Ghent Historical Tour: Discover City Highlights and Legendary Past

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Join our daily Free Historical Tour of Ghent and discover the highlights of our gorgeous city in the company of a knowledgeable and enthusiastic guide. Explore the legendary past, uncover hidden gems, and get insider tips for an authentic and exciting experience of Ghent.

Duration: 2 hours

Cancellation: 1 day learn more

Highlights

St Michael’s Bridge - We start here with an introduction to the history of Ghent and the role the city played as a trading hub in medieval times. We also introduce you to the 3 towers of the Ghent skyline, which are best visible from this spot.
Graslei and Korenlei - At the Graslei, the beating heart of the historical city centre, we show you which buildings were involved in the trading activities when this area functioned as the city’s port.
Design Museum Gent - Here we explain why a specific aspect of the Design Museum very much symbolises the stubborn and rebellious mindset of the Gentenaars!
Het Groot Vleeshuis - With a view of the medieval covered Great Butchers’ Hall across the water, we tell you some darker facts about this majestic building.
Gravensteen - Unlike most castles, the medieval Castle of the Counts is located right the middle of the city and and is very well preserved. We will tell you all about its impressive past!
St. Veerleplein - The square in front of the castle is both known as the square of death as well as the square of life. You’ll find out why!
Het Huis van Alijn - The House of Alijn - The House of Alijn was a hospital and is the only remaining ‘god house’ in Ghent. We will tell you the unfortunate story of how it became a hospital.
Vrijdagmarkt - This illustrious square has played a prominent role in Ghent’s history, as well as the man whose statue is located in the middle. Our guide will share its fascinating history with you!
Werregarenstraat - As a way to keep our monumental buildings from being sprayed by graffiti, the city has designated a specific area for street artists to go wild. We’ll walk you through it!
Ghent Town Hall (Stadhuis) - To understand why our city hall looks a little bit ‘confused’, our guide will explain the most significant conflict in the history of Ghent.
St. Bavo’s Cathedral (Sint-Baafskathedraal) - Our cathedral has a rich history and houses many art treasures, most notably the world-famous Ghent Altarpiece by the brothers Van Eyck. We’ll share some of this history with you.
Belfry and Cloth Hall (Belfort en Lakenhalle) - The Belfry is the people’s tower and reflects the stubbornness, power and independence of the city. As the former prison, its façade also tells the story of a bizarre legend that our guide will share with you.
Saint Nicholas Church - This gem from the early 12th century looks out over Korenmarkt and has St Nicholas, the protector of merchants and sailors, as its patron saint. The façade of this building shows us the legend of its patron saint: the perfect way to end this legendary tour!

What's Included

All fees and taxes included

What's Not Included

Gratuities

Additional Information

Join our daily Free Historical Tour of Ghent and explore the highlights of our beautiful city with a knowledgeable and enthusiastic guide. We’ll take you on a journey through Ghent’s legendary past and provide plenty of tips on where to go and what to do in the city today.

History and amusing stories, legends and fascinating facts, highlights and hidden gems — this tour has everything to make your experience of Ghent authentic and thrilling!

If you cannot attend the tour for any reason, please let us know so we can offer your spot to other visitors. Thank you and enjoy the tour!

IMPORTANT NOTE: Our guides are volunteers who offer tours for tips, so please bring cash to reward the guide. The charged fee only covers the cost of booking via this platform.

Location

Saint Michael's Bridge

Sint-Michielshelling

We meet in front of Hostel Uppelink on the St Michael's Bridge. Look for the RED umbrella! IMPORTANT NOTE: Our guides are volunteers who offer tours for tips. The fee only covers the cost of booking via this platform.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings

4.9

(947 Ratings)

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Eugenia_k

Sep 2, 2024

Fun and informative - Wonderful tour and well guided. I enjoyed learning the history of gent and how the city became what it is now. Let’s of details and fun facts.

Review provided by Viator

22maui

Sep 2, 2024

Great way to explore Ghent - Kasia was a great guide– – friendly, fun to listen to, and knowledgeable. Really enjoyed the tour. Meeting local cation was easy to locate, and our group was small – – only seven people.