Graslei Boat Piers
Ghent's iconic medieval waterfront, where historic guild houses meet the serene Leie river, offering breathtaking views and charming canal tours.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, soft light
Graslei Boat Piers
Best Time
Fewer crowds, soft light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ghent's iconic medieval waterfront, where historic guild houses meet the serene Leie river, offering breathtaking views and charming canal tours.
"A must do as a tourist in Ghent. Enjoy!"
🗣️ Multilingual Guides
Many tours offer commentary in English, French, and Dutch. Ask about language options when booking!
💰 Value for Money
Tours are generally affordable, offering great value for an introduction to Ghent.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Graslei and Korenlei
Canal banks
Iconic medieval guild houses lining the Leie river, offering stunning architectural views.
Canal Tour Views
Leie River
Experience Ghent's beauty from the water, a unique perspective on its historic buildings.
St. Michael's Bridge
Overlooking Graslei and Korenlei
Offers panoramic vistas of the canals and the city's stunning skyline, especially at sunset.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Book Ahead for Peak Times
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🗣️ Multilingual Guides
Many tours offer commentary in English, French, and Dutch. Ask about language options when booking!
💰 Value for Money
Tours are generally affordable, offering great value for an introduction to Ghent.
Gent for a week. Need suggestions as it's my first visit to Belgium.
Looking for tips from locals
🐶 Pet-Friendly Options
Some boat tours welcome well-behaved dogs, making it a great outing for the whole family.
⏱️ Tour Duration
Tours are often advertised as 40 minutes but can sometimes be closer to 30 minutes.
Tips
from all over the internet
🗣️ Multilingual Guides
Many tours offer commentary in English, French, and Dutch. Ask about language options when booking!
💰 Value for Money
Tours are generally affordable, offering great value for an introduction to Ghent.
🐶 Pet-Friendly Options
Some boat tours welcome well-behaved dogs, making it a great outing for the whole family.
⏱️ Tour Duration
Tours are often advertised as 40 minutes but can sometimes be closer to 30 minutes.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the breathtaking beauty of the Graslei and Korenlei, calling canal tours a 'must-do' for experiencing Ghent's medieval charm. The informative, multilingual guides and affordable prices are frequently highlighted as positives. However, some guests have noted tours can be shorter than advertised, and a few have experienced less engaging commentary from guides.
"Very motivated guidance, available in french and English. We learnt interesting stuff, the price is good and the boat is safe. A must do as a tourist in Ghent. Enjoy!"
Cosmin
"The tour of the beautiful city of Ghent through the water canals was amazing. The guide spoke English and Dutch and very informative tour, only that it is not 40 minutes rather 30 minutes. 10 euro per person.
It's a great way to experience the beauty of Ghent with its medieval architecture, which
is sometimes disregarded since people only think Brussels and Antwerp when they hear about Belgium."
Gee Ong-Vasile
"Took the 6pm tour. The guide didn’t give a damn about the passengers and gave a tour to himself mumbling in his mouth. Even though he did hold a mic, his mumbling was not clear and after 5 minutes people started having their own conversations"
yaksh ahluwalia
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Graslei and Korenlei piers are centrally located in Ghent's historic heart, easily accessible on foot from most city center accommodations. If arriving by train at Gent-Sint-Pieters station, you can take tram lines 1, 10, or 11 directly to the Korenmarkt stop, which is a short walk away.
Parking in the immediate vicinity is limited due to the historic nature of the area. It's recommended to use public transport or park in one of Ghent's multi-story car parks like St. Michael's or Kouter, then walk to the piers.
Absolutely! The Graslei and Korenlei are the focal point of Ghent's historic center. If you're exploring the city, you'll likely pass them. They are very easy to find.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Prices can vary, but typically range from 10 to 20 euros per person for a standard canal tour. It's always best to check with individual tour operators for the most current pricing.
For popular times, especially evening tours or during peak season, booking in advance is highly recommended to secure your spot. You can often book online or at ticket booths near the piers.
Boat tours generally operate daily, with departures spread throughout the day. Evening tours are particularly popular for seeing the city illuminated. Hours can vary by season and operator.
Yes, you can find standard guided tours, some offering specific historical insights, and others that might be more focused on a relaxed scenic experience. Some operators also offer private tours.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Most guided canal tours last between 30 to 40 minutes, providing a good overview of the city's waterways and key landmarks.
You'll glide past stunning medieval guild houses, historic bridges, the Gravensteen castle (from a distance), and get unique views of Ghent's architecture from the water.
Yes, canal tours are generally family-friendly. The gentle pace and interesting sights make them enjoyable for all ages.
Absolutely! The views from the canals are incredibly picturesque, making it a fantastic opportunity for photography. Just be mindful of other passengers.
Some tour boats are covered or have enclosed sections, offering protection from light rain or wind. It's advisable to check with the operator about their policy on inclement weather.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings offer soft, diffused light and fewer people, ideal for capturing the architecture. Golden hour in the late afternoon provides warm, dramatic lighting. Evening is magical with city lights reflecting on the water.
The Graslei and Korenlei themselves, with their ornate guild houses, are prime subjects. St. Michael's Bridge offers a classic panoramic view. Don't forget to look for reflections in the Leie river.
Try shooting from water level on a boat tour for unique perspectives. From the bridges, experiment with different focal lengths to capture both the grand scale and intricate details.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive canal views and architecture. A telephoto lens can be useful for details on buildings. A tripod can help with low-light evening shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tip: Pack some snacks and drinks, as tours are typically around 30-40 minutes. The open quays are great for a bit of running around before or after the boat trip, but always keep a close eye on children near the water.
💰 Budget Travelers
Tip: Pack your own picnic to enjoy by the canals instead of dining at pricier waterfront restaurants. Many of the most iconic views are accessible just by walking around the piers.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Tip: Consider taking a canal tour specifically for the unique water-level perspectives. St. Michael's Bridge provides a classic panoramic viewpoint, especially stunning at dusk.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Historic Heart: Graslei and Korenlei
Experiencing these iconic facades from a boat tour provides an unparalleled perspective. As you glide along the water, you can truly appreciate the scale and intricate details of the architecture that might be missed from street level. The reflections of the buildings in the calm waters of the Leie add an extra layer of magic, especially during the golden hour or when the city lights begin to twinkle.
Many visitors find that simply strolling along the quays, perhaps with a coffee or a Belgian waffle, is an activity in itself. The atmosphere is vibrant, especially on warmer days, with locals and tourists alike enjoying the scenic beauty. It’s a place where you can easily spend hours just soaking in the ambiance and marveling at the history etched into every stone.
Navigating Ghent's Waterways: Canal Tours
Travelers often highlight the multilingual capabilities of the guides, with many speaking English, French, and Dutch simultaneously, ensuring everyone on board can follow along. While some reviews mention tours being slightly shorter than advertised, the overall consensus is that they provide excellent value for money and a comprehensive introduction to Ghent's beauty.
When choosing a tour, consider the time of day. Early morning offers tranquility and soft light, while evening tours provide a romantic ambiance as the city lights up. Some tours are pet-friendly, making them a great option for travelers with furry companions.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit