Ghent tours and activities: book every option (2026)
Six Ghent tours in five minutes
If you only take one tour, book the canal cruise (EUR 13, 50 min). It covers the headline sights from the water (Graslei, Belfry, St Bavo’s, Gravensteen) and runs year-round. Rated 4.5 stars from 6,268 reviews. Departs from Graslei pier (the quay with the golden guild houses), multiple times daily.
All tours by category
From boat tours to food, here’s the full line-up.
On the water (boat tours)
The canal cruise departs multiple times daily from Graslei pier (right next to the Belfry). No booking needed off-season; book online in summer (June–August) to avoid crowds.
On foot (walking tours)
Budget pickGhent Walking Tour with Optional Add-ons: Boat & Beer
With local mealGhent: Guided City Highlights Walking Tour with Light Meal
Both walking tours include optional add-ons or meals. They run year-round and focus on Ghent’s medieval core and neighbourhoods.
Food and drink tours
8 tastingsGhent: Small-Group Tasting Tour with a Local Guide
Local favouriteGhent: Belgian Chocolate Walking Tour with Tastings
5 beers + breweryGhent: Beer and Sightseeing Adventure
Three speciality tours: a tasting tour (8 local tastings, EUR 59), a chocolate walk (Belgian pralines + beer pairing, EUR 60), and a brewery tour with beer samples (EUR 95). All are small-group and led by knowledgeable locals.
Day trips (coach tours)
9,000+ reviewsFrom Brussels: Bruges & Ghent Day Tour - 2 Fairytale Cities
Optional cruiseFrom Brussels: Guided Day Trip to Bruges and Ghent
Two full-day coach tours from Brussels loop through Bruges and Ghent. Best if you’re staying in Brussels; both cities in one day.
Compare the canal cruise to walking tours
Two very different ways to see Ghent in your first hour.
| Ghent: 50-Minute Medieval Center Guided Boat Trip | Top pickGhent Walking Tour with Optional Add-ons: Boat & Beer | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | EUR 13 | EUR 20 |
| Duration | 50 min | 2–3 hours |
| Group size | Large boat (~100) | Small group (8–12) |
| What you see | Water views, main sights | Medieval lanes, full context |
| Rating | 4.5 stars | 3.8 stars |
| View → | Book this → |
Which Ghent tour is right for you?
50 minutes or three hours. On the water or on foot. Here’s how to pick.
You have 1 hour
Book the canal cruise (EUR 13). It’s the fastest overview of every major sight (Gravensteen, Belfry, St Bavo’s, Graslei).
You have 2–3 hours
Choose between the walking tour with Belfry climb (includes history and the best views), or a food tasting tour (8 tastings, waterzooi, chocolate, beer, local guide).
You want to visit 3+ major sights
Buy the Ghent CityCard (EUR 42–48 / 48 h, EUR 48 / 72 h). It covers the Belfry, Gravensteen, St Bavo’s, the canal cruise, and museums. Usually saves EUR 10–20 if you’re hitting 3+ sights.
You want food and drink experiences
Start with the tasting tour (EUR 59, 8 tastings). Or book the chocolate walk (EUR 60, pralines + Belgian beer). Both are led by locals who know Ghent’s food scene inside-out.
You want something unique
Book the beer adventure (EUR 95, 2.5 h). Visit a working Belgian brewery, taste 5 house-made beers, and walk Patershol neighbourhood. Ghent is one of Belgium’s beer capitals; this tour explains why.
Not sure yet?
Start with the one-day Ghent itinerary (which includes a canal cruise and a Belfry climb at specific times) or Ghent food guide (which highlights the tasting tours). Between them, most booking questions are answered.
Can’t make these dates?
Browse more available ghent travel guide and find one that fits your schedule — all with instant confirmation and free cancellation.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the best Ghent tour?
The canal cruise (EUR 13, 50 min) covers the main sights from the water with a live guide, costs less than lunch, and runs year-round. Rated 4.5 from 6,268 reviews. For longer tours (2+ hours), pick the tasting tour (EUR 59, 8 tastings).
Can I book tours on the same day?
Sometimes. Peak season (May to September) can fill 1 to 2 days ahead. Book online through GetYourGuide (1 day ahead is usually enough). Most tours offer free cancellation, so there’s flexibility.
Do tours run year-round?
The canal cruise and walking tours run year-round. Day-trip coach tours run spring to autumn. Brewery tours and food tours run year-round (indoors, weather-proof).
What’s included in the tour price?
Entry fees and the guide. Food tours include tastings (stated per tour). Walking tours include the Belfry entry (if the Belfry is included). The Ghent CityCard includes entry to major museums and monuments plus the canal cruise.
Is there a discount for families or groups?
Most tours are per-person. Family pricing is rare. The Ghent CityCard covers adults and children; check the age tiers.