Ghent is a city that lends itself beautifully to cycling, thanks to its flat terrain, wide bike lanes, and compact historic center. Unlike many cities where biking is just a way to get around, Ghent offers a chance to see its medieval monuments, lively streets, and local neighborhoods up close and at your own pace. Among the standouts in this guide, the Ghent Bike Tour Off-the-beaten-track really shines for its local/local feel and personalized experience, especially with a small group and a passionate guide. Plus, their inclusion of a mountain bike and stops at street art spots makes it a fun way to see parts of Ghent most travelers miss.
If you want a more comprehensive and insider look, the Ghent: City Highlights and Hidden Gems Guided Bike Tour offers a well-rounded trip through Ghent’s most iconic sights and lesser-known corners. Meanwhile, for those traveling with a group or seeking an exclusive experience, the Ghent: Private Guided Bike Tour provides a customizable route with a dedicated guide. For practical, lively exploration, the Ghent: Guided Urban Bike Tour gives a local’s perspective on street art and the city’s vibrant neighborhoods. Each of these options provides a unique way to experience Ghent by bike—whether you’re after history, art, or local flavor.
1. Ghent Bike Tour Off-the-beaten-track
At number 1 on our list, the Ghent Bike Tour Off-the-beaten-track offers a fresh look at Ghent that most visitors don’t see. For around $55.61 per person, you get a 2.5-hour small-group ride that takes you beyond the crowded city center to explore local neighborhoods, street art, and re-used historic buildings. This tour is perfect for travelers wanting to escape the typical tourist trail and discover Ghent’s hidden corners.
What makes this tour unique is its focus on small group size (up to 10 people), which means more personalized attention from your guide, Christof. The ride includes a CUBE mountain bike, helmet, and a drink bottle, making it easy and comfortable to cycle through both city streets and quieter suburbs. Stops include graffiti street art, historic building reuse, and local hangouts, giving you a more authentic feel of Ghent. Reviews highlight how much guests appreciated the fun, informative guide and how the tour uncovered parts of the city they’d never seen on their own.
Bottom line: If you’re after a relaxed, engaging ride that shows you Ghent’s lesser-known side, this tour offers excellent value and a memorable experience.
2. Ghent: Guided Urban Bike Tour
The Ghent: Guided Urban Bike Tour makes our list by focusing on both historic landmarks and street art, with a local guide who shares stories and insights that bring the city alive. Priced at $54 per person for approximately 2.5 hours, this tour dives into Ghent’s core and its vibrant neighborhoods, revealing the street art scenes and cultural highlights that define modern Ghent.
What sets this tour apart is the local guide’s enthusiasm, making it feel like exploring with a knowledgeable friend. Guests rave about how the guide’s passion and humor make the city’s stories memorable, and how the route varies depending on group interests. It’s especially suited for travelers who want a well-rounded introduction to Ghent’s key sights and hidden gems. The mostly flat terrain and well-maintained bikes make for a comfortable ride, even over 2.5 hours.
Guests say it’s a great way to see parts of Ghent they wouldn’t find on their own, with personalized touches that enhance the experience. If you’re looking for a blend of history, street art, and local stories, this tour offers fantastic value.
3. Ghent: City Highlights and Hidden Gems Guided Bike Tour
For a rundown, the Ghent: City Highlights and Hidden Gems Guided Bike Tour is hard to beat. Priced at $51 per person, this 2.5-hour tour covers Ghent’s most notable historic sites and intriguing lesser-known spots, all from the saddle of a comfortable bike.
Led by knowledgeable guides like Tim, who is praised for his deep understanding of Ghent’s architecture and stories, this tour offers a curated ride through the city’s most photogenic streets, abbeys, and plazas. The focus is on narrating stories and anecdotes tied to each location, making it both educational and engaging. The route is designed for low traffic streets and safe bike lanes, so even casual cyclists can enjoy it without stress.
Guests appreciate how this tour reveals parts of Ghent they haven’t seen before, even if they’ve visited multiple times. It’s especially good if you want a balanced mix of sightseeing and local storytelling. For those seeking a well-organized, insightful ride, this option is a strong contender.
4. Ghent: Private Guided Bike Tour
Finally, for travelers who prefer a more personal experience, the Ghent: Private Guided Bike Tour is perfect for groups up to 8. Priced at $369 per group, it offers a customized route tailored to your interests, lasting approximately 2.5 hours.
This private tour allows you to explore Ghent’s main highlights like the Castle of the Counts, Portus Ganda, and key churches, all at your own pace. The guide, Tim, is described as super organized and personable, making it easy to ask questions and focus on what interests you most. Reviews are limited but enthusiastic, emphasizing the personalized attention and flexible itinerary.
Ideal for families, small groups, or couples, this tour provides an intimate, tailored experience that covers the must-see sights with a private guide’s insights. It’s a great choice if you want full control over your sightseeing and a quieter, more personal ride.
How to Choose the Right Ghent Bike Tour for You
When selecting a bike tour in Ghent, consider your budget, fitness level, and interests. If you want an authentic local experience with a small group, the Off-the-beaten-track tour offers an engaging ride. For a comprehensive city overview, the City Highlights and Hidden Gems tour hits many highlights efficiently. If you prefer a private, customizable experience, the Private Guided Bike Tour provides maximum flexibility.
Think about whether street art or historic sites are your priority. The Urban Bike Tour emphasizes modern culture and graffiti, while the other tours blend history with local flavor. Booking early is wise, especially in peak season, to secure your spot on your preferred date.
Final Thoughts
Ghent’s flat streets and charming neighborhoods make it an excellent city for cycling. Whether you choose an off-the-beaten-path adventure, a guided tour packed with stories, or a private ride tailored to your interests, each option offers a memorable way to explore. For a lively, culturally rich experience, the Guided Urban Bike Tour is perfect. For something more intimate and customizable, the Private Guided Bike Tour excels.
No matter your choice, cycling in Ghent is a practical way to cover a lot of ground and see a side of the city that’s often hidden from cars or walking visitors. Be sure to book ahead, especially in summer, and get ready to enjoy Ghent from behind a handlebar — it’s a delightful way to experience this lively Belgian city.