How to Plan Your 40-Minute Historical Boat Tour of City Center in Ghent

If you are looking for a unique way of discovering Ghent from a different perspective, then the 40-minute historical boat tour of Ghent city center is the perfect option for you. This tour will take you on a relaxing cruise through the city’s waterways, where you can learn about Ghent’s fascinating long history from a knowledgeable guide. In this guide, we will provide you with all the necessary information to plan your 40-minute historical boat tour of the city center in Ghent.

Experience

The 40-minute historical boat tour of Ghent city center is an unforgettable experience, where you’ll observe the beauty of Ghent from the water side impressively. The tour embarks from a picturesque jetty and proceeds through the city’s waterways, offering a riverside point of view of the city’s imposing highlight areas.

Highlights

During this 40-minute historical boat tour of Ghent, you will come across several highlights, which include:

1. Discover Medieval Ghent

The boat tour takes you back to the Medieval period when Ghent was a magnificent city in Europe. The knowledgeable guide will direct you on a journey of discovery through the city and all throughout its glorious past.

2. Beautiful Architecture

Ghent’s architecture is renowned for its beauty and impressive nature. During the tour, you will experience the awe-inspiring house fronts of the Graslei and the old meat-market, which display elegant facades that reflect upon the city’s splendid past.

3. Castle of Counts

The Castle of Counts is a prominent landmark in Ghent, imposingly standing tall at the center of the city. During this tour, you’ll have a riverside view of the castle and its rugged and steep walls, imagining the lives of the powerful people that once ruled its corridors.

Full Description

The 40-minute historical boat tour of Ghent City Center departs from a picturesque jetty, passing through the city’s waterways. Your knowledgeable guide will provide you with insight into the city’s history and inform you about the key events that have shaped the city’s present-day look. From your riverside viewpoint, you can observe the magnificent house fronts of the Graslei, which exposes Ghent’s rich past. The old meat-market is another significant landmark that provides a unique glimpse into the area’s trading past. The Castle of Counts is a must-see landmark in Ghent. It was built during the Middle Ages when Ghent was a powerful and influential city in Europe. The castle’s imposing walls and steep cliffs are undoubtedly an impressive sight to behold. During the boat tour, you’ll get to glimpse and find out the stories surrounding the castle’s corridors.

Includes

The 40-minute guided boat tour is the tour’s most significant inclusion, which provides you with an informative river tour throughout Ghent. For visitors visiting the place for the first time, having a knowledgeable guide will significantly aid in understanding the city’s rich history.

Not Suitable For

The 40-minute historical boat tour of Ghent city center is not suitable for individuals with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.

Booking

You can book the tour at the following link: Book Your 40-Minute Historical Boat Tour of City Center in Ghent, which will redirect you to GetYourGuide.

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In conclusion, the 40-minute historical boat tour of Ghent city center is an excellent way of exploring the city’s rich past from a different viewpoint. You’ll observe the city’s most imposing landmarks from the river view, providing you with a different perspective on the city’s key points. During the tour, you’ll have a knowledgeable guide who will provide you with the necessary information about the city, making it an unforgettable experience. We highly suggest this tour if you want to explore Ghent.

Frequently Asked Questions about Ghent

Ghent is a beautiful city located in the Flemish region of Belgium. It is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about Ghent.

1. What is the best time to visit Ghent?

The best time to visit Ghent is in the months of April to June and September to November. During this time, the weather is pleasant, and the tourist crowds are fewer. You can also enjoy various festivals and events during these months.

2. How to get to Ghent from Brussels?

Ghent is easily accessible from Brussels by train. There are direct trains available from Brussels to Ghent, and the journey takes about 30-45 minutes. You can also take a bus or rent a car to reach Ghent from Brussels.

3. What are the must-visit attractions in Ghent?

Ghent is home to several stunning attractions that are worth visiting. Some of the must-visit attractions in Ghent are:

• The Gravensteen Castle
• Sint-Baafskathedraal
• Ghent City Museum
• St. Nicholas’ Church
• Korenmarkt
• Belfry and Cloth Hall

4. Which are the best restaurants to try Belgian cuisine in Ghent?

Ghent is known for its delicious Belgian cuisine and has a plethora of restaurants that serve authentic Belgian dishes. Some of the best restaurants in Ghent to try Belgian cuisine are:

• Stoverij
• Patyntje
• Groot Vleeshuis
• Bierhuis aan de Waterkant
• ‘t Pakhuis

5. What are the best places to shop in Ghent?

Ghent is a shopper’s paradise and offers several options for shopping. Some of the best places to shop in Ghent are:

• Veldstraat
• Kouter
• Hoornstraat
• Sint-Michielsstraat
• Nederkouter

6. What is the Ghent Light Festival?

The Ghent Light Festival is a biennial event that takes place in Ghent. During this festival, the city is transformed into a magical wonderland with light installations, performances, and events. It is one of the most popular festivals in Europe and attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world.

7. What is the currency used in Ghent?

The currency used in Ghent is the Euro. ATMs are available throughout the city, and most shops and restaurants accept major credit cards.

8. What are the best hotels to stay in Ghent?

Ghent is home to some of the best hotels in Belgium, offering visitors a comfortable and luxurious stay. Some of the best hotels to stay in Ghent are:

• Hotel Harmony
• Ghent Marriott Hotel
• 1898 The Post
• Pillows Grand Hotel Reylof
• Hotel de Flandre

9. Can I explore Ghent on foot?

Yes, exploring Ghent on foot is the best way to discover the city. Most of the attractions in Ghent are located in the city center, and it is easy to navigate through the city. You can also rent a bike or take a guided tour to explore the city.

10. What is the language spoken in Ghent?

The official language spoken in Ghent is Dutch. However, most people in Ghent can speak fluent English, and you won’t face any language barrier while visiting the city.

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Ghent is a city that has something to offer for everyone. Whether you are interested in history, architecture, culture or food, you will be captivated by the charm of this city. By following this FAQ, you will have all the necessary information to plan your visit to Ghent and make the most of your trip.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Ghent

Ghent, a stunning city located in the Flemish Region of Belgium, is the perfect tourist destination for those who appreciate old-world charm and modern-day sophistication. With its picturesque architecture, cultural festivals, and vibrant street life, Ghent has become a must-visit city in Europe. In this guide, we’ll outline the best things to do in Ghent and what to expect when you visit this beautiful city.

Explore the City Center

The historical center of Ghent is a living, breathing museum that is home to some of the most beautiful churches, castles, museums, and canals in Europe. A great way to explore the city center is by taking a walking tour, which can be self-guided or led by a knowledgeable guide. Some popular sites to visit include:

Ghent Castle

Also known as Gravensteen, this medieval castle was built in the 12th century and is one of Ghent’s most iconic landmarks. It served as a prison, a mint, and a courthouse during its heyday, but now it’s open to the public for tours. Visitors can climb to the top of the castle for panoramic views of the city.

Ghent City Hall

Located in the heart of the city center, Ghent City Hall is a beautiful Gothic building that was built in the 15th century. Today, it serves as a venue for weddings, receptions, and other events. Tours of the city hall are available, and they’re a great way to learn about the history and architecture of the building.

Saint Bavo Cathedral

Saint Bavo Cathedral is one of the most beautiful churches in Europe and is a must-visit site for anyone visiting Ghent. The cathedral is famous for its stunning stained-glass windows, elaborate altarpieces, and the masterpiece painting “The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb.” Visitors can take a guided tour of the cathedral or explore on their own.

Enjoy the Local Food and Drink

When in Ghent, make sure to indulge in the local food and drink. Flemish cuisine is known for its hearty stews, fresh seafood, and delicious beer. Some popular dishes to try include:

Waffles

Belgium is famous for its waffles, and Ghent is no exception. Make sure to try a Liege waffle, which is made from a dough that’s sweeter than Brussels waffles, and usually contains pearl sugar.

Stoofvlees

Stoofvlees, also known as Flemish beef stew, is a hearty dish that’s perfect for colder days. The beef is slowly cooked in beer and served with fries, a staple of Flemish cuisine.

Belgian beer

Belgian beer is known for its high quality and diversity. In Ghent, there are many local breweries and beer bars where you can try a variety of beers, from Trappist ales to fruit beers.

Attend Local Festivals and Events

Ghent is a city that loves to celebrate. Throughout the year, there are many festivals and events that showcase the local culture and heritage.

Gentse Feesten

Gentse Feesten, or the Ghent Festival, is a 10-day festival that takes place in July. It’s one of the biggest cultural events in Europe and features hundreds of free concerts, street performances, and food stalls.

Ghent Light Festival

Ghent Light Festival is a biennial event that takes place in February. The city center is transformed with light installations and projections, making it a perfect time to visit Ghent for a magical experience in the evening.

Shop Local Products

Ghent is known for its local products, from handmade chocolates to artisanal cheeses. While in Ghent, make sure to check out some local shops and markets where you can buy souvenirs or gifts for friends and family.

Belgium Chocolate Shops

Belgium chocolate is world-renowned for its high quality and taste. In Ghent, there are many chocolate shops where you can buy handmade chocolates in all shapes and flavors.

Neuzekes

Neuzekes are a local specialty in Ghent, which are cuberdon candies made from gum arabic and sugar. They come in a cone shape and have a unique, slightly sweet flavor.

Bookshops

Ghent has many bookshops that sell everything from modern literature to antique books, making it a great place to find an unusual souvenir or gift.

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Ghent is a city that has something to offer for every tourist. From its stunning architecture and landmarks to its delicious food and drink and vibrant festivals, Ghent is a city that will leave a lasting impression. When planning your next vacation, consider adding Ghent to your itinerary and experience the charm and beauty of this Belgian gem.