Free, tip what you liked · ★ 9.4/10 (465 reviews) · on Civitatis
Quick answer
Yes. There are 2 free walking tours in Ghent listed here, bookable for free on Civitatis. The most reviewed is Free Walking Tour of Ghent: it meets at Hostel Uppelink, lasts about 2h and is guided in English, rated 9.4/10 from 465 reviews.
Start times vary by date and are confirmed when you book.
Sint-Michielsplein Bridge, 21 (next to Hostel Uppelink)
★ 9.4/10 (94)
Ghent was one of the largest and richest cities in medieval Europe, built on the cloth trade, and its centre still shows it: the guild houses along the Graslei and Korenlei quays, the Belfry that guarded the city's charters, and Gravensteen, the stone castle of the Counts of Flanders. Unlike its neighbour Bruges, Ghent is also a working university city, so the old streets are full of bikes, bars and locals rather than just visitors.
The two free tours show both sides. The daytime Free Walking Tour of Ghent covers St Nicholas' Church, St Michael's Bridge, the Belfry and Gravensteen, with tips on where locals eat and drink. The Ghent Free Evening Tour follows the city's legends and executions along the canals, past the ruins of the palace where Charles V was born, and ends in the Patershol quarter.
Plan your visit to Ghent
What to see in Ghent
St Bavo's Cathedral holds the Ghent Altarpiece, the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb, one of the most important paintings in Europe. Gravensteen, the 12th-century castle of the Counts of Flanders, is fun to climb for the view from its walls. The Belfry, part of a group of Belgian and French belfries listed by UNESCO, has a lift to the top.
Spend an evening on the Graslei and Korenlei quays, then get lost in the narrow lanes of the Patershol, now full of small restaurants. The city's official tourism site, Visit Gent, has opening times and events.
Getting around and when to go
The centre is compact and mostly car-free; trams connect it with Gent-Sint-Pieters station. May to September has the longest evenings. Ghent pairs well with Bruges and Brussels, which both have free tours; see the month-by-month guide for timing.
Good to know before you go
Ghent is a short train ride from Brussels and Bruges, so it works as a day trip. Staying one night lets you see the canals lit up, which is when the city is at its best.
Stand on St Michael's Bridge for the classic view of the three towers: St Nicholas' Church, the Belfry and St Bavo's Cathedral.
The Ghent Altarpiece by the van Eyck brothers is in St Bavo's Cathedral and needs a timed ticket, especially at weekends.
In July the Gentse Feesten, a ten-day street festival, takes over the centre. It is lively and free, but book accommodation early.
Yes, two on Civitatis. The Free Walking Tour of Ghent covers St Nicholas' Church, St Michael's Bridge, the Belfry and Gravensteen Castle. The Ghent Free Evening Tour covers the Graslei, the Bridge of Beheadings, the ruins of Charles V's birthplace and the Patershol.
Where does the Ghent free tour start?
Both English tours meet in front of Hostel Uppelink, Sint-Michielsplein 21, by St Michael's Bridge. The exact point and how to recognise the guide are confirmed in your booking.
Can I do the Ghent free tour as a day trip from Brussels?
Yes. Trains run regularly from Brussels to Gent-Sint-Pieters station, and a tram or a walk brings you to the centre. Leave some margin before the tour starts.
Does the tour go inside Gravensteen or St Bavo's Cathedral?
No. Both are explained from outside. Gravensteen and the Ghent Altarpiece in the cathedral have their own tickets.
How much should I tip on a free tour in Ghent?
There is no fixed amount. At the end you give the guide what you think the tour was worth. Our tip calculator shows the usual range for Belgium.
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