A History Written in Stone: The Ghent Belfry
Construction of the Ghent Belfry began in 1313, a testament to the city's power. It served as a watchtower and proudly stored the municipal charters, symbolizing Ghent's independence and wealth.
Private & personalized tours - just for you!
The best stories aren’t found in guidebooks. Skip the crowds and unlock the hidden gems of Ghent Belfry with a private, personalized experience led by a local.
Always private. It’s just you and your local host. No strangers, no groups.
Let your local host tailor the experience completely to your wishes.
Our tours are designed with people, places, and the planet in mind.
Make your stay in Ghent complete with these things to do
Reviews from guests about our tours and locals
"We had an absolutely wonderful time exploring Ghent with Benedikt! Over the course of three hours, he managed to show us many hidden gems and share fascinating stories that made the city truly come alive. His passion for Ghent was infectious, and his warmth, humor, and ability to connect with all of us made it an amazing experience. He even brought us some specific candy from Ghent (‘red noses’) and treated us to some artisanal chocolates in one of the nicest chocolate shops of Ghent. It was the perfect mix of history, fun facts, and local charm. Benedikt is genuinely a very nice guy, thank you for an unforgettable visit to Ghent. Best wishes, Hanif "
"Ben turned our day in Ghent into an unforgettable adventure! His knowledge of the city is truly impressive, but what makes him exceptional is how he brings history to life with humor and interactive engagement. He constantly checked if we were paying attention with clever questions and funny quips that kept everyone—even our youngest son—thoroughly engaged throughout the tour. The hidden gems Ben revealed were amazing! He showed us a secret spot behind the Castle of the Counts for perfect photos (tourist-free!), expertly guided us through Saint Bavo's with fascinating insights about the Ghent Altarpiece, and introduced us to Ghent's vibrant street art scene including the must-see Graffiti Alley. His restaurant recommendations were spot-on, and the award-winning local chocolatier he took us to was a delicious highlight! If you want a thorough, fun, and personalized experience of Ghent that goes beyond the typical tourist route, Ben is absolutely your best choice. His passion for his city is contagious!"
"Had a great time with Benedikt- gave us a fascinating, entertaining and informative tour around Ghent. A great experience- thanks so much! Peace and Love from The Mystical Lamb!! LOL "
"We enjoyed our tour with Arn as he shared all things Ghent with us, including his mother's Flemish stew recipe!! The tour was a good mix of tastings and history at a comfortable pace to really enjoy the surroundings. We highly recommend Arn, who is an original Ghentian (?). Lol"
"Benedikt is very knowledgeable and passionate about Ghent . He is easy to understand and we all enjoyed the tour and his recommendations. "
"We had a great experience with Ben as our tourguide and enjoyed his expertise, humour and recommendations for places to go very much. He is very fond of European history and art, but also knows about the current hot spots in the city. As he loves to travel himself, he has a fine sense for an authentic experience. Thank you for sharing your time with us!!!"
"Merel hat uns viel über Gent’s Geschichte und Besonderheiten der Stadt erzählt. Informationen über die lokale Bierbraukunst, lokale Schokoladenherstellung und den stadteigenen Süssigkeiten waren auch dabei. Es hat Spass gemacht!"
"Ben was een brok informatie die op iedere hoek van de straat wel een feitje klaar had. Leuke eet-tips en advies over het bezoeken van het Gents altaarstuk."
"My family just got back from a spring break trip to Paris and Belgium. Our group included myself, my husband, our two teens ages 15 and 17, and my mom plus her boyfriend, in their 70s. The 6 of us unanimously deemed Arn as our favorite tour guide of the entire trip. (We had private tours of Versailles, the Louvre, Bruges, Ghent, and Brussels). Do not hesitate to select Arn as your guide in Ghent. He was warm, easy-going, knowledgeable, and passionate about his city. He told us fascinating stories and historical facts without it getting boring or long-winded. He also had perfect pacing at each stop we visited. We were all charmed by Arn and Ghent, and based on his tour, we would love to visit Ghent again and spend more time there (we only had the one day). I would rate him higher than 10 if I could!"
"We had a great tour with Benedikt. He was was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic about Ghent and gave us lots of recommendations of places to eat drink and explore. We would definitely recommend Benedikt."
Learn about their personal stories and find out how you can explore Ghent with locals
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Feel the heartbeat of Ghent from its most iconic landmark! The magnificent Ghent Belfry is calling. Discover the stories, climb to the heavens, and see the city unfold. Your personal Ghent Belfry adventure starts here.
Construction of the Ghent Belfry began in 1313, a testament to the city's power. It served as a watchtower and proudly stored the municipal charters, symbolizing Ghent's independence and wealth.
Perched atop the spire, a gilded copper dragon has watched over Ghent since 1377. This legendary creature is more than a weathervane; it's the guardian of the Ghent Belfry and a fierce symbol of the city.
Listen for the music in the air! The Ghent Belfry houses a magnificent carillon of 54 bells. Hearing these bells play a melody across the city is a core part of Ghent's cultural soundscape. A truly magical moment.
Imagine seeing Ghent from a bird's-eye view! Climbing the Ghent Belfry rewards you with breathtaking panoramic vistas of the city's historic skyline. It's an unforgettable experience and a must-do for any visitor.
After descending from the Ghent Belfry, treat yourself like a local! Head to a nearby market stall for 'cuberdons' or 'neuzekes,' a traditional purple, cone-shaped candy. It's the perfect sweet finale to your climb.
Your tour is just for you. No strangers, no groups.
You’ll experience the city one-on-one (or with your own travel group) in a relaxed, personal way. No rushing, no scripted group tours.
From highlights to hidden gems, your host adjusts everything to fit you.
Want to skip a museum, add a food stop, or focus on street art? Just ask. Every experience is shaped around your pace, preferences and interests.
Message your host directly to customize your experience.
Ask questions, get local tips, or make special requests. Our hosts are real people, ready to make your day unforgettable.
Every booking supports independent locals and their communities.
We believe tourism should benefit the people who live there. Your host earns directly and often invests it right back into their neighborhood.
You’re choosing meaningful travel, not mass tourism.
Withlocals is built on fair pay, human connections and travel that leaves a positive mark for both you and the places you visit.
Loved by over 1,000,000 travelers all around the world.
Withlocals hosts consistently earn 5-star reviews for their kindness, knowledge and the personal stories they share.
Book with peace of mind: safe payments and easy changes.
Your plans can shift and that’s okay. We offer flexible cancellation and real support when you need it.
Your tour is just for you. No strangers, no groups.
You’ll experience the city one-on-one (or with your own travel group) in a relaxed, personal way. No rushing, no scripted group tours.
From highlights to hidden gems, your host adjusts everything to fit you.
Want to skip a museum, add a food stop, or focus on street art? Just ask. Every experience is shaped around your pace, preferences and interests.
Message your host directly to customize your experience.
Ask questions, get local tips, or make special requests. Our hosts are real people, ready to make your day unforgettable.
Every booking supports independent locals and their communities.
We believe tourism should benefit the people who live there. Your host earns directly and often invests it right back into their neighborhood.
You’re choosing meaningful travel, not mass tourism.
Withlocals is built on fair pay, human connections and travel that leaves a positive mark for both you and the places you visit.
Loved by over 1,000,000 travelers all around the world.
Withlocals hosts consistently earn 5-star reviews for their kindness, knowledge and the personal stories they share.
Book with peace of mind: safe payments and easy changes.
Your plans can shift and that’s okay. We offer flexible cancellation and real support when you need it.
Why just see the Ghent Belfry when you can truly experience it? With a private local guide, you'll skip the lines and uncover hidden stories the guidebooks miss. Make your visit personal and unforgettable. Limited spots are available, so book your private Ghent Belfry tour now!