Ghent: Evening Legends & Dark History Walking Tour

Summary

Ghent’s medieval tales and legends after dark with locals

You’ll follow a local guide through Ghent’s winding medieval streets after sunset, hear eerie legends at St. Bavo’s Cathedral, cross bridges packed with history, and finish among lanterns in Patershol. Expect laughter, odd tales, and a side of Ghent most travelers miss.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect Ghent to feel so different at night. The air was cool, but not cold — just enough to make me pull my jacket tighter as we gathered by the Graslei. Our guide, Pieter, had this way of making history sound like gossip you weren’t supposed to overhear. He pointed out the three towers that shape Ghent’s skyline; I’d seen them earlier in daylight, but now they looked sharper against the evening sky. Someone nearby was eating fries with mayo (the smell drifted over), and I thought, “Yeah, this is Belgium.”

We wandered through narrow streets where the stones felt uneven underfoot — centuries of footsteps before ours. At St. Bavo’s Cathedral, Pieter lowered his voice and told us why some locals still call it the ‘Devil’s Tower’. I caught myself glancing up at those old walls, half-expecting something to move in the shadows (nothing did). There were a few laughs when he tried to teach us a phrase in Flemish — I definitely butchered it, but nobody seemed to mind.

The stories got darker as we crossed a bridge near the Butchers’ Hall. There was a legend about an execution gone wrong — or maybe right? Honestly, I lost track of who was saved and who wasn’t, but it made me look twice at the river below. Later we passed what used to be a massive palace; now there’s barely anything left except imagination and Pieter’s descriptions. He kept saying “try to picture it,” so I did, kind of.

By the time we reached Patershol, my feet were tired but my head was buzzing with all these strange bits of Ghent’s past — Vikings, Calvinists, industrial workers. The group felt looser by then; someone offered chocolate from their bag (I took two). The tour ended somewhere near a lantern-lit alleyway with everyone chatting quietly or just looking around at all that brick and cobblestone. I still think about that view back toward the river — something about seeing old stories settle into the night makes you want to linger just a little longer.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Evening tour exploring Ghent's history

• Introduction to Ghent's history
• View and learn about 3 towers
• Hear story of the Devil’s Tower
• Visit medieval harbour and trading hub
• Listen to legend on bridge by Butchers’ Hall
• Learn history of Viking fortification
• Explore site of Prince’s Court palace
• See remaining medieval defence tower
• Visit Bridge of Imperial Delights
• Hear about Religious Wars and Calvinist rule
• End tour in Patershol medieval quarter

Top questions

How long does the evening tour of Ghent last?

The tour lasts approximately 1.5 hours.

Where does the Ghent walking tour start and end?

The tour starts near Graslei and Korenlei and ends in the medieval quarter of Patershol close to Ghent city center.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible.

Are guides on this Ghent evening tour professionals?

The guides are passionate local volunteers who offer tours for tips.

What should I bring for this walking tour?

Please bring cash for tipping your guide; everything else is included.

Can infants or small children join?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller during the tour.

Does this Ghent legends tour include entry fees?

All fees and taxes are included in your booking cost.

Is public transportation nearby?

Yes, there are public transportation options available close to both start and end points.

What’s included

Your evening includes stories from a local volunteer guide as you walk through central Ghent’s historic sites—Graslei harbor, St. Bavo's Cathedral, ancient bridges—and ends in Patershol. All taxes are covered; just remember cash for your guide’s tip before heading off into the night.