Free tour

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

4.74

Good(53)

Ghent

Duration: 1 hour and 30 minutes

Languages: English

Guru: Barbara and David

Registered on 26 April 2023

Hi! We are Barbara and David, Ghent locals with a passion for storytelling and a deep love for our city. We’ve called Ghent home for most of our lives, sharing it with our two cats and a decade of marriage. As career educators (Barbara has taught History for 15 years and David has taught Latin even longer) we don’t just show you the sights; we bring the past to life. Whether you’re looking for a cheerful, informed perspective or a guide with deep didactic expertise, we’ve spent years perfecting the art of the city tour. From the iconic landmarks of the old city center to the hidden gems only a resident knows, we we’ll provide you with all the insider tips you could want on unique local shops, the best spots for authentic food, and advice on how to keep exploring Ghent like a local. Let us show you the city we love!

Free reservation and cancellation

Pay-what-you-want tour, no set price, reservation 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.

Highlights

What will we see on this tour?

Meeting point:

Saint Michael's Bridge, St Michael's Bridge, Sint-Michielshelling, 9000 Gent, Belgium

On the Sint-Michielsbrug, on the Graslei. I will carry a sign with 'free tour'.

How much does this tour cost?

Free tours don't have a fixed price. At the end, each person contributes to the guide the amount they consider fair based on their satisfaction. As a guideline, Guruwalk recommends between €15 and $50 per participant.