Ghent Travel Guide: Explore Belgium's Hidden Gem

Walking tours dominate the scene, making up about two-thirds of the options we compare across booking platforms. Beyond that, the city's cultural and historical character shines through food tours, boat tours, and beer tastings. The standout headline experiences are the Ghent Boat Tour (starting from $12), Ghent Walking Tour (from low single digits), and Ghent Walking Food Tour (also from low single digits), each with dozens of listings across different booking platforms. Food and drink experiences are particularly strong here, with chocolate workshops and beer tours regularly appearing among the most-booked options.

Across the 243 activities we compare, prices span $8 to $586, with most falling in the $23–$200 range. The typical tour runs about 2 hours. This range reflects everything from free walking tours and budget-friendly boat rides to premium private experiences and multi-hour food tours. If you're planning a day of activities, expect to spend somewhere in the $50–$150 ballpark for a couple of experiences, depending on whether you opt for group or private formats.

About 63% of the options we compare offer instant confirmation, so same-day booking is often possible. However, a small number of popular experiences are flagged as likely to sell out, so booking ahead gives you peace of mind for those. Additionally, 54% of activities offer free cancellation, which means you can reserve early without financial risk if plans change. For flexibility and the best choice of time slots, booking a day or two ahead is a smart move.

Private tours make up a notably large share here: 43% of the options we compare are private, compared to group and guided tours. This is higher than many destinations, giving you plenty of choice if you want a more personalized experience. Private tours typically cost more than group options but offer flexibility on timing and itinerary. If you're traveling with family or friends and want to set your own pace, the strong private-tour selection in Ghent works in your favor.

Tours across booking platforms are offered in 8 languages: English, Dutch, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, and Russian. English is widely available across all tour types, so language is rarely a barrier. If you speak Dutch, French, or another European language, you'll find dedicated options too, which can enhance the local experience.

About 42% of the activities we compare are tagged eco-friendly, suggesting a genuine focus on sustainable tourism. These include walking tours, boat tours, and cycling experiences that minimize environmental impact. Family-friendly options are more limited in the listings we track, so if you're traveling with children, it's worth checking individual tour descriptions to confirm they're suitable for your group's age range and interests.

A professional guide is the most common inclusion, featuring in about 49% of the options we compare. Beyond that, food and drink inclusions vary by tour type: roughly 8% include food samples and 7% include beer tastings, which is why the food and beer tours stand out as good value if you want those extras built in. Most walking tours include the guide and route; private tours often add flexibility around what you see and how long you spend at each stop. Check individual listings to confirm what's covered, as inclusions vary widely across the price range.

The combined reviews across booking platforms are overwhelmingly positive, with an average rating of 4.63 stars across more than 20,000 pooled reviews. About 91% of reviews are positive, with visitors consistently using words like excellent, fun, amazing, and beautiful. This high rating reflects genuine satisfaction across walking tours, food tours, and boat experiences, so you can book with confidence that most visitors have great experiences here.

Ghent is very bike-friendly with excellent cycling infrastructure. You can rent bikes cheaply, use the tram and bus system, or walk the compact city center. Most attractions are within easy reach by foot or bike.

Yes, Ghent has many vegetarian and vegan restaurants. The city even has a Veggie Day on Thursdays. Look for places along Graffiti Street and near Sint-Veerleplein for diverse plant-based dining options.

The Saint Bavo's Cathedral and its famous Ghent Altarpiece require tickets. Book ahead for popular museums like SMAK and the Design Museum. Evening canal tours also fill up quickly during peak season, so reserve in advance.