×

Free tour of the historic center of Ghent (in English or Dutch)

Duration: 2h and 15min
Languages: English
Guru: Barbara
Registered on April 26, 2023

Hi! I am Barbara Vos and I live with my husband and cats in the beautiful city of Ghent. I have been a history teachter for fifteen years. If you are looking for the perfect guide to show you around the beautiful city of Ghent, look no further! As a resident of the city for the most part of my life and as a passionate explorer of its hidden gems, I am the ideal guide for your tour. I have spent years immersing myself in the city's culture, history, and cuisine, and I am eager to share my knowledge with visitors. Whether you want to explore the city's architectural marvels, stroll through its picturesque streets, or indulge in its world-renowned cuisine, I can help you discover the best that Ghent has to offer. I am well-versed in the city's transportation options, making it easy for you to get around and see as much as possible. I can also provide insider tips on the best times to visit certain attractions and the best routes to take, ensuring that you have a seamless and enjoyable experience.

Show more
  • Free booking and cancellation
    Free payment tour, no set price, booking and cancellation are free

Tour description

If you're a tourist visiting Ghent, there are several hotspots in the historic center that you won't want to miss. Here is a suggested itinerary for exploring the city:

We start the tour at the Graslei, a picturesque quay located on the Leie River. This is a great place to get a feel for the city and take in the beautiful architecture.

From there, we can head to the nearby Korenmarkt, one of the busiest and most popular squares in Ghent. Here, you can grab a coffee and some breakfast (to go) at one of the many cafes or enjoy some people-watching.

After breakfast, we make our way to the Belfry, one of the most famous landmarks in the city. It is possible to climb to the top for stunning views over the city and listen to the carillon play music every hour.

Just a short walk from the Belfry is St. Bavo's Cathedral, home to several famous works of art, including "The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb" by the Van Eyck brothers. We can take some time to explore the cathedral and appreciate its stunning Gothic architecture.

From the cathedral, we can head to the Castle of the Counts, a medieval castle that played an important role in the city's history. 


In conclusion, there is so much to see and do in Ghent's historic center, from exploring medieval castles, visiting museums, shopping... to taking boat tours on the canals. Whether you're interested in history, art, or just want to explore a charming European city, Ghent is a must-visit destination.

The itinerary can be altered due to wheather conditions.

Show more
  • Meeting point:
    Saint Michael's Bridge, St Michael's ...
    Saint Michael's Bridge, St Michael's Bridge, Sint-Michielshelling, 9000 Gent, Belgium
    View on map

    On the Sint-Michielsbrug, on the Graslei. I will carry a book about Ghent.

How much does this tour cost?

Free tours do not have a set price, instead, each person gives the guru at the end of the tour the amount that he or she considers appropriate (these usually range from €10 to $50 depending on satisfaction with the tour).

Tour opinions

41 ratings
4.8
By category
Professionalism
4.88
Fun
4.58
Expression
4.73
Quality
4.73
Route
4.74
Generic
5 stars
35
4 stars
3
3 stars
2
2 stars
1
1 star
0
Ivan 12 Apr 2024
Singapore

Verified booking
Travelled in couple - Apr 2024
David is a very good guide. Both Barbara and David are teachers, no wonder they are so good in explaining things. I like how chill he explains things around Ghent. He also did the tour despite only 3 of us signing up for it. Thank you. I hope you get to share this experience to more people, be it foreigners or fellow locals.
mina 30 Dec 2023
Rotterdam

Verified booking
Travelled alone - Dec 2023
Location of meet up was not clear. Better communication and clarity and providing proper info before tour begins is needed
dingal 29 Dec 2023
Singapore

Verified booking
Travelled in couple - Dec 2023
Knowledgeable, chill, well-spoken tour guide. Took interesting routes through lesser known streets and corners. Lovely tour
Javi 25 Nov 2023
Palma de Mallorca

Verified booking
Travelled in couple - Nov 2023
Barbara exudes passion and knowledge about Ghent’s history. She was a great tour guide and you should definitely book with her if you can!
Cassy 18 Oct 2023
Portsmouth

Verified booking
Travelled in couple - Oct 2023
May only suggestion is to insure you are facing the group when you speak.
Show 41 reviews

Who is this tour for?

Accessibility
Non suitable for people with reduced mobility.
Groups
Does not accept large group reservations.
Pets
Suitable for carrying pets.

What should you know?

Minimum of attendees
A minimum of 5 people is required for the tour.
Additional costs:
The tour does not require the payment of entrance fees or additional expenses.
Free cancellation
If you will not be able to attend the tour, please cancel your booking, otherwise the guide will be waiting for you.
Payment methods
Only cash payment is accepted.
When do you want to go?
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Show more
See availability
Explore
Bookings
Messages