If there is one city in Belgium that manages to combine the Middle Ages with vibrant modern life, it is Ghent.
A young university city, with beautiful canals, ancient buildings from the 13th–15th centuries, colorful markets and an exceptionally rich culinary scene.
But to truly understand this city – it’s not enough to just walk around. The best way to get to know Ghent from the inside is through Free Walking Tour (gratuity-based) – A guided walking tour where there is no set price in advance, and each participant gives the guide a free tip at the end of the tour according to the degree of enjoyment and experience.
This model, based on trust, has revolutionized urban tourism in Europe, and Ghent is among the cities where these tours are considered to be of the highest quality.
Why choose a free tour in Ghent?
Ghent is a city that is easy to fall in love with – but it is difficult to understand all its layers without a local to tell the stories behind the ancient stones.
The local guides who run the free tours do so out of a genuine passion for the city, not out of a contract with the tourism authority. They tell the legends, secrets, and history of the place in a light, funny, and lively way.
On a tour like this, you don't just "see" Ghent - you We hear the stories behind every building, every canal, and every bridge., and understand why the locals are so proud of their city.
Furthermore, the tours are conducted in relatively small groups, so the experience is personal and intimate, and you can ask questions and get real recommendations from locals.
The most recommended free tours in Ghent
Free Rumbos Tour: Come and Discover Ghent
👉 Link
This tour is one of the most popular in the city, and it offers a balanced experience between history, culture, and contemporary stories.
Local guides take you through the city’s main sites – from St. Bavo’s Cathedral to Gravensteen Castle – and also incorporate small, surprising corners that regular travelers miss.
Essential Ghent Free Walking Tour
👉 Link
An ideal tour for those coming to Ghent for the first time.
It includes a visit to all the city's important historical sites, including the Old Market, Korenmarkt Square, St. Michael's Bridge, and the impressive cathedral, which houses Van Eyck's painting "The Mystic Lamb."
The guides combine historical facts with humorous anecdotes about everyday life in Ghent.
Free Historical Tour of Ghent – Complete and Essential
👉 Link
This tour is considered one of the most comprehensive. It focuses on Ghent's fascinating history as a medieval merchant and fortress city.
You will discover the city's sources of wealth, the impressive stone buildings that have retained their character for centuries, and hear about the political struggles that affected all of Belgium.
The tour ends in the canal area, in a particularly relaxed atmosphere.
Essential Ghent: From Cathedrals to Castles
👉 Link
A tour suitable for history and architecture lovers.
You will move from the Gothic cathedrals to the impressive Ghent Citadel, while hearing stories about the knights, priests, and merchants who lived in the city in previous centuries.
This is one of the most recommended tours for those who want to understand the city from its religious roots to its growth as a free and wealthy city.
Free Tasting Tour: A Taste of Ghent
👉 Link
This tour is for foodies. During the walk you will taste real Belgian waffles, handmade chocolate, classic Belgian fries and local beer.
The guides tell the stories behind the dishes and explain how each of them became part of Ghent's identity.
This tour is especially recommended for couples and families with older children.
Free Evening Tour: The Dark Side of Ghent
👉 Link
A mysterious and fascinating evening tour that reveals the dark side of the city – crimes, mysterious stories and dark periods in Ghent's history.
The atmosphere on this tour is especially special when the lights are reflected in the canals. A must for fans of mysterious history and night photography.
Free Historical Tour: History and Legends of Ghent
👉 Link
Another tour from Local Legends, where you will discover the history of Ghent alongside local legends and myths.
This is a tour that is especially suitable for those looking for a true Belgian experience with a mysterious scent.
How to participate in a free tour in Ghent
To participate, simply log in to the platform 👉 Link, choose the desired tour, reserve a spot (without paying in advance) and arrive at the meeting point on time.
Most tours last between two and two and a half hours, and are conducted in English, some also in Spanish.
On tours based on tips, it is customary to leave between 10 to 20 euros per person – Depending on the experience and level of enjoyment.
Important tips for Israeli travelers
🇮🇱 Strict adherence to deadlines: The tours leave right on time.
👟 Comfortable shoes: The city is full of stone sidewalks, so it's worth being prepared.
☔ Umbrella required: The weather in Ghent changes quickly.
🍺 local beer: Try the “Gruut” beer produced in the city – a true experience for those in the know.
📸 City canals: The photos from these places are among the most beautiful in Belgium.
An unforgettable experience in the heart of Flanders
A free tour of Ghent is the best way to discover the city from the inside: through the stories, the food, the canals, the music, and the people.
Whether you choose a historical tour, a mysterious evening tour, or a tasting tour – each one will make you fall in love with Ghent all over again.
This city is a reminder that Belgium is much more than Brussels and Bruges – and Ghent is the hidden gem of the Flemish North.
