Evening Tour of the Dark Side of Gent
4.9
213 Ratings
Gent
Explore Ghent's dark side on an evening tour. Uncover myths, legends, and hidden gems with a passionate local guide. Book now for an unforgettable experience.
Duration: 1 hour, 45 minutes
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • St Michael’s Bridge - We start here with an introduction to the history of Ghent and the role the city played as a trading hub in medieval times. We also introduce you to the 3 towers of the Ghent skyline, which are best visible from this spot.

  • St. Bavo’s Cathedral (Sint-Baafskathedraal) - We’ll tell you the gruesome story of why the beautiful cathedral is also known as the ‘Devil’s Tower’.

  • Graslei and Korenlei - We take you to the heart of the bustling medieval harbour of Ghent, back when the city was an economic powerhouse in Europe, to tell you about the lucrative trading activities.

  • Appelbrugparkje - On this bridge overlooking the giant Butchers’ Hall, we tell you the legend about the execution of a father and son and the miraculous event that saved them.

  • Gravensteen - Built by Count Baldwin in the 9th century to protect the inhabitants from the Viking raids, it was around this impressive fortification that the city started to develop. Our guide will share its fascinating history with you.

  • Prinsenhof - Next, we take you to what once was a gigantic palace called the Prince’s Court. Today we need some imagination to envision it, but our guide will bring its history to life!

  • Rabot Sluice - Here, we will show you the only remaining tower of the 14 km long defence wall that was built around Ghent in the Middle Ages.

  • Keizer Karel V - We take you to the Bridge of Imperial Delights, which is flanked by 4 sculptures which depict legendary scenes of the life of Charles V. Our guide will explain you some of them.

  • Augustijnenklooster Gent - On this stop, we’ll tell you about the troublesome history of the Religious Wars and the effect the Calvinist rule has had on the history of the city.

  • Patershol - To finish the tour, we take you to the picturesque medieval quarter of the Patershol or ‘Monk’s hole’ to tell you about the social impact of the Industrial Revolution and the role it played in the revival of the city’s economy!

What's Included
  • All fees and/or taxes
What's Not Included
  • Gratuities
Additional Information

Join our evening tour of Ghent and discover the fascinating history, myths and legends of our city with an experienced and passionate local guide.

We take you off the beaten track to show you some highlights and hidden gems of our gorgeous city. After 1.5h we will finish the tour in the medieval quarter of Gent, very close to the city center, with a deeper understanding of Gent and perhaps some new friends!

If you cannot make it to the tour for whatever reason, please notify us, so we can open your slot to other visitors. Thank you and enjoy the tour!

IMPORTANT NOTE: Our guides are volunteers who offer tours for tips. The charged fee only covers the cost of booking via this platform.

Location
Saint Michael's Bridge
Sint-Michielshelling
We meet in front of Hostel Uppelink, Sint-Michielsplein 21. Look for the RED umbrella! IMPORTANT NOTE: Our guides are volunteers who offer tours for tips. The fee only covers the cost of booking via this platform.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(213 Ratings)
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6vincentq
May 13, 2024
Fantastic experience at night time - I followed this tour with our 2 oldest children and they loved it ! Our guide Isabelle was super friendly and had lots of anecdotes to tell about the city. We also did the day tour in the morning which is also great and mostly visiting other places. So no need to hesitate, do both if you can !
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Marypoppins2
May 6, 2024
History and ghouls - Isabelle was great. Full of energy and information. Had a great rapport with the group telling jokes and engaging with members of the group
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Maritask3912te
Apr 27, 2024
Informative, entertaining and recommendable tour - Our tour guide Isabell made this tour very informative but relaxed. We received a lot of historical, sometimes bizarre and even funny information at the individual sights. It was a very entertaining tour. Highly recommended.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Dinamh8519mr
Apr 20, 2024
Great and fun experience - The evening with Kenny was informative and funny! The tour takes you through the highs and lows of Ghent history. We really enjoyed it despite the rainy weather.
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Shayc912
Apr 1, 2024
A must-do tour - highly recommend! - This tour was fun and a great way to see the city. Kenny was an awesome guide and he shared so many great stories about this city he loves so much. Would highly recommend!
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Wander63878835180
Mar 29, 2024
Fun walk in tour - It's fun and one of the best walk in tour in Ghent! Kenny has got good humour and knows how to hold back people. I will definitely recommend.
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_s960cb
Mar 27, 2024
Interesting - The tourist guide Kenny tell us a lots of story about the “dark side” in Gent history. Plus, Kenny bring us to special place to see the amazing views of the 12th century castles. Recommend a lot!
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465aksela
Mar 25, 2024
Very very fun - We had such a great time! Kenny was super cool and answered all my random questions. I learned so much about all the wild history of Gent!
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Ben
Mar 20, 2024
Unique and Interesting tour - Very good tour - it is not a traditional tour as focuses on the "dark side" of Gent's history, but this means you see and learn about things you would likely not otherwise. Kenny our tour guide was knowledgeable, fun and happy to answer questions. The coupons and list of recommendations at the end was very useful!
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Naomisz4386ot
Apr 21, 2024
Good tour for a night activiti - A very nice tour . To get to know the dark side of the city . He was very good in telling the hidden parts of the city in a good way .
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