The name of the city of Ghent derives from the Celtic word "ganda," meaning "confluence of rivers." And this is no coincidence: throughout its history, the city has been inextricably linked to water. Two rivers — the Lys and the Scheldt — converge here, forming a complex network of waterways that for centuries served as the main trade routes of Flanders.
Unlike Bruges with its extensive network of canals, Ghent`s water system is more concise, but no less picturesque. It is from the water that a beautiful perspective opens up onto the medieval grandeur of this Flemish city.
Water Routes of Ghent
Today, excursion boats cruise along Ghent`s rivers and canals, offering tourists the opportunity to see the city from an unusual angle. All routes start from the historic embankments and last from 40 minutes to an hour and a half.
Classic 40-Minute Route
The most popular route departs from the dock on the Graslei embankment. In 40 minutes, the boat passes through the very heart of medieval Ghent. The route includes views of the historic guild houses on the embankments, the Old Fish Market, the Great Butcher`s Hall, as well as the Castle of the Counts of Flanders. The excursion is accompanied by a guide`s commentary on the city`s history and its architectural treasures. The cost of such a tour is about 10 euros for adults and 6.5 euros for children under 12.
Extended 50-Minute Route
A longer excursion along Ghent`s rivers and canals allows you to see not only the main attractions but also to explore the less accessible corners of the Old Town. The route covers the famous three towers of Ghent — Saint Nicholas` Church, the Belfry, and Saint Bavo`s Cathedral — as well as the Princely Court, the birthplace of Emperor Charles V. Boats depart every 20–30 minutes depending on the season: from April to October from 10:00 to 18:00, from November to March from 10:45 to 16:15.
One-and-a-Half-Hour "Ghent Complete" Excursion
For those who wish to see the city as fully as possible, there is a 90-minute route, available in Dutch. This excursion covers three different waterways of Ghent, including passing under the Laurenplein square through special tunnels. The route includes the ancient port of Ghent with its quay walls and trading houses, the Castle of Gerald the Devil, the Bishop`s Palace, as well as the Nederschelde river and the Scaldis lock. This is the most comprehensive boat excursion along Ghent`s rivers and canals, allowing you to appreciate the scale of the medieval hydraulic system.
Starting Points for Ghent Canal Excursions
The main docks are located on the Graslei and Korenlei embankments, as well as at the Vleeshuisbrug bridge on Groentenmarkt. On Graslei is the dock of the company Gent Watertoerist — a white and red building by the water that is hard to miss. On the opposite side, on Korenlei, is the dock of Bootjes van Gent.
Boat excursions in Ghent operate year-round. In summer, open boats are used, allowing you to enjoy the sun and fresh breeze. In cold weather, passengers are offered covered boats and warm blankets. Even in rainy weather, excursions are not cancelled — umbrellas are always available on board.
Architecture of the Embankments
The main waterway of the Old Town is the Graslei and Korenlei embankments, which stretch along the course of the Lys river. These two embankments face each other, forming one of the most impressive architectural ensembles in Europe. In the Middle Ages, this was the thriving port of Tussen Bruggen, through which the main trade flows passed.
Graslei: The Grand Façade of Mercantile Ghent
The Graslei embankment is a true exhibition of Flemish medieval architecture. The façades of buildings constructed between the 12th and 17th centuries by wealthy merchants and craft guilds create a unique enfilade that captures the evolution of architectural styles.
Korenlei: The Intimate Beauty of Patrician Mansions
On the opposite bank, on the Korenlei embankment, the colour palette changes. Instead of the grey stone of Graslei, ochre and pink, light stone and red brick predominate, with a play of textures creating a more intimate, domestic atmosphere. This is where patrician mansions and inns were located, where noble travellers stayed.
Saint Michael`s Bridge: The Best Viewpoint
The two embankments are connected by Saint Michael`s Bridge, built in 1913 for the World`s Fair. It is from here that the most famous view of Ghent opens up: in one perspective, you see the three towers of the city — Saint Nicholas` Church, the Belfry, and Saint Bavo`s Cathedral — framed by the enfilade of guild houses reflected in the calm waters of the Lys. In the evening, when the lights come on, this view becomes truly magical.
The Old Fish Market and the Great Butcher`s Hall
The boat route along Ghent`s rivers and canals passes by two notable buildings connected to Ghent`s trading history. The Old Fish Market, with its characteristic architecture, recalls the times when fish caught in the Scheldt came directly from ships to the stalls. Opposite is the Great Butcher`s Hall — a monumental building where meat was traded in the Middle Ages, and today exhibitions and cultural events are held.
Castle of the Counts of Flanders: Fortress on the Water
One of the main highlights of all water routes along Ghent`s canals is the Castle of the Counts of Flanders, built in 1180 and considered the oldest castle in Belgium preserved in near-original condition. From the water, the most impressive perspective of this medieval fortification opens up. This was once the residence of the Counts of Flanders, who controlled the waterways and collected tolls from passing ships.
Practical Information
Seasonality: Excursions along Ghent`s rivers and canals operate year-round. In the summer season (April–October), boats depart every 20 minutes from 10:00 to 18:00. In the winter season (November–March), they depart every 30 minutes from 10:45 to 16:15.
Cost: Prices vary depending on the company and the duration of the excursion. A standard ticket for a 40-minute excursion costs about 10 euros, and for children under 12 — 6.5 euros. Discounts are available for groups of 20 or more, students, and seniors.
City Card: With the CityCard Gent, the classic historical boat excursion is free of charge.
Accessibility: Boats are not equipped to accommodate wheelchairs, but companies are willing to assist passengers with limited mobility provided they can (with help) negotiate two steps and take a seat on the bench.
Ghent`s rivers and canals are not just a tourist attraction — they are the city`s main transport artery. Taking to the water, you will see Ghent as merchants and seafarers knew it for seven centuries. Guild houses reflected in the calm water, the stern walls of the Castle of the Counts, elegant towers reaching for the sky — all of this comes together to form the unique medieval character that makes Ghent one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.
