Food-loving travelers in Ghent can experience Belgium’s tastiest traditions through several practical walking tours. The city’s best food walks efficiently combine medieval sightseeing with generous portions at family-run spots — perfect for sampling regional specialties like waterzooi (creamy chicken stew) and traditional pralines.
I’m especially fond of the morning waffle breakfast tour, where you’ll discover the authentic Belgian waffle while exploring the historic center. For travelers who enjoy a bit more activity, the small-group bike and food tour stands out, offering an efficient way to cover more ground between tastings.
These food tours hit the sweet spot between cultural insights and satisfying meals — typically featuring 4-5 carefully chosen stops. Let’s look at the top food tours worth your time and money in Ghent.
Key Points
- The highly-rated 4.8-star Walking Food Tour in Ghent combines sightseeing with local food tastings guided by a knowledgeable private guide.
- The Belgian Waffles N Coffee Breakfast offers an all-you-can-eat experience with options for vegan or gluten-free waffles and unlimited coffee, tea, and chocolate milk.
- The 4.9-star rated Walking Food Tour highlights small businesses and regional specialties, led by local guides providing historical insights.
- The 2.5-hour Guided City Tour with Food and Drink features 5 food and drink stops at key sights like Saint Bavo Cathedral and Belfry Tower.
- The Small-Group Food Tour by Bike combines cycling with food tasting in Ghent’s Old Town, featuring 5 stops including cheese, charcuterie, Belgian beer, and desserts.
Walking Food Tour: Introduction to Ghent Through Food
Immersing oneself in Ghent’s vibrant culinary scene is the essence of the Walking Food Tour. This highly-rated 4.8-star experience combines sightseeing and delectable food tastings, allowing travelers to discover the city’s rich history and local specialties.
Led by a knowledgeable private guide, the tour takes guests on a leisurely stroll through key landmarks, including the Ghent Cathedral, Vrijdagsmarkt, and Graffiti Street.
The tasting lineup features an array of Ghent’s gastronomic delights, such as chocolate, beer, cheese, and charcuterie. Travelers can indulge in these local delicacies without the hassle of paying at each stop, as the tastings are all included.
Along the way, the guide provides commentary on Ghent’s history and culture, creating an immersive and well-rounded experience. With a maximum of 15 travelers per group, the tour maintains a relaxed pace with ample opportunities for photo stops.
Traveler reviews consistently praise the knowledgeable guides and the chance to savor Ghent’s renowned culinary offerings.
Read our full review: Walking Food Tour: Introduction to Ghent Through Food Review
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Ghent: Belgian Waffles N Coffee Breakfast: All You Can Eat
Indulging in an all-you-can-eat Belgian waffle breakfast is a delightful way to kick off a day exploring Ghent’s historic streets.
This 1.5-hour experience allows visitors to bake their own waffles from scratch, learning fun facts about Ghent and Belgian waffles along the way. Priced at $41.21 per person, the activity is suitable for all ages, with options for vegan or gluten-free waffles available upon request.
Along With the waffle-making, the experience includes unlimited coffee, tea, and chocolate milk, as well as the usage of all necessary equipment.
Participants will also have the opportunity to meet people from around the world in a cozy, social atmosphere, discovering fascinating stories and facts about Ghent and Belgian history.
The workshop is conducted in English, with translation available if needed. The meeting point is a big green front door, with access via small steps to the first-floor workshop space, which is wheelchair accessible.
Read our full review: Ghent: Belgian Waffles N Coffee Breakfast: All You Can Eat Review
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Walking Food Tour in Ghent
Visitors can explore Ghent’s historical landmarks and local food scene on a walking food tour. Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars, this small-group experience takes guests on a journey through the city, showcasing its top sightseeing spots like Gravensteen Castle.
The tour focuses on highlighting small businesses and regional specialties, allowing participants to sample a variety of local foods, including cheese, chocolate, and waffles, without the hassle of payment at each venue.
Led by knowledgeable local guides, the tour provides insights into the city’s history and hidden gems. While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s conveniently located near public transportation.
Guests should note the non-refundable cancellation policy and the requirement to wear face masks during the experience.
With consistently positive reviews praising the personalized service and engaging guides, this walking food tour offers an immersive way to discover Ghent’s culinary and cultural treasures.
Read our full review: Walking Food Tour in Ghent Review
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Ghent: Guided City Tour With Food and Drink Tastings
Embarking on this guided tour of Ghent, participants can explore the city’s historical landmarks while savoring a tantalizing array of local food and drink specialties.
Over the course of 2.5 hours, the tour takes visitors to 5 stops, showcasing small, locally-owned businesses and providing deeper insight into Ghent’s culture and history. Key sights include the Saint Bavo Cathedral, Saint Nicholas Church, Belfry Tower, Ghent City Hall, and the vibrant Korenmarkt square.
Along the way, knowledgeable guides introduce local delicacies, allowing participants to interact with proprietors and gain a more immersive experience.
The tour is accessible to most, though those with mobility issues or low fitness levels may find it challenging. With walking distances of 3-5 kilometers, the pace is gentle, and the tour operates rain or shine.
Priced at $79.26 per person, this 4.9/5-rated tour is likely to sell out, so early booking is recommended.
Read our full review: Ghent: Guided City Tour With Food and Drink Tastings Review
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Small-Group Food Tour in Ghent by Bike
Cyclists seeking to enjoy Ghent’s vibrant food scene can embark on a small-group food tour that showcases the city’s culinary delights. This unique experience combines cycling and food tasting, allowing participants to explore Ghent’s Old Town while sampling local specialties like chocolate, cheese, charcuterie, and Belgian beer.
The tour includes five food stops, where guests can savor starters such as cheese, charcuterie, and Belgian beer, as well as Lebanese, Indian, or Italian street food, and the classic Belgian dish of beef stew with fries. For dessert, travelers can indulge in the renowned Belgian chocolate.
Although drinks aren’t always included, the menu offers a tantalizing array of local flavors. The tour starts and ends at the Gent-Sint-Pieters station, with a maximum of 10 travelers per group.
Along With the food tastings, the experience includes a local guide, a bicycle, Ghent sightseeing, and photo stops. Guests should note that the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and may not be suitable for those with certain medical conditions.
Read our full review: Small-Group Food Tour in Ghent by Bike Review
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Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Book a Food Tour in Ghent?
To book a food tour in Ghent, visitors can research online for reputable tour companies, check their schedules and availability, then make reservations directly through the company’s website or by contacting them. Many tours offer online booking options for convenience.
What Types of Dietary Restrictions Can Be Accommodated?
Many food tour operators in Ghent can accommodate various dietary restrictions, such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and halal diets. They’ll work with you to curate a tour that fits your needs and ensures you sample the best local cuisine.
How Much Walking Is Involved in the Food Tours?
The amount of walking varies across different food tours, typically ranging from moderate to extensive. Participants should expect to cover several kilometers over the course of the tour, depending on the specific itinerary and the sights or stops included.
Do the Food Tours Provide Vegetarian or Vegan Options?
Many food tours offer vegetarian and vegan options to cater to diverse dietary needs. Guests should check with the tour operator in advance to ensure they can accommodate any specific dietary requirements.
How Long Do the Food Tours Typically Last?
The food tours typically last 2-3 hours, allowing participants to explore a variety of local eateries and delicacies at a leisurely pace. Tour durations may vary depending on the specific tour and the number of stops included.
Recap
Ghent boasts an array of captivating food tours, each offering a unique culinary adventure. Whether you prefer a walking tour, breakfast buffet, or bike excursion, there’s an option to suit every taste. These expertly curated experiences provide an excellent introduction to the city’s rich gastronomic heritage, allowing you to savor the flavors that have made Ghent a renowned foodie destination.