Evening Walking Tour of Ghent: Dark Side & Medieval History

The cathedral known as the Devil's Tower has a reason for that name.

An evening walking tour of Ghent led by a local guide through the city's medieval quarters, covering the Graslei harbour, St. Bavo's Cathedral, and the Patershol district. The tour moves off the main tourist paths to tell the darker histories, legends and religious conflicts that shaped the city.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. St. Bavo's Cathedralpassing by
2. Graslei and Korenlei10m

Evening tour of Ghent's history and legends

• Introduction to Ghent's medieval history
• Learn about the 'Devil’s Tower' cathedral
• Visit medieval harbour and trading hub
• Hear legend at bridge near Butchers’ Hall
• Explore Count Baldwin's 9th-century fortification
• Discover history of the Prince’s Court palace
• See remaining tower of medieval defence wall
• Visit Bridge of Imperial Delights and sculptures
• Learn about Religious Wars and Calvinist rule
• End tour in Patershol medieval quarter

The experience

The tour opens at the starting point with an overview of Ghent's past and its rise as a medieval trading hub. Your guide introduces the three towers that define the city's skyline from this vantage point, then moves into the stories behind them, including why St. Bavo's Cathedral earned the nickname "Devil's Tower" and what that gruesome history actually is. From there the route takes you through the heart of the old trading district, past the Butchers' Hall and across the bridge where a legend tells of an execution and a miraculous rescue.

The walk moves through layers of the city's past: Baldwin's 9th-century fortress, built to defend against Viking raids and the foundation around which Ghent grew; the ruins of the Prince's Court, once a giant palace now requiring imagination to picture; a remaining tower from the 14 km medieval defence wall; and the Bridge of Imperial Delights, flanked by sculptures depicting scenes from the life of Charles V. At each stop your guide unpacks the history (the religious wars, the Calvinist rule, the upheaval and recovery) rather than just naming the buildings.

The tour ends in the Patershol, the medieval quarter also called "Monk's hole," where the guide explains how the Industrial Revolution reshaped the city's economy and social life. All areas are wheelchair accessible, and the route stays manageable for all fitness levels.

What’s included

• Evening walking tour with a live guide in English or Spanish.
• all fees and taxes.

Options for this experience

2 options

Spanish Tour18:00

English Tour18:00 and 20:00

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 18:00 and 20:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (4 to 11 years): free · Infant (under 4): free

GroupUp to 35 · max 6 per booking

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 10 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Gent Free Walking Tour

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want the stories behind Ghent's medieval architecture and its darker history rather than the standard highlights: the guide's knowledge of the legends, religious conflicts and economic shifts that shaped the city is what makes the walk worth an evening rather than a quick afternoon stroll.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

In Spanish, at 18:00. In English, at 18:00 and 20:00.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 11 years): free; Infant (under 4): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is the story behind St. Bavo's Cathedral being called the Devil's Tower?

St. Bavo's Cathedral earned the nickname "Devil's Tower" for a gruesome reason your guide will explain during the stop at the cathedral itself. The story is part of what makes this evening tour focus on the darker side of Ghent's history rather than just the postcard views.

What was the Graslei and Korenlei used for in medieval times?

The Graslei and Korenlei was the medieval harbour of Ghent, where the city's lucrative trading activities made it an economic powerhouse in Europe: your guide walks you through this district and explains the commerce that built the city.

Is this tour accessible for people using wheelchairs or pushing strollers?

Yes, all areas and surfaces on the route are wheelchair accessible, and babies and young kids can come along in a pram or stroller. Public transport is also available nearby.