Ghent: Urban Bike Tour with Street Art & Polaroid Keepsake

Summary

Ghent bike ride weaving street art, stories & quiet corners

You’ll pedal through Ghent’s quieter streets with a local guide who knows every shortcut and mural story. Expect laughs over language mishaps, secret corners only locals use, and your own Polaroid moment by the canal. With bikes, helmets, water bottles included—and yes, plenty of stops for photos—you’ll leave feeling like you actually lived here for an afternoon.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the way the morning light hit the cobbles near Sint-Pietersplein—kind of golden but still cold enough to make me wish I’d worn thicker socks. Our guide, Bram (he told us to call him just Bram), handed out these sturdy mountain bikes and made a joke about how Ghent drivers “mostly” respect cyclists. I laughed, but then he winked at an old lady crossing the street and she winked back—maybe everyone knows each other here? The helmets were surprisingly comfy. We set off in a small group, weaving past trams and the smell of fresh bread from some bakery I never found again.

I didn’t expect to see so much color outside the city center—huge murals just appear on blank walls in the suburbs, like someone decided Tuesday was for painting dragons or wild faces. Bram stopped us by one piece and explained how artists get permission from local councils (sometimes) or just go for it at 3am. He pointed out a faded brewery sign on another building; apparently that place is now a co-working space where you can still smell hops if you stand close enough to the bricks. Someone in our group tried saying “stadsbrouwerij” and totally butchered it—Bram laughed so hard he nearly dropped his GoPro.

We took a break near a canal where ducks looked almost as bored as teenagers scrolling their phones nearby. The water had this weird metallic smell—maybe from rain last night? Anyway, we all got a polaroid snapped by Bram (mine’s slightly crooked but I kind of love it), and he promised to email us more photos later. The ride wasn’t hard—just enough hills to wake up your legs—and every so often you’d catch someone’s garden full of tulips or hear church bells off in the distance. It felt like seeing Ghent’s private side, not just postcard stuff.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Ghent by bike off the beaten path

• Meet at the tour starting point
• Receive helmet and water bottle
• Cycle through city centre
• Discover hidden street art
• Pass by historic reused buildings
• Explore dynamic suburbs
• Take a polaroid souvenir photo
• Receive GoPro photos by email

Top questions

How long is the Ghent bike tour?

The exact duration isn’t listed, but expect several hours including stops for photos and stories.

Is this Ghent bike tour suitable for beginners?

Yes, it’s suitable for all fitness levels and uses comfortable mountain bikes.

Does the tour include a local guide?

Yes, your group is led by an enthusiastic local guide throughout the tour.

Are helmets provided on this Ghent cycling tour?

Yes, helmet rental is included with your booking.

What do I get to keep after the Ghent bike tour?

You’ll receive a Polaroid photo taken during the tour plus a reusable drinking bottle.

Will there be stops for photos during the bike ride?

Yes, your guide takes Polaroids and GoPro shots at various points along the route.

Is lunch or food included on this Ghent bike tour?

No meals are included; only water bottles are provided.

What if it rains during my Ghent cycling tour?

Ponchos are available if needed to keep you dry during rainy weather.

What’s included

Your day includes use of a semi-pro CUBE mountain bike with helmet rental and poncho if needed; you’ll also get a reusable drink bottle to keep plus a Polaroid photo from your ride while digital GoPro pictures are sent by email after the tour ends.