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Activity Ghent, Belgium

Historical Walking Tour: Legends of Gent

4.9 (2,280 reviews) 2 hours Free cancellation
Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Historical Walking Tour: Legends of Gent

About this activity

Join our daily Free Historical Tour of Ghent and discover the highlights of our gorgeous city in the company of a knowledgeable and enthusiastic 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!

If you cannot make it to the tour for whatever reason, please notify us, so we can open your slot to other visitors. Thank you and enjoy the tour!

IMPORTANT NOTE: Our guides are volunteers who offer tours for tips, so please bring cash to reward the guide. The charged fee only covers the cost of booking via this platform.

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At a glance

Duration
2 hours
Confirmation
Instant confirmation
Ticket
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group
Up to 35 people
People per booking
1–6
Guide
English, Spanish
Operated by
Gent Free Walking Tour

Ages: Adults (12–99 years)

What is included

Included

  • Included: All Fees and Taxes

Not included

  • Not included: Gratuities

Itinerary

  1. St Michael's Bridge

    15 min

    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.

  2. Graslei and Korenlei

    10 min

    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.

  3. Design Museum Gent

    10 min Admission not included

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

  4. Het Groot Vleeshuis

    10 min

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

  5. Gravensteen

    10 min Admission not included

    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!

  6. St. Veerleplein

    10 min

    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!

  7. Huis van Alijn

    10 min

    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.

  8. Stop 8

    10 min

    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!

  9. Stop 9

    10 min

    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!

  10. Ghent Town Hall (Stadhuis)

    10 min Admission not included

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

  11. St. Bavo's Cathedral

    10 min

    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.

  12. Het Belfort van Gent

    10 min Admission not included

    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.

  13. Esglesia de Sant Nicolau

    10 min

    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!

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

  • We meet in front of Hostel Uppelink on the St Michael's Bridge. Look for the RED umbrella!

    IMPORTANT NOTE: Our guides are volunteers who offer tours for tips. The fee only covers the cost of booking via this platform.

End point

  • Belfry of Ghent.

Using your ticket

Please be on the meeting point (St Michael's Bridge, in front of Hostel Uppelink) 10 minutes before the start of the tour and look for the guide with the red umbrella.

Keep in mind that our Historical Walking Tour: Legends of Gent is a free tour, which means that you are free to leave a tip to the guide if you enjoyed the tour, so please bring cash money to reward the guide. The booking fee is only used to process the booking and reserve your spot. Enjoy the tour!

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel You get back
At least one day before 100%
Less than a day before 0%
  • The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.
  • The operator may cancel if too few people book; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

  • Wheelchair accessible

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

  • Service animals allowed

  • Public transportation options are available nearby

  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Options

  • Spanish Tour

  • Tour in English

Traveller ratings

4.9 out of 5 · 2,280 reviews
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Historical Walking Tour: Legends of Gent

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