive, lightweight, and easy to mail home or frame later.
• Where to look: market stalls and museum shops that sell local photography.
• Price range: $2–$20
• How to spot a good one: Prefer sets from named photographers or museum-licensed images.
• Easy-to-pack tip: Slip cards into a flat folder to keep them from bending.

Quick buying tips for Ghent

• Carry some euros; small stalls may still prefer cash over cards for small purchases.
• Haggling is rarely expected; polite questions about discounts sometimes work at markets.
• Wrap fragile items in clothing and place them centrally in checked luggage for protection.
• Many shops will ship abroad; ask about packing and reliable postal options before buying.
• Look for “made locally” tags, maker signatures, or producer contact details on labels.
• For food or liquids, check sealed packaging and airline rules before packing in luggage.

Where to shop in Ghent

Shopping options are spread around the central canal area and public squares, with galleries and market stalls interspersed. Look for market days and museum shops for well-curated local items.

• Historic center and Grote Markt for regional foods, sweets, and seasonal stalls.
• Kouter flower market area where you’ll find artisan textiles and small gift stalls.
• Vrijdagmarkt for traditional market stalls selling food, prints, and local crafts.
• Museum shops near St. Bavo’s and museums for high-quality prints and books.
• Canal-side streets for galleries that sell ceramics, jewelry, and metalwork.
• Food halls and covered markets offering packaged condiments, chocolates, and biscuits.
• Craft fairs and weekend markets for direct purchases from makers and demonstrations.

What to skip (common tourist traps)

• Mass-produced trinkets sold at every corner; they often use cheap materials and finish.
• Items labeled “local” without maker information or origin details on the packaging.
• Sealed-looking confectionery with no ingredients list—origin and storage unclear.
• Fragile ceramics displayed without proper packaging or seller advice on transport.
• Cheap leather goods with uneven stitching and unclear material labels.
• Unlicensed art prints copying local works; originals should show a signature or credit.

If you only buy three things

Belgian chocolate boxes — well-curated, shareable, and clearly tied to local taste.
Hand-thrown ceramics — they represent local craft and are useful at home.
Printed linen tea towels — light, durable, and easy to pack.

FAQ

1. What is Ghent known for making?
   Ghent has a long craft history in textiles and metalwork, along with modern ceramics. Today it also hosts many small food producers and artisanal makers.

2. What are the best edible souvenirs from Ghent?
   Packaged chocolates, spiced biscuits like speculoos, and local mustards are reliable choices. Choose sealed packages with clear ingredients and producer names.

3. Are souvenirs expensive in Ghent?
   Prices range from very affordable postcards to pricier handmade ceramics and jewelry. You can find quality items at different budgets by checking makers’ marks and materials.

4. What is the easiest souvenir to pack from Ghent?
   Printed linen tea towels and postcards are the simplest to pack and won’t add much weight. They travel flat and provide a clear sense of place.

5. How do I know if something is truly local?
   Look for a maker’s name, a local address, or a “made locally” label with contact details. Ask sellers about production methods or request a maker card for confirmation.

Tip: Save your receipts, and keep fragile items in your carry-on.

About the Author 

Colin is the founder of SouvenirsIdeas.com and a passionate traveller with a soft spot for ceramics, markets, and food tours. He writes practical, first-hand guides to help you bring home souvenirs that actually mean something — not just more clutter!

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