Ghent is one of Belgium’s most lively and visually stunning cities. Its mix of medieval architecture, vibrant street life, and modern culture makes it a perfect place for exploring on foot, bike, or even from the water. We particularly enjoy the Ghent: City Highlights and Hidden Gems Guided Bike Tour because it combines active sightseeing with local stories, all while avoiding the hassle of navigating busy streets. Or consider the Ghent: 40-Minute Historical Boat Tour of City Center for a relaxing water-based view of the city’s iconic buildings, including the impressive Castle of the Counts. For a more flexible experience, the e-Scavenger hunts in Ghent and nearby cities like Mons, Kortrijk, and Ostend offer engaging ways to explore at your own pace with interactive smartphone games. These options are perfect for families, history lovers, or anyone who enjoys an interactive challenge.
In this list, you’ll find guided bike tours, walking expeditions, boat cruises, and self-guided scavenger hunts—each offering a different way to experience Ghent’s charm. Whether you’re after a deep dive into historic sites, a scenic cruise, or a fun interactive game, there’s something that fits your style. Keep reading to find the best fit for your trip.
1. Ghent: City Highlights and Hidden Gems Guided Bike Tour
Explore all the most interesting historic and contemporary locations of Ghent on a guided bike tour. This 2.5-hour ride takes you through picturesque streets, safe bike lanes, and low traffic areas, making it accessible even if you’re not a seasoned cyclist. Your guide, Tim, shares stories, anecdotes, and insights into Ghent’s rich past and lively present, including ancient abbeys and churches that line the riverbanks.
What makes this tour stand out is its balance of urban exploration and storytelling. It’s designed to give you a stress-free experience of Ghent’s highlights, especially if you prefer active sightseeing over wandering on your own. Guests consistently praise the guide’s local knowledge and the tour’s relaxed pace—perfect for families or travelers who want a thorough overview without rushing. For around $51 per person, it offers excellent value considering the depth of local insights and the opportunity to cycle through lesser-visited neighborhoods.
Bottom Line: If you love cycling and want to see Ghent from a local perspective, this bike tour offers a lively, engaging way to experience both historic sites and modern city life.
2. Ghent: 40-Minute Historical Boat Tour of City Center
At number 2 on our list, the 40-Minute Historical Boat Tour offers a relaxing way to see Ghent’s famous buildings from the water. This tour is rated 4.3/5 with over 380 reviews, and it’s a popular choice for those who want a quick but informative overview of the city’s sights. Starting at Graslei 4, the boat glides past landmarks like the Castle of the Counts, the Old Fish Market, and Dulle Griet—all with a knowledgeable guide sharing stories along the way.
What makes this tour unique is the water perspective—from the river you get a different angle on Ghent’s medieval architecture and bustling waterfront. The covered boats ensure comfort in rainy weather, which is a thoughtful touch. Guests mention the multilingual guides and the detailed insights as highlights, with one reviewer noting, “It offers a fresh perspective on the city and its history.” At only $11 per person, this cruise is an affordable, family-friendly way to get acquainted with Ghent’s main attractions.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers short on time or anyone who prefers a gentle, scenic overview of Ghent’s historic core from the river.
3. e-Scavenger hunt Ghent: Explore the city at your own pace
For those who enjoy interactive adventures, the self-guided e-Scavenger Hunt in Ghent is a fun, family-friendly option. Using your smartphone, you solve puzzles and answer questions as you visit key landmarks like Ghent Town Hall, St. Bavo’s Cathedral, and St. Michael’s Bridge. This tour takes approximately 2 to 4 hours, giving you flexibility to pause and explore as you go.
What sets this apart is the interactive format—it turns sightseeing into a game, making it especially appealing for families or groups wanting a relaxed, engaging experience. The price of around $35 for a group of up to six is competitive for the level of entertainment and education it offers. Previous participants have enjoyed discovering Ghent independently while still feeling guided through the city’s stories and secrets, all at their own pace.
Bottom Line: Ideal for families or tech-savvy travelers who want a flexible, playful way to learn about Ghent without a strict schedule.
4. Ghent City Highlights Walking Tour with Light Meal/Snack
If you prefer exploring on foot, the Ghent City Highlights Walking Tour offers an intimate look at the city in about 1.5 to 2 hours. Led by a small group of no more than 10 people, this tour covers key sights such as the Ghent Belfry, the Medieval Gravensteen Castle, and the historic Friday Market.
What makes this tour stand out is its combination of sightseeing and local cuisine. It begins with a light meal at a historic square—giving you a taste of local life—and continues with stories and insights about Ghent’s architecture and history. Guests say the guide’s personalized approach and the opportunity to ask questions make this an excellent choice for those wanting a more relaxed but informative experience. The walk ends with a chance to sample Belgian treats, making it a well-rounded cultural outing for about $78 per person.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers who want a personalized, leisurely exploration coupled with a delicious local lunch.
5. e-Scavenger hunt Mons: Explore the city at your own pace
Just a short trip from Ghent, Mons is a lively city with a proud history, and the self-guided scavenger hunt makes discovering it easy and fun. This game takes about 2 to 4 hours, guiding you through attractions like the Grand-Place, Belfry of Mons, and Mons Memorial Museum. The app-based format allows you to learn at your own pace, answering questions and completing challenges along the way.
Rated 5 stars by four reviewers, this tour is especially popular for its combination of interactive learning and independent exploration. It’s perfect for families or small groups looking for a flexible way to see a new city without rushing or sticking to a strict schedule. The price is just under $36 for a group of six, making it an affordable option to extend your sightseeing hours.
Bottom Line: Great for independent travelers or families wanting a playful, self-paced discovery of Mons.
6. e-Scavenger hunt Kortrijk: Explore the city at your own pace
In the nearby city of Kortrijk, this self-guided interactive scavenger hunt offers a fun way to learn about local landmarks like St. Martin’s Church, the Beguinage, and the Jardin des Roses. Designed for groups up to six, it takes about 2 to 4 hours and works via your smartphone, so no extra equipment is needed.
Rated 4.5/5 by ten reviews, this tour is perfect for those who like combining sightseeing with a game. It offers insight into Kortrijk’s Gothic architecture and historical sites, all at your own pace. The app-based format is especially appealing for families or travelers who prefer flexibility. The cost of approximately $36 makes it an accessible way to add some interactive fun to your trip.
Bottom Line: Ideal for curious travelers who enjoy self-guided, game-based exploration of a historic Belgian city.
7. e-Scavenger hunt Ostend: Explore the city at your own pace
Ostend, with its lively seafront and historic charm, is another excellent candidate for this self-guided city game. Using your phone, you visit landmarks like the Mercator sailing ship, the Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, and the James Ensor House, all while completing fun tasks and answering questions.
Rated 4.5/5 by nine reviewers, this tour is particularly enjoyable for those wanting to combine cultural discovery with a bit of friendly competition. The flexible start times and the ability to explore at your own pace make it a good choice for travelers with unpredictable schedules or families seeking engaging entertainment. Priced at just over $36, it offers a budget-friendly way to see Ostend beyond its beach.
Bottom Line: Perfect for independent explorers who want to uncover Ostend’s maritime and artistic heritage in a playful way.
8. Departure Private Transfer from Ghent City to Brussels Airport by Luxury Van
For travelers catching a flight from Brussels Airport, this private transfer service provides a stress-free, comfortable ride. The journey takes about 50 minutes in a luxury van, like a Mercedes V-Class, with a meet-and-greet included. This service is rated 5/5 from one review, emphasizing punctuality and professionalism.
This transfer is an excellent choice for those who value comfort and reliability. The door-to-door service from any Ghent city location ensures you won’t miss your flight, and bottled water keeps you refreshed. While it’s pricier at around $178 per person, it’s a worthwhile investment if you’re traveling in a group or have tight schedules.
Bottom Line: For a hassle-free, comfortable way to reach Brussels Airport, this private transfer is hard to beat, especially if timing and comfort matter.
9. Ghent Walking Tour – City Highlights and Beyond Tradition
If you’d rather explore on foot, the Ghent Walking Tour offers a relaxed way to see the main sights in about 1.5 to 1 hour 45 minutes. Led by a small group, this tour covers Friday Market, the Castle of the Counts, and street art, providing a well-rounded overview of the city’s highlights.
The guide adapts the route to the group’s interests and fitness level, making it suitable for most travelers. Reviewers mention the guide’s deep local knowledge and the personalized experience, with one noting, “Sophie was a very good tour guide and took us to many interesting places.” The tour costs around $67, which provides a good balance of sightseeing and storytelling without rushing.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers seeking a flexible, relaxed introduction to Ghent with stories and insider tips.
10. From Paris to Ghent Christmas Market & Old City, 1 Day Trip
Finally, the day trip from Paris to Ghent during the Christmas season is perfect for those craving a festive escape. Over 14 hours, you visit the Ghent Christmas Market, stroll through the Old City, and see highlights like the Belfry and St. Bavo’s Cathedral. The itinerary also includes time for shopping and tasting regional treats.
This tour is for travelers who want a comprehensive, hassle-free way to enjoy Ghent’s festive atmosphere without planning every detail. Starting from Porte de la Chapelle in Paris, the trip includes guided visits, shopping, cheese tasting, and local snacks. It’s a full day but offers a deep dive into Ghent’s holiday spirit.
Bottom Line: A great choice for a festive day trip, especially if you’re based in Paris and want an organized, immersive experience.
How to Choose the Best Ghent City Tour for You
When selecting a tour, consider your budget, interests, and fitness level. If you love cycling and want a lively, active experience, the bike tour (exact tour here) offers an energetic way to see both historic and modern neighborhoods. For a relaxed, scenic overview, the boat cruise (see details) provides a comfortable water-based perspective.
If you enjoy interactive experiences, the self-guided scavenger hunts (Ghent), Mons, Kortrijk, and Ostend tours offer fun ways to explore independently while still learning local stories. For those wanting a guided walk with local insights, the city highlights walking tour (link here) or the city highlights and beyond tour (see more) will give you a structured yet personalized experience.
Budget travelers may prefer the affordable scavenger hunts or the boat cruise, while those seeking comfort might opt for the private transfer to Brussels Airport (details here). Think about how much time you want to dedicate and whether you prefer active, leisurely, or interactive options.
Final Thoughts
Ghent offers a wide variety of tours to match any traveler’s style. Active explorers will love the bike tour, while history lovers can’t miss the boat cruise or guided walks. For families and curious minds, the interactive scavenger hunts provide fun and flexibility. And if you’re in a rush or arriving/departing, the private transfer ensures a smooth journey.
Booking early is recommended, especially in peak seasons like summer or during special events such as the Christmas market. With so many excellent options, you’re sure to find the perfect way to experience Ghent’s unique charm—whether on two wheels, from the water, or on foot. Happy exploring!