Ghent is a city that rewards exploration on foot. Its medieval streets, stunning canals, and lively market squares make it perfect for walking tours. What sets Ghent apart is its blend of rich history, vibrant culinary scene, and lively local life—all easily accessible by foot. We particularly enjoy the Gastronomic Walking Tour (see more here), which introduces visitors to the city’s iconic Belgian food classics like fries, waffles, and chocolates, with tastings included and a friendly local guide. For those interested in beer, the Ghent Beer Guided Walking Tour (check it out) provides a chance to sample local brews in atmospheric pubs while learning about Belgium’s famous brewing traditions.
The list below features a variety of walking tours in Ghent, including food and drink explorations, private and group experiences, historical insights, and even mystery-themed adventures. Each tour offers a different taste of Ghent, suited to diverse interests and schedules.
1. Gastronomic Walking Tour of Gent – Tasters included
This 1.5-hour food tour is a fantastic way to sample Belgian specialties like fries, chocolates, waffles, and regional candies. Your local guide takes you to several stops—Frituur Tartaar, Ooost, Sophie’s sweets, and The Waffle Factory—where samples are included. The tour is tip-based, so bringing cash to tip your guide is recommended. Guests love Samuel’s enthusiastic and knowledgeable approach, praising the reasonable pace and variety of tastings.
What makes this tour stand out is the storytelling behind Belgian foods, transforming simple snacks into cultural symbols. It’s perfect if you want a casual, fun introduction to Ghent’s culinary scene without breaking the bank—at just $3.47 per person. The reviews consistently rate it 5/5, citing friendly guides and excellent tastings.
Bottom Line: This tour offers a delightful, inexpensive way to enjoy Ghent’s food culture in a relaxed setting, ideal for foodies and first-time visitors.
2. Ghent Beer Guided Walking Tour
For around $52, this 3-hour journey explores Ghent through its beer culture. Meet your guide in central Ghent and visit five bars including The Glengarry, Huis van Alijn, Barrazza café, and Artevelde Brewery. Along the way, you’ll sample local Belgian beers and get insights into brewing traditions and regional styles.
This tour is perfect for beer lovers wanting a relaxed, immersive experience. Guests enjoy tasting a range of brews while wandering through atmospheric neighborhoods. The itinerary includes introductions at historic pubs and stops at famous breweries, making it a comprehensive way to understand Ghent’s brewing history.
The reviews highlight the friendly guides and the quality of the beer tastings, making this a value-packed experience for serious beer fans. The only downside might be the price, but considering the variety and depth of info, it’s well worth it.
Bottom Line: If you love Belgian beer and want a deep dive into Ghent’s brewing scene, this guided tour delivers authentic tastes and stories in three hours.
3. Walking food tour: Introduction to Ghent through food
This 2-hour tour balances sightseeing and tastings, visiting landmarks like Ghent Cathedral, Vrijdagsmarkt, and Graffiti Street. While walking through the city, your guide shares stories about Ghent’s most famous sites and introduces local food samples—which may include chocolate, cheese, beer, and charcuterie. The tastings are included, so you can focus on enjoying the sights and bites.
Ideal for time-conscious travelers, this tour combines history, culture, and cuisine in a relaxed rhythm. It’s especially good if you want to see the city’s highlights but still indulge in Belgian treats. Guests appreciate the personal stories from guides who grew up locally, adding charm and authenticity.
The reviews praise the tour for its informative narration and tasty samples, which often feel like a full meal. At $110.42, it’s a bit pricier, but the inclusion of multiple tastings and sightseeing makes it a worthwhile culinary adventure.
Bottom Line: Great for food lovers who want to combine sightseeing with tastings at Ghent’s top landmarks, in a comfortable two-hour window.
4. Ghent: Private 2-Hour Walking Tour
This personalized private tour offers an intimate look at Ghent’s core attractions, including Gravensteen Castle and the medieval city center. For $216, you get a customized experience for up to 20 people, making it ideal for families, couples, or small groups seeking a flexible itinerary.
During this 2-hour tour, your guide provides insights into the city’s medieval past while showcasing iconic sights. Guests particularly enjoy the entrance to an old almshouse and the castle views. The guide is praised for being friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive to your interests.
While more expensive, the private nature means you can tailor the tour to focus on your specific interests, whether that’s history, architecture, or local stories. Reviews rave about the personalized approach and comfortable pace.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers wanting a private, flexible overview of Ghent with personalized storytelling—worthy of the price for a more exclusive experience.
5. Ghent: Private Walking Tour with a Local
At $65 per person, this private tour invites you to explore Ghent with a passionate local guide. The duration can be from 2 to 6 hours, giving plenty of scope for customization. It’s perfect if you want an authentic, personal connection and to discover hidden gems and local secrets.
The guide will share stories and insider tips—from favorite eateries to lesser-known sights—that you won’t find in guidebooks. This tour is especially suited for travelers who prefer a flexible schedule and want to interact directly with someone who lives in Ghent.
Reviews highlight the warmth and enthusiasm of guides, making it a delightful way to truly get to know Ghent beyond the usual tourist spots. It’s a great value for a personalized experience.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those wanting a tailored tour that offers local insights and a friendly face to guide their exploration of Ghent.
6. 2 Hours Private Historical Walking in Ghent
This 2-3 hour private tour costs $332 for groups up to 10 and is designed for history enthusiasts. Your guide promises a high-energy, light-hearted experience that includes stories about trade, medieval buildings, and local legends. Highlights include the old harbor, Ghent’s famous landmarks, and insights into trade secrets.
Guests praise the guide’s knowledge and engaging style, making this a dynamic and informative experience. The tour is especially suitable for travelers interested in history and architecture but who want a less formal, more lively approach.
While on the pricier side, the private setting and customized stories provide excellent value for those keen on a comprehensive historical overview. Reviewers note that the informative and fun tone makes it memorable.
Bottom Line: Best for history buffs seeking a personal, lively introduction to Ghent’s past, with the flexibility of a private tour.
7. Ghent Walking Tour with Optional Add-ons: Boat & Beer
This flexible 2 to 2.5-hour tour covers Ghent’s main landmarks like the Belfry, St. Bavo’s Cathedral, and the Castle of the Counts. You can choose to add a scenic boat ride or beer tasting, making it a versatile experience. The tour starts at either Sint-Baafsplein or Het Waterhuis and passes through the historic neighborhoods.
Guests love the combination of city highlights and optional extras, especially the boat cruise showcasing Ghent from its canals. The beer tasting in authentic pubs adds a flavorful twist. The reviews note the guides’ knowledge and the scenic views of the city.
This tour is perfect if you want a rundown but also enjoy customizing your experience. The optional boat trip offers a different perspective that most walking tours lack.
Bottom Line: A flexible choice perfect for travelers wanting to see Ghent from land and water, with optional food and drink add-ons.
8. Ghent: The Dark Side of Ghent Private Walking Tour
This 1.5-hour private tour costs $199 and explores Ghent’s mysterious and darker stories. Led by a guide familiar with legends, old mysteries, and shadowy alleys, you’ll visit lesser-known corners of the city, ending in the Medieval Quarter.
Guests enjoy the unique perspective on Ghent’s secrets and legends, making it ideal for those interested in urban folklore. The guide is praised for their enthusiasm and knowledge about Ghent’s mysterious past.
While not as broad as other tours, it offers a different lens on the city’s history. Perfect for history lovers who want a spooky, intriguing experience, especially in the evening.
Bottom Line: For travelers seeking a mysterious, storytelling experience that goes beyond typical sightseeing, this tour is a must-do.
9. Walking Food Tour in Ghent
This 2-3 hour small-group tour at $89.42 per person combines sightseeing with tastings. Starting at the Artevelde statue, your guide takes you through local eateries and highlights small businesses. You’ll sample cheese, chocolate, waffles, and more, with inclusive tastings that often substitute for a full meal.
This tour is excellent for foodies wishing to explore Ghent’s culinary scene and hidden food gems. Guests appreciate the personalized stories and local flavor, making it more than just a tasting session.
The reviews praise the variety of foods and the knowledgeable guide. It’s especially suited for shorter stays or those who prefer small groups for a more intimate experience.
Bottom Line: Perfect for food lovers wanting a guided tasting through Ghent’s best small eateries and local secrets.
10. Ghent City Highlights Walking Tour with Light Meal/Snack
This 1.5-2 hour tour costs $78.64 and combines city highlights with a light meal. Starting at the Friday Market, your guide shows you top sights like Gravensteen and the Belfry, finishing with a local lunch.
Guests enjoy the personalized approach and insights into Ghent’s architecture and history. The tour caters to various fitness levels and emphasizes photo stops and storytelling.
Reviews mention the enjoyable pace, the delicious lunch, and the customizable experience. It’s a good choice if you want a short, rundown with a local meal included.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers wanting a compact tour with local food and city highlights in a relaxed setting.
11. Ghent: Private Historical Highlights Walking Tour
For $199, this private 2-hour tour offers a personalized look at Ghent’s historic sites. Your guide shares stories of legends, buildings, and events, visiting St. Michael’s Bridge, Graslei, and the Castle of the Counts.
Guests love its engaging storytelling and the customized itinerary, which can include specific interests. The guide’s considerate approach makes the experience informative and fun.
It’s well-suited for history buffs or those wanting a private, in-depth overview. Reviewers say it’s “fantastic” for its personalized attention.
Bottom Line: Best for those wanting a bespoke, detailed walk through Ghent’s medieval past.
12. Ghent: Guided Walking Tour and Canal Boat Trip
This 2.5-hour experience combines a guided land tour with a canal boat cruise. Starting at Sint-Baafsplein, you visit Belfry, St. Bavo’s Cathedral, and Gravensteen, then conclude with a 30-minute boat ride through Ghent’s canals.
Guests rave about the guide’s lively narration and the scenic boat views of Ghent’s three towers. The combination makes it perfect for those who want a full overview of the city’s sights from both land and water.
The reviews emphasize the entertainment value and scenic experience of the boat trip, which provides a relaxed break from walking. For around $32, it offers great value.
Bottom Line: Excellent for visitors wanting a comprehensive city tour with a touch of water for a relaxing, scenic perspective.
13. Historical Walking Tour: Legends of Gent
This 2-hour tour at just $3.45 a person explores Ghent’s legendary stories, visiting St. Michael’s Bridge, Graslei, and Gravensteen. The focus is on stories and myths that bring Ghent’s medieval past to life.
Guests enjoy the entertaining narration and hidden tales that aren’t in guidebooks, making it perfect for story lovers and history fans alike. The high ratings reflect its engaging style and value for money.
It’s especially suited for those who want a lighter, story-driven experience. The informal tone makes history approachable and fun.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers interested in local legends and medieval tales, with an engaging storyteller.
14. Taste of Ghent: Private Chocolate Walking Tour
This 2-hour private tour at $230.56 takes you through Ghent’s chocolate heritage, visiting Chocolatier Deduytschaever and Vandenbouhede. You sample exquisite Belgian chocolates, and make stops for fries and traditional sweets at Frituur Vrijdagmarkt and Confiserie Temmerman.
Guests love the luxurious chocolates and the insider knowledge shared about Belgium’s chocolate craftsmanship. It’s perfect for chocolate aficionados or anyone seeking an indulgent experience.
While on the higher end, the quality of tastings and private setting justifies the price. It’s a sweet, memorable way to explore Ghent’s culinary artistry.
Bottom Line: Perfect for chocolate lovers seeking a deluxe, private tasting tour with in-depth stories.
15. Ghent: Walking Tour from Friday Market to the Cathedral
This 2.5-hour group tour costs $335 and covers Ghent’s prominent sights, including Friday Market, the Fish Market, and Patershol. It also includes views of St. Michael’s church and the famous three towers.
Guests appreciate the rundown, access to art in St. Bavo’s Cathedral, and insights into Ghent’s lively atmosphere. The small group size allows for personal interaction with the guide.
Ideal for visitors wanting a broad introduction with some luxury. Its higher price reflects the extensive itinerary and inclusion of multiple highlights.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers who want an all-in-one introduction with added comfort and prestige.
How to Choose the Right Walking Tour in Ghent
When selecting a Ghent walking tour, start by considering your interests. Want to sample food? Try the Gastronomic Tour. Interested in local brews? The Beer Tour is perfect. Looking for history and legends? The Legends tour offers storytelling with a twist.
Your budget and time matter too. For a quick overview, the Private 2-Hour Tour offers a flexible, intimate experience. If you’re game for a mix of sights and water, the Land and Canal tour combines sightseeing with a scenic cruise.
Book early, especially for specialized tours or private experiences, and check the best times—spring and early summer are generally ideal for walking, when the weather is mild and the city is lively.
Final Thoughts
Ghent offers a wide array of walking tours that cater to different interests—from culinary delights to hidden legends and historical highlights. For those on a budget, the Legendary Tour (see it here) and Food Tours (see more here) deliver rich experiences at very affordable prices. If you’re looking for a more personalized or luxurious outing, the Private Tours (see here) are well worth considering.
For beer enthusiasts, the guided beer tour hits the mark with its immersive tastings and historic insights. Foodies will appreciate the Chocolate Tour (see details here), especially for its indulgent flavors.
No matter your preference, Ghent’s walkable cityscape makes exploring on foot both practical and rewarding. To truly enjoy the city, consider booking your tour early and choosing options that match your pace and interests. Ghent’s charm is best appreciated with a good pair of shoes—and a curious mind.