Ghent is a treasure trove for food lovers. This charming Belgian city isn’t just about medieval architecture and canals—it’s also a place where local culinary traditions shine. What makes Ghent especially appealing for food tours is the opportunity to taste authentic Belgian classics while exploring lively neighborhoods and historic landmarks. From sampling hearty cheese and chocolates to discovering hidden eateries favored by locals, these tours offer a flavorful way to get to know the city. For example, the Guided City Tour with Food and Drink Tastings lets you combine sightseeing with delicious bites, making it a top choice.
Among the many options, I particularly like tours that balance history and local flavor—they’re ideal for those who want more than just a snack stop. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Belgium enthusiast, these experiences provide insights into Ghent’s culture while satisfying your appetite. Keep reading to find the perfect food adventure for your trip.
Quick Overview
In this list, you’ll find three excellent food tours, each with its own style and focus. The first, a guided city walk with tastings, combines landmarks like Graslei and Ghent City Hall with local bites. The second is a walking introduction to Ghent’s street food and landmarks, blending sightseeing with tastings like chocolate and cheese. The third is a more intimate, small-group tasting stroll that highlights lesser-known local eateries. All are highly rated, offering a range of experiences from relaxed to immersive. Now, let’s explore each in detail.
1. Ghent: Guided City Tour with Food and Drink Tastings
At number 1 on our list, this tour offers a comprehensive experience: exploring Ghent’s iconic landmarks while sampling local food and drink. Priced at $89 per person, it lasts about 2.5 hours, making it a manageable yet rich introduction. The tour begins with a walk through famous sights like Vrijdagmarkt, Ghent City Hall, and the old harbour at Graslei, with a local guide sharing stories about the city’s history and cuisine.
What sets this tour apart is its focus on small local businesses—a chance to taste Belgian specialties like beer, cheeses, and regional snacks directly from sources loved by residents. The guide’s enthusiasm is clear, as reflected in glowing reviews like “The guide Sophie was very involved, I learned so much about Ghent, and the food was delish!” (5/5). The tour also covers cultural insights, making it more than just a tasting.
Highlights include visits to cozy eateries and beer pubs, where portions are generous, so come hungry. It’s perfect for travelers wanting a relaxed, friendly atmosphere with plenty of food and drink. The value is excellent for the price, and its high rating of 4.8/5 shows how much visitors enjoy the experience. Bottom line: a lively, engaging way to get to know Ghent’s culinary scene while sightseeing.
2. Walking food tour: Introduction to Ghent through food
Coming in at number 2, this two-hour to two-and-a-half-hour tour is ideal for those who want a quick, flavorful overview of Ghent’s top sights and tastings. Priced at around $110, it promises a relaxed pace with plenty of stops for photo opportunities and stories about the city’s history.
This tour is especially popular because it incorporates landmark visits, including Ghent Cathedral, Vrijdagsmarkt, and Graffiti Street, along with tastings of chocolate, cheese, beer, and charcuterie. The tasting lineup varies, so you’ll get a fresh experience on each visit, but expect to sample some of Belgium’s best known treats. The guide, Sophie, is praised for her warm personality and local knowledge, making the group feel comfortable and engaged.
A standout review notes, “We loved Sophie and her love for Ghent—she made us fall in love with the city through food and stories.” This tour is perfect if you want a balanced mix of sightseeing and eating without long durations or complex logistics. It suits travelers who prefer a moderate pace and a focus on local street food and hidden gems. Overall, it’s a very accessible, highly rated introduction to Ghent’s culinary delights.
3. Walking Food Tour in Ghent
At number 3, this small-group, intimate tour emphasizes discovering Ghent’s less touristy food spots. Priced at about $89, it lasts around 2 to 3 hours, making it flexible for those with limited time or specific interests. The tour starts at the Artevelde statue at Friday Market, a lively square with interesting architecture, then winds through nearby streets.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on local businesses and hidden eateries that travelers often miss on their own. During the walk, you’ll sample Belgian cheese, waffles, and chocolates, with the guide sharing stories about each spot’s history. The tour cap at ten people ensures a personal experience, with lots of interaction. Reviewers highlight guides like Sophie for her friendly attitude and knowledge, especially mentioning her ability to tailor the experience if you have dietary preferences.
The route includes visiting the medieval Gravensteen Castle, adding a historic touch to the tasting adventure. This tour appeals most to foodies who want a deliberate, small-group experience that combines sightseeing with authentic eats. It’s especially good for those who enjoy stories behind local specialties and prefer a more personal, less commercial vibe.
Bottom line: a perfect tour for travelers wanting a cozy, insider look at Ghent’s food scene with plenty of tastings along the way.
How to Choose the Right Food Tour in Ghent
When selecting the best food tour, consider your budget, time constraints, and interest in history or local secrets. For a comprehensive experience that combines major sights with generous tastings, the Guided City Tour with Food and Drink is a winner. If you prefer a shorter, more sightseeing-focused experience with tastings like Belgian chocolates and cheeses, the Introduction to Ghent offers excellent value. For an intimate, off-the-beaten-path experience emphasizing hidden eateries, the Walking Food Tour in Ghent is ideal.
Booking early is recommended, especially in peak seasons, to secure your spot on these popular tours. Think about whether you want a full city and culinary immersion, a quick tasting overview, or a small-group personal experience, then pick the tour that matches your style.
Final thoughts
Ghent offers a great variety of food-focused experiences that appeal to different types of travelers. Whether you want a full sightseeing and tasting adventure or a more intimate exploration of local gems, there’s something for all. The guided city tour stands out for its combination of landmarks and hearty bites, while the smaller tours cater to those seeking a more personalized or condensed experience. Whichever you pick, booking early ensures you won’t miss out on these delicious Ghent adventures.