Flanders is a fantastic region for exploring through different types of tours. Its charming towns, delicious cuisine, and intriguing history make every experience memorable. We particularly enjoyed a Belgian cooking lesson in Ghent, where you learn to make classic dishes like stoverij and witloof, all while soaking up local culture. The region’s diverse options—from private heritage walks to interactive city scavenger hunts—offer something for every kind of traveler. Whether you want to learn about Belgian flavors or solve puzzles in Turnhout, these top tours help you see Flanders in a fun, authentic way.
Below, we’ve rounded up the four best tours in Flanders, each with its own unique appeal. From culinary adventures to historical explorations, these experiences promise a richer visit than just wandering aimlessly.
1. Experience Authentic Belgian Cuisine: Cooking Lesson and Meal with a Ghent Local
For around $99, this 4-hour culinary experience offers a genuine taste of Belgium in a friendly Ghent kitchen and garden. The host teaches you to prepare traditional dishes like stoverij (beef stewed in beer) and witloof (Belgian endives with cheese and ham), giving you insights into regional ingredients and cooking techniques. What makes this tour stand out is the chance to see and taste authentic Belgian cuisine in a cozy, homey setting—far from the tourist traps.
As you chop, stir, and season, your hosts Suzy and Bob share stories about Belgian life and regional food customs. The class culminates in sitting down together to enjoy your creations, making it not just a cooking lesson but a cultural exchange. The reviews are glowing, with a perfect 5-star rating, highlighting the warmth of the hosts and the quality of the food. This tour is ideal for food lovers, families, or anyone looking for a hands-on experience that ends with a well-earned meal.
Bottom Line: If you want a personal, delicious introduction to Belgian cooking, this class is a hands-down winner.
2. e-Scavenger hunt Turnhout: Explore the city at your own pace
For $35.54 per group, this interactive smartphone scavenger hunt offers a fun and flexible way to discover Turnhout. It’s perfect for families, groups of friends, or curious travelers who prefer exploring at their own speed. The game guides you through landmarks like St. Peter’s Church, the Taxandria Museum, and the 14th-century beguinage, with fun facts and challenges along the way.
What makes this tour interesting is its self-guided format, giving you control over timing and pace. You can stop for coffee or take photos whenever you want, and the GPS-based clues keep the experience engaging. The route leads you through some of Turnhout’s most notable sights, including the House Metten Thoren and the Printing Company with its digitized paper collections.
The reviews highlight its affordability, ease-of-use, and how it adds a playful element to sightseeing. It’s a great way to get oriented in a new city without a guided group, especially if you like puzzles and local history combined.
Bottom Line: This scavenger hunt is a smart, budget-friendly choice for explorers who enjoy self-directed adventures with a bit of brainteasing.
3. 2-Hour Private Walking Tour in the templar village of Lissewege
At number 3, this private 2-hour walk offers a focused, intimate look at the picturesque village of Lissewege. For $80.26 per person, you’ll explore one of Belgium’s most beautiful and mysterious villages without the crowds, guided by a local expert. The tour highlights include the Onze-lieve-vrouw-bezoekingkerk, an impressive small village church linked to Templar history, sacred geometry, and ley lines.
What makes this experience truly special is the chance to dig into intriguing stories about sacred symbols, Templar connections, and mystical water springs. Your guide discusses the large church’s unusual features, its possible Celtic ties, and the village’s role as a stop on the pilgrimage route to Compostela. The tour is ideal for history buffs, spirituality enthusiasts, or those interested in symbolic architecture.
Guests appreciate the personalized attention and the chance to ask questions freely, making it more enriching than standard group tours. Plus, visiting a lesser-known site near Bruges adds a layer of authenticity that larger tours can’t offer.
Bottom Line: For a quiet, detailed exploration of a Belgian village steeped in mystery and history, this private walk is a superb choice.
4. e-Scavenger hunt Hasselt: Explore the city at your own pace
For $36.79 per group, this self-guided smartphone tour in Hasselt blends discovery with fun. It’s perfect for those who want to visit key sights like the Hasselt Town Hall, the St. Quintinus Cathedral, and the Modemuseum, at their own pace. The app provides tasks, fun facts, and challenges as you walk through the city’s squares and alleys.
What sets this tour apart is its flexibility—you can start, pause, and resume the journey whenever you want. It appeals to teams of up to six people, making it ideal for families or friends traveling together. The itinerary includes quirky stops like the Gin Museum and the Old Beguinage, offering insights into Hasselt’s cultural and commercial history.
Guests note the tour’s ease of use and how it reveals details most visitors miss, enriching their understanding of Hasselt beyond typical sightseeing. It’s a good value for those who appreciate a mix of education and entertainment in a relaxed, customizable format.
Bottom Line: This tour offers a lively, engaging way to explore Hasselt independently, perfect for a laid-back yet informative day.
How to Choose Your Flanders Tour
Choosing the right tour depends on your interests, time, and budget. If you’re a foodie eager for a hands-on experience, the Belgian cooking class in Ghent offers deep immersion. For those who love puzzles and self-guided explorations, the Turnhout or Hasselt scavenger hunts are perfect, giving you flexibility and fun. If you’re interested in history, mysteries, and sacred symbols, the Lissewege private tour offers a uniquely personal experience.
Consider your budget—these tours range from $35 to just under $100—and what kind of experience suits your style: hands-on, self-guided, or private. Booking early is recommended, especially for private tours, as they fill up quickly.
Final Thoughts
Flanders offers a variety of engaging tours that go beyond typical sightseeing. For food lovers, the cooking class in Ghent provides a delicious and authentic taste of Belgian culture. History and mysticism enthusiasts will find the private walk in Lissewege fascinating, while puzzle-solvers can enjoy the self-guided scavenger hunts in Turnhout and Hasselt. Whether you’re after culinary delights, cultural insights, or interactive city adventures, these experiences help you enjoy Flanders in a way that’s personal and memorable. Book early to secure your preferred slot and make the most of your trip!
