Ghent is an excellent city for exploring by bike. Its compact size, safe bike lanes, and lively neighborhoods make cycling both practical and enjoyable. We particularly love the Ghent Bike Tour Off-the-beaten-track, which takes you beyond the usual tourist spots to reveal Ghent’s lesser-known charms, from colorful street art to historic neighborhoods. It’s a fantastic way to see a side of Ghent that most visitors overlook, all while enjoying a relaxed pace and personalized attention. Whether you’re a casual rider or a cycling enthusiast, Ghent’s flat terrain and friendly atmosphere make it a perfect city for biking adventures.
The city offers a variety of bike tours suited to different interests and budgets. From group explorations focusing on hidden corners and street art to private tours tailored to your interests, Ghent’s cycling scene is vibrant and accessible. To help you find the best fit, we’ve compiled a list of the top four options, each with its own unique appeal. Whether you want an in-depth guided experience or a more casual ride, there’s something here for every kind of traveler.
Now, let’s look at each of these outstanding Ghent bike tours in detail.
1. Ghent Bike Tour Off-the-beaten-track
Starting with a 5.0/5 rating from 463 reviews, the Ghent Bike Tour Off-the-beaten-track is a top choice for those wanting a personal and authentic experience. This 2-hour 30-minute small-group tour takes you through Ghent’s pedestrian-friendly streets, but also ventures into the suburbs to uncover hidden spots. The guide’s enthusiasm makes the ride lively and informative, with plenty of stops for photos and exploration. It’s perfect for travelers who want to see less touristy sights, from vibrant street art to historic buildings reused in creative ways.
The tour includes a CUBE mountain bike with helmet and drink bottle, making the ride comfortable and worry-free. You can choose between morning or afternoon departures, which adds flexibility to your day. Highlights include visiting graffiti art on Graffiti Street and exploring local neighborhoods. Reviewers love the tour for its unique stops, friendly guide, and the chance to see Ghent through a local’s eyes. One reviewer wrote, “This was an amazing bike ride in and around Ghent, with multiple stops to learn about history and current city life.”
Bottom Line: Perfect for those wanting an intimate, off-the-beaten-path look at Ghent’s cool street art, local neighborhoods, and hidden corners, all in a relaxed setting.
2. Ghent: Guided Urban Bike Tour
Next on our list is the Ghent: Guided Urban Bike Tour, which carries a 4.9/5 rating from 256 reviews. This 2.5-hour tour offers a dynamic mix of city landmarks and lesser-known spots, led by a local guide with a passion for Ghent. It’s designed for travelers who want to explore both the historic center and its vibrant suburbs, discovering street art and cultural sites that don’t usually make the guidebooks.
What makes this tour stand out is the guide’s storytelling, making every building and street come alive with anecdotes. The ride is mostly flat, and the bikes are well-maintained, ensuring a smooth experience. Reviewers praise the guide’s enthusiasm and ability to show “places you’d never find on your own,” with one comment: “Chris is like a friend showing you his favorite hidden spots in Ghent.” The tour covers diverse areas, keeping the experience fresh and engaging.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who want a lively, story-rich exploration of Ghent’s lively neighborhoods and street art with a local guide who genuinely loves the city.
3. Ghent: City Highlights and Hidden Gems Guided Bike Tour
At number three, the Ghent: City Highlights and Hidden Gems Guided Bike Tour has a 4.7/5 rating from 143 reviews. This 2.5-hour ride is perfect for those eager to see the most iconic historic sites as well as lesser-known attractions. The route takes you through the city’s charming streets, passing by ancient abbeys, churches, and interesting buildings, all while being guided through engaging stories and anecdotes.
The tour is designed to be stress-free, with safe bike lanes and routes in low-traffic streets, making it accessible even for less experienced cyclists. Reviewers appreciate the detailed insights provided by guide Tim, who clearly knows the city well. One review notes, “Tim showed us places we hadn’t seen before, making this a really fun and informative ride.” It’s especially suitable for travelers who want a rundown of Ghent’s history and architecture in just a few hours.
Bottom Line: Great for visitors wanting a balanced mix of classic and unique sights with a knowledgeable guide in a relaxed, low-stress environment.
4. Ghent: Private Guided Bike Tour
Finally, for those who prefer a personalized experience, the Ghent: Private Guided Bike Tour is the top choice. With a 5/5 rating from 2 reviews, this customizable 2.5-hour tour is available for groups up to eight people. It offers the chance to focus on sites that interest you most — whether that’s the Castle of the Counts, Portus Ganda, or other lesser-seen gems.
The guide will tailor the experience, providing in-depth stories and insights suited to your preferences. The private tour is ideal for families, small groups, or travelers wanting a flexible, intimate exploration. One reviewer mentioned, “Super fun! The owner and guide Tim made this tour very personal and well-organized.” The price is higher, but for a private experience, it offers excellent value and exclusivity.
Bottom Line: Best suited for groups or travelers who want a custom, private ride with undivided attention and flexibility.
How to Choose the Right Ghent Bike Tour
Choosing the perfect bike tour in Ghent depends on your interests and what kind of experience you’re after. If you love discovering street art and local neighborhoods, the Off-the-beaten-track** tour offers a relaxed, personal experience. For those wanting a more rundown of Ghent’s main sights and stories, the City Highlights and Hidden Gems is ideal. Meanwhile, if you prefer a guided experience tailored to your group’s interests, the Private Guided Bike Tour provides the most customization.
Budget-wise, the group tours are very affordable, offering excellent value for their 2.5-hour duration. The private tour is pricier but perfect for those seeking exclusivity or a very flexible schedule. All tours are suitable for most fitness levels, thanks to Ghent’s flat terrain, but consider the private option if you want personalized attention or have specific interests.
Booking early is recommended during peak season (spring and summer), as these tours tend to fill up quickly. Check availability and choose a time that suits your schedule—most tours offer morning and afternoon options.
Final Thoughts
Ghent’s bike tours provide a fantastic way to see the city from a local’s perspective. Whether you’re after an offbeat exploration of street art and neighborhoods, a comprehensive historical overview, or a private custom experience, there’s a bike tour that fits your needs. For most travelers, a guided group like the Ghent Bike Tour Off-the-beaten-track offers excellent value and memorable sights. If you’re traveling with family or friends and want a tailored experience, the Private Guided Bike Tour is the way to go.
Ultimately, Ghent’s flat terrain, vibrant streets, and welcoming atmosphere make cycling a natural and rewarding way to get around. Book early, plan for good weather, and enjoy discovering Ghent on two wheels.
Happy cycling — and remember, the best bike tour is the one that matches your curiosity and pace.