Uncover Ghent’s shadowed past with Gent Free Walking Tour’s private 1.5-hour walk that reveals hidden legends and secret sites off the usual tourist trail.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1.5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels with light to moderate walking over city streets.
Wildlife
History
Ghent’s Gravensteen castle dates back to the 12th century and was once a seat of feudal power and justice.
Conservation
Local tour operators promote sustainable tourism by maintaining small group sizes and encouraging respect for the city’s historic sites.
Gent Free Walking Tour
Uncover Ghent’s shadowed past with Gent Free Walking Tour’s private 1.5-hour walk that reveals hidden legends and secret sites off the usual tourist trail.
Gent Free Walking Tour connects visitors with free and private walking tours in Ghent and Brussels. The company offers a variety of experiences including free historical walks, private historical tours, private and free tasting tours, and evening/night tours. Tours are guided by local guides described in listings as knowledgeable, passionate, experienced, or enthusiastic, who lead groups through landmarks such as Saint Bavo’s Cathedral, Gravensteen Castle, Grand Place and Notre Dame du Sablon.
Several tours emphasize local food and drink: 1.5-hour private tasting tours sample Belgian chocolate, waffles, fries and beer with vegetarian options noted. Historical walking tours range from two to 2.5 hours and include stories, legends and hidden gems from medieval Ghent to Brussels’ revolutionary past. Some free tours operate on a pay-what-you-feel model, while private tours provide dedicated, small-group experiences.
Multilingual offerings are visible in the tour titles with English, French, Spanish and Dutch versions of many experiences, indicating availability across languages. The operator lists both daytime and evening options, including “The Dark Side” night tours that focus on mysteries, legends and lesser-known city histories.
All tour listings name specific itineraries and durations where applicable. The business presents a mixture of free public walks and paid private bookings, and highlights tasting, historical and themed night tours across Ghent and Brussels. Visitors can choose between short, walkable experiences (about 1.5 hours) and longer guided narratives (about 2 to 2.5 hours). Listings often include meeting points, suggested routes and booking notes where applicable in each tour description and practical tips.
Cities Covered
Ghent • Brussels
Tours focused on two Belgian cities
Languages
EN / FR / ES / NL
Tours listed in four languages
Typical Durations
1.5–2.5 hrs
Short and medium walking tours
Tours Listed
35
Multiple free and private options
Join a free pay-what-you-feel historical walk or book a private tasting or evening tour — check the specific tour listing to secure a spot.
Wear comfortable shoes
The tour involves walking on cobblestone streets and uneven paths, so sturdy footwear helps ensure comfort.
Bring a light jacket
Evenings in Ghent can get cool, especially near the river; a light jacket will keep you comfortable.
Arrive early
Plan to meet your guide a few minutes before the scheduled start at Sint-Michielsplein 21 to avoid delays.
Charge your phone
You’ll want your camera or phone ready for photos, so ensure it’s fully charged before the tour.
Comfortable walking shoes
Walking on cobblestones requires sturdy, supportive shoes to maintain comfort.
Light waterproof jacket
Protects against unpredictable rain showers common in Ghent’s temperate climate.
spring|fall|summer
Camera or smartphone
Capture the unique architecture and atmospheric street scenes during the tour.
Small daypack
Convenient to hold water, a jacket, and personal items during the walk.