How to Plan Your Ghent Guided Walking Tour
If you’re planning to visit Ghent, you’re in for a real treat! This city in Belgium is known for its picturesque canals, medieval architecture, and fantastic food. To make the most out of your trip to Ghent, you should consider booking a guided walking tour. This will give you a chance to learn about the city’s history, culture, and hidden gems from an expert guide.
One of the best-guided walking tours in Ghent is offered by a third-party company and lasts for about three hours. Here’s what you can expect from the experience:
Experience
This tour is a great way to explore Ghent on foot and get up close and personal with the city’s most beautiful landmarks. You’ll be accompanied by a knowledgeable Spanish-speaking guide who will lead you through the winding streets of Ghent and tell you about its rich history and culture. The guide will make sure to point out all the essential sights and hidden gems that make Ghent so unique.
Highlights
The tour includes visits to some of Ghent’s most famous landmarks, such as the Castle of Gerald the Devil, Saint Bavo’s Cathedral, and St. Nicholas’ Church. You’ll also get to see some lesser-known sights and stop to take plenty of photos along the way. One of the highlights of the tour is the stop at the “shoe pub” of De Dulle Griet, where you can taste typical Flemish food or enjoy a Kwak beer.
Discover the charm of Ghent on a guided tour
The tour starts in the heart of Ghent, where you’ll meet your guide and other fellow travelers. From there, you’ll set off on a walking tour that takes you through the city’s winding streets and along its picturesque canals. During the tour, you’ll learn about Ghent’s rich history and culture, its famous former residents, and its many hidden gems.
Get 4 hours of free time to enjoy lunch and explore as you please
The tour includes a four-hour break for lunch, which gives you plenty of time to explore Ghent on your own. You can visit some of the city’s famous museums, do some shopping, or simply relax in one of its many cafes or restaurants. This is a great opportunity to get to know Ghent’s local culture and experience its atmosphere for yourself.
Taste typical Flemish food or enjoy a Kwak beer at the “shoe pub” of De Dulle Griet
One of the highlights of the tour is the stop at the “shoe pub” of De Dulle Griet, where you can try typical Flemish food or enjoy a Kwak beer. The pub gets its name from the giant wooden shoe that sits outside, and it’s a must-visit spot for any beer lover or foodie.
Full description
The tour begins in the center of Ghent, where you’ll meet your guide and join a small group of fellow travelers. Your guide will give you an overview of the city’s history and culture before leading you along its winding streets and canals.
One of the first stops on the tour is the 13th-century Castle of Gerald the Devil, which is now being used as a courthouse. The castle has a well-known dungeon where prisoners were held in medieval times.
The tour then continues to Saint Bavo’s Cathedral, which has a beautiful Gothic facade and houses the famous painting “The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb” by the Van Eyck brothers. Your guide will explain the history of the painting and point out some of its notable features.
The tour also includes visits to other famous landmarks, such as the Belfort bell tower, the Gothic and Renaissance Town Hall, and St. Nicholas’ Church. You’ll also get to see some lesser-known sights, such as the nearby Masons’ Guild House and the Graslei embankment.
After about three hours, the tour comes to a close, and you get four additional hours to explore the city on your own. You can use this time to visit some of Ghent’s famous museums, indulge in some shopping, or relax in one of its cafes or restaurants.
Conclusion
Booking a guided walking tour in Ghent is a fantastic way to explore this beautiful city and learn about its rich history and culture. The tour offered by a third-party company is a great option as it covers all the essential landmarks and hidden gems and gives you plenty of free time to explore on your own. Make sure to book the tour in advance and prepare for a day full of unforgettable experiences!
The Most Frequently Asked Questions About Ghent
Ghent, located in the Flanders region of Belgium, is a beautiful and historic city that has a lot to offer visitors. If you’re planning on visiting Ghent for the first time, you may have some questions about what to expect. In this article, we’ll answer some of the most frequently asked questions about Ghent.
What is the Best Time to Visit Ghent?
The best time to visit Ghent is during the summer months between June and September. The weather is mild, and there are many events and festivals happening during this time. However, if you prefer to avoid the crowds, you may want to visit during the off-season between November and March.
How Do I Get to Ghent?
Ghent is easily accessible by train from Brussels or other major European cities. Brussels Airport is the closest airport to Ghent, and regular trains run from there to Ghent. You can also take a bus from Brussels or other nearby cities.
What are the Must-See Sights in Ghent?
There are many must-see sights in Ghent, including:
Gravensteen Castle
This medieval castle dates back to the 12th century and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Ghent.
Sint-Baafskathedraal
This stunning cathedral is home to many works of art, including the famous altarpiece, the Adoration of the Mystic Lamb.
St. Michael’s Bridge
This picturesque bridge offers a stunning view over the river and the city’s skyline.
The Belfry
This iconic tower offers panoramic views over Ghent and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
What are the Best Local Foods to Try in Ghent?
Some of the must-try local foods in Ghent include:
Waterzooi
This creamy stew made with chicken or fish is a local specialty.
Gentse neuzen
These nose-shaped candies are a local delicacy and come in a variety of flavors.
Cuberdons
These cone-shaped candies are filled with a soft gel and come in a variety of flavors.
What is the Best Way to Get Around Ghent?
The best way to get around Ghent is on foot or by bike. The city center is pedestrian-friendly, and there are many bike lanes throughout the city. You can also take public transportation, including buses and trams, if you prefer not to walk or bike.
What are the Best Day Trips from Ghent?
If you want to explore beyond Ghent, there are several great day trips you can take, including:
Bruges
This picturesque city is just a short train ride from Ghent and is known for its canals, cobbled streets, and medieval buildings.
Antwerp
This vibrant city is known for its fashion, art, and diamond trade.
Maastricht
This historic city in the Netherlands is known for its architecture, art, and food.
Is Ghent Safe?
Ghent is a safe city for tourists, but like any city, you should take precautions to avoid pickpocketing and theft. Keep an eye on your belongings and avoid walking alone in poorly lit areas at night.
Conclusion
Ghent is a beautiful and historic city that has a lot to offer visitors. Whether you’re interested in history, art, or food, there’s something for everyone in Ghent. We hope this FAQ has answered some of your questions about Ghent and has inspired you to plan a trip to this charming city.
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