Evening Tour of the Dark Side of Gent

4.9 (973 reviews) 1 h 45 min Free cancellation

out of 5

973 reviews

4.9

Evening Tour of the Dark Side of Gent — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Evening Tour of the Dark Side of Gent, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

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 take you off the beaten track to show you some highlights and hidden gems of our gorgeous city. After 1.5h we will finish the tour in the medieval quarter of Gent, very close to the city center, with a deeper understanding of Gent and perhaps some new friends!

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: 1 h 45 min
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: Infants (0–3 years) · Children (4–11 years) · Adults (12–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: All Fees and Taxes

Not included

Not included: Gratuities

Itinerary

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.
St. Bavo's Cathedral

Passing by

We’ll tell you the gruesome story of why the beautiful cathedral is also known as the ‘Devil’s Tower’.
Graslei and Korenlei

10 min

We take you to the heart of the bustling medieval harbour of Ghent, back when the city was an economic powerhouse in Europe, to tell you about the lucrative trading activities.
Stop 4

10 min

On this bridge overlooking the giant Butchers’ Hall, we tell you the legend about the execution of a father and son and the miraculous event that saved them.
Stop 5

10 min

Built by Count Baldwin in the 9th century to protect the inhabitants from the Viking raids, it was around this impressive fortification that the city started to develop. Our guide will share its fascinating history with you.
Prinsenhof

Passing by

Next, we take you to what once was a gigantic palace called the Prince’s Court. Today we need some imagination to envision it, but our guide will bring its history to life!
Rabot Sluice

10 min

Here, we will show you the only remaining tower of the 14 km long defence wall that was built around Ghent in the Middle Ages.
Keizer Karel V

10 min

We take you to the Bridge of Imperial Delights, which is flanked by 4 sculptures which depict legendary scenes of the life of Charles V. Our guide will explain you some of them.
Augustijnenklooster

Passing by

On this stop, we’ll tell you about the troublesome history of the Religious Wars and the effect the Calvinist rule has had on the history of the city.
Patershol

10 min

To finish the tour, we take you to the picturesque medieval quarter of the Patershol or ‘Monk’s hole’ to tell you about the social impact of the Industrial Revolution and the role it played in the revival of the city’s economy!

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

We meet in front of Hostel Uppelink, Sint-Michielsplein 21. 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

The tour ends in the Patershol area in the city center, where you'll find lots of cozy bars and restaurants.

Using your ticket

Please be on the meeting point (Sint-Michielsplein 21, in front of Hostel Uppelink) 10 minutes before the start of the tour and look for the guide with the red umbrella. You can use the lockers and the toilet in the hostel if needed.

Keep in mind that our Evening Tour: The Dark Side 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.

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.