Top activities
Top landmarks
Trip ideas
Nearby places
Port schedule
You booked this experience
Make your trip unforgettable

Private Historical Tour: History and Highlights of Ghent

145 Reviews 4.86 out of 5 stars Based on 145 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 96% of reviewers |
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
Ghent, Belgium
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 23 (0) days in advance.

2 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
and 4 more
French, Spanish, Dutch, Turkish
Instant confirmation

Overview

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!

What's Included

  • Hotel pick up and drop off
  • All Fees and Taxes
  • Private Tour
  • Food and drinks, unless specified
See 2 moreSee 1 more

Meeting Location

Meeting point

Sint-Michielsplein 21
9000 Gent, Belgium

Show on Google Maps

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

Sint-Baafsplein
9000 Gent, Belgium

The tour ends in front of the Belfry of Ghent.

What To Expect

Book Online

Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
Read more

Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free

St Michael's Bridge

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.
Read more

15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Graslei and Korenlei

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.
Read more

10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Design Museum Gent (pass by)

Here we explain why a specific aspect of the Design Museum very much symbolises the stubborn and rebellious mindset of the Gentenaars!
Read more

Het Groot Vleeshuis

With a view of the medieval covered Great Butchers’ Hall across the water, we tell you some darker facts about this majestic building.
Read more

10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Gravensteen

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!
Read more

10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

St. Veerleplein

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!
Read more

10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Huis van Alijn

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.
Read more

10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Vrijdagmarkt

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!
Read more

10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Werregarenstraat

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!
Read more

10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Ghent Town Hall (Stadhuis)

To understand why our city hall looks a little bit ‘confused’, our guide will explain the most significant conflict in the history of Ghent.
Read more

5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

St. Bavo's Cathedral

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.
Read more

10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Het Belfort van Gent

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.
Read more

5 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Saint Nicholas Church

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!
Read more

10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Show 12 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Private Historical Tour: History and Highlights of Ghent?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CET). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-309017P7

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.86
145 reviews

Average 4.86 out of 5 stars based on 145 traveler reviews collected by Cool Shore Excursions and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
135
4 stars
4
3 stars
3
2 stars
2
1 star
1
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 23 (0) days in advance.

Similar Tours & Activities

Ghent City Highlights Walking Tour with Light Mea/Snack

This experience blends an immersive walking tour with a relaxed, light meal at the end — the perfect way to explore Ghent with all your …More

This experience blends an immersive walking tour with a relaxed, light meal at the end — the perfect way to explore Ghent with all your...

90 to 120 minutes
5.0 (6)
from
$79

Ghent Beer Guided Walking Tour

✓ Guided Beer Tasting Tour (3h) ✓ Discover the city, history and beers of Ghent ✓ Learn to taste beer with 5 exclusive regional beers …More

✓ Guided Beer Tasting Tour (3h) ✓ Discover the city, history and beers of Ghent ✓ Learn to taste beer with 5 exclusive regional beers...

3 hours Free Cancellation
4.8 (43)
from
$56

Ghent Food & Drink Tasting Tour with Local Specialties

Join an entertaining local guide on a culinary and historical journey through the charming streets of Ghent. This walking tour combines the city’s rich heritage …More

Join an entertaining local guide on a culinary and historical journey through the charming streets of Ghent. This walking tour combines the city’s rich heritage...

2 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation
4.6 (42)
from
$90

Brussels to Dinant Private Luxury Car Tour

The adventure begins with an exploration of the Lorette-Rochefort Cave, where ancient geological formations create an otherworldly atmosphere. From there, we ascend to Châteaux Walzin, …More

The adventure begins with an exploration of the Lorette-Rochefort Cave, where ancient geological formations create an otherworldly atmosphere. From there, we ascend to Châteaux Walzin,...

11 to 14 hours Hotel pickup offered Free Cancellation
5.0 (19)
from
$6,527

Travelers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought

Evening Tour of the Dark Side of Gent

Join our evening tour of Ghent and discover the fascinating history, myths and legends of our city with an experienced and passionate local guide. We …More

Likely to Sell Out
Likely to Sell Out

Join our evening tour of Ghent and discover the fascinating history, myths and legends of our city with an experienced and passionate local guide. We...

1 hour 45 minutes Free Cancellation
4.9 (829)
from
$3

40-Minute Guided boat trip in medieval Ghent

Experience an enthralling tour of 40 minutes along the waterways of the medieval centre of Ghent. Admire the three towers of Ghent, two castles, an …More

Experience an enthralling tour of 40 minutes along the waterways of the medieval centre of Ghent. Admire the three towers of Ghent, two castles, an...

40 minutes Free Cancellation
4.4 (313)
from
$11

Ghent Bike Tour Off-the-beaten-track

Go beyond the classic sightseeing and discover what Ghent is all about. Depart from the meeting point with a small group of no more than …More

Go beyond the classic sightseeing and discover what Ghent is all about. Depart from the meeting point with a small group of no more than...

2 hours 30 minutes Free Cancellation
5.0 (337)
from
$54

Guided Boat Trip in Ghent

Enjoy a 40 minute guided boat trip in the historical heart of Ghent with live explanations. Departure is from one of the most beautiful spots …More

4.4 (122)

Guided Boat Trip in Ghent

4.4 (122)

Enjoy a 40 minute guided boat trip in the historical heart of Ghent with live explanations. Departure is from one of the most beautiful spots...

40 minutes Free Cancellation
4.4 (122)
from
$13

What's Included

Activity name

  • Hotel pick up and drop off
  • All Fees and Taxes
  • Private Tour
  • Professional guide
  • Local guide
  • Food and drinks, unless specified

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Report Product Issue

Activity name