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Ghent Tours: Canals, Castles & Flemish Charm

Intro to Ghent Tours

Ghent is a city that surprises at every corner — medieval towers mirrored in canals, street art tucked into alleys, and the warm glow of cafés where monks once brewed ale. Smaller than Brussels but livelier than Bruges, Ghent blends Gothic grandeur with a youthful creative spirit. Tours here unlock not just sights like Gravensteen Castle or St. Bavo’s Cathedral but also the flavors, stories, and hidden lanes that define the city. Start planning your journey with our Ghent Travel Guide — and discover how guided tours can bring Belgium’s most underrated city to life.

Why Take a Tour in Ghent?

While Ghent is walkable and well-connected, guided tours elevate your visit in ways self-exploration cannot.

History made personal. Guides share tales of rebellious citizens who once challenged emperors, or why Ghent was called the “Manchester of the Middle Ages.”
Hidden access. Boat tours in Ghent glide past courtyards and merchant houses invisible from the streets.
Culinary depth. Food tours reveal why locals love waterzooi stew or how abbeys shaped Belgium’s beer culture.
Seasonal curation. Summer canal tours, autumn art walks, or winter Christmas market tours maximize timing.
Convenience. Day trips to Bruges or Brussels are easy, but guided versions manage train tickets, timing, and insider stops.
Supporting locals. Independent guides, from beer sommeliers to art historians, keep Ghent’s traditions thriving.

Top Tours in Ghent by Popularity

Ghent Walking Tours

Medieval Ghent Walking Tour. A 2.5-hour stroll covering Gravensteen Castle, St. Bavo’s Cathedral, and Graslei harbor. Includes priority entry at select sites.
Ghent Street Art Tour. Explore Werregarenstraat (Graffiti Alley) and hidden murals while learning about the city’s urban art movement.
Evening Ghent Walking Tour. A lantern-lit walk through cobblestoned streets and canals, blending history with legends.

Boat Tours in Ghent

Canal Cruise with Commentary. 40-minute narrated tour along Graslei and Korenlei, with English, French, and Dutch guides.
Private Ghent Boat Tour. Customized itinerary with onboard drinks, ideal for couples or small groups.
Ghent Beer & Boat Combo Tour. Start with a canal ride, then taste Belgian beers in historic taverns.

Food & Beer Tours

Ghent Chocolate Tasting Tour. Sample pralines and learn from master chocolatiers.
Ghent Beer History Tour. Visit centuries-old breweries and try Trappist ales with expert commentary.
Ghent Vegan Food Tour. Ghent is Europe’s “veggie capital” — tours showcase plant-based cuisine.

Ghent Day Trips

Bruges Day Trip from Ghent. Includes train transfer, canal boat ride, and medieval market square exploration.
Brussels Highlights Tour. Atomium, Grand Place, and chocolate tastings on a guided return trip.
Flanders WWI Battlefields Tour. Day trip to Ypres and Flanders Fields memorial sites.

Editor’s Picks: Handpicked Tours You’ll Love

Ghent by Kayak. Paddle canals at your own pace with a guide leading small groups past medieval towers.
St. Bavo’s Altar Masterpiece Tour. Art historians reveal the Van Eyck brothers’ Adoration of the Mystic Lamb with in-depth commentary.
Cycling Tour to Bruges. A 5-hour ride along canals connecting two of Belgium’s most beautiful cities.
Ghent Ghost Tour. Hear chilling legends of executions, hauntings, and medieval justice in hidden courtyards.
Beer & Cheese Pairing Masterclass. A private tasting session inside a local tavern cellar.
Winter Christmas Market Tour. Sip Glühwein, taste waffles, and learn about Flemish festive traditions.

Let Ghent Inspire Your Next Trip

For dreamers: Glide on quiet canals during golden sunset hours with stories of medieval merchants.
For food lovers: Taste pralines, beers, and Flemish stews on curated culinary walks.
For adventurers: Kayak through canals or cycle to Bruges with guides.
For convenience seekers: Join Ghent day trips where tickets and transfers are managed.

Book immersive Ghent tours and experience unforgettable things to do in Ghent — from historic walking tours and canal cruises to chocolate tastings and Flanders day trips.

Must-See Nearby Adventures

Bruges Medieval Day Tour. Canals, Markt Square, and Michelangelo’s Madonna and Child.
Antwerp Art & Diamonds Tour. Rubens’ masterpieces and diamond workshops.
Leuven Brewery Tour. Visit Stella Artois HQ plus small craft breweries.
Waterloo Battlefield Excursion. Learn Napoleon’s story with guides in period dress.
Ghent to Brussels Food Day Trip. Chocolate, waffles, and beer tastings.

Most Loved Attractions & Activities

Gravensteen Castle Tour. Guided entry to dungeons, torture chambers, and panoramic towers.
St. Bavo’s Cathedral Visit. Skip-the-line tickets for the Van Eyck altarpiece.
Ghent Belfry Tower Climb. Tour includes bell-ringing demonstrations.
Ghent Canal Lights Tour. Evening cruise highlighting illuminated facades.
Design Museum Ghent Guided Walk. Explore Belgian design movements with curators.

Local Secrets You’ll Love

Patershol Neighborhood Walk. Explore narrow lanes of Ghent’s medieval quarter.
Underground Ghent Tour. Visit hidden tunnels and wartime shelters.
Local Market Tour. Friday market with samples of Gentse neuzen (candy).
Ghent Jazz Tour. Discover venues where modern jazz thrives in Belgium.

Savor the Local Cuisine

Ghent Food Market Tour. From cuberdons (nose-shaped sweets) to waterzooi stew.
Belgian Beer & Fries Tour. Pair fries with beers while learning about double-frying traditions.
Vegan Street Food Walk. Ghent leads Europe’s plant-based movement.
Chocolate Workshop. Make pralines with a local chocolatier.
Farm-to-Table Cycling Tour. Visit farms outside Ghent and enjoy local produce.

Sample Day Plans

3-Day Ghent Highlights

Day 1: Ghent walking tour + canal cruise.
Day 2: Gravensteen Castle + chocolate tour.
Day 3: Day trip to Bruges.

5-Day Explorer

Day 1: Ghent historic walk.
Day 2: Beer & food tour.
Day 3: Bruges day trip.
Day 4: Flanders battlefields tour.
Day 5: Kayak or cycling excursion.

7-Day Ghent & Flanders

Days 1–2: Explore Ghent walking, art, and canal tours.
Day 3: Bruges guided day trip.
Day 4: Antwerp art & diamond tour.
Day 5: Leuven brewery excursion.
Days 6–7: Christmas markets or WWI history tours.

10-Day Grand Belgian Tour

Ghent, Bruges, Brussels, Antwerp, Leuven, and Flanders Fields — balanced across food, art, history, and countryside.

Ideal Seasons to Explore Ghent

Spring (March–May).
Perfect for Ghent walking tours among blooming canalside trees. Easter brings chocolate festivals and cycling tours thrive in mild weather.

Summer (June–August).
Peak season for boat tours in Ghent and open-air concerts. The Gentse Feesten (July) transforms the city with music, theater, and street art. Expect crowds but festive energy.

Fall (September–November).
Ideal for Ghent day trips to vineyards or Bruges. Fewer tourists, crisp air, and stunning autumn canal reflections.

Winter (December–February).
Magical season with Christmas market tours, hot chocolate tastings, and indoor art walks. Cold weather enhances cozy tavern experiences.

What to Know Before You Reserve

Book St. Bavo’s altarpiece tours weeks ahead.
Boat tours in Ghent run rain or shine — bring waterproof layers.
Cash preferred at small taverns.
English tours dominate, but French, German, and Dutch options available.
Many canal tours allow dogs — check with providers.
Bikes are provided on cycling day trips; helmets recommended.
Be prepared for cobblestones on Ghent walking tours.
Group sizes vary: small groups mean better interaction.
Cancel policies flexible in off-season, strict in July festival season.
Tipping is optional but appreciated.

Accessibility & Special Considerations

Many canal boats are wheelchair-accessible.
Gravensteen Castle has partial lift access.
Self-guided apps available for visitors with hearing needs.
Vegan and gluten-free options included on most food tours.
Private tours ideal for families with young kids or seniors.

Moving Around Made Simple

Arrivals: Brussels Airport (BRU) with direct trains to Ghent.
Transit: Trams and buses cover the city; walking is easiest in the core.
Bikes: Rentals common for self-guided or guided cycling tours.
Day Trips: Train links make Bruges, Antwerp, and Brussels under an hour away.
Costs: Walking tours from €15, canal cruises ~€12, day trips €40–€90.

Stay Close to the Action

Historic Center. Best for Ghent walking tours and nightlife.
Graslei & Korenlei. Perfect for boat tours in Ghent, with river views.
Patershol. Medieval charm, boutique hotels, and dining.
St. Pieters. Close to train station, convenient for day trips.

Plan Smarter, Travel Better

Use apps like “Visit Ghent” for tour schedules.
Bring layered clothing for Belgium’s changeable weather.
Compare combo tours (castle + canal + beer) to save money.
Prebook during Gentse Feesten festival weeks.

Choose Your Next Adventure

Bruges. Fairy-tale canals and medieval architecture. [link to Bruges guide]
Brussels. Grand Place, Atomium, and beer tours. [link to Brussels guide]
Antwerp. Baroque art and diamond heritage. [link to Antwerp guide]

Nearby Cities & Countries

Brussels, Belgium. Capital city culture and food.
Amsterdam, Netherlands. Canals and museums three hours away.
Lille, France. Flemish-French blend just across the border.
Luxembourg City. Grand ducal history and wine valleys.

It’s Time to Experience Ghent

Ghent may not always top the lists, but once here, travelers fall in love with its canals, art, and warmth. Guided tours turn walks into stories, meals into culture lessons, and day trips into seamless discoveries. From boat tours at sunset to chocolate-making classes, Ghent is a city that reveals itself through its guides. Step into its streets, taste its flavors, and let Ghent surprise you at every turn.