Self guided audio tour in Ghent

Besides our audio guides, there are many other ways to discover Ghent. Here are some suggestions that can enrich your visit while exploring the best tours in Ghent:

• Guided Boat Tour Through Medieval Ghent - Glide through Ghent's waterways for a unique perspective of the city's medieval architecture. This 45-minute journey offers spectacular views of guild houses and historic bridges that can't be appreciated fully from land.
• Gravensteen Castle Visit - Step inside the imposing 12th-century "Castle of the Counts" with its medieval torture museum. The panoramic views from the battlements provide perfect photo opportunities of must-see places in Ghent.
• Belgian Beer Tasting Workshop - Sample a selection of Belgium's finest brews with expert guidance. Learn about brewing traditions while discovering why Ghent's beer culture is an essential part of local heritage.
• St. Bavo's Cathedral and the Ghent Altarpiece - Marvel at Van Eyck's masterpiece "The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb," one of the world's most significant artworks. The cathedral itself is among the most impressive hidden gems in Ghent.
• Patershol Quarter- Wander through this charming medieval neighborhood with its narrow streets and excellent restaurants. This area offers authentic local experiences away from the main tourist paths.
• STAM (Ghent City Museum) - Discover the city's evolution through interactive exhibits in a beautifully restored abbey. The glass walkway featuring a Ghent attractions map provides an excellent orientation to the city.
• Friday Market (Vrijdagmarkt) - Experience this historic square that has hosted markets since the 13th century. On Fridays and weekends, browse antiques and local products while soaking in the atmosphere.

Best Time to Visit
Ghent shines from April through October when canal-side cafés buzz with activity and the medieval architecture basks in golden light. July brings the spectacular Ghentse Feesten (Ghent Festival), transforming the city into Europe's largest cultural street festival for ten days. Winter offers a more intimate experience with fewer tourists, especially during the magical Ghent Light Festival (held every three years) when light installations illuminate the best areas to explore in Ghent.

Getting There
Ghent is easily accessible by train, with frequent connections from Brussels (30 minutes), Bruges (25 minutes), and Antwerp (50 minutes). Once in Ghent, the historic center is largely car-free, making self-guided tours Ghent's ideal way to explore. The efficient tram network (day passes available at stations) connects major attractions, while rental bikes offer a local experience. If driving, use park-and-ride facilities at the city's edge rather than attempting to navigate the center.

Opening Hours and Holidays
Most museums and attractions open around 10:00 and close between 17:00-18:00, with many closed on Mondays. Shops typically operate 10:00-18:00 Monday through Saturday, with limited Sunday shopping in the tourist center. Restaurants serve lunch 12:00-14:00 and dinner from 18:00, though many cafés offer continuous service. Ghent observes Belgian national holidays when some attractions may close, particularly on May 1, November 1, and December 25.

Comfort on the Go
Ghent's cobblestone streets demand comfortable walking shoes for Ghent sightseeing tours. The changeable Belgian weather means layers are essential—pack a light raincoat even in summer. Public drinking water fountains are limited, so carry a water bottle. Power banks are recommended for full-day explorations, especially when using navigation apps alongside your audio guide.

Local Customs and Etiquette
Ghentenaars (Ghent locals) appreciate visitors who make an effort with basic greetings—"Goeiedag" (good day) or "Dank u" (thank you) go a long way. When dining, it's customary to keep hands visible on the table, not in your lap. Tipping isn't obligatory as service is included, but rounding up the bill for good service is appreciated. Belgians value punctuality, so arrive on time for any scheduled activities when exploring Ghent without a guide.

How much time should I plan for a visit to Ghent?
You should plan at least one full day to properly experience Ghent. While our self-guided tours Ghent offers can be completed in about 3-4 hours at a steady pace, the real joy comes from taking your time. Stop for a Belgian waffle at Etablissement Max, pause for photos along the Graslei, or detour into St. Bavo's Cathedral to see the famous Ghent Altarpiece.

What makes Ghent different from other Belgian cities?
Ghent combines the architectural beauty of Bruges with the authentic local atmosphere that Bruges sometimes lacks due to overtourism. Unlike Brussels, Ghent maintains a cohesive medieval center while offering a vibrant university population that keeps the city feeling contemporary and lived-in. Ghent is also unique for its rebellious spirit, historically known as "Stroppendragers" (noose-bearers) after citizens were punished for revolting against Emperor Charles V.

Why choose an audio guide instead of a guided tour in Ghent?
An audio guide gives you complete freedom to explore Ghent at your own pace, without being tied to a group schedule. You can start whenever you want, pause to enjoy Belgium's famous chocolate shops or canal-side cafés, and spend extra time at places that interest you most. Our Ghent walking tours provide professional narration and historical context without the need to strain to hear a guide in a crowded square.

Do I need internet while walking?
No, once you've downloaded the tour, everything works completely offline. This is particularly useful in Ghent's medieval buildings with thick stone walls where signals can be weak. All maps, audio, and directions function without data, though Ghent does offer free WiFi hotspots in major squares if you need to connect.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, though our Ghent sightseeing tours are primarily written for adults. Children from about 12 years old will enjoy the stories about medieval knights at the Gravensteen Castle and the legends of the Ghent Altarpiece. Younger children might enjoy the visual aspects of the tour but may not fully appreciate the historical context.

Can I share the tour with my travel companions?
Absolutely! The tour can be enjoyed by multiple people walking together. Each person can use their own phone with headphones, and we offer attractive discounts for multiple purchases. Check our Ghent tour product page for current multi-user pricing options.

What else is there to do in Ghent?
Beyond our audio guide, Ghent offers excellent culinary experiences—try waterzooi (traditional chicken stew) at one of the restaurants in Patershol quarter. The Design Museum Ghent showcases innovative Belgian design, while the belfry offers panoramic views for those willing to climb its 350 steps. The Sunday morning flower market at Kouter Square provides a glimpse into local life and ranks among the must-see places in Ghent.

Is there a free tour in Ghent?
While some companies advertise "free" walking tours in Ghent, these typically expect substantial tips (€10-15 per person). Our self-guided tours Ghent offers provide better value with professional narration, carefully researched content, and the freedom to explore at your own pace for a transparent fixed price. You'll also avoid the large groups that often crowd around free tour guides in Ghent's narrow medieval streets.

Who is CityAppTour?
We're a team of travelers passionate about sharing local stories. Our Ghent walking tours are created by a mix of local historians and international travel experts who know exactly which stories will resonate with visitors. We've walked every cobblestone street in Ghent to ensure our routes showcase both iconic landmarks and those special hidden corners that make this Flemish city unique.

How can I see the best of Ghent in one day?
To see Ghent in one day, start with our audio guide in the morning to orient yourself to the historic center. Focus on the three towers (St. Bavo's Cathedral, Belfry, and St. Nicholas' Church), then explore Gravensteen Castle after lunch. End your day with a relaxing canal cruise to rest your feet while seeing the city from a different perspective. Our audio guide is designed to help you maximize limited time with efficient routes.

Where can I find the best Belgian chocolate in Ghent?
Ghent boasts several exceptional chocolatiers where you can discover authentic Belgian chocolate. Yuzu on Walpoortstraat creates innovative flavor combinations, while Chocolaterie Van Hoorebeke near the Belfry offers traditional pralines made fresh daily. For a unique experience, visit Mayana Chocolate on Mageleinstraat where you can watch artisans at work through glass windows while exploring hidden gems in Ghent.

Is Ghent better for a day trip or overnight stay?
While Ghent can be visited as a day trip from Brussels or Bruges, an overnight stay allows you to experience the city's magical evening atmosphere when monuments are beautifully illuminated by the award-winning light plan. Evening brings a completely different character to the best areas to explore in Ghent, with fewer tourists and locals enjoying the many excellent restaurants and bars. The morning light on the medieval guild houses along the Graslei is also worth experiencing.

"Ich habe Audioguides in mehreren europäischen Städten genutzt, aber der in Gent war außergewöhnlich. Die Geschichten über die rebellische Geschichte und den mittelalterlichen Handel ließen diese alten Gebäude auf eine Weise lebendig werden, wie es kein Reiseführer könnte." — Beatrice, Deutschland

"The freedom to explore at my own pace made all the difference. I spent an hour just sitting by the canals after learning about their history, watching the world go by. That's something you can't do with a guided group!" — Charlie, UK

"Als jemand, der Gent schon mehrfach besucht hat, war ich wirklich überrascht, wie viele versteckte Juwelen in Gent ich durch diese Audiotour entdeckt habe. Die App zeigte mir architektonische Details und Geschichten, an denen ich unzählige Male vorbeigegangen war, ohne sie zu bemerken!" — Rufus, Deutschland