Vrijdagmarkt

Meet your guide in the center of Brussels and relax on the 100-kilometer journey to Bruges by bus. 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 or the Dijver Canal. Go to one of the city's most photographed spots at Rozenhoedkaai, and admire the Belfry on Castle Square. Visit Market Square (Grote Markt) to see the Bell Tower (Belfort). 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 learn about the painting of “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 Great Butchers’ Hall, the Old Fish Market, and Friday Market Square. Enjoy some free time in this magical city before returning back to Brussels. Our adventure is over! Don't wait and enjoy this day with us!

The ultimate tour for chocoholics! During this delightful and delicious tour, you'll explore the finest chocolatiers in Ghent, including several recognized with prestigious Gault Millau awards. Have a peak in their open atelier and meet the passionate artisans behind the masterpieces, and savor a variety of exquisite pralines, chocolates, and local sweet treats (at least 9 tastings included!). But there’s more! Along the way, you’ll uncover Ghent’s captivating history, hear thrilling city legends, and discover fascinating tidbits that make the tour truly unforgettable. Where chocolate and storytelling meet – an experience too delicious to resist!

Taste your way through Ghent on a guided food tour. Combine sightseeing with sampling local foods and learn about the city's culture from your guide. As you explore, see important icons such as the three medieval towers of Ghent: Saint Bavo Cathedral, Saint Nicholas' Church and the Belfry. The Belfry Tower is the tallest of its kind in Belgium and a Unesco World Heritage-listed site. Make sure to take some photos of these picture perfect sights. Meet your guide in the historic center of Ghent and set out on your foodie walking tour. As you walk, learn about local culture, discover the city's most important landmarks and find out why Ghent became famous for its street art. See Korenmarkt, a historic square located between the Old Harbour and Saint Nicholas' Church. Wander along cobblestone streets and admire the intersecting rivers that lend this historic town its character and name. You will also have the opportunity to see important architectural highlights, including the Ghent City Hall (stadhuis) and City Pavilion (Stadshal). Along the way, you'll make a total of 5 stops to savour the tastes of Ghent, sampling a food specialty or drink at each one. Every location has been carefully chosen, with an emphasis placed on small, locally owned businesses. Interact with the proprietors and hear their stories to gain insight into the city of Ghent and its people. Your tour comes to an end near the historic city center, the ideal spot to continue exploring on your own. 

This delicious tour takes you on a 2 hour journey through Ghent whilst you pamper your taste buds and let your endorphins have a party. Combine a walking tour with yummy chocolate related tastings without feeling guilty! Our Ghent Chocolate Tour starts at the Jacob Van Artevelde statue in the middle of Vrijdagmarkt, where your guide will welcome you and give a brief introduction. From there, you will go and explore the city center and make stops at Graslei, Korenlei, the three Ghent medieval towers (Saint Nicholas Church, Saint Bavo Cathedral and the Ghent Belfry) and of course the famous Graffiti Street. Learn about the connection between a famous chocolate and the World Expo, hear the story about two Greek brothers, their passion for this aphrodisiac and how one of them became world-famous. During your sightseeing tour, you will make 5 stops. Your tastings are all very different from one another as each place has its speciality. And for the real chocoholics, we do have special offers with some of our partners as part of the tour.

We start with a brief introduction at Vrijdagmarkt and then go on an explorer journey for 1.5 to 2 hours. During this time you will find out where the name Ghent comes from and visit the very origins of our city, which is almost 1400 years old. Explore sites such as our yacht harbour (Portus Ganda), the tree medieval towers (Saint Bavo Cathedral, the Ghent Belfry and Saint Nicholas Church) and the historical harbour with Graslei and Korenlei quays, where the hustle and bustle never ceases. It is the also area where all trade took place during the late medieval times, which resulted in Ghent being the most prosperous city in Northern Europe at the time. Ghent is however so much more then this. It is the home of 3 beguinages, some exquisite museums, parks, host of the 1913 World Expo and capital of street art (and we do not just mean the popular Graffiti Street). Furthermore, it is a lively city where visitors, residents and students meet. This tour is an ideal introduction to Ghent and combines history with the the latest developments. Ghent is a continuous evolving city and we are very proud to show her to the world! Your tour comes to an end near the historic city center, the ideal spot to continue exploring on your own. 

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 Sightseeing Tour) 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. Please check inclusions and let us know the option you prefer (1 option per booking). We look forward to welcoming you!

If you want to do something that might be a little bit out of your comfort zone, yet will give you the time of your life, then this Ghent hen/stag activity is definitely something you may want to try. Dress up in your coolest fancy dress and everything you ever wanted to wear, but never got an opportunity for, because now is your moment! This is like silent disco, only.... It is not silent, you don't sing (but are of course welcome to), and you will not wear any headsets. Everyone is welcome! How does it work? -Your guide will give you a brief introduction and do a 5 min warm up. -They will then teach you a few simple moves that you can use during the activity -You will dance and party your way through Ghent and use your dance moves to impress whilst you stop at landmarks to learn about them. These include, but are not limited to the three medieval tours of Saint Bavo Cathedral, the Ghent Belfry, Saint Nicholas Church, Korenmarkt, Vrijdagmarkt, the Ghent Opera House, Graffiti Street, the City Hall and City Pavilion. Music We have different themes, so you can choose the theme that suits your group best. What we have done in the past: 80s, 90s, Disney, Eurovision. Abba, Disco, Queer Pop and Contemporary Pop. Please note that during the Ghent Festival (Gentse Feesten) that runs from 14 - 23rd July 2023, we run this tour on a daily basis with a different theme each day. Check on www.toursofghent.com for more details.