The Digital Nomad Guide to Ghent, Belgium (2025) – Europe’s Hidden Remote Work Gem
- Fizzy Globe
- Jul 28
- 15 min read
Updated: Sep 14
The Complete Digital Nomad Guide to Ghent, Belgium 2025 by Fizzy Globe
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Essential spots only — the neighbourhoods, cafes, and hidden gems that actually matter
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Real budget breakdowns — what things actually cost
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📌 Table of Contents
Why Ghent Works for Remote Workers
Visa and Entry Requirements
Internet & SIM Card Tips
Coworking & Laptop-Friendly Spots – Free
Coworking Spaces – Paid
Where to Stay in Ghent
Local Vibe & Creative Neighbourhoods
Getting Around Ghent
Cost of Living in GhentFitness & Wellbeing for Nomads
Nomad Tips & Tools, Disclaimers & Final Thoughts
Ok so lets begin Grab a coffee, tea, matcha, or maybe something stronger. Take a moment, settle in. Let's explore Ghent together.
Ghent is the kind of place that surprises you asa digital nomad or slow travel destination perhaps. After many trips there either in between destinations or to sit around for a little while Fizzy Globe think's it's well worth a mention.
Tucked between Brussels and Bruges, this creative Belgian gem isn’t just postcard-pretty - it’s also an emerging lesser known favourite for digital nomads who want balance: fast Wi-Fi, cool cowork cafés, green space, and artistic buzz.
Why Ghent Can Work in 2025 for remote work
The Digital Nomad Guide to Ghent
For many remote workers - especially from the UK, US, or Australia—Ghent potentially low key offers what London no longer can: lower stress, higher quality of life, and easier access to mainland Europe maybe?
🇬🇧 Post-Brexit pain: UK citizens no longer have freedom of movement in the EU. You now need to track 90/180-day Schengen rules, making longer stays complex. Ghent offers a stable, connected base while still being manageable for short-to-mid-term remote work.
If you're from another EU country, Ghent can be even more ideal. With freedom of movement, no visa worries, and seamless access to local healthcare, it’s easy to settle in, find workspaces, and stay longer-term without jumping through bureaucratic hoops.
Likewise, for nomads from the US, Canada, Asia, and beyond, Ghent offers a comfortable European entry point. It’s centrally located, well-connected by train and air, and offers a familiar rhythm with a local twist — perfect for those testing out a slower European lifestyle.
For tax planning, visas, or alternative EU residencies, Try exploring NomadCapitalist.com for up-to-date strategies.
Entry & Digital Nomad Visa Options (Belgium & EU)
While Belgium does not currently offer a dedicated digital nomad visa, there are still legal pathways for remote workers.
Visa Summary Table
For Longer-Term Remote Work
If you're planning to base yourself in Belgium longer than 90 days, you may consider:
A self-employed (freelance) visa – requires a business plan, proof of income, and registration
Entrepreneur permits through Flanders region (Ghent is in Flanders)
Residency options via EU Blue Card (for employed professionals with contracts)
Planning a loop through Europe? Track your days with Schengen calculators and stagger trips with non-Schengen countries like Georgia or Albania to reset your visa clock.
Note: Always consult Official Belgium Immigration before applying. Requirements may vary by region (Flanders, Brussels, Wallonia).
Key Advantages for Digital Nomads & Travellers
90-day visa-free access for many nationalities under Schengen rules
World-class internet and established coworking cafés
Walkable, beautiful historic city with modern infrastructure
Strong rule of law and healthcare in an EU member state
Ideal for UK freelancers struggling with post-Brexit options ideal for short stays
Visa & Travel Checklist
✔️ Passport valid 6+ months
✔️ Track Schengen days (90 in 180)
✔️ Consider long-term visa options if staying >90 days
✔️ Try Nomad Capitalist for tax/residency insights
✔️ Purchase Global health insurance SafetyWing
✔️ Use an eSIM Saily instead of local SIMs for quick setup
✔️ Beware of fake visa service websites — only use official Belgian portals
Top Free Remote Work Friendly Cafes and Public Spaces in Ghent for Digital Nomads - 2025
Ghent offers excellent free working spaces with reliable WiFi, good coffee, and a welcoming atmosphere. These are the best spots we found for digital nomads Smooth Wi-Fi, laptop-friendly atmospheres, and inspiring places to plug in.
📍 Free Public Spaces & Laptop-Friendly Cafés in Ghent
Looking for places to work, chill, or sip something good while catching up on emails? Ghent has no shortage of inspiring, low-key spots to set up for a few hours.
Here are some of our favourite finds:
Ghent City Library (De Krook)
A beautifully designed, modern public building with excellent Wi-Fi, tons of seating, and a calm vibe. Perfect for focus sessions or research days.
Featured in our Ghent video – watch it here.
Vooruit
A cultural hub and café with dedicated laptop-friendly zones. Open day and night, it’s a great place to grab food or drinks while working in a creative setting.
The Vinyl Shop Genx
A unique multi-level café and record shop combo. Sip on a specialty coffee, browse vinyl, and knock out a few emails in a chill, friendly space.
Also featured in our Ghent video – watch it here.
Aura Café
One of our top picks. Peaceful, welcoming, and laptop-friendly — located at the base of Ghent’s buzzing creative street (Nederkouter). Great atmosphere, friendly staff, and a house-brand matcha drop arriving from Japan this September!
Don’t miss this one – see it in our Ghent video here.
Botanicals
A free public green space — perfect for taking a break, journaling, or resetting your focus. Calm, quiet, and full of fresh air. Bring a book or your laptop and unwind.
Explore the Creative Strip
Wander along Nederkouter, one of Ghent’s best streets for digital nomads. This creative stretch is lined with laptop-friendly cafés, bars, and shops - from Aura to Stek and beyond. Whether you’re working or just strolling, it’s one of our go-to areas to get inspired.
Note: These are just a handful of the great spaces we explored in our Ghent walkthrough. But honestly part of the magic is discovering your own favourites. Ghent is full of quiet gems tucked into side streets, creative cafés with power sockets, and peaceful green spaces perfect for work or pause.
📍 Coworking Spots in Ghent (Updated 2025)
While Ghent remains a boutique destination for remote workers, it offers several excellent coworking spaces—each tailored to different budgets and work styles.
Disclaimer: While we’ve done our best to provide accurate and up-to-date info on coworking spaces in Ghent, pricing, access, and policies may change. Always double-check details directly on the coworking provider’s official website before making any bookings. We’re just here to show you where to start your search — not to guarantee terms we are not affiliated with these cowork spaces.
De Punt – De Werkplek
Located in Gentbrugge, this sustainable centre caters to flexible office users:
The Hive
Near Gent-Dampoort station, offering hot-desks. Amenities include meeting rooms, lounge, terrace and flexible monthly terms with just one month deposit required. Ideal for short-term stays with structure.
Office Box Ghent
Stylish workspace in the South district with hot desks and private offices:
Dedicated Desk: €250/month
Private Office: around €450/monthIncludes meeting rooms, postal service, and modern facilities.
UR.zone Gent
Set in a renovated historic villa, UR.zone blends coworking, meeting rooms, and even overnight rooms.
Focused on sustainability and regenerative business culture. Pricing varies — book a tour to discover more.
Mobile Data & eSIMs
SIM Cards in Belgium: What to Know
Locals we spoke to — including the Aura Café team — recommend Orange and Telenet for strong signal in Ghent. But registering a SIM in Belgium can be time-consuming and stressful, especially for short stays.
SIM Registration is Mandatory in Belgium
Since 2016, all prepaid SIMs require ID (passport or EU ID) before activation.
Buy in-store at Orange, Telenet, or Proximus for the smoothest setup
Supermarkets and retail chains may sell SIMs, but activation delays of up to 7 days aren’t uncommon
Online registration usually requires Belgian e-ID or local payment method
Frustrations? Some shops may refuse non-EU passports or sell unregistered SIMs that later get blocked.
Easier Option: Use an eSIM
That’s why we recommend Saily eSIMs – they activate instantly from your phone, no paperwork, no queues, and work across Belgium and the EU.
Pair it with NordVPN for extra security when browsing from cafés or co-living Wi-Fi.
It’s our affiliate link (at no extra cost to you) – and supports what we do.
At a Glance
Where to Stay in Ghent (2025)
Your base makes or breaks your experience — here’s what actually works for digital nomads, creatives, and long-stay travellers.
Ghent isn’t a huge city, but choosing the right area makes a massive difference in your daily rhythm - especially when you need fast Wi-Fi, peace to focus, and local flair after hours.
📍 Best Areas for Remote Workers & Slow Travellers
Historic Centre (Binnenstad / Patershol / Gravensteen)
The picturesque zone. Think canals, cobbled lanes, and gabled buildings. Great for short stays or if you want to walk everywhere.
Pros: Super central, walkable to all major sights and cowork cafés
Cons: Can be touristy and louder on weekends, especially near student bars
Vibe: Instagrammable, inspiring — but may not suit longer stays on a budget
Dampoort / Portus Ganda / Ledeberg
Creative and local. Close to the station, coworking spots, and Aura Café. You’ll see more locals than tourists here.
Pros: Affordable rentals, real neighbourhood feel, good for longer stays
Cons: Less scenic, but quieter and more liveable
Vibe: Easygoing, practical, creative
Coupure / Watersportbaan / Bijloke
Ideal balance. Close to STAM Park, green space, music venues, and walking distance to the centre.
Pros: Quiet residential vibe with creative energy, close to gyms and supermarkets
Cons: Fewer cafés immediately nearby (but only 10–15 mins walk to hotspots)
Vibe: Calm, cultured, near parks and bike paths
Sint-Pieters Station / Citadelpark
Transit hub. Great if you’re travelling often by train or want a quick exit to Brussels, Paris, or Bruges.
Pros: Easy access to regional trains, Citadelpark is nearby
Cons: Further from the city centre (20+ minutes walk)
Vibe: Functional, well-connected
Recommended Booking Platforms for Longer Stays
These platforms cater to digital nomads, offering furnished rentals with flexible terms:
Spotahome – Verified listings with video tours. Great for 1–12 month stays in furnished apartments.
Homelike – For business travellers and digital nomads; filters include Wi-Fi, desks, utilities included.
Airbnb – Use filters like “dedicated workspace” and “long stay discounts”. Check host reviews carefully.
Booking.com – Search “aparthotels” or extended-stay studios. Handy for short-to-mid stays.
Nestpick – Aggregates furnished apartments across Europe, including Ghent.
Disclaimer: Always read cancellation policies, guest reviews, and verify amenities (like actual Wi-Fi speed or workspaces) directly with the host or agency. We do our best to recommend trusted platforms, but availability and quality may vary.
Important Note: Coliving options are still limited in Ghent. While we expect growth in this space, nomads should currently focus on flexible rentals or aparthotels. Always verify tax and registration rules for longer stays beyond 90 days and check reviews before committing.
Creative Scene & Chill Spots
Ghent’s got soul. Art, music, literature, and leafy parks make it more than just a laptop stop.
STAM Park – A serene, tree-filled escape near the city museum. Ideal for early morning walks or lunchtime recharge.
Walry Bookstore – Browse indie books and support local business. (Featured in our Ghent video see here)
Music / art events – Check listings at Vooruit, NTGent, and KASK (art school showcases).
Getting Around Transport in Ghent
Bike – Rent one or use the city's Blue-bike system.
Tram / Bus – Easy to use with a Mobib card.
Walkable – Most of Ghent’s best bits are within 30 minutes on foot.
Eco tip: Ghent is big on sustainability - so walking, biking, or tram-hopping is the way to go.
📍 Bonus: Use Our Pinned Ghent Map
Coming Soon!
We’ve curated a Fizzy Globe Digital Nomad Map for Ghent, featuring:
Useful Spots
Cowork-friendly cafés (Aura, Botanicals, etc.)
Grocery shops, gyms, parks
Tram/bike routes and local wellness spots
Available soon from the Fizzy Globe Shop.
Perfect if you want to land, log in, and start thriving — without the overwhelm.
Cost of Living in Ghent (2025) (Approx)
From budget to boutique – real-world nomad costs
Ghent remains more affordable than Brussels, but is generally pricier than destinations like Lisbon or Tbilisi. Still, its quality of life, walkability, and creative perks make it worth it. Here's what to expect for a solo remote worker in 2025:
Gyms in Ghent for Digital Nomads
Staying active on the move? Ghent has a couple of easy, nomad-friendly gym options worth checking out:
Basic Fit
A popular, affordable chain with 24/7 access in multiple Ghent locations.
Comfort plan: €24.99 every 4 weeks + one-time reg fee
Premium plan: €29.99 includes Europe-wide access, guest passes, massage chairs
Flexibility: Cancel after 4 weeks if you choose the Flex option
Great if you want to keep your routine going across Belgium or beyond.
Jims Enjoy Fitness
Mid-range gyms with solid equipment and a local vibe.
From €29.99 every 4 weeks + reg fee
Flex plans available for short stays
Slightly quieter and more personal than Basic Fit
Quick Compare
Tip: Both gyms offer app access, basic classes, and multiple clubs around the city. Best to avoid peak hours.
Note: Prices, access, and membership rules can change. Always check official sites before joining.
Nomad Tools & Resources
Connectivity
Saily eSIM – instant setup, works EU-wide
NordVPN – for public Wi-Fi protection
Global health Insurance
SafetyWing Nomad Global Health Insurance – affordable coverage for digital nomads across 180+ countries
Finance & Residency Tools
Nomad Capitalist – expert guidance on residencies, tax, second passports
Wise – global banking with local accounts
Don’t forget to pack your essentials:
A lightweight foldable laptop stand
Noise-cancelling headphones (Ghent’s cafés can get chatty)
→ All from our handy travel tools list
Coming soon: Ghent Digital Nomad Map + Mini Guide
Final Thoughts from Fizzy Globe
Ghent isn’t a typical digital nomad hotspot - and that’s exactly why it stands out.
It’s calm, creative, and surprisingly well-connected. We’ve set up base here multiple times as digital nomads, and each stay reminded us why Ghent just quietly works, which is exactly why we felt it deserved a spotlight.
It offers what many remote workers are really searching for: balance, character, and room to breathe.
Sure, the budget might be a little higher than some nomad favourites - but the quality of life, walkability, strong infrastructure, and cultural depth more than make up for it.
What’s more, you don’t need to stay in the tourist centre to enjoy it theres way more to explore. Some of the best experiences can be found just outside the old town — or even in smaller neighbouring areas and commuter towns like Destelbergen, Merelbeke, or Sint-Amandsberg. With great bike lanes, tram access, and regional trains, living a little further out can mean more space, lower rent, and a truly local vibe — without losing connectivity.
That’s exactly why we created this guide. Ghent has real potential to grow as a remote work base, especially for those looking for something different from the usual digital nomad spots.
Whether you’re popping to Ghent for a few weeks or setting up for longer, Fizzy Globe has you covered. Bookmark this guide, check out our shop, and let us know your favourite local finds.
We hope this straightforward but in depth guide saved you hours of searching through videos and scattered info and gave you food for thought on Ghent being a digital nomad destination? . Let us know what else you'd like to see - we’re always improving for our community.
Thanks for reading! Before you go, check out some of our other resources below.
Drop your Ghent experiences in the comments - we’d love to hear from you!
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Real budget breakdowns — what things actually cost, from khachapuri to wine tours
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