Korenlei, Ghent

Take a boat close to the amazing Castle of the Counts to discover the most beautiful places in Ghent. A guide will take you through the fascinating history of medieval Ghent and its historical buildings and architecture on this 50-minute tour. Enjoy the famous three towers of Ghent, various medieval churches and monasteries, the birthplace of Charles V of Spain, majestic guild halls, a breathtaking castle, and much more! Hear the stories behind these magnificent monuments. Your tour is guided in English, Dutch, and French. There are also illustrated translations in German, Spanish, Italian, Russian, and Japanese available on board.

Explore Gent on your terms with this self-guided audio tour, accessible on your smartphone! Immerse yourself in the beauty of this historic city at your own pace and in your preferred language. This self-guided audio tour offers you the flexibility to choose your destinations and decide how long you wish to spend at each site. Nestled in the Flanders region of Belgium, Ghent exudes a unique charm that harmoniously intertwines its storied past with a vivacious modern energy. Often hailed as one of Belgium's best-kept secrets, Ghent surprises its visitors with a vibrant tapestry of medieval architecture, dynamic culture, and progressive sustainability initiatives. The city is threaded with a network of picturesque canals, flanked by cobblestone streets, and dotted with an enchanting array of historical buildings and landmarks. The Gravensteen, or the Castle of the Counts, stands as a monumental reminder of Ghent’s medieval might, while the Graslei and Korenlei, two streets facing each other across the Lys River, showcase a striking array of ancient guild houses that tell tales of the city's prosperous trade history. The splendid Saint Bavo's Cathedral, which houses the renowned Ghent Altarpiece, is another must-visit historical site, showcasing sublime religious artistry. Ghent is also a city that embraces the future. With a large student population, the city pulses with youthful vibrancy, offering a plethora of cafes, bars, and eateries, as well as a thriving arts scene. Ghent has established itself as a champion of environmental efforts in Belgium, notably through its car-free city center and the promotion of vegetarian cuisine. We have carefully crafted the most beautiful walking route for you and gathered more than 29 captivating and interesting stories. You'll pass by all the well-known landmarks but will also be surprised by new discoveries and hidden gems. Explore Gent's rich history, embrace its vibrant present, and be delighted by its captivating legends and stories. Whether you're embarking on a solo adventure, enjoying a romantic city stroll with your partner or exploring the city with friends or family, our self-guided audio tour caters to all preferences. Plus, you'll receive a nice discount when you do the tour with companions.

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. 

Embark on an extraordinary shore excursion from Zeebrugge, your gateway to Belgium's cultural riches. Delve into the enchanting city of Bruges, often likened to the Venice of the North, where you'll be greeted by a tapestry of delights: from delectable Belgian chocolate to the timeless allure of medieval architecture and tranquil canals. With meticulous coordination tailored to your ship's itinerary, our tour ensures a seamless adventure. Expert guides and comfortable transport await, ready to unveil the secrets of Bruges' hidden gems and the iconic landmarks of Market Square. Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Belgian cuisine and behold the majestic beauty of Ghent's Gothic Cathedral. As the excursion draws to a close, return to the port with time to spare or opt for leisurely free time in Bruges, knowing that convenient pick-up awaits. Join us for an unforgettable journey through the heart of Belgium, where every moment is steeped in history and splendor!

Benefit from pick-up at your hotel or other location on agreement. Then, walk along the pretty Graslei and Korenlei to admire the gables of the guild houses. Get panoramic views of St. Nicolas' Church and medieval St. Bavo's Abbey, where you can see the "Adoration of the Mystic Lamb" by the Van Eyck brothers (own expense). Continue towards the Vrijdagsmarkt and admire the façade of the Town Hall. Encounter the 15th-century cannon of the Dulle Griet (“Evil Woman”), and then cross the Lys to enter the inner courtyard of the House of Alijn. Continue to Gravensteen Castle to take a look at the "Castle of the Counts" and end with a visit to the Old Fish Market.  

This delicious tour takes you on a 2 hour journey through Ghent whilst you pamper your taste buds and let your endorphins have a party. Combine a walking tour with yummy chocolate related tastings without feeling guilty! Our Ghent Chocolate Tour starts at the Jacob Van Artevelde statue in the middle of Vrijdagmarkt, where your guide will welcome you and give a brief introduction. From there, you will go and explore the city center and make stops at Graslei, Korenlei, the three Ghent medieval towers (Saint Nicholas Church, Saint Bavo Cathedral and the Ghent Belfry) and of course the famous Graffiti Street. Learn about the connection between a famous chocolate and the World Expo, hear the story about two Greek brothers, their passion for this aphrodisiac and how one of them became world-famous. During your sightseeing tour, you will make 5 stops. Your tastings are all very different from one another as each place has its speciality. And for the real chocoholics, we do have special offers with some of our partners as part of the tour.

We start with a brief introduction at Vrijdagmarkt and then go on an explorer journey for 1.5 to 2 hours. During this time you will find out where the name Ghent comes from and visit the very origins of our city, which is almost 1400 years old. Explore sites such as our yacht harbour (Portus Ganda), the tree medieval towers (Saint Bavo Cathedral, the Ghent Belfry and Saint Nicholas Church) and the historical harbour with Graslei and Korenlei quays, where the hustle and bustle never ceases. It is the also area where all trade took place during the late medieval times, which resulted in Ghent being the most prosperous city in Northern Europe at the time. Ghent is however so much more then this. It is the home of 3 beguinages, some exquisite museums, parks, host of the 1913 World Expo and capital of street art (and we do not just mean the popular Graffiti Street). Furthermore, it is a lively city where visitors, residents and students meet. This tour is an ideal introduction to Ghent and combines history with the the latest developments. Ghent is a continuous evolving city and we are very proud to show her to the world! Your tour comes to an end near the historic city center, the ideal spot to continue exploring on your own. 

Starting from a religious settlement, this town became one of the biggest towns north of the Alps. Once contending with the likes of Paris and London, it had a turbulent history of revolts and uprisings. Nowadays Ghent is still seen as a rebellious city where there’s always something fresh brewing in the streets. You'll see why Ghent is called the Medieval Manhattan, discover how medieval towns functioned, why Ghent is so rebellious and... a medieval castle in the town center. The town starts at the Belfry tower, and ends near the town hall. We make almost a full circle: that way, you can easily retrace your steps and revisit hotspots and activities that sparked your interest.

If you want to explore Ghent and discover different corners of our city and happen to be a foodie or just curious about what we locals eat, this is the perfect combination. This tour exists of 1.5 hours sightseeing and a meal. You guide will accompany you to the restaurant and sort everything out. Once you have received your meal, they will leave, so you can stay as long as you want, have a rest and enjoy the food. Part 1 (Walking Sightseeing Tour) You start with a brief introduction at the Jacob Van Artevelde statue, which is in the middle of Vrijdagmarkt Square. From there, you will visit the historical heart of the city and make stops at and hear about Graslei, Korenlei and the three medieval towers of Ghent (Saint Bavo Cathedral, Saint Nicholas Church and the Belfry of Ghent). Learn about why these two churches are so close to one another and about the Golden Dragon (not the beer!). You will also touch base with the Ghent street art scene and visit the most colourful alley of town: Graffiti Street. Your guide will also tell you about its history and if you bring a pencil, pen or even a paintbrush, you can add your initials if you want to leave your mark! En route, you will also explore some other sides of Ghent than just the historical centre, such as e.g. the arts quarter, the area where Charles V was born, the former armoury storage place of the Counts of Flanders and so on. Part 2 (A local meal) After your walking tour, it's time to get some good food. We work together with local, independent partners as we want to share an authentic experience, not a commercial one. Each place has a story and so has the food! We alternate lunch, so places can be different each day. Examples of meals we have had in the past are: a very traditional chips and beef stew meal, a traditional, local favourite or even vegan - a reference to Ghent's hipster lifestyle. Drinks are not included as we want to give you the choice for this. Please check inclusions and let us know the option you prefer (1 option per booking). We look forward to welcoming you!

Discover the hidden gems and rich history of Ghent on a private walking tour. Immerse yourself in the charming atmosphere of this medieval city as you wander through its cobblestone streets and picturesque neighborhoods. Learn about Ghent's fascinating past, from its flourishing trade routes to its cultural heritage. Meet at Graslei or Korenlei, two of Ghent's picturesque waterfronts, known for their historic charm and scenic views. Begin with an introduction to Ghent's history and architecture. Wander through the historic city center, taking in the medieval buildings, narrow streets, and lively squares. Learn about Ghent's medieval past, its role as a prominent trading city, and its cultural significance. Cross St. Michael's Bridge for panoramic views of the city skyline, including landmarks like St. Nicholas' Church and the Belfry of Ghent. Your guide will point out key landmarks and share stories about Ghent's architectural heritage. Conclude your tour with a visit to Gravensteen Castle, a medieval fortress in the heart of Ghent. Admire the castle's architecture and hear tales of its historical significance as a stronghold.