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Ghent Culture & history

Our most recommended Ghent Culture & history

From Brussels: Bruges and Ghent in a Day Guided Tour

1. From Brussels: Bruges and Ghent in a Day Guided Tour

Meet your guide in the center of Brussels and relax on the 100-kilometer journey to Bruges. Upon arrival, discover the charms of “the Venice of the North” and see why the entire historic center was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Marvel at highlights such as the Lake of Love (Minnewater Lake) and the 13th-century Begijnhof complex, founded in 1245 to house lay religious women. Go to Walplein Square, where the shady trees and cafes provide a perfect place to relax. Visit Stoofstraat on the site of the city's former Red Light District, and see medieval monuments such as the 11th-century Old St. John’s Hospital. Look at the world's second tallest brickwork tower at the Church of Our Lady, and see other historic monuments such as Gruuthuse Palace, the Dijver Canal and the tiny piazza of Tanners Square (Huidenvettersplein). Go to one of the city's most photographed spots at Rozenhoedkaai, and admire the Belfry on Castle Square. Admire the facades of the Gothic-style Town Hall and the 12th-century Basilica of the Holy Blood. Visit Market Square (Grote Markt) to see the Bell Tower (Belfort) and Sint-Salvator’s Cathedral. Then enjoy 1-hour's free time for lunch (at your own expense) and the chance to sample some of the city's delicious chocolates.  Next, drive to Ghent, where the inhabitants have been popularly known as "noose-bearers“ since the days of Charles V. Take a guided tour of the city's historic buildings, such as the Castle of Gerald the Devil and Saint Bavo Cathedral, where you can look at the painting “The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb” by the Van Eyck brothers. Admire the Belfort (Bell Tower) and peculiar Gothic and Renaissance-style Town Hall. See one of the city's oldest monuments at St. Nicholas’ Church opposite the unusual facade of the Masons’ Guild House. Journey along the embankments of the medieval port of Graslei, and discover other highlights such as the majestic Castle of the Counts of Flanders, the charming Patershol neighborhood, the Great Butchers’ Hall, the Old Fish Market, and Friday Market Square.

Ghent: 40-Minute Historical Boat Tour of City Center

2. Ghent: 40-Minute Historical Boat Tour of City Center

Departing from the picturesque jetty, embark on a relaxing 40-minute cruise of Ghent city center. Learn about the history of this beautiful city from a local, knowledgeable guide. Discover Medieval Ghent and its prestigious and glorious past. See the beautiful house fronts of the Graslei and the old meat-market. Be in awe at the rugged and steep walls of the Castle of Counts. Imagine the lives of the powerful people that once stalked its corridors. Soak in the history from your riverside view point.

From Bruges: Day Trip to Ghent

3. From Bruges: Day Trip to Ghent

Take a guided bus and walking tour from Bruges to the medieval city of Ghent. See the city's iconic sights, including St. Nicholas Church, the Municipal Bell Tower, and the Castle of the Counts of Flanders. Depart from Bruges on a bus and find yourself walking the streets of Ghent after a short ride. Take a trip back to medieval times as you stroll between canals and monuments. Cross St. Michael's Bridge to get to the stunning facades along the Graslei Pier. Visit St. Nicholas Church, the 14th-century Municipal Bell Tower, and St. Bavon's Cathedral. Admire the priceless artwork inside the cathedral. Continue from the cathedral and past the Town Hall, distinguished by its mix of several architectural styles. Arrive at the Castle of the Counts of Flanders, where you'll learn about its history and importance during the medieval period. Next, discover Vrijdagmarkt Square and take in the magic of Ghent as you walk through its canals. Enjoy some free time to explore on your own after your guided tour. Afterward, get transferred back to Bruges.

Ghent: Guided City Food Tour with Food and Drink Tastings

4. Ghent: Guided City Food Tour with Food and Drink Tastings

Taste your way through Ghent on a guided food tour. Combine sightseeing with sampling local foods and learn about the city's culture from your guide. As you explore, see important icons such as the three medieval towers of Ghent: Saint Bavo Cathedral, Saint Nicholas' Church and the Belfry. The Belfry Tower is the tallest of its kind in Belgium and a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site. Make sure to take some photos of these picture perfect sights. Meet your guide in the historic center of Ghent and set out on your foodie walking tour. As you walk, learn about local culture, discover the city's most important landmarks and find out why Ghent became famous for its street art. See Korenmarkt, a historic square located between the Old Harbour and Saint Nicholas' Church. Wander along cobblestone streets and admire the intersecting rivers that lend this historic town its character and name. You will also have the opportunity to see important architectural highlights, including the Ghent City Hall (stadhuis) and City Pavilion (Stadshal). Along the way, you'll make a total of 5 stops to savour the tastes of Ghent, sampling a food specialty or drink at each one. Every location has been carefully chosen, with an emphasis placed on small, locally owned businesses. Interact with the proprietors and hear their stories to gain insight into the city of Ghent and its people. Your tour comes to an end near the historic city center, the ideal spot to continue exploring on your own. 

Ghent: Private Walking Tour

5. Ghent: Private Walking Tour

Ghent is located about 50 kilometers from Brussels and is considered a historical jewel of Belgium.  The city is the birthplace of Charles V, Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire and heir to the house of Habsburg. Ghent played an important role during the industrial revolution in continental Europe. Here, the first labor movement was established in 1859. Today, the city has maintained its medieval center, and several of its Gothic buildings are listed as a World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. Among the places you may visit are Saint Bavo’s Cathedral (visit to the altarpiece, The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb by the Van Eyck bothers), the market square, the Belfort tower and the covered market, the city hall, the churches of St. Nicholas, St. James, and St. Michel, the Graslei, Gravensteen, Patershol and the medieval butchery.

From Brussels: Bruges & Ghent Full-Day Trip

6. From Brussels: Bruges & Ghent Full-Day Trip

Discover the highlights of Bruges and Ghent, Belgium's most attractive cities, with a round trip by train from Brussels. Tour two of the most fascinating medieval cities in Europe with an English/Spanish or French-speaking guide on a 10-hour guided day trip. Depart from the Grand Place at 9:30 AM only on Sunday. Upon arrival at the central station of Bruges, begin with a 2.5-hour walking tour and 2 hours of free time for eating, souvenirs, and a boat trip. The scheduled return to Brussels will be at 17:00 and arrival at 6 PM with your guide. In the case of small groups, there is the possibility of choosing between returning with the guide at the scheduled time or spending more time there and returning later by yourselves. Program in Bruges: In the ancient city wall park, the "Lake of Love" is one of the main water reservoirs nourishing the canal system of the Venice of the North. Visit the Beguinage, one of the best-preserved examples of medieval gated communities in which only women could live. See Brewery De Halve Maan, the only brewery still operating in the city center. Afterward, Old St. John’s Hospital is one of the oldest hospitals in Europe, where you can appreciate 800 years of European architecture, learn about its history and visit the museum of Hans Memling (optional). Head on to Our Lady of Bruges one of the oldest churches in the city. Admire its impressive tower which is still one of the tallest brickwork towers in the world, and take a look at its art treasures, including Michelangelo’s Madonna with the Child (optional). Stop by the VisMarkt (fishmarket) and the Tanners’ Square, two of the oldest squares in Bruges with their beautiful guildhalls and lovely cafés and restaurants. You will also visit the Groeninge Museum, Burg Square, and Markt Square, the economic heart of Bruges. Admire its imposing guildhalls and its Belfort tower, which is one of the most famous Gothic buildings in Belgium. In the end, have an optional canal tour (8 EUR per person, pay while embarking on the boat), which is one of the best ways to see Bruges. Program in Ghent: Journey to the port city of Ghent, located at the scenic confluence of the Leie and Scheldt Rivers. Start your tour of the historic city at Saint Bavo Cathedral and admire the spectacular Gothic church and Baroque ornamentations. Next, step into the marble choir and private chapels, and appreciate the painting of “Saint Bavo Enters the Convent at Ghent” by Rubens and the beauty of the Rococo pulpit. Look at the stunning frescoes of the Romanesque crypt. Then, opt to visit the altarpiece of "The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb" by the Van Eyck brothers and admire one of the most important works of art from the Middle Ages for a small extra fee. Continue to City Hall to see its extraordinary mix of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture. Go to Market Hall to look at the Belfort Tower and the covered market. Marvel at the nearby churches of Saint Nicholas, Saint James, and Saint Michael, serving as reminders of Ghent’s medieval past. Proceed to the old port of Graslei for beautiful views of the river Leie and the old guildhalls. Then, head to the medieval castle of Gravensteen, where the counts of Flanders used to live. Explore the picturesque district of Patershol and see charming buildings with brick facades where restaurants and cafes offer the best Flemish cuisine. Finally, head to the 15th-century Great Butchers' Hall to discover one of Europe's oldest meat markets.

Ghent: Museum of Fine Arts Entry Ticket

7. Ghent: Museum of Fine Arts Entry Ticket

Pay a visit to Ghent's Museum of Fine Arts with this entry ticket. Browse its 25 different galleries as you marvel at masterworks of art from across the centuries. Enter the museum and get ready to witness for yourself works by famous names such as Hieronymus Bosch, Pieter Paul Rubens, Brueghel II, and Anthony van Dijk. Discover ancient art history, with half of the galleries delving into the world of art from before 1800. See quintessential pieces from the 19th and 20th centuries, including works by Belgian players such as James Ensor, Emile Claus, and Georges Minne. Admire stunning works of modernism by artists like Gustave Van de Woestyne, René Magritte, and Frits Van den Berghe. Follow the chronological visiting route and see pieces from different time periods interacting with one another. Be surprised by a series of thematic and monographic galleries and take in the contemporary installations which also feature in the collection. Take in some of the fascinating temporary exhibitions. Until 23 April 2023, discover the work of baroque master Theodoor Rombouts, the virtuoso of Flemish Caravaggism. Enjoy encountering an exhibition that delves into the career of this unjustly forgotten colleague of Rubens and Van Dyck.

Ghent: City Exploration Game with Mobile App

8. Ghent: City Exploration Game with Mobile App

Follow a trail through the city of Ghent. Explore as you look for clues and speak to historic characters! In this story based on a true event, you will join the revolt against Emperor Charles. For one of his many conquests, he demands money, and the proud people of Ghent are done with it. And do you know what happens when he doesn’t get what he wants? He takes over the city with a huge army! The time has come to take action and teach him a lesson. Let’s storm his castle! You'll meet interesting characters and help them discover how they can defeat such a powerful opponent. In an interesting twist, you as a player decide what you’re going to say to the characters and they will respond differently to it. This game is made for you to enjoy the city as much as the game itself. So please, when you see a nice store, cozy restaurant or a building you want to visit, put the game on hold and enjoy. You decide when to start and when to take a break. The adventure and flexibility makes this city game one of the best activities for during your stay in Ghent.

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What people are saying about Ghent

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 228 reviews

Mark was great!! He transported us (literally) back in time on an enthusiastic journey to find his true love, Dori. Mark perfectly intertwined the history of the city of both Brugge and Gent with impressive knowledge and light hearted humour. We would definitely recommend this tour. There was a great balance between guided and free time. Considering we fit in two beautiful city’s in one day we definitely left feeling like we got the best of both. The transportation was easy (one bus the whole time), we could leave our belongings on the bus and the meeting spots were very clear. We even left with some recommendations for great restaurants and places to visit. Thank you Mark for your time and expertise!

This is an excellent tour if you have only a day and want to see two beautiful cities. Our guide Marc was wonderful very knowledgeable and made the tour fun! Wish we had a bit more time to explore Bruges on our own as it is simply a breathtaking city to visit. Maybe the guided tour can get about 15-30 minutes before it did so we get a bit more time to ourselves to explore. I travelled with a teenager and a 8 year old and the walking part was not hard at all and we thoroughly enjoyed it. Highly recommend this tour if you want to visit and see two cities in one day and let someone else figure out all the logistics!

I love doing escape tours to explore new cities, and really liked how this tour is a bit different than 'the usual' escape tour. You meet a lot of historical characters along the way, there's humour in the interactions, and the character art is really original! And I liked that it encourages you to look around, instead of just navigating and reading on your phone. In short, I really enjoyed this one!

Excelente experiencia educativa, visual y divertida en un tour completo y con suficiente tiempo para sacar el mayor provecho. Resalto la vasta educación y conocimientos de los guías y la comodidad del bus.

We left at 8:30 from the meeting point and went to Bruges and then Ghent. The guide explained the essentials to us and then we had time to wander around the beautiful towns