Ghent Private Walking Tour: the historical heart of Flanders
- Free cancellation
- Wheelchair accessible
About this experience
Discover Europe's best kept secret
Ghent is the perfect blend of history, culture, modernity, and walking, resulting in a city that is alive at all hours.
We will walk through the historic center dominated by three towers, visit a fairytale castle, and let ourselves be carried away by the atmosphere of the old docks between locals and visitors to unveil the secrets framed by the Scheldt and Lys rivers.
Will you join us?
Tailor-made
Whether you live the experience alone, as a couple, with family or friends, the tour is fully adaptable to the preferences and interests of the group.
The guide will take you step by step through the history, culture, and idiosyncrasies of Ghent in your language, through a fun and light-hearted storytelling style. In addition, being a private tour, the attention is even closer and the guide will be able to advise you to make the most of your stay in the city.
Next available dates
What’s included
- Guided tour in your language
- It can be in Spanish, English or another language you want to practice in a very special context (French, Portuguese or Dutch on request at [email protected]).
Not included
- Tips and gratuities
- Food and drinks
- Entry / admission fee
- Train or tram tickets. If you choose the Option 2 (From Brussels by train):
- You can buy your train tickets before or the guide will help you to buy them on the spot (rates depending on your age and situation: children up to 11 years old always FREE TRAINS IN BELGIUM, rest of the rates between €7 and €18 -open return tickets-).
- You can buy your Delijn tram tickets before or the guide will help you to buy them on the spot (children up to 5 years old FREE TRAM, adults 5€ -open return tickets-).
- Available in the city, but NOT included in this experience:
- Visit to "The Mystic Lamb" (inside the cathedral).
- Visit to the Castle of the Counts of Flanders.
- Boat trip in the city centre.
Itinerary
- 1
Cathedral of Saint-Bavo (Sint-Baaf)
It is the oldest parish church in Ghent and home to "The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb" by the van Eyck brothers, one of the most stolen works of art in history. We will go inside the cathedral if the opening hours and/or catholic masses allow the visit (16th century). The information about the opening hours is always updated in the following link .
- 2
Belfry Tower
It stands in the center of the emblematic row of towers, symbolizing the prosperity and independence of the city with a fierce dragon that crowns its 91 m height and has been watching over the people of Ghent since 1377.
- 3
Grain market (Korenmarkt)
In the past, it was the ancient crossroads for the grain trade throughout Flanders, but today it is a monumental terrace. The historic buildings surrounding the square are home to bars and restaurants where you can enjoy a good beer and views of the magnificent facades.
- 4
Saint Nicolas church
One of the oldest churches in Ghent and emblem of the Scaldian Gothic. It is named after the patron saint of commerce because its reconstruction was possible thanks to the merchants of the city after a fire destroyed the old temple.
- 5
Saint Michael's church
The 134 m that were initially planned for this "monument of victory" remained only 24, but its beauty and location next to the canals have made it the protagonist of the typical postcard of Ghent.
- 6
Old docks of Graslei and Korenlei
The skyline of medieval port buildings that frame the Lys River are the legacy of the docks where ships loaded with spices and grain arrived (hence the name) and the most atmospheric meeting point of the city.
- 7
Old fish market (Vismarkt)
Fish has been traded here since the Middle Ages, but today all kinds of products are offered and advertised by market workers, while cyclists ride around the market, urban activity around the clock!
- 8
Castle of the Counts of Flanders (Gravensteen)
It is the only medieval castle with moat remaining in Flanders. Its practically intact fortification system gives us a glimpse of the chivalric culture of the 12th century, including a collection of instruments of torture.
- 9
Patershol neighborhood
Authentic folk soul of the city! Its cobbled alleys are intertwined in a medieval pattern that takes us back in time to enjoy a beer and traditional kroakemandels (fried salted peas) in its cozy cafes.
- 10
Friday Market (Vrijdagmarkt)
The square, that was the point of triumphal entries of the new kings, is now ideal for shopping at the flea market every weekend or in the stores that surround it and then enjoying the famous Kwak beer in Dulle Griet (warning: you will have to leave a shoe as collateral).
- 11
PLEASE NOTE
The itinerary of the tour may change for different reasons: If the tour guide considers more interesting options for the group needs. If the guide agrees to a specific requirement of the group. If local and city issues (music festivals, works in progress, parades...) make difficult the itinerary proposed.
Good to know
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Guide
- Guided tour in Spanish, English, and French
Know before you go
- Stroller / pram accessible
- Wheelchair accessible
- Limited mobility accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation nearby
- Departure time at the desired time.
- Duration: 2.5 hours*
- Option 1: Meeting point in the centre of Ghent (+/- 2,5h).
- Option 2: Meeting point in the centre of Brussels and travel to Ghent BY TRAIN with the guide (+/- 5h). Possibility of staying longer (without the guide) to go shopping, eat, enjoy monuments... with an open return train ticket. From the Ghent train station to the city center it is necessary to take a tram:
- You can buy your train tickets beforehand or the guide will help you to buy them on the spot (rates depend on your age and situation: children up to 11 years old always have FREE TRAINS IN BELGIUM, the rest of the rates between €7 and €18 -open return tickets-).
- You can buy your Delijn tram tickets beforehand or the guide will help you to buy them on the spot (children up to 5 years old FREE TRAM, adults 5€ -open return tickets-).
- Groups: max. 10 pax (for larger groups, contact us directly for the best offers).
- Languages: EN / ES (FR / PT / NL upon direct request).
- Please note that the tour is a walking tour (accessible to strollers, prams, wheelchairs, and limited mobility, but we are not taking coaches or private transports. For this kind of needs please contact us directly).
- Please show up at the meeting point 10 minutes before the tour starts.
- Average tour length. The independent guides with whom we work have your best interests in mind; while the tour usually includes the sites and stories above and lasts this long, your tour may vary depending on what your guide thinks is the best for the group!
- Please for special requests email us to [email protected]
- Comfortable shoes and clothes.
- An umbrella or raincoat is always welcome in Belgium, just in case.
- In summer and warm days, some water is always advisable.
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 3 days before the experience starts.
- 3 days or more before: full refund
- Less than 3 days before: no refund
Meeting point
View on map
OPTION 1: IN GHENT CITY Saint-Bavo Square (in front of the Cathedral, or let us know your preferences)
- Address
- Sint-Baafsplein, Ghent, 9000, BE
- How you meet
- Meet on location
- Coordinates
- 51.05340, 3.72590
Illustrative map. Open it in Maps for the exact spot and live directions.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does this experience last?
It lasts 2 hours.
Can I cancel this booking?
Free cancellation up to 3 days before the experience starts. 3 days or more before: full refund · Less than 3 days before: no refund
Is this experience guided, and in what language?
Guided tour in Spanish, English, and French
Is hotel pickup included?
No — you make your own way to the meeting point.
Where does this experience start?
It starts at OPTION 1: IN GHENT CITY Saint-Bavo Square (in front of the Cathedral, or let us know your preferences), Sint-Baafsplein, Ghent, 9000, BE.
Is this experience wheelchair accessible?
Yes — the supplier lists this experience as wheelchair accessible.
From AED 1,231 per booking
