Ghent Walking Tour - City Highlights and Beyond Tradition

Ghent , Belgium

Ghent Walking Tour - City Highlights and Beyond Tradition

Active

(3 reviews)

1h - 1h

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Manual confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

We start with a brief introduction at Vrijdagmarkt and then go on an explorer journey for 1.5 to 2 hours. During this time you will find out where the name Ghent comes from and visit the very origins of our city, which is almost 1400 years old.

Explore sites such as our yacht harbour (Portus Ganda), the tree medieval towers (Saint Bavo Cathedral, the Ghent Belfry and Saint Nicholas Church) and the historical harbour with Graslei and Korenlei quays, where the hustle and bustle never ceases. It is the also area where all trade took place during the late medieval times, which resulted in Ghent being the most prosperous city in Northern Europe at the time.

Ghent is however so much more then this. It is the home of 3 beguinages, some exquisite museums, parks, host of the 1913 World Expo and capital of street art (and we do not just mean the popular Graffiti Street). Furthermore, it is a lively city where visitors, residents and students meet.

Available options

Ghent Walking Tour - City Highlights and Beyond Tradition

What's included

A local guide

All work behind the scenes

Small groups only (1 to 12 people)

Commission to Viator/Tripadviser

Best of historical and modern day Ghent

City sightseeing and historical landmarks

Detailed itinerary

We start this walking food tour in Ghent at the Artevelde statue at Friday Market. This is a historical square with interesting houses and some cool facts. After a brief introduction and information about what to expect, we explore the square and the surrounding streets.

Please note that this itinerary is an example only. Just so you know :) You need to be able to walk at least 5 km though, so make sure you have good walking shoes. We always make stops for photos.

If children join, they need to keep up with the walking pace of the slowest adult. If that is not possible, please ask about private options.

Stop 2 Pass by

Following the discovery of Friday Market and surroundings, your guide will take you to another highlight of our city - the Castle of the Counts (Gravensteen). This is a medieval castle with a lot of stories to tell. Your guide will take you to the surrounding areas as well. For example Patershol.

Stop 3 Pass by

The Ghent Belfry is one of the oldest in Belgium and next on your itinerary. As a matter of fact, you will get to see the Saint Nicolas Church, the Belfry and the Saint Bavo Cathedral all at once. These are the 3 Medieval towers of Ghent.

Stop 4

Ghent's most popular quays and the location where the trade took place in medieval times. It is now a hotspot for cafes and restaurants.

What's not included

Gratuities

Transport

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.5

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

1 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Public transportation options are available nearby

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

We do not accept guests that are ill (coughing, sneezing)

Meeting point

We meet all travellers at the Jacob Van Artevelde statue, which is situated in the middle of the square. It is walking distance (10 mins) from Korenmarkt. You can reach Korenmarkt with tram 1 direction Wondelgem or Evergem and you can take it straight at the Sint Pieters Station.

Important notes

Upon arrival, please show your ticket to your guide.

About Ghent

Ghent is a picturesque medieval city in the Flemish region of Belgium, known for its well-preserved architecture, vibrant cultural scene, and rich history. The city is a blend of historical charm and modern dynamism, offering visitors a unique experience with its canals, castles, and lively student population.

Top Attractions

Gravensteen Castle

A well-preserved medieval castle that offers a glimpse into Ghent's history. The castle houses a museum with various exhibits.

Historical 1-2 hours €12

St. Bavo's Cathedral

A stunning example of Gothic architecture, this cathedral is home to the famous Ghent Altarpiece.

Religious 1 hour Free (€4 for the Ghent Altarpiece)

Ghent-Brugge Canal

A scenic canal that connects Ghent to Bruges, offering beautiful views and boat tours.

Nature 1-2 hours for a boat tour €10-€15

Ghent University

One of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Europe, known for its beautiful campus and historic buildings.

Cultural 1-2 hours Free (some exhibitions may have a fee)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Gentse Waterzooi

A traditional Flemish stew made with chicken or fish, potatoes, and vegetables, cooked in a creamy broth.

Dinner Contains dairy and meat

Gentse Neus

A local sausage made with a blend of beef and pork, flavored with spices and served with mustard.

Snack Contains meat

Liège Waffles

A type of Belgian waffle that is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, often served with toppings like whipped cream, chocolate, or fruit.

Dessert Can be made vegetarian or vegan

Popular Activities

Biking Hiking Boat tours Visiting parks and gardens Visiting museums and historic sites Attending festivals and events Kayaking Ice skating

Best Time to Visit

June to August

Summer is the peak tourist season in Ghent, with warm weather and numerous festivals and events. The city is bustling with activities, and the outdoor cafes and terraces are particularly enjoyable.

15°C to 25°C 59°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Dutch
Widely spoken: English, French
English: Widely spoken

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (Central European Time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Ghent is a generally safe city, but like any tourist destination, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep your belongings secure
• Be cautious when using ATMs
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services

Getting there

By air

Brussels Airport • 50 km from Ghent
Antwerp International Airport • 60 km from Ghent

By train

Ghent-Sint-Pieters Station

By bus

Ghent Central Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The tram network in Ghent is efficient and covers most of the city. It's a convenient way to get around.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Heetch

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Patershol Sint-Pietersnieuwstraat Graslei and Korenlei

Day trips

Bruges

45 km • Full day

A picturesque medieval city known for its canals, cobblestone streets, and historic architecture.

Brussels

50 km • Full day

The capital of Belgium, known for its grand architecture, museums, and the famous Grand Place.

Antwerp

60 km • Full day

A vibrant city known for its fashion scene, historic sites, and the famous Antwerp Diamond District.

Festivals

Ghent Light Festival • January Gentse Feesten • July Ghent World Music Festival • September

Pro tips

Visit the Gravensteen Castle early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the best views.
Explore the Patershol district for a taste of medieval Ghent and some of the city's best restaurants.
Take a boat tour along the Ghent-Brugge Canal for a unique perspective on the city's architecture and history.
Try local beers and dishes at traditional Flemish pubs and restaurants.
Visit the Ghent World Music Festival for a diverse range of international artists and cultural experiences.