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Gravensteen

Gravensteen: Our most recommended tours and activities

Ghent: 50-Minute Medieval Center Guided Boat Trip

1. Ghent: 50-Minute Medieval Center Guided Boat Trip

Take a boat close to the amazing Castle of the Counts to discover the most beautiful places of Ghent. A guide will take you through the fascinating history of medieval Ghent and its historical buildings and architecture on this 50-minute tour. Enjoy the famous three towers of Ghent, various medieval churches and monasteries, the birthplace of Charles V of Spain, majestic guild halls, a breathtaking castle, and much more! Hear the stories behind these magnificent monuments. Your tour is guided in English, Dutch, and French. There are also illustrated translations into German, Spanish, Italian, Russian and Japanese available on board.

From Brussels: Bruges and Ghent in a Day Guided Tour

2. From Brussels: Bruges and Ghent in a Day Guided Tour

Meet your guide in the center of Brussels and relax on the 100-kilometer journey to Bruges. Upon arrival, discover the charms of “the Venice of the North” and see why the entire historic center was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Marvel at highlights such as the Lake of Love (Minnewater Lake) and the 13th-century Begijnhof complex, founded in 1245 to house lay religious women. Go to Walplein Square, where the shady trees and cafes provide a perfect place to relax. Visit Stoofstraat on the site of the city's former Red Light District, and see medieval monuments such as the 11th-century Old St. John’s Hospital. Look at the world's second tallest brickwork tower at the Church of Our Lady, and see other historic monuments such as Gruuthuse Palace, the Dijver Canal and the tiny piazza of Tanners Square (Huidenvettersplein). Go to one of the city's most photographed spots at Rozenhoedkaai, and admire the Belfry on Castle Square. Admire the facades of the Gothic-style Town Hall and the 12th-century Basilica of the Holy Blood. Visit Market Square (Grote Markt) to see the Bell Tower (Belfort) and Sint-Salvator’s Cathedral. Then enjoy 1-hour's free time for lunch (at your own expense) and the chance to sample some of the city's delicious chocolates.  Next, drive to Ghent, where the inhabitants have been popularly known as "noose-bearers“ since the days of Charles V. Take a guided tour of the city's historic buildings, such as the Castle of Gerald the Devil and Saint Bavo Cathedral, where you can look at the painting “The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb” by the Van Eyck brothers. Admire the Belfort (Bell Tower) and peculiar Gothic and Renaissance-style Town Hall. See one of the city's oldest monuments at St. Nicholas’ Church opposite the unusual facade of the Masons’ Guild House. Journey along the embankments of the medieval port of Graslei, and discover other highlights such as the majestic Castle of the Counts of Flanders, the charming Patershol neighborhood, the Great Butchers’ Hall, the Old Fish Market, and Friday Market Square.

Ghent: 40-Minute Historical Boat Tour of City Center

3. Ghent: 40-Minute Historical Boat Tour of City Center

Departing from the picturesque jetty, embark on a relaxing 40-minute cruise of Ghent city center. Learn about the history of this beautiful city from a local, knowledgeable guide. Discover Medieval Ghent and its prestigious and glorious past. See the beautiful house fronts of the Graslei and the old meat-market. Be in awe at the rugged and steep walls of the Castle of Counts. Imagine the lives of the powerful people that once stalked its corridors. Soak in the history from your riverside view point.

Ghent: Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt and City Tour

4. Ghent: Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt and City Tour

Uncover the highlights in Ghent with an interactive smartphone app. Stroll through the city solving location-based riddles on this walking tour. Marvel at the Gothic-style Saint Michael's Church and the medieval Gravensteen castle.  Uncover 10 of the most important attractions in the city as you walk. Stop and find clues at each attraction to reveal your next destination. Enjoy the challenge of using logic, imagination, observation, and team spirit to finish the game. Start or pause the tour whenever you want as you control the schedule. Explore the city at your own pace, and stop to snap pictures as you please. Reveal an exciting puzzle at the exterior of each attraction and learn local facts along the way. Start your tour from Sint-Michielskerk, in the center of Ghent. Visit Sint-Michielsburg with its unique architecture and explore Sint Niklaaskerkt with its magnificent architecture. Take a picture of the Belfry of Ghent that is straight out of a fairy tale. Let yourself get lost in Sint-Baaf's Cathedral with its unique interior and imposing exterior. Learn about the ornate Gothic facade of Ghent City Hall and see the Korenmarkt at the heart of the city. Admire Place de Neuve with its imposing statue and be enchanted by the Sint-Jacobskerk. Pass by Vrijdagmarkt with its lifelike statue and great history. Gaze at the medieval castle of Gravensteen and learn about knights, princesses, and stories from the past.

Ghent: City Highlights Guided Bike Tour

5. Ghent: City Highlights Guided Bike Tour

Ghent continues to be one of world’s most beautiful cities (come and see for yourself). For a long time, it was one of the largest and wealthiest cities in Europe. And this is still noticeable today. You will be cycling along numerous abbeys and churches, the Castle of the Counts, Portus Ganda, the small beguinage (Unesco Site!). All this testifies to the city’s rich history. And nowadays? You immediately feel that Ghent is alive. No wonder, with over 80,000 students and countless young people who live in Ghent. As a result, the city is brimming with creativity, good vibes and high ambitions as to sustainability. A cycling tour of Ghent is the perfect way to experience this.

From Brussels: Full-Day Guided Tour of Ghent in Spanish

6. From Brussels: Full-Day Guided Tour of Ghent in Spanish

Explore Ghent with a Spanish-speaking guide and learn the history at sights such as the 13th-century Castle of Gerald the Devil and St. Bavo's Cathedral, where you can see “The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb” by the Van Eyck brothers.  Hear why Ghent's inhabitants are known as "noose-bearers“ as you visit the Belfry of Ghent and the Town Hall. Go to St. Nicholas’ Church and the Masons’ Guild Hall and see the quay side buildings of the Graslei. Visit medieval Gravensteen castle and enter the pretty Patershol neighborhood. Explore Ghent's trading history at the Great Butchers’ Hall, Old Fish Market and Friday Market. Get 4 hours of free time for lunch and to stroll on your own.

From Brussels: Ghent Full-Day Guided Tour in English

7. From Brussels: Ghent Full-Day Guided Tour in English

Meet your English-speaking guide at 8:30 AM in the center of Brussels and relax on the 60-kilometer journey to Ghent. Explore Ghent and learn the history at sights such as the 13th century Castle of Gerald the Devil, and St. Bavo's Cathedral, where you can see The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb by the Van Eyck brothers.  Hear why Ghent's inhabitants are known as noose-bearers as you visit the Belfry of Ghent and the Town Hall. Go to St. Nicholas’ Church and the Masons’ Guild Hall and see the quay side buildings of the Graslei. Visit medieval Gravensteen castle and enter the pretty Patershol neighborhood. Explore Ghent's trading history at the Great Butchers’ Hall, Old Fish Market and Friday Market. Get 4 hours of free time for lunch and to stroll on your own.

From Brussels: Bruges & Ghent Full-Day Trip

8. From Brussels: Bruges & Ghent Full-Day Trip

Discover the highlights of Bruges and Ghent, Belgium's most attractive cities, with a round trip by train from Brussels. Tour two of the most fascinating medieval cities in Europe with an English/Spanish or French-speaking guide on a 10-hour guided day trip. Depart from the Grand Place at 9:30 AM only on Sunday. Upon arrival at the central station of Bruges, begin with a 2.5-hour walking tour and 2 hours of free time for eating, souvenirs, and a boat trip. The scheduled return to Brussels will be at 17:00 and arrival at 6 PM with your guide. In the case of small groups, there is the possibility of choosing between returning with the guide at the scheduled time or spending more time there and returning later by yourselves. Program in Bruges: In the ancient city wall park, the "Lake of Love" is one of the main water reservoirs nourishing the canal system of the Venice of the North. Visit the Beguinage, one of the best-preserved examples of medieval gated communities in which only women could live. See Brewery De Halve Maan, the only brewery still operating in the city center. Afterward, Old St. John’s Hospital is one of the oldest hospitals in Europe, where you can appreciate 800 years of European architecture, learn about its history and visit the museum of Hans Memling (optional). Head on to Our Lady of Bruges one of the oldest churches in the city. Admire its impressive tower which is still one of the tallest brickwork towers in the world, and take a look at its art treasures, including Michelangelo’s Madonna with the Child (optional). Stop by the VisMarkt (fishmarket) and the Tanners’ Square, two of the oldest squares in Bruges with their beautiful guildhalls and lovely cafés and restaurants. You will also visit the Groeninge Museum, Burg Square, and Markt Square, the economic heart of Bruges. Admire its imposing guildhalls and its Belfort tower, which is one of the most famous Gothic buildings in Belgium. In the end, have an optional canal tour (8 EUR per person, pay while embarking on the boat), which is one of the best ways to see Bruges. Program in Ghent: Journey to the port city of Ghent, located at the scenic confluence of the Leie and Scheldt Rivers. Start your tour of the historic city at Saint Bavo Cathedral and admire the spectacular Gothic church and Baroque ornamentations. Next, step into the marble choir and private chapels, and appreciate the painting of “Saint Bavo Enters the Convent at Ghent” by Rubens and the beauty of the Rococo pulpit. Look at the stunning frescoes of the Romanesque crypt. Then, opt to visit the altarpiece of "The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb" by the Van Eyck brothers and admire one of the most important works of art from the Middle Ages for a small extra fee. Continue to City Hall to see its extraordinary mix of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture. Go to Market Hall to look at the Belfort Tower and the covered market. Marvel at the nearby churches of Saint Nicholas, Saint James, and Saint Michael, serving as reminders of Ghent’s medieval past. Proceed to the old port of Graslei for beautiful views of the river Leie and the old guildhalls. Then, head to the medieval castle of Gravensteen, where the counts of Flanders used to live. Explore the picturesque district of Patershol and see charming buildings with brick facades where restaurants and cafes offer the best Flemish cuisine. Finally, head to the 15th-century Great Butchers' Hall to discover one of Europe's oldest meat markets.

Ghent: Private Walking Tour

9. Ghent: Private Walking Tour

Ghent is located about 50 kilometers from Brussels and is considered a historical jewel of Belgium.  The city is the birthplace of Charles V, Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire and heir to the house of Habsburg. Ghent played an important role during the industrial revolution in continental Europe. Here, the first labor movement was established in 1859. Today, the city has maintained its medieval center, and several of its Gothic buildings are listed as a World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. Among the places you may visit are Saint Bavo’s Cathedral (visit to the altarpiece, The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb by the Van Eyck bothers), the market square, the Belfort tower and the covered market, the city hall, the churches of St. Nicholas, St. James, and St. Michel, the Graslei, Gravensteen, Patershol and the medieval butchery.

Ghent: Guided City Highlights Walking Tour with Lunch

10. Ghent: Guided City Highlights Walking Tour with Lunch

If you want to explore Ghent and discover different corners of our city and happen to be a foodie or just curious about what we locals eat, this is the perfect combination. This tour exists of 1.5 hours sightseeing and a meal. You guide will accompany you to the restaurant and sort everything out. Once you have received your meal, they will leave, so you can stay as long as you want, have a rest and enjoy the food. Part 1 (Walking tour and sightseeing) You start with a brief introduction at the Jacob Van Artevelde statue, which is in the middle of Vrijdagmarkt Square. From there, you will visit the historical heart of the city and make stops at and hear about Graslei, Korenlei and the three medieval towers of Ghent (Saint Bavo Cathedral, Saint Nicholas Church and the Belfry of Ghent). Learn about why these two churches are so close to one another and about the Golden Dragon (not the beer!). You will also touch base with the Ghent street art scene and visit the most colourful alley of town: Graffiti Street. Your guide will also tell you about its history and if you bring a pencil, pen or even a paintbrush, you can add your initials if you want to leave your mark! En route, you will also explore some other sides of Ghent than just the historical centre, such as e.g. the arts quarter, the area where Charles V was born, the former armoury storage place of the Counts of Flanders and so on. Part 2 (A local meal) After your walking tour, it's time to get some good food. We work together with local, independent partners as we want to share an authentic experience, not a commercial one. Each place has a story and so has the food! We alternate lunch, so places can be different each day. Examples of meals we have had in the past are: a very traditional chips and beef stew meal, a traditional, local favourite or even vegan - a reference to Ghent's hipster lifestyle. Drinks are not included as we want to give you the choice for this. We look forward to welcoming you!

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What people are saying about Gravensteen

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 2,735 reviews

Mark was great!! He transported us (literally) back in time on an enthusiastic journey to find his true love, Dori. Mark perfectly intertwined the history of the city of both Brugge and Gent with impressive knowledge and light hearted humour. We would definitely recommend this tour. There was a great balance between guided and free time. Considering we fit in two beautiful city’s in one day we definitely left feeling like we got the best of both. The transportation was easy (one bus the whole time), we could leave our belongings on the bus and the meeting spots were very clear. We even left with some recommendations for great restaurants and places to visit. Thank you Mark for your time and expertise!

This is an excellent tour if you have only a day and want to see two beautiful cities. Our guide Marc was wonderful very knowledgeable and made the tour fun! Wish we had a bit more time to explore Bruges on our own as it is simply a breathtaking city to visit. Maybe the guided tour can get about 15-30 minutes before it did so we get a bit more time to ourselves to explore. I travelled with a teenager and a 8 year old and the walking part was not hard at all and we thoroughly enjoyed it. Highly recommend this tour if you want to visit and see two cities in one day and let someone else figure out all the logistics!

I love doing escape tours to explore new cities, and really liked how this tour is a bit different than 'the usual' escape tour. You meet a lot of historical characters along the way, there's humour in the interactions, and the character art is really original! And I liked that it encourages you to look around, instead of just navigating and reading on your phone. In short, I really enjoyed this one!

Excelente experiencia educativa, visual y divertida en un tour completo y con suficiente tiempo para sacar el mayor provecho. Resalto la vasta educación y conocimientos de los guías y la comodidad del bus.

We left at 8:30 from the meeting point and went to Bruges and then Ghent. The guide explained the essentials to us and then we had time to wander around the beautiful towns