Ghent Completely – 90-minute boat tour (DUTCH ONLY)

Taking a boat tour around Ghent offers a unique perspective on this Belgian city’s charm and history. While this specific tour is guided exclusively in Dutch, it’s a fantastic way to see the city’s highlights and get a sense of its rich past. We’ve gathered detailed insights to help you decide if this experience fits your travel plans.

What draws us to this tour? First, the chance to see Ghent’s architectural marvels like St Bavos Cathedral, the Belfry, and St Nicholas Church from the water provides a perspective that walking simply can’t match. Second, the route through ancient waterways and tunnels offers a glimpse into the city’s medieval trading past. Lastly, the peaceful glide alongside quays, mercantile houses, and castles makes for a relaxing yet informative journey.

One thing to consider is the language barrier, as the entire tour is guided in Dutch only, which might limit understanding for non-Dutch speakers. However, the visual and atmospheric aspects of the trip still deliver a memorable experience. This tour is ideally suited for travelers interested in history, architecture, and authentic local experiences, especially if you don’t mind following along with a guide in Dutch.

Key Points

• Language: Guided exclusively in Dutch, which might require some prior knowledge or patience.
• Duration: A compact 90-minute trip perfect for fitting into a day of sightseeing.
• Highlights: Coverage of major landmarks, waterways, and historic sites like the Castle of the Counts.
• Authentic Experience: Glide through historic parts of Ghent not easily accessible on foot.
• Weather: Goes rain or shine, with umbrellas provided in case of rain.
• Value: Includes a live guide, making it informative despite the language limitation.

If you’re a lover of history and scenic waterways, this boat trip offers a wonderful way to get introduced to Ghent’s most iconic sights. We loved the way it combines storytelling with visual splendor, especially across the three different waterways it sails through. While the tour is only in Dutch, the impressive sights and the lively commentary create a captivating atmosphere. Expect to see everything from the Belfry and Saint Bavo’s Cathedral to the ancient port, each telling its part of the city’s story.

The tour also emphasizes the city’s medieval roots, with stops at old guildhalls, castles, and monasteries, some dating back to the 13th century. As reviewers have noted, the “clear info with a touch of humor” makes the experience engaging, and the “great impression of Ghent’s history” remains with many travelers.

However, because it is guided only in Dutch, some visitors might feel a bit lost if they don’t speak the language. Still, the visuals—quay walls, historic merchant houses, and water tunnels—are worth the trip. If you’re traveling alone or with a group that understands Dutch, this tour will feel even more immersive.

This 1.5-hour cruise packs in many sights, making it an excellent value for those eager to maximize their sightseeing. The tour begins at the Green Boathouse on Korenlei 4a, a scenic spot along the river close to many of Ghent’s central attractions.

Major landmarks such as St Bavos Cathedral, the Belfry, and St Nicholas Church are some of the first sights. These churches and towers define Ghent’s skyline, and from the water, their grandeur is even more apparent. The guide, likely lively and humorous based on reviews, will share stories and historical tidbits—though in Dutch, which adds an authentic local flavor.

Moving on, the boat glides through the Laurent Square tunnels, a less-visible but historically significant feature. This subterranean route offers a different perspective on the city’s medieval architecture. The tour continues through three waterways, each with distinct scenery—from the bustling medieval port with its quay walls and mercantile houses to the tranquil waters near the old Fish Market.

The Ancient Port of Ghent is especially picturesque, lined with old warehouses and houses that once served as bustling trading hubs. Passing these by boat offers a nostalgic glimpse into Ghent’s past as a thriving trading city. Nearby, the castle of the Counts and the Princes Court stand as reminders of Ghent’s medieval importance and power.

Other highlights include the old guild halls of boatmen, fishmongers, and grain measurers—each with their own stories—and the Rabot, a historic building complex that was once part of the city’s defensive and administrative structures. The tour also passes the old Meat Hall and Fish Market, showing how the city traded and prepared food centuries ago.

Throughout the journey, you’ll pass by the old Law Courts, the Opera, and the Handelsbeur concert hall, giving you a taste of Ghent’s cultural vibrancy. The boat also slips through the waters near the Castle of Gerald the Devil and the Episcopal Palace, adding to the fairytale-like scenery.

This tour is a straightforward activity designed to give a rundown of Ghent’s historic core from the water. The 90-minute duration makes it accessible for most travelers, whether you’re fitting it into a busy day or relaxing with a leisurely cruise.

The guiding language is exclusively Dutch, so if that is not your language, you might need to rely on visuals or brush up on some key terms beforehand. The tour operates rain or shine; umbrellas are provided if needed, ensuring you can enjoy the sights regardless of weather.

Check-in is at the Green Boathouse, and the tour ends back at the start point. It’s a small group experience that allows you to focus on the sights without feeling overwhelmed. The tour is priced for a single trip, and you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance—making it a flexible option for spontaneous plans.

From the authentic local guide—presumably lively and humorous based on reviews—to the scenic waterways, this tour offers a deep yet relaxed look at Ghent’s architecture and layout. The combination of historical narration and scenic views makes it an ideal choice for those who love to learn about a city while enjoying its natural beauty.

While the language barrier may be a consideration, the visual grandeur and the stories shared contribute to a memorable experience. It’s especially appealing for travelers interested in medieval architecture, historic ports, and city planning from a bygone era.

This boat tour suits travelers who appreciate history, architecture, and water-based sightseeing. It’s perfect for those who enjoy guided experiences—especially in Dutch—and want an authentic, local perspective on Ghent.

Because of its compact length and comprehensive route, it’s ideal for visitors with limited time but eager to see the city’s highlights from a new angle. It’s also a good choice for travelers who prefer a relaxed pace and scenic routes over fast-paced walking tours.

If you’re visiting Ghent for the first time and want an overview that’s visually impressive and informative, this tour is definitely worth considering. It pairs well with walking tours or visits to the major landmarks, giving you a broader understanding of Ghent’s history and culture.

In terms of value, this 90-minute boat trip offers an affordable way to see many of Ghent’s historic sights from the water—an experience that adds a different dimension to city sightseeing. The guided commentary, despite being only in Dutch, complements the scenic views and helps bring the city’s stories to life.

It’s best suited for curious travelers with a basic understanding of Dutch or those willing to enjoy the visuals and atmosphere. The tour’s flexibility, including rain or shine operation and free cancellation, makes it a low-risk addition to any Ghent itinerary.

If you’re looking for an engaging, scenic, and authentic way to explore Ghent’s medieval waterways and historic landmarks, this tour ticks many boxes. Its focus on the city’s port, castles, and old neighborhoods makes it a memorable experience for history buffs and water lovers alike.

Is the tour guided in English?
No, the tour is conducted exclusively in Dutch, so some familiarity with the language or relying on visuals might be helpful.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 90 minutes, making it a convenient option to fit into a busy sightseeing day.

Do I need to worry about weather?
The tour proceeds rain or shine. Umbrellas are provided, so you can still enjoy the sights in wet weather.

Where do I meet for the tour?
Check-in is at the Green Boathouse on Korenlei 4a, a scenic spot near many of Ghent’s main attractions.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance, offering flexibility if your plans shift.

Is this tour suitable for non-Dutch speakers?
While the guide is only in Dutch, the visual scenery and landmarks are engaging enough to enjoy even without understanding every word.

What are some highlights I can expect to see?
You’ll see major landmarks like St Bavos Cathedral, the Belfry, and St Nicholas Church, as well as historic port areas, castles, and the old guildhalls.

To sum it up, this boat tour offers a practical, visually stunning way to experience Ghent’s history and architecture from a fresh perspective. Perfect for those interested in medieval sights and waterways, it delivers a lively and authentic glimpse into the city’s past—an experience worth considering for your Belgian itinerary.