Home Swapping in Ghent for Seniors: Your Complete Guide to Comfortable Belgian Travel

My mother called me stubborn when I suggested she try home swapping in Ghent for seniors as her first solo trip after retirement. "I'm 68, Maya. I need a hotel with a concierge, not some stranger's apartment." Six months later, she spent three weeks in a ground-floor flat in Patershol, made friends with the neighbor's cat, and now won't shut up about the cheese shop around the corner.

Ghent changed her mind about travel. It might change yours too.

Here's what I've picked up from helping my parents plan their swaps, hosting several retired couples myself, and spending way too many hours in Ghent's cafés eavesdropping on the most content-looking travelers I've ever seen: this city was practically designed for people who want to explore without exhausting themselves. The cobblestones are smooth (mostly). The trams are frequent and accessible. And the Flemish concept of gezelligheid—that untranslatable feeling of cozy contentment—seeps into everything.

Why Ghent Is Ideal for Senior Home Swapping

I'll be honest with you. I've written about dozens of destinations, and most of them require some disclaimer about steep hills or complicated public transit.

Ghent doesn't.

The historic center is remarkably flat—pancake-flat, the kind of flat where you can walk for two hours and realize your knees haven't complained once. The city banned most cars from the center in 2017, which means the streets are calm, the air is clean, and you're not constantly dodging delivery trucks.

But here's what really makes home swapping in Ghent work for seniors: the housing stock. Unlike Paris with its sixth-floor walkups or Amsterdam with its impossibly steep staircases, Ghent has an abundance of accessible ground-floor apartments, converted townhouses with elevators, and single-story homes in quiet neighborhoods. When you're browsing listings on SwappaHome, you'll actually have options—not just one elevator building in the entire city.

The pace matters too. Ghent isn't trying to be anything it's not. It's not competing with Bruges for tourist attention or Brussels for business relevance. It's just... being Ghent. Medieval towers, working waterways, university students on bikes, and a population that genuinely seems to enjoy life. The restaurants don't rush you. The museums have benches everywhere. Even the famous three-tower view has a perfectly positioned café where you can sit for hours.

Finding the Right Home Exchange in Ghent: What Seniors Should Look For

My mom's swap worked because we were specific about what she needed. Not demanding—specific. There's a difference.

When you're searching for a senior-friendly home swap in Ghent, start with the practical stuff. Ground floor or elevator access isn't negotiable if stairs are an issue. Look for listings that mention a walk-in shower rather than a bathtub—stepping over a high tub edge gets old fast. A washing machine matters more than you'd think for longer stays. And honestly? A comfortable reading chair near a window can make or break a three-week trip.

On SwappaHome, you can message hosts directly before committing. Ask the questions that matter to you. Is there a pharmacy nearby? How far is the nearest tram stop? Is the bed firm or soft? Good hosts appreciate specificity—it means you're serious about taking care of their home.

Neighborhood choice is everything.

Patershol is the medieval heart of Ghent, and despite its age, it's surprisingly accessible. Narrow streets, yes, but flat ones. The restaurants here are excellent, and you're steps from the castle (Gravensteen) and the waterfront. Expect to pay equivalent value for prime location—though with SwappaHome's credit system, it's always 1 credit per night regardless of the home's market value.

Coupure runs along a peaceful canal and offers larger apartments, often in converted 19th-century townhouses. Quieter than the center, but still walkable to everything. This is where I'd look for a home with a garden or terrace.

Sint-Amandsberg sits slightly outside the tourist zone, which means more space, more local life, and excellent tram connections. The number 1 tram will get you to the center in 10 minutes. Homes here tend to be more spacious, often with parking if you're renting a car for day trips.

Ledeberg has become unexpectedly charming—a bit artsy, lots of cafés, and significantly more affordable in the regular rental market (though again, credits are credits on SwappaHome). Good for longer stays when you want to feel like a local rather than a visitor.

Navigating Ghent: Accessibility and Getting Around

The tram system is your friend. Ghent's De Lijn network is modern, frequent, and fully accessible—every tram has low-floor boarding, and the stops announce themselves audibly. A 10-ride pass costs about €17 (roughly $18.50 USD), and seniors over 65 get discounted fares with a Belgian Buzzy Pazz or by simply showing ID on some routes.

Tram line 1 is the workhorse, running from Sint-Amandsberg through the center to Flanders Expo. Line 4 connects the train station (Gent-Sint-Pieters) to the historic core. You'll rarely wait more than 8 minutes.

But honestly? You might not need the tram much.

The historic center is compact—about 2 kilometers from end to end—and the flat terrain makes walking pleasant rather than punishing. My mother, who has a cranky hip, managed 6,000 steps daily without complaint. She credits the frequent bench placement and the fact that every walk ends at a café.

For day trips, the train station is fully accessible and connects to Bruges (25 minutes, €7.50), Brussels (35 minutes, €10.50), and Antwerp (50 minutes, €11.80). All prices are for seniors with the appropriate discount card, which you can buy at the station.

One thing to know: Ghent's cobblestones are generally smooth and well-maintained, but some streets in Patershol can be uneven. If you use a walker or wheelchair, stick to the main streets and the waterfront promenades, which are paved or have flat stone.

What to Do in Ghent When You're Not in a Rush

The best thing about home swapping for seniors is the freedom to do nothing in particular. You're not paying €200 a night for a hotel room that guilts you into maximizing every hour. You have a kitchen. You have a couch. You can spend a rainy Tuesday reading a novel and feel zero regret.

That said, Ghent rewards gentle exploration.

The Ghent Altarpiece at Saint Bavo's Cathedral is worth the €12.50 admission (about $13.60 USD). This 15th-century masterpiece by the Van Eyck brothers is displayed in a climate-controlled room with excellent lighting and seating. Take your time. The detail is staggering.

STAM (Stadsmuseum Gent) tells the city's history in a beautifully designed space with wide corridors, plenty of seating, and an accessible layout. The rooftop offers one of the best views in the city. Admission is €10 ($10.90).

For a slower afternoon, take a boat tour along the canals. The boats depart from Graslei and Korenlei, run about 40 minutes, and cost €9.50. They're covered in case of rain, and the commentary (available in English) is genuinely interesting rather than cheesy.

The Friday Market (Vrijdagmarkt) hosts a weekly market on—you guessed it—Friday mornings. Cheese, bread, flowers, and the kind of people-watching that makes you feel like you've stepped into a Bruegel painting. Get there by 10 AM for the best selection, find a bench, and stay for coffee.

And please, please visit Tierenteyn-Verlent, a mustard shop that's been operating since 1790. The interior is unchanged, the mustard is legendary, and a jar makes a perfect gift. It's at Groentenmarkt 3, open Tuesday through Saturday.

Eating Well in Ghent: Senior-Friendly Restaurants and Cafés

Flemish food is hearty, which is either wonderful or overwhelming depending on your appetite. The good news: portions are adjustable, vegetarian options are everywhere (Ghent was named the vegetarian capital of Europe), and most restaurants are happy to accommodate dietary needs.

For a proper Flemish meal, try Pakhuis (Schuurkenstraat 4). It's a converted warehouse with high ceilings, excellent acoustics (you can actually hear your companion), and a menu that ranges from mussels to steak to vegetarian stew. Main courses run €18-28 ($19.50-30.50 USD). They take reservations, which I recommend for dinner.

Café Labath (Oude Houtlei 1) is my favorite breakfast spot—bright, calm, and serving the best eggs in the city. A full breakfast with coffee costs about €14 ($15.25). They open at 8 AM, and the morning light through the windows is gorgeous.

For afternoon coffee and cake, Julie's House (Kraanlei 13) has a terrace overlooking the canal and serves homemade pastries that would make a Parisian jealous. Expect to pay €8-10 for coffee and a slice of something decadent.

If you're cooking at home—which is one of the great joys of home swapping—the Groentenmarkt (Vegetable Market) has excellent produce, and the Delhaize supermarket on Korenmarkt is well-stocked and reasonably priced. A week's worth of groceries for one person runs about €50-70 ($54-76 USD).

Practical Tips for Senior Home Swappers in Ghent

Let me share what my mom learned the hard way so you don't have to.

Bring comfortable shoes with good grip. The cobblestones are flat but can be slippery when wet. She swears by her Merrells.

Pack layers. Belgian weather is moody. You might get four seasons in one day, especially in spring and fall. A light waterproof jacket lives in your bag.

Learn three Flemish phrases. Goedemorgen (good morning), Dank u wel (thank you), and Alstublieft (please). The Flemish speak excellent English but appreciate the effort.

Pharmacies are everywhere. Look for the green cross. Most pharmacists speak English and can help with minor issues. For anything serious, the University Hospital (UZ Gent) is excellent and has English-speaking staff.

Get travel insurance. SwappaHome connects you with wonderful hosts, but the platform doesn't cover medical emergencies or trip interruptions. Sort your own coverage before you leave. I use World Nomads; my parents prefer Allianz.

Communicate clearly with your host. Before your swap, ask about anything that matters to you: heating controls, WiFi passwords, local emergency numbers, quirks of the apartment. Good hosts leave detailed guides, but asking shows you care.

The credit system is simple. On SwappaHome, you earn 1 credit per night when you host someone, and you spend 1 credit per night when you stay somewhere. New members start with 10 free credits. That's three weeks in Ghent if you've hosted a few guests at your place first.

When to Visit Ghent: Best Seasons for Senior Travelers

Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) are ideal. The weather is mild, the crowds are manageable, and the light is beautiful for photography. Expect daytime temperatures around 12-18°C (54-64°F) and occasional rain.

Summer (June-August) brings the Ghent Festival (Gentse Feesten) in mid-July—ten days of music, street food, and glorious chaos. It's exhilarating but exhausting, and the city gets crowded. If you want peace, avoid the festival week. If you want to experience Ghent at its most alive, book early and bring earplugs.

Winter (November-March) is quiet and atmospheric. The Christmas market runs from mid-November through early January, and the city glows with lights. Temperatures hover around 2-8°C (36-46°F), and you'll want a warm coat. But the museums are empty, the restaurants are cozy, and you'll feel like you have the city to yourself.

Building Trust: How the SwappaHome Community Works

I know the question you're not asking: Is this safe? Can I trust a stranger with my home—and trust their home with my wellbeing?

Fair question.

SwappaHome is built on mutual accountability. Every member has a profile with reviews from past swaps. You can see exactly what other travelers said about their experience—was the home as described? Was the host communicative? Were there any issues? This transparency creates a community where reputation matters.

Before you commit to any swap, you message directly with the host. Ask for video calls if that makes you comfortable. Request additional photos. Discuss your needs openly. The members I've met through home swapping are, without exception, the kind of people who care about their homes and want guests to have a good experience.

Verification is available for members who want an extra layer of trust. And the review system means that anyone who doesn't take care of a home—or misrepresents their own—gets called out publicly.

That said, SwappaHome is a platform, not an insurance company. If something goes wrong, you're responsible for handling it directly with your host. For peace of mind, get your own travel insurance and consider home insurance that covers guests. Most policies do, but check yours before you list.

A Final Thought

My mother came back from Ghent with a suitcase full of mustard, a phone full of photos, and a completely different attitude toward travel. She'd spent three weeks living like a local—shopping at the market, nodding hello to the neighbors, discovering a favorite bench by the canal. She didn't see every museum or check every box. She just... lived there for a while.

That's what home swapping offers that hotels never can. Not just a room, but a rhythm. A kitchen where you make your own coffee. A window where you watch the morning light change. A neighborhood that starts to feel, after a week or two, like it might actually be yours.

Ghent is waiting. Your cozy apartment with the lace curtains and the view of the church spire is waiting. The cheese shop around the corner is definitely waiting.

Maybe it's time to stop reading about it and start planning it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is home swapping in Ghent safe for seniors traveling alone?

Ghent is one of Europe's safest cities, with low crime rates and a friendly local population. The SwappaHome community adds another layer of security through verified profiles and reviews from past exchanges. Solo senior travelers regularly swap here without issues. For extra peace of mind, choose hosts with multiple positive reviews and arrange a video call before confirming your exchange.

How much can seniors save with home swapping versus hotels in Ghent?

A mid-range hotel in central Ghent costs €120-180 per night ($130-195 USD). Over a three-week stay, that's €2,520-3,780 ($2,745-4,115). With SwappaHome, you spend 1 credit per night regardless of location. If you've hosted guests at your home first, your Ghent accommodation costs nothing beyond your membership. Even accounting for flights and food, most swappers save 50-70% compared to traditional travel.

What accessibility features should seniors look for in Ghent home exchanges?

Prioritize ground-floor apartments or buildings with elevators. Look for walk-in showers, firm mattresses, and proximity to tram stops (within 300 meters is ideal). Ask hosts about street noise levels and whether the kitchen has seating. Neighborhoods like Coupure and Sint-Amandsberg tend to have more spacious, accessible homes than the dense historic center.

Do I need to speak Dutch to home swap in Ghent?

No. Ghent residents speak excellent English, especially in shops, restaurants, and tourist areas. Your SwappaHome host will communicate in English, and all signage in the city includes English translations. Learning a few basic Flemish phrases (dank u wel, goedemorgen) is appreciated but not required. You'll navigate easily without any Dutch.

What's the best length of stay for a senior home swap in Ghent?

Two to three weeks is ideal. This gives you time to settle into a routine, explore at a relaxed pace, and take day trips to Bruges, Brussels, or Antwerp without feeling rushed. Shorter stays (under a week) often feel hurried, while longer stays (over a month) work best if you have specific projects or connections in the city. Most SwappaHome hosts prefer guests who stay at least 5-7 nights.