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Offered languages
- English
- Dutch
Ghent is both a historic gem rich in history and architecture and a vibrant, innovating student city. This tour is for those that want to get to know these many diverse sides.
The tour covers both the highlights and many hidden gems. Medieval history and architecture with castles, belfry, churches, guild halls, abbeys and merchants’ and patricians’ houses. Repurposed industrial structures and the monumental buildings of the socialist movement from the 19th and early 20th centuries. Picturesque neighbourhoods and photogenic bridges over one of Ghent’s rivers or canals. 13th century beguinages (closed community formerly inhabited by a movement of pious laywomen) and 21st century modern structures. Disappeared abbeys and palaces. University buildings and many students.
Ghent has so much to offer and your local guide would love to show it to you!
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
We'll meet at the entrance of the St Michielskerk St Michael's Church.
Itinerary
-
1Vrijdagmarkt
We'll start the tour at one of the most important historical market squares of Ghent: the Friday Market or Vrijdagmarkt.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2
This medieval neighborhood in the shadow of the Castle of the Counts is the most quaint and charming historical area of Ghent. It still has the original medieval street lay-out.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3Prinsenhof
This picturesque neighborhood still hides some reminders of the impressive Prince's Court where future Emperor Charles V was born. An often overlooked historical area with charming cobblestone streets, great views from the bridges over the Lieve Canal and many intriguing stories.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free -
Gravensteen (Pass by)
The former residence of the counts of Flanders is an amazing medieval castle surrounded by moats in the middle of the city center. We won't be going inside the castle but we'll see it from two different perspectives.
Admission ticket free -
St. Veerleplein (Pass by)
One of the smaller market squares of Ghent with plenty of historical buildings to admire, including the entrance gate to the old Fish Mine
Admission ticket free -
4Het Groot Vleeshuis
The Old Meat Hall is beautiful both from the outside as from the inside. We'll have a closer look at this incredible medieval construction and the products it houses nowadays.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
5
We refer to the Groentenmarkt as the gastronomic heart of Ghent, mainly because it's where you can buy the typical Ghentian products. We'll try one of them as well!
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
6Graslei and Korenlei
The former port of Ghent (back in the Middle Ages) is now one of the top spots of Ghent, both for locals and for tourists. Many of these buildings still remind us of their former functions, as for instance guild hall, grain storage, toll booth etc. But first and foremost, it's a magically beautiful place.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
7Korenmarkt
One of the main squares of Ghent, both historically and at present, with the oldest church of the center, the St Nicholas Church. We'll have a great view of the famous three towers of Ghent from St. Michael's Bridge (thé selfie spot of Ghent).
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
8
Probably the most controversial building of historical Ghent, the modern City Hall on Emiel Braunplein. We'll walk underneath and experience its excellent acoustics and interesting details.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
9Het Belfort van Gent
The Belfry was the symbol of power of the medieval city. You'll learn more about this typical Flemish building, its importance and function from the Middle Ages to the present.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
10St. Bavo's Cathedral
Ghent's cathedral is impressive from the outside, but even more from the inside. We'll have a look inside at its many treasures. Including, of course, the most important piece of art of Ghent (and one of the most important in the world), the Ghent Altarpiece by the Van Eyck brothers. You'll learn more about its history (the most stolen piece of art in history, including by Hitler!) and the artistic details, which make it an absolute masterpiece.
20 minutes • Admission ticket included -
11Geeraard de Duivelsteen (The Castle of Gerald the Devil)
The second medieval castle of Ghent and too often overlooked by visitors. The area was recently given a makeover and it has become the newest picturesque spot to hang out for locals.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
12
An oasis of tranquility in the city. A gated community of the 13th century, formerly inhabited by pious laywomen. Beautifully restored houses of the 17th century built around a church. Your guide's favourite place on the tour. Do we need to say more?
25 minutes • Admission ticket free -
13
Because Ghent was the first city on the European continent to industrialize, the socialist movement was an important force to reckon with in the 19th and 20th centuries. The Vooruit is one of the remaining witnesses of this era. We'll also have a look at the nearby modern library De Krook, part of an urban regeneration project.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
14Ghent Town Hall (Stadhuis)
The City Hall of Ghent is an interesting building, to say the least. You'll immediately see why. Most of the buildings in the area used to be the city palaces and first stone houses of the powerful families of Ghent.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- 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
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Show more
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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