Ascend Ghent's UNESCO-listed medieval Belfry — guardian of the city's liberties since 1313 — by private lift and staircase with a local historian, emerging to a 360° rooftop panorama over Flanders' finest skyline.
What to expect
Enter through the medieval gatehouse and ascend via a combination of lift and spiral staircase, pausing at the treasury room where the city's ancient charter of liberties is displayed. Your guide narrates the bell-ringing traditions and the Belfry's role in Ghent's proud resistance against both Habsburg and French rule. At the top, the city unfolds in every direction — three church towers in a single frame, a view described by travellers for 700 years. The descent winds past the carillon chamber, where 54 bells hang in extraordinary silence.
Good to know
The Belfry is steps from Saint Nicholas' Church and the Ghent City Hall — easily combined in a single morning. Book entry tickets online to avoid queues; arrange a private guide through the Visit Gent tourist office. Allow 2 hours total. Comfortable, flat-heeled footwear essential for the spiral stairs.
Sail there
Luxury cruises that call at Gent — book through us, the fare is identical and your concierge stays on your side.
More to do in Gent
- Ghent Altarpiece Private Viewing: Mystic Lamb Up Close
- Gravensteen Castle: Private After-Hours Medieval Experience
- Private Canal Cruise & Guided Walking Tour of Medieval Ghent
- Flemish Masters, Beer & Chocolate: Private Tastes of Ghent Tour
- Day Excursion: Private Bruges Canal & Historic Bruges from Ghent