Ghent Free Evening Tour
Legends, beheadings and Charles V along the canals
Reserve your free spotQuick answer
Yes, it is free: no ticket, you tip the guide at the end. Ghent Free Evening Tour meets at Sint-Michielsplein Bridge, 21 (next to Hostel Uppelink), lasts about 1h30 and is guided in English; rated 9.4/10 from 94 reviews on Civitatis.
Start times vary by date and are confirmed when you book.
Ghent's medieval character is strongest in the evening, and this tour uses the canals as its stage. After a short introduction to the city's origins on St Michael's Bridge, the group follows the Graslei quay and the River Lys to the small Appelbrugparkje, where the stories of the condemned and their last moments begin, and on to the Hoofdbrug, the Bridge of Beheadings, with a view of Gravensteen.
Next come the ruins of the Prinsenhof, where Charles V was born in 1500, and the tale of how he humiliated rebellious Ghent in 1540, which gave its citizens the nickname of noose bearers. The route passes the Augustinian monastery, with the story of the religious persecution under Philip II and the Duke of Alba, and ends in the Patershol, the medieval quarter.
Tour highlights
- St Michael's Bridge
- Graslei quay
- Hoofdbrug (Bridge of Beheadings)
- View of Gravensteen
- Prinsenhof ruins, birthplace of Charles V
- Patershol quarter
Meeting point
Sint-Michielsplein Bridge, 21 (next to Hostel Uppelink)
Sint-Michielsplein Bridge, 21 (next to Hostel Uppelink).
This tour is free — there's no charge to join. At the end, tip your guide whatever you feel the experience was worth. 100% of tips go directly to them.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Ghent Free Evening Tour really free?
Yes — there is no ticket and no upfront cost. You reserve a free spot, join the tour, and at the end tip your guide whatever you feel it was worth. Most travelers tip the equivalent of €10–20 per person, but the amount is entirely up to you.
Where does the Ghent Free Evening Tour start?
The tour meets at Sint-Michielsplein Bridge, 21 (next to Hostel Uppelink) (Sint-Michielsplein Bridge, 21 (next to Hostel Uppelink).). The exact meeting point and how to spot your guide are confirmed in your Civitatis booking.
How long is the tour, and what languages is it in?
It lasts around 1h30 and is guided in English. One booking covers up to 6 people; larger parties need a private tour. Comfortable walking shoes recommended.
