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 takes roughly 1.5 hours and moves off the main tourist paths to tell the darker histories, legends and religious conflicts that shaped the city. A live guide in English or Spanish leads the walk; guides are volunteers supported by tips rather than a fixed fee.

Step-by-step itinerary

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 starts at the Graslei and Korenlei, the medieval harbour where Ghent became an economic powerhouse in medieval Europe. 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. Bring cash to tip your guide, who volunteers their time and knowledge for this work.

What’s included

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

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair 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 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.

Does this tour include entry to any of the buildings or museums?

The tour is a walking route through the streets and exterior stops; it does not include paid entry to buildings or museums, so you see the architecture and hear the stories from outside.

How long does the evening tour of Ghent take?

The tour runs for roughly 1.5 hours and finishes in the Patershol medieval quarter close to the city center.

What language options are available for this Ghent evening tour?

The tour is offered in English or Spanish; you choose your preferred language when you book.

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 infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; public transportation options are also available nearby if needed.