Ghent , Belgium

Evening Tour of the Dark Side of Gent

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(608 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Join our evening tour of Ghent and discover the fascinating history, myths and legends of our city with an experienced and passionate local guide.

We take you off the beaten track to show you some highlights and hidden gems of our gorgeous city. After 1.5h we will finish the tour in the medieval quarter of Gent, very close to the city center, with a deeper understanding of Gent and perhaps some new friends!

If you cannot make it to the tour for whatever reason, please notify us, so we can open your slot to other visitors. Thank you and enjoy the tour!

IMPORTANT NOTE: Our guides are volunteers who offer tours for tips, so please bring cash to reward the guide. The charged fee only covers the cost of booking via this platform.

Available options

English Tour

Spanish Tour

What's included

All Fees and Taxes

Detailed itinerary

We start here with an introduction to the history of Ghent and the role the city played as a trading hub in medieval times. We also introduce you to the 3 towers of the Ghent skyline, which are best visible from this spot.

Stop 2 Pass by

We’ll tell you the gruesome story of why the beautiful cathedral is also known as the ‘Devil’s Tower’.

Stop 3

We take you to the heart of the bustling medieval harbour of Ghent, back when the city was an economic powerhouse in Europe, to tell you about the lucrative trading activities.

On this bridge overlooking the giant Butchers’ Hall, we tell you the legend about the execution of a father and son and the miraculous event that saved them.

Built by Count Baldwin in the 9th century to protect the inhabitants from the Viking raids, it was around this impressive fortification that the city started to develop. Our guide will share its fascinating history with you.

Next, we take you to what once was a gigantic palace called the Prince’s Court. Today we need some imagination to envision it, but our guide will bring its history to life!

Here, we will show you the only remaining tower of the 14 km long defence wall that was built around Ghent in the Middle Ages.

We take you to the Bridge of Imperial Delights, which is flanked by 4 sculptures which depict legendary scenes of the life of Charles V. Our guide will explain you some of them.

On this stop, we’ll tell you about the troublesome history of the Religious Wars and the effect the Calvinist rule has had on the history of the city.

To finish the tour, we take you to the picturesque medieval quarter of the Patershol or ‘Monk’s hole’ to tell you about the social impact of the Industrial Revolution and the role it played in the revival of the city’s economy!

What's not included

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

EN ES

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.7

49 reviews

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Tripadvisor 4.9

559 reviews

5★

535

4★

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1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

We meet in front of Hostel Uppelink, Sint-Michielsplein 21. Look for the RED umbrella!

IMPORTANT NOTE: Our guides are volunteers who offer tours for tips. The fee only covers the cost of booking via this platform.

Important notes

Please be on the meeting point (Sint-Michielsplein 21, in front of Hostel Uppelink) 10 minutes before the start of the tour and look for the guide with the red umbrella. You can use the lockers and the toilet in the hostel if needed.

Keep in mind that our Evening Tour: The Dark Side of Gent is a free tour, which means that you are free to leave a tip to the guide if you enjoyed the tour, so please bring cash money to reward the guide. The booking fee is only used to process the booking and reserve your spot.

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.