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Saint Bavo Cathedral

Saint Bavo Cathedral: Our most recommended tours and activities

Ghent: 50-Minute Medieval Center Guided Boat Trip

1. Ghent: 50-Minute Medieval Center Guided Boat Trip

Take a boat close to the amazing Castle of the Counts to discover the most beautiful places of Ghent. A guide will take you through the fascinating history of medieval Ghent and its historical buildings and architecture on this 50-minute tour. Enjoy the famous three towers of Ghent, various medieval churches and monasteries, the birthplace of Charles V of Spain, majestic guild halls, a breathtaking castle, and much more! Hear the stories behind these magnificent monuments. Your tour is guided in English, Dutch, and French. There are also illustrated translations into German, Spanish, Italian, Russian and Japanese available on board.

From Brussels: Ghent and Bruges Day Tour

2. From Brussels: Ghent and Bruges Day Tour

Discover 2 of Flanders’ most enchanting cities and follow your guide back in time on a day tour. Choose between a private and a shared option. Walk through both cities and see some of their most famous landmarks, including Saint-Bavo’s Cathedral of Ghent, Bruges' Old Town, and the Lake of Love. Ghent’s medieval architecture and vibrant atmosphere will impress you as you visit Saint-Bavo’s Cathedral, home to the famous Mystic Lamb painting (option), and pass by the Castle of the Counts of Flanders the picturesque medieval harbor Graslei and much more. In Bruges, you will enjoy the peaceful Lake of Love and the old beguinage. With your guide, discover the city and its cobbled streets on foot and you also have the option to enjoy a pleasant boat trip along the narrow canals.

From Brussels: Bruges and Ghent in a Day Guided Tour

3. From Brussels: Bruges and Ghent in a Day Guided Tour

Meet your guide in the center of Brussels and relax on the 100-kilometer journey to Bruges. Upon arrival, discover the charms of “the Venice of the North” and see why the entire historic center was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Marvel at highlights such as the Lake of Love (Minnewater Lake) and the 13th-century Begijnhof complex, founded in 1245 to house lay religious women. Go to Walplein Square, where the shady trees and cafes provide a perfect place to relax. Visit Stoofstraat on the site of the city's former Red Light District, and see medieval monuments such as the 11th-century Old St. John’s Hospital. Look at the world's second tallest brickwork tower at the Church of Our Lady, and see other historic monuments such as Gruuthuse Palace, the Dijver Canal and the tiny piazza of Tanners Square (Huidenvettersplein). Go to one of the city's most photographed spots at Rozenhoedkaai, and admire the Belfry on Castle Square. Admire the facades of the Gothic-style Town Hall and the 12th-century Basilica of the Holy Blood. Visit Market Square (Grote Markt) to see the Bell Tower (Belfort) and Sint-Salvator’s Cathedral. Then enjoy 1-hour's free time for lunch (at your own expense) and the chance to sample some of the city's delicious chocolates.  Next, drive to Ghent, where the inhabitants have been popularly known as "noose-bearers“ since the days of Charles V. Take a guided tour of the city's historic buildings, such as the Castle of Gerald the Devil and Saint Bavo Cathedral, where you can look at the painting “The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb” by the Van Eyck brothers. Admire the Belfort (Bell Tower) and peculiar Gothic and Renaissance-style Town Hall. See one of the city's oldest monuments at St. Nicholas’ Church opposite the unusual facade of the Masons’ Guild House. Journey along the embankments of the medieval port of Graslei, and discover other highlights such as the majestic Castle of the Counts of Flanders, the charming Patershol neighborhood, the Great Butchers’ Hall, the Old Fish Market, and Friday Market Square.

Ghent: Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt and City Tour

4. Ghent: Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt and City Tour

Uncover the highlights in Ghent with an interactive smartphone app. Stroll through the city solving location-based riddles on this walking tour. Marvel at the Gothic-style Saint Michael's Church and the medieval Gravensteen castle.  Uncover 10 of the most important attractions in the city as you walk. Stop and find clues at each attraction to reveal your next destination. Enjoy the challenge of using logic, imagination, observation, and team spirit to finish the game. Start or pause the tour whenever you want as you control the schedule. Explore the city at your own pace, and stop to snap pictures as you please. Reveal an exciting puzzle at the exterior of each attraction and learn local facts along the way. Start your tour from Sint-Michielskerk, in the center of Ghent. Visit Sint-Michielsburg with its unique architecture and explore Sint Niklaaskerkt with its magnificent architecture. Take a picture of the Belfry of Ghent that is straight out of a fairy tale. Let yourself get lost in Sint-Baaf's Cathedral with its unique interior and imposing exterior. Learn about the ornate Gothic facade of Ghent City Hall and see the Korenmarkt at the heart of the city. Admire Place de Neuve with its imposing statue and be enchanted by the Sint-Jacobskerk. Pass by Vrijdagmarkt with its lifelike statue and great history. Gaze at the medieval castle of Gravensteen and learn about knights, princesses, and stories from the past.

Ghent: Guided City Food Tour with Food and Drink Tastings

5. Ghent: Guided City Food Tour with Food and Drink Tastings

Taste your way through Ghent on a guided food tour. Combine sightseeing with sampling local foods and learn about the city's culture from your guide. As you explore, see important icons such as the three medieval towers of Ghent: Saint Bavo Cathedral, Saint Nicholas' Church and the Belfry. The Belfry Tower is the tallest of its kind in Belgium and a UNESCO World Heritage-listed site. Make sure to take some photos of these picture perfect sights. Meet your guide in the historic center of Ghent and set out on your foodie walking tour. As you walk, learn about local culture, discover the city's most important landmarks and find out why Ghent became famous for its street art. See Korenmarkt, a historic square located between the Old Harbour and Saint Nicholas' Church. Wander along cobblestone streets and admire the intersecting rivers that lend this historic town its character and name. You will also have the opportunity to see important architectural highlights, including the Ghent City Hall (stadhuis) and City Pavilion (Stadshal). Along the way, you'll make a total of 5 stops to savour the tastes of Ghent, sampling a food specialty or drink at each one. Every location has been carefully chosen, with an emphasis placed on small, locally owned businesses. Interact with the proprietors and hear their stories to gain insight into the city of Ghent and its people. Your tour comes to an end near the historic city center, the ideal spot to continue exploring on your own. 

From Bruges: Day Trip to Ghent

6. From Bruges: Day Trip to Ghent

Take a guided bus and walking tour from Bruges to the medieval city of Ghent. See the city's iconic sights, including St. Nicholas Church, the Municipal Bell Tower, and the Castle of the Counts of Flanders. Depart from Bruges on a bus and find yourself walking the streets of Ghent after a short ride. Take a trip back to medieval times as you stroll between canals and monuments. Cross St. Michael's Bridge to get to the stunning facades along the Graslei Pier. Visit St. Nicholas Church, the 14th-century Municipal Bell Tower, and St. Bavon's Cathedral. Admire the priceless artwork inside the cathedral. Continue from the cathedral and past the Town Hall, distinguished by its mix of several architectural styles. Arrive at the Castle of the Counts of Flanders, where you'll learn about its history and importance during the medieval period. Next, discover Vrijdagmarkt Square and take in the magic of Ghent as you walk through its canals. Enjoy some free time to explore on your own after your guided tour. Afterward, get transferred back to Bruges.

Ghent: Discover Belgium's Beer World with a Young Local

7. Ghent: Discover Belgium's Beer World with a Young Local

Meet your guide in the center of Ghent and set off on your beer tasting adventure. Learn more about Belgium’s proud brewing traditions from your passionate guide as you walk to your first stop and discover the secrets behind its wide range of beers. As you make your way to the first bar, stop by your guide's favorite chocolate shop to taste some artisanal sweet treats. Discover how to pair chocolate and beer using different flavor combinations.  Your first stop will be at one of the city’s most popular bars. Here, sample your first beer, swap thoughts on the flavor and notes and soak up the convivial spirit as you chat to your group.  From here, move on to another lively beer haunt, loved by and known only to the locals. You will visit bars that range from trendy and modern to medieval and traditional, so there will be a bar to satisfy every age group. Over the course of the tour, sample a blend of bigger brands and craftwork brews, tasting a gutsy mix of malty, hoppy, fruity, reddish, and herby beers to sour and triple varieties. Finally, head to your last stop. Here, sample some delicious Trappist and Lambic beers, perfectly matched with Belgian chocolate and other local delicacies. Finish your tour in central Ghent, where your guide will leave you after giving you some recommendations on where to continue bar-hopping.

From Brussels: Bruges & Ghent Full-Day Trip

8. From Brussels: Bruges & Ghent Full-Day Trip

Discover the highlights of Bruges and Ghent, Belgium's most attractive cities, with a round trip by train from Brussels. Tour two of the most fascinating medieval cities in Europe with an English/Spanish or French-speaking guide on a 10-hour guided day trip. Depart from the Grand Place at 9:30 AM only on Sunday. Upon arrival at the central station of Bruges, begin with a 2.5-hour walking tour and 2 hours of free time for eating, souvenirs, and a boat trip. The scheduled return to Brussels will be at 17:00 and arrival at 6 PM with your guide. In the case of small groups, there is the possibility of choosing between returning with the guide at the scheduled time or spending more time there and returning later by yourselves. Program in Bruges: In the ancient city wall park, the "Lake of Love" is one of the main water reservoirs nourishing the canal system of the Venice of the North. Visit the Beguinage, one of the best-preserved examples of medieval gated communities in which only women could live. See Brewery De Halve Maan, the only brewery still operating in the city center. Afterward, Old St. John’s Hospital is one of the oldest hospitals in Europe, where you can appreciate 800 years of European architecture, learn about its history and visit the museum of Hans Memling (optional). Head on to Our Lady of Bruges one of the oldest churches in the city. Admire its impressive tower which is still one of the tallest brickwork towers in the world, and take a look at its art treasures, including Michelangelo’s Madonna with the Child (optional). Stop by the VisMarkt (fishmarket) and the Tanners’ Square, two of the oldest squares in Bruges with their beautiful guildhalls and lovely cafés and restaurants. You will also visit the Groeninge Museum, Burg Square, and Markt Square, the economic heart of Bruges. Admire its imposing guildhalls and its Belfort tower, which is one of the most famous Gothic buildings in Belgium. In the end, have an optional canal tour (8 EUR per person, pay while embarking on the boat), which is one of the best ways to see Bruges. Program in Ghent: Journey to the port city of Ghent, located at the scenic confluence of the Leie and Scheldt Rivers. Start your tour of the historic city at Saint Bavo Cathedral and admire the spectacular Gothic church and Baroque ornamentations. Next, step into the marble choir and private chapels, and appreciate the painting of “Saint Bavo Enters the Convent at Ghent” by Rubens and the beauty of the Rococo pulpit. Look at the stunning frescoes of the Romanesque crypt. Then, opt to visit the altarpiece of "The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb" by the Van Eyck brothers and admire one of the most important works of art from the Middle Ages for a small extra fee. Continue to City Hall to see its extraordinary mix of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture. Go to Market Hall to look at the Belfort Tower and the covered market. Marvel at the nearby churches of Saint Nicholas, Saint James, and Saint Michael, serving as reminders of Ghent’s medieval past. Proceed to the old port of Graslei for beautiful views of the river Leie and the old guildhalls. Then, head to the medieval castle of Gravensteen, where the counts of Flanders used to live. Explore the picturesque district of Patershol and see charming buildings with brick facades where restaurants and cafes offer the best Flemish cuisine. Finally, head to the 15th-century Great Butchers' Hall to discover one of Europe's oldest meat markets.

Ghent: Private Walking Tour

9. Ghent: Private Walking Tour

Ghent is located about 50 kilometers from Brussels and is considered a historical jewel of Belgium.  The city is the birthplace of Charles V, Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire and heir to the house of Habsburg. Ghent played an important role during the industrial revolution in continental Europe. Here, the first labor movement was established in 1859. Today, the city has maintained its medieval center, and several of its Gothic buildings are listed as a World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. Among the places you may visit are Saint Bavo’s Cathedral (visit to the altarpiece, The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb by the Van Eyck bothers), the market square, the Belfort tower and the covered market, the city hall, the churches of St. Nicholas, St. James, and St. Michel, the Graslei, Gravensteen, Patershol and the medieval butchery.

Ghent: Escape Tour - Self Guided Citygame

10. Ghent: Escape Tour - Self Guided Citygame

In 1946 Jos de Seranno was president of the third largest student association in Ghent. And he had devised a ruse to become the greatest. Jos had occupied the Gravensteen Castle with the entire association! But yes, of course that got him in big trouble... Will you help Jos find the secret exit from Ghent within 2 hours? Choose your starting time with your teammates, beginning at anytime day or night. Make your way across the city, checking off tasks to find all the clues you need to reach the secret passage. As you search for clues, marvel at the beautiful sights of the town. Marvel at Saint Bavo's Cathedral, wander through the beautiful streets and keep an eye out for the many historic buildings in the city center. Work quickly, and you and your team could set the record for the fastest tour. Good luck!

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What people are saying about Saint Bavo Cathedral

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 4,246 reviews

It was amazing to see the beauty of Ghent and Bruge. We missed the train towards the meeting point and customer service was really helpful. Your leader (Stephan) was externally knowledgeable, nice, friendly and patient. Highly recommend.

I recommend this daily trip Short distances from Brussels and really interested small cities We learn a lot by our excellent guide Andria. She is really professional. She likes her job and treat us as friends and not clients

Amazing trip definitely book it,both Ghent and Bruges are beautiful,wear comfy footwear loads to take photos ofwish we had longer in Ghent,we did the boat trip in Bruges was lovely long day worth it very interesting trip

Excelente experiencia educativa, visual y divertida en un tour completo y con suficiente tiempo para sacar el mayor provecho. Resalto la vasta educación y conocimientos de los guías y la comodidad del bus.

Lovely experience with our guide Andrea. We saw a lot and had a nice lunch in Bruges as well. We also got to visit the christmas market!