Ghent stands out as a city where craft beer, delicious food, and authentic local flavors blend seamlessly. Its lively pubs, historic breweries, and culinary traditions make it an ideal destination for anyone looking to enjoy Belgian beer culture in a relaxed setting. Whether you’re a beer aficionado or just looking for a fun way to learn about Ghent’s brews, this city offers a variety of engaging tours. For instance, the Belgian Waffle-Making Workshop with Beer Tasting combines the sweet and the bitter in a playful, hands-on experience that delights all the senses. We love how it allows you to bake waffles from scratch while sampling Belgian beers—an unbeatable combo that’s both tasty and educational.
If you prefer a more immersive and social experience, the A Taste of Ghent: Beer & Chocolate with storytelling takes you on a city stroll filled with beer tastings, local delicacies, and fascinating stories told by a knowledgeable guide. Ghent’s diverse beer scene, with its historic pubs and creative craft breweries, makes it a perfect spot for a drinking tour that’s both fun and informative. Below, we’ve rounded up the top options, each with its own unique flavor, so you can pick the one that best suits your style.
1. Ghent: Belgian Waffle-Making Workshop with Beer Tasting
Joining this workshop in Ghent is a perfect blend of culinary fun and beer tasting. For 1.5 hours, you’ll learn how to prepare Belgian waffles from scratch, incorporating a beer of your choice into the batter. The instructor will guide you through tasting three Belgian beers, explaining their flavors and origins, while you craft your waffles with toppings like chocolate sauce, whipped cream, or speculoos. The best part? You can eat as many waffles as you want and take home the secret recipe and a graduation certificate.
Guests rave about the lively atmosphere and the skillful guidance. “Excellent overall experience, lots of beer, and making waffles was so much fun,” one reviewer wrote. The tour offers great value at around $56 per person—plus, you leave with new skills and a sweet souvenir. It’s ideal for those wanting a hands-on, relaxed experience that combines food, drink, and fun.
Bottom Line: If you love sweet treats, craft beer, and interactive experiences, this workshop offers a memorable taste of Belgium. It’s perfect for couples, groups, or anyone eager to get a little creative.
2. A Taste of Ghent: Beer & Chocolate with storytelling by a local
This tour stands out for its combination of beer tasting, local stories, and regional delicacies. Over around three hours, your expert guide will lead you through ambient bars, sharing insights into Belgian brewing traditions along the way. You’ll sample a variety of beers paired with cheese, chocolate, and other treats, all while learning about the city’s brewing history.
Guests appreciate the personalized feel of this tour. One reviewer mentions, “Great time tasting and learning about Belgian beer culture with an excellent guide.” The tour’s intimate setting and focus on Belgian beer heritage make it a favorite for those who want to combine history, culture, and flavor. The $52 price includes multiple tastings and food pairings, making it a good value for an in-depth experience.
Bottom Line: Perfect for curious travelers who want a relaxed stroll through Ghent’s bar scene with plenty of tastings and storytelling. This tour is a delightful way to deepen your appreciation of Belgian brewing.
3. Ghent Beer Guided Walking Tour
This 3-hour walking tour offers a comprehensive intro to Ghent’s beer culture. Starting at a cozy whisky and beer bar, you’ll hop between local taverns, sampling five different Belgian beers. Your guide will share stories about each brew, the city’s brewing traditions, and local beer styles.
The tour is praised for its informative narration and its ability to showcase Ghent’s authentic pub scene. One review highlights, “This tour was a perfect introduction to Belgian beer, with excellent pours at each stop.” The price, just over $52, makes it a solid option for travelers wanting variety and local insight in a relaxed setting.
Bottom Line: If you want a comprehensive beer experience combined with a walk through Ghent’s atmospheric taverns, this tour hits the mark.
4. The Waffles ‘n Beer Workshop in Ghent Centre
This workshop is a fun twist on Belgium’s culinary tradition, pairing waffle-making with beer tasting. For about 90 minutes, you’ll learn how to bake authentic Belgian waffles, selecting a beer to infuse into your batter. After baking, you’ll indulge in your creations topped with various toppings, from chocolate to whipped cream.
Guests rave about the engaging host Thomas, who shares stories and skills in a friendly atmosphere. “Loved the combination of beer and waffles, and the space was great,” one reviewer says. At $68.25 a person, the experience offers good value for its interactive, food-focused format. It suits those looking for a culinary hands-on experience with a social vibe.
Bottom Line: If you’re craving delicious Belgian food and drink combined with a lively instructor, this workshop offers a memorable outing for friends or couples.
5. Dinant’s Riverside, Castle and Beer Monastery Expedition
For those who want more than just beer, this full-day tour includes visits to prehistoric caves, medieval castles, and scenic river views. The tour explores Belgium’s natural and architectural treasures, with a focus on regional traditions like beer and local legends.
While more expensive at around $514, this trip is ideal for travelers interested in combining history, nature, and beer. The cave tour, castle walk, and river vistas make this a comprehensive day out. One reviewer appreciated the picturesque scenery and the mix of underground and above-ground sights.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers who want a full-day experience blending culture, landscape, and Belgian brewing in a more relaxed, scenic setting.
6. Ghent: Beer and Sightseeing Adventure
This 4-hour tour combines Ghent’s top sights with beer tasting. Starting at Saint Bavo’s Cathedral, you’ll visit landmarks like Gravensteen Castle and the Market Hall, sampling local beers at several bars along the way. It’s perfect for travelers short on time but eager to see the city’s highlights without missing out on beer culture.
Guests mention the guide’s informative narration and the variety of tastings. One reviewer said, “A great mix of culture and beer, with some chocolate and gin added for good measure.” At roughly $102, it offers a balanced experience of sightseeing and tasting.
Bottom Line: Ideal if you want a well-rounded day exploring Ghent’s major attractions with a beer twist.
7. Ghent: Discover Belgium’s Beer World with a Young Local
This 3-hour tour offers an interactive exploration of Ghent’s craft beer scene. Your guide, a passionate local, takes you through authentic venues, including hidden pubs and craft breweries. The tour features a fun beer game and tastings of both famous and small-batch brews, plus local delicacies like artisan chocolates.
Guests love the authentic atmosphere and the guide’s enthusiasm. One reviewer notes, “A great way to learn about Belgian beer and enjoy local flavors in a friendly setting.” For around $73, you get a personal, engaging experience perfect for beer lovers seeking a deeper dive.
Bottom Line: Best for those wanting a more personal and in-depth beer tour with a focus on craft brews and local culture.
8. Private Ghent Beer & Brewery Tour by a young local
This private tour is tailored for small groups or couples wanting a personalized experience. Led by a local who once brewed Belgium’s first craft beer, the tour includes visits to hidden bars, a Belgian brewery, and tastings of both well-known and exclusive beers. Alongside, you’ll enjoy chocolates and learn insider tips on where to drink in Ghent.
Guests praise the laid-back vibe and the insider knowledge. One review states, “A great way to see Ghent’s craft scene with a friendly guide.” Priced at $300.67 per person, it’s a premium, exclusive experience suited for beer enthusiasts seeking a customized tour.
Bottom Line: Perfect for groups or couples wanting a private, behind-the-scenes look at Ghent’s brewing scene.
9. Ghent Beer and Sightseeing Adventure
This tour combines cultural sights like Gravensteen Castle and the canals with local beer tastings at popular bars. Over around four hours, you’ll indulge in brews paired with snacks, enjoy chocolate, and even taste genever. It’s a convenient, multi-layered experience for those pressed for time.
The reviews highlight the variety, with one saying, “A perfect mix of sightseeing and beer, with friendly guides and good tastings.” Costing around $102, it’s an easy way to cover both sightseeing and drinking in a single outing.
Bottom Line: If you prefer a combination of culture and beer, this tour makes a great choice.
How to Choose the Best Drinking Tour in Ghent
Selecting the right experience depends on your interests, budget, and how much time you want to spend. If you love hands-on activities, the Waffles ‘n Beer Workshop offers a fun, interactive day. For a more immersive city-wide experience, the Beer Guided Walking Tour provides the perfect mix of history and flavor. Those wanting a personalized, private experience should consider the Private Ghent Beer & Brewery Tour.
Budget travelers will find the A Taste of Ghent: Beer & Chocolate an excellent value, while history and scenery lovers might prefer the full-day Dinant Expedition. Booking early is advisable during peak seasons, especially for popular tours like the private options or workshops, to secure your spot.
Final Thoughts
Ghent’s wide variety of drinking tours means there’s something for all—from interactive waffle and beer workshops to private craft beer explorations and city sightseeing combined with tasting. For casual travelers, the Beer Guided Walking Tour offers broad appeal, while aficionados will appreciate the depth of the Discover Belgium’s Beer World experience. If you’re after a truly exclusive experience, the Private Tour unlocks insider secrets and hidden bars.
Whatever your style, Ghent’s beer and culinary scene promises a memorable, flavorful journey. Be sure to book early during busy months, especially for tailored or multi-part tours—these experiences fill up fast. With its authentic atmosphere and variety of options, Ghent is a city where your perfect drinking tour awaits.