Medieval Ghent comes alive through its excellent city tours. The most rewarding options are the 2.5-hour historic walking tours, which connect the dots between the city’s Gothic towers and cobblestone lanes. Food tours are a smart choice, letting you sample local specialties while meeting passionate shopkeepers and restaurateurs. For flexibility, consider booking a private tour from Brussels – you’ll get transportation plus free time to explore landmarks like the imposing Gravensteen castle at your own pace.
We especially love the intimate chocolate-tasting walks and bike tours, which let you experience both the medieval core and peaceful canal-side neighborhoods with minimal crowds. The small group sizes (usually 8-12 people) mean plenty of interaction with your local guide.
Let’s explore the best tour options for experiencing authentic Ghent.
Key Points
- The Guided City Highlights Walking Tour offers a comprehensive 105-minute introduction to Ghent’s medieval landmarks and diverse neighborhoods with a local guide.
- The Guided Food Tour provides a 2.5-hour immersive experience visiting local specialty stops and interacting with business owners for a deeper cultural understanding.
- The Day Tour from Brussels covers the major sites in Ghent, including the historic city center, Gravensteen fortress, and Bruges Belfry, with the flexibility of self-guided exploration.
- The Walking Tour – Ghent City Highlights and Beyond offers a 1.5 to 2-hour small-group tour showcasing the city’s 1400-year evolution, including key landmarks like the Ghent City Hall and Saint Bavo Cathedral.
- Specialized tours, such as the Chocolate Tour and Bike Tour, provide unique experiences to explore Ghent’s culinary delights and historic sites from a cyclist’s perspective with knowledgeable guides.
Ghent: Guided City Highlights Walking Tour With Light Meal
For those eager to explore Ghent’s captivating history and uncover its architectural gems, the “Ghent: Guided City Highlights Walking Tour with Light Meal” offers an immersive experience.
The 105-minute tour, limited to 10 participants, explores the city’s major landmarks, including three medieval towers, the Graslei, Korenlei, and Graffiti Street. Guided by a local, the walking tour also showcases the city’s diverse neighborhoods and rich history.
Complementing the sightseeing is a light meal at a local restaurant, featuring meatballs, chips, beef stew, and vegan options.
With an overall rating of 4.5/5, this tour provides an engaging and well-rounded introduction to the captivating city of Ghent.
Read our full review: Ghent: Guided City Highlights Walking Tour With Light Meal Review
Book now: Check availability
Ghent: Guided City Tour With Food and Drink Tastings
This guided food tour in Ghent offers an immersive exploration of the city’s local foodie culture.
It’s likely to sell out, so booking in advance is recommended. For $78.83, you’ll enjoy a 2.5-hour walking tour with an expert guide.
You’ll visit iconic landmarks like the Ghent City Hall and sample local specialties at five carefully selected stops, interacting with business owners for cultural insights.
The tour is suitable for various travelers, with vegetarian options available, though it may not be ideal for those with mobility issues or low fitness levels.
With an impressive 4.9/5 rating based on 119 reviews, this tour is an excellent way to experience Ghent’s rich culinary heritage.
Read our full review: Ghent: Guided City Tour With Food and Drink Tastings Review
Book now: Check availability
Brussels:Day Tour for Ghent City Center, Gravensteen, Belfry
Explore Ghent’s historic city center, the imposing Gravensteen fortress, and the iconic Bruges Belfry on this comprehensive day tour from Brussels.
The 10-hour, 300 km round-trip tour costs $833.40 for up to 4 participants, with private car service, pickup, and drop-off included.
You’ll have the flexibility to explore each site at your own pace with self-guided tours.
The tour covers the Gothic architecture, scenic canals, and rich history of these Flemish gems.
While entry fees and personal expenses aren’t included, the tour offers a hassle-free way to experience the highlights of Ghent and Bruges from Brussels.
Read our full review: Brussels:Day Tour for Ghent City Center, Gravensteen, Belfry Review
Book now: Check availability
Walking Tour – Ghent City Highlights and Beyond
Discover the historic charm and modern vibrancy of Ghent on this engaging walking tour that showcases the city’s highlights and hidden gems beyond the bustling center.
Priced at $60.96 per person, the 1.5 to 2-hour English-language tour takes small groups of 1 to 12 people to key sites like the Ghent City Hall, Saint Bavo Cathedral, and Graslei and Korenlei quays.
Participants will learn about Ghent’s 1400-year evolution and its significance during the late medieval period.
The tour also includes visits to lesser-known attractions such as beguinages, museums, and street art.
Suitable for moderately active travelers, the tour allows for free cancellation and reserve-now-pay-later options.
Read our full review: Walking Tour – Ghent City Highlights and Beyond Review
Book now: Check availability
Ghent: Guided City Tour With Chocolate Tastings
For those seeking a more immersive and indulgent experience in Ghent, the “Ghent: Guided City Tour with Chocolate Tastings” offers a delightful opportunity to explore the city’s rich history while savoring its renowned chocolate heritage.
During this 2-hour tour, you will enjoy 5-6 unique chocolate tastings and a guided sightseeing of Ghent’s iconic landmarks, including the Graslei, Korenlei, Saint Nicholas Church, and Saint Bavo Cathedral.
The tour is led by a knowledgeable local guide who’ll share insights into Ghent’s chocolate history and notable stories. Priced at $71.47 per person, the tour is limited to 10 participants and offers special offers at partner locations for chocolate purchases.
Read our full review: Ghent: Guided City Tour With Chocolate Tastings Review
Book now: Check availability
Ghent: City Highlights and Hidden Gems Guided Bike Tour
Travelers seeking a captivating and comprehensive introduction to Ghent can embark on the “Ghent: City Highlights and Hidden Gems Guided Bike Tour.”
This 2.5-hour excursion whisks participants through the city’s picturesque streets, ancient abbeys, churches, and the iconic Castle of the Counts, offering a unique perspective on Ghent’s rich history and vibrant contemporary culture.
Priced from $47.30 per person, the tour includes a city bike, raincoat (if needed), and a break for drinks and refreshments.
With a skilled guide leading the way, cyclists safely navigate bike lanes and low-traffic streets, stopping at notable sites like the Portus Ganda and the small beguinage, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Customer reviews praise the guide’s knowledge and the enjoyable cycling experience.
Read our full review: Ghent: City Highlights and Hidden Gems Guided Bike Tour Review
Book now: Check availability
Ghent: 40-Minute Historical Boat Tour of City Center
One of the best ways to explore Ghent’s historic city center is by embarking on the 40-minute historical boat tour. Priced from $10.51 per person, the tour offers a relaxing cruise with insights into the city’s rich history from a local guide.
Passengers can expect to see significant sites like the Castle of Counts, Graslei, and Old Fish Market, while also enjoying opportunities for photography, especially during the sunset.
The tour is conducted in Dutch, English, and French, and written texts are available in Spanish, Italian, and German.
With an overall rating of 4.2/5 based on 359 reviews, this boat tour is a great way to experience the highlights of Ghent’s city center.
Read our full review: Ghent: 40-Minute Historical Boat Tour of City Center Review
Book now: Check availability
The Sum Up
Ghent offers a variety of guided tours showcasing the city’s highlights. Visitors can explore the historic city center, sample local cuisine and drinks, or take a boat tour. These tours provide an immersive experience, allowing travelers to discover Ghent’s rich cultural heritage and hidden gems. With options catering to different interests and budgets, there’s a tour to suit every traveler’s needs.