15 Historical Tours in Ghent to Build a Day Around

1.50-Minute Medieval Center Guided Boat Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 5,637 reviews · 1 day · from $12Our pick

Take a 50-minute boat ride through Ghent’s medieval center, passing the Three Towers, Gravensteen, guildhalls, old port, and Prince’s Court. Live commentary is given in Dutch, English, and French, with illustrated translations in six more languages. Guides such as Kobe, Brent, Anna, and Tom have been praised for clear stories and humor.

“Great activity with a knowledgeable guide. Seeing Ghent by boat is a great option!”

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2.Historical Walking Tour: Legends of Gent

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,761 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $3Best value

Spend about two hours walking central Ghent with an English-speaking local guide. The route links St Michael’s Bridge, the medieval port, Gravensteen Castle, St Bavo’s Cathedral, the Belfry, and more. Expect stories about trade, rebellion, crime, legends, food, and local life. Payment is made at the end based on your experience.

“Kasia was an excellent guide. From the start she was warm, welcoming and professional. She had a wealth of knowledge about Ghent delivered in a relaxed and humorous way. We both thoroughly enjoyed the tour and would highly recommend.”

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3.40 Minute Medieval Center Guided Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 884 reviews · 1 day · from $12

See central Ghent from the River Leie on a 40-minute guided boat ride. Your guide covers the medieval harbor, three famous towers, Prinsenhof, guildhalls, churches, monasteries, and Castle of the Counts in Dutch, English, or French. Illustrated text is available in Spanish, German, Italian, Russian, and Japanese.

“Loved this boat tour! Our guide was hilarious and knowledgeable. The best combination! Fit so much into and details in during the boat ride. Highly Recommend!”

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4.Evening Tour of the Dark Side of Gent

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 646 reviews · 1 hour 45 minutes (approx.) · from $3

Walk Ghent for about 1 hour 45 minutes with guides such as Kenny, Isabel, Ben, or Julian. Expect medieval murders, myths, religious conflict, scenic night views, and lesser-seen neighborhoods. The route starts at Hostel Uppelink and ends in Patershol, with a maximum of 35 people.

“This was. Fun tour that went to places we might not have found on our own. Our guide Kenny told stories that brought the locations to life!”

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5.40-Minute Historical Boat Tour of City Center

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 430 reviews · 40 min · from $12

Cruise Ghent’s center for 40 minutes with a local guide speaking Dutch, English, or French. From the Graslei jetty, you’ll pass medieval façades, the Great Butcher’s Hall, Dulle Griet, the Old Fish Market, Gravensteen, and Rabot. Open and covered boats run according to weather, with written commentary available in Spanish, Italian, and German.

“It was a great tour and the guide spoke in 3 languages to give the tour.”

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6.Private Historical Tour: The Best of Ghent

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 115 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $105

This private Ghent walk links St Michael’s Bridge, Graslei, Gravensteen, the Castle of the Counts, St Bavo’s Cathedral, the Belfry, and more. Your local guide explains medieval trade, city politics, religion, graffiti, and local legends. Guides have included Arn, Camila, Hans, Sonia, Kenny, and others, though the assigned guide varies.

“This was everyone’s favorite tour we did on our trip and fav city hands down. We learned so much about Ghent and our tour guide was absolutely fantastic! Arn had high communication before the tour and was incredibly knowledgeable about his city. You could tell he LOVED the city he grew up in and wanted to tell everyone about its rich history. Highly recommend Arn and this tour.”

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7.Bicycle tour in historic Ghent

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 87 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $54

Join local guide Tim of CityCycling.Gent for a 2.5-hour ride through Ghent’s historic center and less-visited neighborhoods. You’ll use a provided bike and helmet to reach abbeys, beguinages, parks, modern architecture, riverside sites, and Dok Brewing Company, with time for a drink break.

“I highly recommend this tour. Tim, our guide was extremely knowledgeable, and took us to places that I would have not found on my own.”

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8.Private Tour: The Dark Side of Gent

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 73 reviews · 1 hour 45 minutes (approx.) · from $105

Walk through Ghent with a private English-speaking guide for 1 hour 45 minutes, following tales of medieval trade, executions, religious conflict, and Charles V. Guides such as Kenny, Sébastien, Deborah, and Isabelle bring the city to life, while the route ends near Patershol’s bars and restaurants.

“Staying in Brussels for work, I scheduled this tour for the family starting at 7pm and drove (45 minutes) and was not disappointed. Absolute gem of a city with rich history. Guide was very knowledgeable and very kind. Great way to learn some of the history that’s no so apparent.”

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9.Chocolate history workshop Ghent

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 34 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $82

At Chocolade Ambassade in central Ghent, an English-speaking guide such as Leo leads a six-person workshop through Belgian chocolate history. You taste cacao fruit juice, cacao tea, early drinking chocolate, modern pralines, and cacao products, then make a chocolate bar from cacao beans. The 90-minute session ends with hot chocolate and optional shopping.

“I am from Switzerland, we have a big chocolate culture in our country. During my trip in Belgium, I visited a lot of shops to find out which country has the better chocolate. The biggest surprise was doing this history workshop at Chocolade Ambassade. A really fun and engaging activity. I still don't know who makes the better chocolate but you guys are better at offering chocolate experiences ,but without us no milk chocolate, which I learned now, thanks to you.”

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10.Small Group Ypres Remembrance Day Filled With War History

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 31 reviews · 10 to 11 hours (approx.) · from $419

Join Joris of Belgium’s Wanderlust for a small-group Ypres day trip from Ghent. Visit Sanctuary Wood’s trenches, Ramparts Cemetery, Ypres, the Flanders Fields Museum, and the Menin Gate ceremony, with hotel pickup, lunch time, and local tastings included in the day.

“My tour to Ypres was an unforgettable experience, steeped in World War I history and deeply moving moments. The highlight was the Last Post ceremony at Menin Gate, a beautiful and solemn tribute to the fallen soldiers, leaving a lasting impression of respect and reverence. Joris made the experience even more meaningful. He was also friendly and helpful throughout the day, always ensuring we were comfortable and engaged. The tour was absolutely worth the money and a must for anyone interested in history.”

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11.Private Tour in Historical Center

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 22 reviews · 2 hours

Walk Ghent’s historic center with a private guide from WalkinGent. In two hours, you’ll see Saint Bavo’s Cathedral, the Belfry, guild houses, the Castle of the Counts, the old harbor, and the famous view from Saint Michael’s Bridge. Guides speak English, French, or Dutch. Ann is one guide praised for her flexible, personal approach.

“En rigtig god guided tur og en rigtig god guide. Da jeg nævnte, at jeg gerne ville se beginerområdet, lavede hun om i sit program og tog os derhen - og forsøgte endda at undersøge, om vi kunne komme ind i et af husene. Hun var også rigtig god til at målrette sin guidning til det niveau, vi er på - at afkode, hvem vi var og hvad vi gerne ville. Absolut kun varme anbefalinger herfra.”

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12.The Dark Side of Ghent Private Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 19 reviews · 1h 30m

Follow a private guide through Ghent’s medieval center, from Saint Michael’s Bridge and Gravensteen to Prinsenhof, Rabot, and Patershol. Expect old legends, mysteries, unusual facts, and plenty of chances to ask questions. Guides include Jerke, Florian, Kenny, and Hamraz. The route can be adjusted to your interests.

“Kenny was fantastic ! He loves what he does and it shows …. Well worth it ! We learned so much !”

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13.Private Historical Highlights Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 17 reviews · 2 hours

Meet your English, Dutch, or Spanish-speaking guide under the red umbrella at Saint Michael’s Bridge. This private two-hour walk covers Ghent’s major medieval sights, including Gravensteen Castle, Saint Bavo’s Cathedral, the Belfry, guild houses, and Friday Market, with room for questions and special requests.

“We did a private tour with Sophia and really enjoyed our walk around the city. She gave us great insights into which sites to see after the tour, where to dine, etc. She told great stories/myths/legends that were very entertaining and helped to unravel some of the history of the area. Thanks again for a great time!”

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14.2 Hours Private Historical Walking in Ghent

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 14 reviews · 2 to 3 hours (approx.)

Walk through central Ghent with Yves, a local guide with a history degree and a good sense of humor. In two to three hours, you’ll trace the old harbour, explore the trade that made Ghent powerful, see civic buildings and wealthy homes, and hear how local choices shaped European history. Hotel pickup can be arranged.

“The guide was extremely knowledgeable, holds a degree in history, has a great sense of humor, is very personable, and grew up locally. When in Belgium, there is no better option!”

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15.Historic Highlights, by a local guide

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 9 reviews · from $40

Walk through Ghent with local history professor Jürgen on a two-hour route from Hagelandkaai to Vrijdagmarkt. You’ll trace the city’s origins, see St. Bavo’s Cathedral, Kouter, Hotel d’Hane Steenhuyse, Gravensteen, and Patershol, then finish with tips for food, drinks, and local life.

“This tour was absolutely fantastic. You couldn’t imagine a better introduction to Gent. The tour-guide is a very kind and knowledgable history teacher who was born an raised here. His love for this town was tangible. Besides that he was really Read more”

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