How to Plan Your Ghent: City Highlights Guided Bike Tour

If you’re planning a trip to Ghent, Belgium, one of the best ways to explore the city and see its most historic and intriguing buildings and locations is by taking a guided bike tour. The City Highlights Guided Bike Tour offers a stress-free way to explore the city on safe bike lanes and low-traffic streets. In this blog post, we’ll show you how to plan your Ghent: City Highlights Guided Bike Tour.

Experience

The City Highlights Guided Bike Tour takes you on a journey through Ghent’s rich history. You’ll see numerous abbeys and churches, the Castle of the Counts, Portus Ganda, and the small beguinage (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). You’ll also have the chance to listen to the best stories and anecdotes of these sites. One of the best things about this tour is that you get to explore the city stress-free on a bike. You can enjoy the surroundings at your own pace without having to worry about traffic or parking. It’s a perfect way to experience the city in a relaxed and enjoyable manner.

Highlights

The Ghent: City Highlights Guided Bike Tour offers a lot of highlights that you don’t want to miss out on. Some of the most notable ones are:

• Discover the most historic and intriguing buildings and locations
• Listen to the best stories and anecdotes about these sites
• Explore the city stress-free on safe bike lanes and in low traffic streets

Full description

The City Highlights Guided Bike Tour is an ideal way to experience Ghent’s most impressive sights. You’ll be cycling along numerous abbeys and churches, the Castle of the Counts, Portus Ganda, and the small beguinage (a UNESCO World Heritage Site!). With knowledgeable guides, you can learn about the history of each of these sites and enjoy the picturesque surroundings in a relaxed way. Ghent is known for its diverse student population, youthful vibes, and sustainable way of living. The City Highlights Guided Bike Tour is an excellent way to experience these qualities of the city first-hand. The ride is smooth and easy, offering hassle-free exploration of the beautiful city. The tour includes the use of a City Bike, a raincoat if necessary, and drinks and food during the break halfway.

Booking

Booking the Ghent: City Highlights Guided Bike Tour is an easy process. You can book the tour online via GetYourGuide with the following link: Book the tour here

Book Your Tour Now

The Ghent: City Highlights Guided Bike Tour is an excellent way to explore the city’s rich history and vibrant culture. With knowledgeable guides and relaxing rides, you’re set to have an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re a tourist or a local, the City Highlights Guided Bike Tour is a must-do if you’re in Ghent. So, plan your trip today, book the tour and enjoy Ghent’s beauty on two wheels.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ghent

If you’re planning a trip to Belgium, Ghent should definitely be on your list of cities to visit. It’s a charming medieval city that’s situated in the Flemish region of Belgium. Here are some answers to frequently asked questions to help you plan your trip to Ghent.

1. What is the best way to get to Ghent?

Ghent is easily accessible by plane, train, and car. The nearest airport is Brussels Airport, which is about an hour’s drive from Ghent. Direct trains run from Brussels to Ghent, and the journey takes around 30 minutes. If you’re coming from Paris, you can take the Thalys train to Brussels and then change to a local train to Ghent.

2. How should I get around in Ghent?

Ghent is a compact city that can easily be explored on foot. However, if you prefer not to walk, there are several options. You can rent a bike from one of the many rental shops in the city, take the tram or bus, or even hire a boat to explore the canals.

3. What are some of the must-see attractions in Ghent?

Ghent has a lot of fascinating sights to see, but some of the most notable include:

A. Gravensteen Castle

Gravensteen Castle is a medieval fortress that was built in the 12th century. It’s one of the best-preserved castles in Europe, and visitors can explore the castle walls, towers, and dungeons.

B. St. Bavo’s Cathedral

St. Bavo’s Cathedral is a beautiful Gothic cathedral that dates back to the 14th century. It’s home to several famous works of art, including the Ghent Altarpiece by the Van Eyck brothers.

C. Ghent City Museum

The Ghent City Museum is housed in a beautiful 14th-century building and showcases the history and culture of Ghent. Visitors can explore exhibits on everything from medieval life to modern art.

4. What is the food like in Ghent?

Belgian cuisine is known for its delicious chocolate, waffles, and beer, but Ghent also has some unique dishes of its own. One of the must-try delicacies in Ghent is the ‘Gentse Waterzooi’, which is a creamy soup made with chicken or fish and vegetables. Other local specialties include ‘Cuberdons’, which are a type of candy, and ‘Tierenteyn-Verlent’, which is a spicy mustard that’s been made in Ghent since 1790.

5. When is the best time to visit Ghent?

The best time to visit Ghent is during the spring or summer months when the weather is mild, and many of the city’s festivals and events take place. For example, the Gentse Feesten is a 10-day festival that takes place in July and features live music, food, and drink. The city is also beautiful in the fall when the leaves start to change color.

6. What are some tips for staying safe in Ghent?

Ghent is a relatively safe city, but like any place, it’s important to take precautions to avoid theft and other types of crime. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Keep your valuables (passport, wallet, phone) close to you at all times.
• Avoid flashing cash in public.
• Be wary of pickpockets in crowded areas, such as markets or festivals.
• Avoid walking alone at night, especially in poorly lit areas.
• Stick to well-lit and busy areas and be alert.

7. What is the currency used in Ghent?

Belgium is part of the European Union, and the currency used is the Euro.

8. Do I need to speak Flemish?

While Flemish is the official language of Ghent and Belgium, most people speak English, so you don’t need to speak Flemish to get around. However, it’s always appreciated if you can at least say ‘hello’ and ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ in Flemish.

9. Can I visit Ghent on a day trip from Brussels?

Yes, Ghent is easily accessible from Brussels and is only a 30-minute train ride away. If you’re short on time, a day trip from Brussels to Ghent is definitely doable.

10. Do I need a visa to visit Ghent?

If you’re a citizen of the European Union, Switzerland, or one of the countries that have a visa-free agreement with Belgium, you don’t need a visa to visit Ghent for up to 90 days. Citizens of other countries will need to check with the Belgian embassy in their country to see if they need a visa.

How to spend your time as a tourist in Ghent: A comprehensive guide

Ghent is one of Belgium’s hidden treasures that tourists often overlook. However, it’s a beautiful city with a unique charm that is well worth a visit. It is a city that has retained its medieval character, and you’ll hardly find a better place to taste the country’s delectable Belgian cuisine. If you’re planning to visit Ghent, here’s how to spend your time in the city.

1. Take a canal boat tour

A canal boat tour is an excellent way to start your tour of Ghent. You’ll get a chance to view the city from a different perspective and explore its waterways. Some of the sights you’ll see include the Castle of the Counts, St. Michael’s Bridge, St. Bavo’s Cathedral, and Graslei Harbor. The tours generally last around 40 minutes, and tickets can be purchased from the boat operators.

2. Visit Ghent’s castles and historic sites

Ghent is home to some of Belgium’s most historic sites, including Gravensteen Castle, a medieval fortress built in the 12th century. Inside, you’ll find interactive exhibits that showcase the castle’s history, torture chambers, and weapons used during battles. Another historic site in the city is the St. Peter’s Abbey, which was initially a Benedictine monastery built in the 7th century. Today, part of the abbey has been converted into a museum that houses various artifacts and artwork from the Middle Ages.

3. Explore Ghent’s museums

Ghent is home to an array of museums, ranging from contemporary art to religious history. The Museum of Fine Arts, for instance, is a must-visit for art lovers and features a collection of artwork from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. The city also boasts a Design Museum that showcases modern and contemporary designs. Additionally, the STAM museum covers Ghent’s history, from its earliest settlements to its present-day cultural scene.

4. Enjoy Belgian cuisine

No visit to Ghent would be complete without indulging in Belgian delicacies. The city is renowned for its chocolate, waffles, and beer. You’ll find many restaurants, cafes, and food stands selling exquisite dishes such as Belgian fries, moules frites, and stoofvlees. Wash down the food with a glass of craft beer or a warm cup of Belgian hot chocolate. You’ll never forget the gastronomical experience in Ghent.

5. Visit Ghent’s markets

Ghent is famous for its unique high-quality markets, where you can find a variety of goods. The city’s farmers’ markets are known for offering fresh local produce such as cheese, fruits, and vegetables. The antique market at Sint-Jacobs offers a collection of antiques ranging from retro furniture to vintage toys. Sunday mornings are ideal for visiting the flea market at Bij Sint-Jacobs, where you can find anything from books to clothes.

6. Take a stroll through Ghent’s parks and gardens

Ghent is home to some beautiful parks and gardens, and a walk through these tranquil spaces offers a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. Citadel Park, located in the city center, is a great place to relax, read a book, or have a picnic. You can also visit the Botanical Garden, which has a beautiful collection of plants from around the world.

7. Attend Ghent’s festivals and events

Ghent is a cultural hub and has several events around the year, including street theater, concerts, and festivals celebrating the city’s rich history and culture. The Ghent Festivities in July are the largest cultural event in Belgium, and you can expect ten days of non-stop music, theater, and street performances. The city also hosts the Gentse Feesten, a cultural festival that features live music concerts, parades, and fireworks. In conclusion, Ghent is a beautiful, historic city that is bursting with cultural and gastronomic experiences. Follow these guidelines to plan your visit and explore the best that Ghent has to offer.