Ghent Tours

In the northwest of Belgium you will find a port city that stands out for its impressive architecture, exquisite gastronomy and unforgettable experiences. Ideally, consider an organised tour that will allow you to save time and optimise your itinerary to enjoy the best of Ghent's activities You have several options at your disposal, including bike rides, boat and water train rides.

In addition, you can indulge in Belgian chocolate, wine or beer as part of the contrasting cuisine. The city is also known for its escape games, which encompass different themes that will allow you to spend a different afternoon. There are also tourist races ideal for athletes, as well as self-guided experiences for free spirits. Here's a guide to the highlights.

Cycling around Ghent can be a fun and stress-relieving activity, so it's a must on your itinerary. You can see many sights in about two and a half hours, starting in the heart of the city where the oldest square, known as the Vrijdagmarkt, is hidden. On this type of tour it is also possible to visit the ruins of St. Bavo's Abbey, a monument with its lavatory, cloister and tombstone museum.

There is no need to leave the city to breathe fresh air and enjoy natural spaces, as the bicycle route makes it easy to reach the Abbey of Saint Peter, whose gardens, Gothic ruins and historical heritage make it an obligatory stop.

In general, you can enjoy the street art that envelops Ghent and pass by a former hospital that has been converted into the Bijloke Music Centre In the city you can rent a bike and ride on your own, or enjoy a guided tour for small groups.

Details of interest

• Price: from 50 € per person.
• Duration: about two and a half hours.
• Means of transport: there is usually a fixed meeting point, so you have to get there on your own.
• Advantages of this option: can include a professional guide and child seats, as well as the necessary equipment for safe cycling.
• Disadvantages of this option: be aware that it is not usually wheelchair accessible.

To create a connection with Ghent you can consider a personalised tour, as you are free to choose the itinerary and opt for the company of a professional guide, who will give you practical information on where to eat, what to visit and how to get around. It is ideal for free spirits looking for flexible schedules with 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 hour options tailored to your needs. They are usually walking experiences with access to the most emblematic places, so if you don't know where to go, here are some useful suggestions:

• Graslei and Korenlei Quays: these are the famous facades reflecting in the river Lys, where you can see boats, learn about the history of Ghent and see the popular grain buildings, very important during the 16th century.
• Castle of the Counts of Flanders: a medieval castle with enchanting spaces and breathtaking panoramic views.
• Patershol quarter: one of the oldest quarters, known for its cobbled houses, 17th century convents and old-fashioned lifestyle.
• Werregarenstraat: Ghent's famous art alley, where vibrant life will captivate you.

Interesting details

• Price: from 58 € per person.
• Duration: there is usually a choice of two, three, four, five and six hours, depending on the type of experience you select.
• Means of transport: can include pick-up and drop-off on foot from centrally located hotels in Ghent.
• Advantages of this option: this is a private activity with a professional guide, so only your group will participate and you can customise the itinerary to your liking.
• Disadvantages of this option: Please note that visits to the attractions are usually at an additional cost, as you will have to pay for your entrance fee and the guide's fee.

Upon arrival you can immerse yourself in the exquisite local cuisine, where the renowned chocolate awaits you. The Belgians were one of the first producers of cocoa, thanks to agreements with the Congo, so there are ancestral recipes encapsulated in different locations. In Ghent it is possible to take a tour of at least two hours through its charming streets, where the best chocolate shops are hidden.

Glide through the wonders of the Chocolaterie Deduytschaever, the best in town, and other important shops where you can taste chocolates, truffles, brownies and sweets. Also, be prepared to try exotic blends such as passion fruit chocolate.

Or savour chocolate filled with pralines, an almond cream that was created in France, but was first used as a bonbon filling in Belgium. If you want to test your taste buds, the city is most famous for the Chocolaterie Van Hoorebeke, an explosive experience offering tastings of combinations with mustard, bacon or chilli.

Interesting details

• Price: from 47 € per person.
• Duration: approximately two hours.
• Means of transport: a meeting point may be arranged.
• Advantages of this option: you will usually have access to approximately 8 tastings accompanied by a professional guide.
• Disadvantages of this option: if you have dietary restrictions you may not be able to participate in the tasting offered by the tour.

Another experience not to be missed is a Belgian beer tour, whose popularity is due to its flavour and unique history. In the past, the people of Ghent preferred to drink beer instead of canal water, as people became inexplicably ill and suspected it was water pollution. This allowed it to strengthen its roots with more than 1,500 offerings and to stand out in the market.

Therefore, I suggest you visit the most famous pubs and book a beer tour, where it is common to taste 5 Belgian beers in the company of a local guide. In this way, you are likely to get to know the abbey beers and Trappist beers, produced on the farms during the 16th and 17th centuries for the monks. In general, you will find more fermented, wheat-based, malty, sweet, fruity, bitter, sour, spicy and other flavours.

Interesting details

• Price: from 60 € per person.
• Duration: around three hours.
• Means of transport: may include transfers from the hotel, in the case of private tours.
• Advantages of this option: it is usually a very complete experience with tasting of Belgian craft beers, as well as local sweets and chocolates. In addition, you can select a private and personalised tour.
• Disadvantages of this option: You must be 18 years old to participate.

Another great plan for your holiday in Ghent is to take a boat trip along the River Leie for about forty minutes, an adventure that offers great views of the main monuments and canals. It can be an ideal relaxing experience to save you from walking and get to know the city in a short time. To make sure you don't miss anything, you'll have on-board narrations with interesting facts about St. Bavo's Cathedral, the Towers of Ghent and the Castle of the Counts of Flanders, which are all nearby.

One of the sights that fascinates me is Prinsenhof, the famous residence of Emperor Charles V, who ruled during the Holy Roman Empire. Keep in mind that these tours are usually shared with other travellers and are limited to 60 people, so I recommend travelling in low season for a more intimate, quiet and relaxed experience.

Low tourist numbers are a privilege in April, June and November, but June is usually the month with the most pleasant temperatures. If boats aren't your thing or you're looking for a more private activity, you might consider booking a guided tour, as they tend to be for groups of friends or family.

Details of interest

• Price: from €13 per person.
• Duration: approximately forty minutes.
• Means of transport: a meeting point is usually arranged.
• Advantages of this option: you can discover Ghent by boat and you will usually have narration on board, as well as the company of a professional guide.
• Disadvantages of this option: this is an activity for large groups, if you are looking for a personalised option, please note that there can be up to 60 people.

If you want to enjoy outdoor activities you can join an escape game, where you will be a detective. In this type of tour the route is unlocked as you complete challenges and solve clues. There are different themes such as the Walter Case, which revolves around a blackmail story involving the secrets of a quirky millionaire.

In this way, you will witness the vibrant atmosphere of Ghent and take a walk at your own pace. It's ideal with friends or family and although it doesn't usually include a professional guide, you will have online assistance. Of course, you need to bring your battery-powered mobile phone, have an internet connection and download the game app. Note that there are other themes such as:

• Zombie Invasion: the undead take over the city, so you will have to escape through Ghent's most interesting passages.
• The Alchemist: travel back to 1555 and get to know the city, while discovering stories of witch hunts and other phenomena.
• Peter Pan: if you are travelling with children this can be a great activity for them to live a magical experience with Tinkerbell in Neverland and face Hook.

Details of interest

• Price: from 19 € per group of up to 6 people.
• Duration: generally two and a half hours.
• Means of transport: the tour is on foot and a starting point is set.
• Advantages of this option: the tour usually includes an escape game via an app.
• Disadvantages of this option: it usually does not include a professional guide.

If you like marathons and want to get some exercise during your holiday, there's nothing better than a sightseeing run at a leisurely speed. You don't need to be a professional, as it includes a short warm-up and the idea is to see the main monuments and move your body slightly, in fact you can jog or walk depending on your physical condition.

Remember to bring your most comfortable trainers and a desire to get to know the hidden stories of the region. The usual itinerary is guided by a tour guide and revolves around the origins of the city, the most important events of the Middle Ages and walks in less touristy areas.

You will also pass by the artistic sites, as well as St. Bavo's Cathedral, the Belfry of Ghent and the Church of St. Nicholas.

Interesting details

• Price: from €45 per person.
• Duration: between forty-five minutes and one hour.
• Means of transport: transport is not usually included, only a fixed starting point.
• Advantages of this option: it is ideal for adding a sporting activity to your holiday.
• Disadvantages of this option: it is unlikely to include the important food and drinks to recharge your batteries. Also, it is not recommended for pregnant women or travellers with serious health problems.

As I mentioned, gastronomy is a prominent feature of Ghent, so the perfect choice for immersing yourself in its flavours is a tour of the city's best eating spots. Such culinary adventures combine stops at places of interest with tastings of cheese, chocolate, wine, charcuterie and other delicious dishes.

If it's your first time in Ghent or you want to skip the planning, it's best to join a guided experience. A local expert knows where to eat and will meet your dietary requirements with advance notice. This way, you can stop by the Vrijdagmarkt market and the iconic Flower Market.

In addition, the dishes not to be missed include Ghent stew, snowballs, kroakemandels peas and waterzooi, a dish dating back to the Middle Ages.

Interesting facts

• Price: from €96 per person.
• Duration: between two and three hours.
• Means of transport: Transfers are not usually included.
• Advantages of this option: food and drink tastings are usually included, as well as the company of a tour guide. In addition, the tour usually includes stops at some shops, where you are likely to receive a 10% discount.
• Disadvantages of this option: you need to be able to walk a distance of 2 to 5 km, so it is not recommended for people with serious health problems.

Ghent's canals are among its main attractions, not surprising considering their inexplicable beauty. The city is also packed full of different attractions, with one of the favourites being the hop-on hop-off water train, which offers various departure times. You'll navigate the local culture and history with an interactive route that gives you the option of 6 stops of interest.

A trained expert will be on board to provide informative commentary, plus the ticket usually includes an audio guide that you can use during your free time. Please note that at the 6 stops you will find around 50 iconic locations that areworth a visit, among the highlights:

• St. Bavo's Cathedral.
• St. Nicholas Church.
• Ghent Belfry.
• St. Peter's Abbey and its vineyard.

If you prefer relaxing options you can stay on the non-stop train or book a boat tour of the medieval centre.

Details of interest

• Price: from €17 per person.
• Duration: it is usually a one-day pass and you can complete the tour at your own pace.
• Means of transport: the tour takes place on a water train, so you have to get to the Ghent pier on your own.
• Advantages of this option: Most water train experiences include an audio guide that you can use at the separate stops, as well as an on-board guide and a map.
• Disadvantages of this option: The activity takes place regardless of weather conditions, something to consider between November and December, which are the rainiest months in the region.