Private Historical Tour: The Best of Ghent
Description
Join our Private Historical Tour: The Best of Gent and discover the most emblematic monuments of our gorgeous city in the company of a knowledgeable and passionate guide. We take you on a journey through the legendary past of Ghent and give you lots of tips on where to go and what to do in the city today. History and funny stories, legends and interesting facts, highlights and hidden gems — this tour has got everything to make your experience of Ghent authentic and exciting!
Tour Options
Itinerary
We start here with an introduction to the history of Ghent and the role the city played as a trading hub in medieval times. We also introduce you to the 3 towers of the Ghent skyline, which are best visible from this spot.
At the Graslei, the beating heart of the historical city centre, we show you which buildings were involved in the trading activities when this area functioned as the city’s port.
Here we explain why a specific aspect of the Design Museum very much symbolises the stubborn and rebellious mindset of the Gentenaars!
With a view of the medieval covered Great Butchers’ Hall across the water, we tell you some darker facts about this majestic building.
Unlike most castles, the medieval Castle of the Counts is located right the middle of the city and and is very well preserved. We will tell you all about its impressive past!
The square in front of the castle is both known as the square of death as well as the square of life. You’ll find out why!
The House of Alijn was a hospital and is the only remaining ‘god house’ in Ghent. We will tell you the unfortunate story of how it became a hospital.
This illustrious square has played a prominent role in Ghent’s history, as well as the man whose statue is located in the middle. Our guide will share its fascinating history with you!
As a way to keep our monumental buildings from being sprayed by graffiti, the city has designated a specific area for street artists to go wild. We’ll walk you through it!
To understand why our city hall looks a little bit ‘confused’, our guide will explain the most significant conflict in the history of Ghent.
Our cathedral has a rich history and houses many art treasures, most notably the world-famous Ghent Altarpiece by the brothers Van Eyck. We’ll share some of this history with you.
The Belfry is the people’s tower and reflects the stubbornness, power and independence of the city. As the former prison, its façade also tells the story of a bizarre legend that our guide will share with you.
This gem from the early 12th century looks out over Korenmarkt and has St Nicholas, the protector of merchants and sailors, as its patron saint. The façade of this building shows us the legend of its patron saint: the perfect way to end this legendary tour!
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(134)
Hans was a fantastic guide. Lots of information and interactive tour. Perfect amount of time to learn about the city
Arn was a super tour guide, spoke super understandable English, and it was just plain interesting! We are thrilled :)
very interesting, good tour to get the lay of the land and bearings before walking around Ghent - east, enjoyable tour for all :) guide was friendly and knowledgeable, lovely experience
Paula is very nice and has made it entertaining
Hans was very friendly and definitely knew Ghent! His love for his home city was obvious. He was a fun story teller. He took us under a bridge and he had a reference map drawn out in chalk! Then we walked and he had props and pictures to enhance the stories he was telling. Nice job Hans. C& L
Terrific in every way, informative and entertaining
Hans was a walking encyclopedia of knowledge of Ghent through the ages, and a local retiree.
Amazing tour guide, very funny and knowledgable
Manon gave our family an absolutely wonderful private tour last weekend in the beautiful city of Gent. She is incredibly knowledgeable and shared interesting local insights that really brought the tour to life. What we appreciated most was how attentive she was to our preferences (we booked a private tour with the family) —she tailored the experience perfectly to our timing, made a nice stop at a coffee place we asked for but also told us about other cities in Belgium that we were also visiting in our trip. We would highly recommend Manon to anyone looking for a personal, enthusiastic and engaging tour!
Our family had a lovely walking tour with Kenny, who was very knowledgeable about the city and who was also very patient with our younger family members. In addition to an introduction to Ghent history, he also gave us tips on additional historical sites to visit as well as upcoming festivals and noteworthy cafés. My grandson was also intrigued by some of the darker tidbits that were shared. Our visit was short, but thanks to his enthusiasm and knowledge of the city. I'm eager to return to Ghent to see more.
