Many travelers meet Ghent as a stop on a day out from Brussels, paired with Bruges, but the city is worth more than a bus window. Most listings are either group trips from the capital or local formats that stay on the canals and cobbles.
Related: Best Tours & Experiences in Ghent Belgium
Top-Rated Ghent Canal Belgium Tours & Experiences
Belgium Bruges Ghent Full Day Private Trip from Paris
A full-day trip pairing Bruges and Ghent is built for travelers based in Brussels who want two medieval cities without arranging trains. Expect a long day, and ask how much time you get in Ghent versus Bruges.
Unforgettable Private Tour to Belgiums Most Delightful Cities Bruges and Ghent
A private tour to Belgium’s medieval cities gives you a vehicle, a guide and a flexible pace, which suits families and small groups. Confirm the stops, the pickup point and any entry fees before booking.
Ghent and Bruges Day Trip from Brussels
This day trip combines Ghent and Bruges from Brussels in a shared group, which keeps the cost lower. Check the departure time, the language and the time allowed in each town.
BUS DAY TRIP to BRUGGE and GHENT from Brussels in English
A bus day trip to Bruges and Ghent is the budget version of the same idea, with a large group and a fixed schedule. It suits first-time visitors who just want to see both cities.
The Original Belgian Waffle Workshop in Ghent
A Belgian waffle workshop is a hands-on break from sightseeing, ideal for families and food lovers. Check the location, the length and whether you eat what you make.
Ghent Half Day Guided Tour from Brussels
A half-day guided tour from Brussels focuses on Ghent alone, which leaves more time for the center. It suits travelers who prefer depth over a crowded itinerary. Confirm the departure time and the language.
Bruges and Ghent By Small Group Train with Boat Ride
A small-group tour to Bruges and Ghent trades a larger bus for a minivan or similar, which lets the guide spend more time on each stop. Check the group size, and ask about the pace.
Ghent and Bruges Full Day Tour from Brussels
A full-day tour of Ghent and Bruges from another departure city is the long option. Read the itinerary for transport time, and check the return time if you have a train or flight to catch.
As with most in-demand destinations, the best tours in Ghent Canal Belgium tend to sell out first, so booking a few days ahead is generally a good idea.
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How These Ghent Tours Were Chosen
Ghent is a lively university city with a medieval core, a counts’ castle and a canal-side waterfront lined with guild houses. Across the 6 priced tours, 3,840 reviews exist, a very large sample. Historical Walking Tour is the most reviewed, with 2,223 reviews at 4.9 stars.
What to see in Ghent
The Gravensteen castle, the Graslei and Korenlei quays and St. Bavo’s Cathedral, home to the Ghent Altarpiece, are the main sights. The Patershol quarter has narrow lanes and restaurants. A boat trip on the canals offers another viewpoint of the guild houses.
What Ghent Tours Cost
The cheapest listing is Historical Walking Tour at $3, and most walks and boat trips stay close to $13. The bike tour and the longer day excursions cost more, and the top of the range reaches $62. Day trips from Brussels are priced separately, so read the inclusions.
Seasons and Crowds in Ghent
Ghent is busy in July during the Gentse Feesten, a ten-day city festival with street performances and music. Spring and early autumn are good for walking, and the canals are pleasant in summer. In winter the city is quiet and the lights are lovely.
Choosing Where to Stay in Ghent
The old center around the Graslei and the Patershol has the most atmosphere, and the station is a tram ride away. Ghent is roughly half an hour from Brussels and about 25 minutes from Bruges, so it works as a base for both.
Practical Tips Before You Book
Book a boat trip early in the day in summer, and carry a rain layer, since weather changes quickly. Check ticketing for the castle and the cathedral, as the altarpiece may have timed entry. Take care on a rented bike, since trams and cyclists share the streets.
Common Questions About Ghent Tours
How much do Ghent tours cost?
Listings run from $3 to $62, with a median near $13. Walking tours and boat trips sit at the low end, while the bike tour and long day excursions cost more.
Which Ghent tour has the most reviews?
Historical Walking Tour leads with 2,223 reviews at 4.9 stars. Several other tours score 4.8 or 4.9, so the top ratings are close.
Can I visit Ghent as a day trip from Brussels?
Yes. Trains take roughly half an hour, and many listings run from Brussels. Check the return time and how long you will have in Ghent.
Is Ghent worth visiting if I am going to Bruges?
Yes. Ghent is less crowded and has a younger, more local feel. Many travelers combine the two on a long day or stay a night in each.
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