My husband and I are traveling to Belgium this summer and typically purchase the city cards as we like to hit a lot of major sites. We traditionally get the cards early (like now/February) for our summer travel. But, Ghent says that you can only purchase them in person at specific local shops. That concerns me because we want to get opening tickets (10am) to the Altarpiece in early July. How does that work? Do I reserve my tickets now and then present the Ghent Card when we arrive and the fee is discounted from my credit card? Or can we not reserve advance tickets with the Ghent Card?
Posted by
Belgium
287 posts
See here https://visit.gent.be/en/good-know/practical-information/citycard-gent
Enjoy a once-only € 10 discount upon purchase of a ticket for a visit to the the Ghent Altarpiece Note: prior booking online is mandatory and can be done even before the purchase of a CityCard. Just select the ‘CityCard' option when purchasing a ticket, and have both your ticket and your CityCard scanned at the entrance.
FYI: You do not need to book tickets in advance for the Castle of the Counts, the Belfry or for exhibitions at St Peter’s Abbey. CityCard holders can always gain entrance (even when all tickets are sold out).
Posted by
OP
4 posts
Thank you! That is very helpful. I missed that line in the FAQ last night (and had probably read it previously and had forgotten!).
Posted by
Belgium
287 posts
You're welcome. Enjoy your stay with us.
As true culture lovers, I hope your stay is planned early enough in July. During the Ghent Festivities, and the preparations leading up to them, many stages and other structures are erected, which block the beautiful view at many locations.
Posted by
Belgium
25 posts
You can definitely lock in your 10:00 AM slot now without having the card in hand. Just head to the official St. Bavo's Cathedral website and select the "Entrance ticket CityCard" option for your preferred date. You'll pay a small reservation fee (typically €2.50) online to secure the time, and the system won't ask for a card number. Once you arrive in Ghent, you can buy your physical CityCard at the Tourist Office or your hotel. When you show up for your tour, the staff will simply scan your printed/digital reservation along with your new physical CityCard. The card's 48 or 72-hour clock only starts ticking when it's first scanned at an attraction, so you aren't losing any time by waiting to buy it!
Posted by
Belgium
287 posts
Once you arrive in Ghent, you can buy your physical CityCard at the Tourist Office or your hotel.
For tourists arriving by train, De Lijnwinkel at Sint-Pietersstation is the most convenient place to purchase the CityCard, as they can then immediately enjoy free transport for their journey to the city centre (and/or accommodation).