audio tour gent

Hidden Ghent: A Self-Guided Audio Tour Of The Flemish City

• Lifetime access to this tour in English
• VoiceMap app for Android and iOS
• Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
• Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions en route
• Smartphone and headphones
• Transportation
• Food and drink
• De Post, Korenmarkt 16, 9000 Gent, Belgium The tour begins on the main square Korenmarkt on the steps in front of De Post at number 16. You can easily reach Korenmarkt from most parts of the city. It's about 20 minutes on foot from Sint-Pieters train station.
• Donkersteeg 57, 9000 Gent, Belgium The walk ends at the art installation known as the Golden Column. The installation consists of a column with a golden chain of shapes representing Ghent's mediaeval windows.
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Most travelers can participate
• This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
• All sales are final and incur 100% cancellation penalties.
• St. Bavo's Cathedral (Sint-Baafskathedraal)
• Graslei and Korenlei
• The Old Fish Market - Ghent

Similar experiences

• You'll start at De Post Korenmarkt 16, 9000 Gent, Belgium The tour begins on the main square Korenmarkt on the steps in front of De Post at number 16. You can easily reach Korenmarkt from most parts of the city. It's about 20 minutes on foot from Sint-Pieters train station. See address & details
• Pass by De Post Saint Michael's Church St Michael's Bridge Graslei and Korenlei Gravensteen Lievebrug Rozanetuin The Old Fish Market - Ghent St. Bavo's Cathedral (Sint-Baafskathedraal)
• You'll end at Donkersteeg 57 Donkersteeg 57, 9000 Gent, Belgium The walk ends at the art installation known as the Golden Column. The installation consists of a column with a golden chain of shapes representing Ghent's mediaeval windows. See address & details

More to explore in Ghent

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Hidden Ghent: A Self-Guided Audio Tour Of The Flemish City provided by VoiceMap Ghent

Castle of the Counts

Historische huizen gent, comedy audio tour.

In his well-known witty style, Wouter Deprez takes you on his tour of the Castle of the Counts. Through the unique audio guide, he shares his fascination for Philip of Alsace, builder of Flanders’ most impressive fortress. He serves up his view of a world of roaming counts, crusaders, and courtly love. With the equally poetic and amusing drawings of illustrator Randall Casaer, you feel the spirit of the Middle Ages. 

To make the most of your visit with audioguided, it is best to provide an hour and a half.

The audio guide is included in the entrance ticket. Available in Dutch, French, English, German and Spanish.

Witchcraft, tournaments, adultery, and hefty religious unrest: the Castle of the Counts brings together all my hobbies. It’s a hugely interesting adventure for me to show the way in this fantastic fortress. Wouter Deprez, comedian

• 6 Show all photos

Historische Huizen Gent Sint-Pietersplein 9 9000 Ghent, Belgium

• +32 9 266 85 00
• [email protected]

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In cooperation with District09

AudioGuide Ghent

• The most fun experience to discover Ghent
• Discounts to most iconic bars and restaurant in Ghent
• Entry/Admission - Gravensteen
• Korenmarkt, 9000 Gent, Belgium Download the app, AudioGuide Ghent, on the App & Play Store. The app will guide you from your location towards the starting point of the tour in the Center of Ghent: The Korenmarkt.
• Wheelchair accessible
• Pushchair accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Near public transportation
• Transportation is wheelchair accessible
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Most travellers can participate
• This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
• Gravensteen
• St. Bavo's Cathedral (Sint-Baafskathedraal)
• Graslei and Korenlei
• St Michael's Bridge
• Graffiti Street

Similar experiences

• You'll start at Korenmarkt Korenmarkt, 9000 Gent, Belgium Download the app, AudioGuide Ghent, on the App & Play Store. The app will guide you from your location towards the starting point of the tour in the Center of Ghent: The Korenmarkt. See address & details
• 1 Gravensteen Stop: 15 minutes - Admission excluded See details
• 2 Graffiti Street Stop: 15 minutes See details
• 3 St Michael's Bridge Stop: 15 minutes See details
• 4 Graslei and Korenlei Stop: 15 minutes See details
• 5 St. Bavo's Cathedral (Sint-Baafskathedraal) Stop: 15 minutes See details
• 6 Korenmarkt Stop: 15 minutes See details
• You'll return to the starting point

More to explore in Ghent

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

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AudioGuide Ghent provided by AudioGuide Ghent

Gravensteen Castle in Ghent: An extended Traveler’s Guide

October 8, 2023 | Posted in: Belgium

Gravensteen Castle is a medieval fortress in Ghent, Belgium, built in 1180 by Philip of Alsace. It was the main home for the Counts of Flanders for over 200 years. The castle's architecture was inspired by crusader castles. After the Counts moved out in the 14th century, the castle served various roles, including courthouse, prison, and textile factory. It underwent restoration in the late 19th century and opened as a museum in 1953.

The castle is centrally located in Ghent's historic Patershol neighborhood. It's near landmarks like Saint Bavo's Cathedral and the Belfort bell tower. It is accessible and surrounded by shops and restaurants.

Gravensteen has a dark history of torture. During its time as a prison, the lower levels housed torture chambers filled with various devices. This dark aspect remains a key part of the castle's narrative.

Visiting hours are from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, except on major Belgian holidays. The best time to visit is during the summer, but it can get crowded. A typical visit lasts 1-2 hours. Gravensteen has house rules including no food or drinks, no photography in some areas, and bags must be checked.

Visitors praise the castle's imposing architecture and well-preserved interior. The audio tour, in particular, receives excellent reviews for its entertaining yet informative style. The tour, narrated by a Flemish comedian, is a highlight for many and brings the castle's history to life. Gravensteen Castle is considered a must-visit attraction in Ghent.

What is Gravensteen Castle?

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Gravensteen Castle is a 12th century medieval castle located in the heart of Ghent, Belgium. With its moat, imposing stone walls and turrets, Gravensteen is one of the most well-preserved and iconic examples of a medieval fortress in Europe. First built in 1180 by Philip of Alsace, the Count of Flanders at the time, Gravensteen Castle served as the main residence for the Counts of Flanders for over 2 centuries. Its design was inspired by crusader castles that Count Philip encountered during the Second Crusade. Gravensteen's name translates to “Castle of the Count” in Dutch. Over the centuries after the Counts of Flanders moved out in the 14th century, the castle fell into disrepair and was used for a variety of purposes including a courthouse, prison and textile factory. Extensive restorations began in the late 19th century to return it to its former medieval glory. Today, Gravensteen stands as an impressive architectural feat and remarkable vestige of medieval Ghent. It also provides an immersive glimpse into medieval life with its grand halls, artifacts like suits of armor, and eerie torture chambers. Gravensteen Castle has been open as a museum since 1953 and receives over 350,000 visitors annually.

Where is Gravensteen Castle?

Gravensteen Castle is located in the heart of medieval Ghent at Sint-Veerleplein 11, 9000 Ghent, Belgium. This places the castle in the historic Patershol neighborhood along the river Leie in central Ghent. Gravensteen is situated just south of the Korenmarkt and Graslei, well-known squares at the core of the city center. Some key landmarks near Gravensteen Castle include Saint Bavo's Cathedral which is about a 10 minute walk north, the famous medieval bell tower called Belfort which is 15 minutes southeast on foot, and the Grasbrug bridge over the Leie immediately west of the castle. Gravensteen is surrounded by charming cobblestone streets, picturesque canals, shops, cafes and restaurants that make up medieval Ghent. So the castle is truly located in the heart of the historic and vibrant city center, making it very conveniently accessible for visitors.

After centuries of varied use and neglect, Gravensteen Castle underwent major restorations to return it to its original medieval state and opened to the public in 1953 as a museum. Prior to this, the castle served many purposes over its long history. The Counts of Flanders used Gravensteen as their main residence from the 12th to 14th centuries when they moved out. It was subsequently used as a courthouse, prison and site for executions for over 400 years from the late 15th century to 1820s. During the 19th century, Gravensteen became a cotton factory until the city of Ghent acquired it in 1887. Restorations done in the late 19th and early 20th centuries removed later additions, repaired crumbling walls and recreated the medieval aesthetic. Despite the years of alternate uses, the basic structure and many original elements survived. The opening as a public museum in 1953 marked the first time the entirety of Gravensteen Castle could be explored after centuries of limited access. This allowed the public to fully experience the imposing medieval architecture along with exhibits about daily medieval life. Since 1953, Gravensteen has welcomed over 25 million visitors from around the world.

What is the history of Gravensteen Castle?

The history of Gravensteen Castle spans over 800 years since it was first constructed in 1180 for Philip of Alsace, the Count of Flanders after he returned from the Second Crusade. Its design mimicked the crusader castles Philip encountered in the Holy Land. The castle served as the main residence for the Counts of Flanders and seat of their power for over 2 centuries until 1353. After the Counts relocated, Gravensteen was used as a courthouse from the 15th to 18th centuries. During this time, it also housed a prison and torture chambers and earned the grim nickname “Castle of the Counts.” In the 1820s, the city took control of Gravensteen from the national government and used it for various civic purposes. From the 1840s to 1880s, it became a cotton factory run by the Liebaert family who installed machinery in the castle. After the city reacquired it in 1887, restoration work began to return Gravensteen to its original medieval glory. From 1953, the fully restored Gravensteen opened as a museum focused on daily medieval life. Today, it provides an authentic look at medieval architecture, history and culture. The 800-year story of Gravensteen reflects Ghent's growth from medieval city to industrial hub and now a tourist destination.

Gravensteen Castle has a sinister history of torture within its walls during the centuries it was used as a prison from the late 15th to early 19th centuries. During this time, the lower levels of Gravensteen Castle contained dank dungeons where prisoners were tortured and executed. The torture chambers and devices were intended to extract confessions or punish prisoners. Some of the torturous contraptions on display include an iron maiden, rack and hanged cages. Prisoners were also mutilated, blinded or even buried alive. The most senior dungeon officer was called the duke of the cellar. Executions occurred in the castle courtyard on a platform called the Wheat Market. Corpses were then displayed at the nearby tower called Geeraard de Duivelsteen. This gruesome legacy of suffering partially led to Gravensteen's moniker the “Castle of the Counts.” While certainly grim, the torture chambers and dungeons provide insight into medieval justice systems and punishment. Today, Gravensteen's torture collection is considered unique as one of the most well-preserved in Europe. However, the dark history understandably disturbs some visitors. The torture relics remain a fundamental part of the castle's centuries-old narrative.

Gravensteen Castle is open year-round except for major Belgian holidays. The standard visiting hours are from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily. Last admission is at 5:00 PM since it takes about an hour for visitors to fully experience the castle interior. Gravensteen Castle is only closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. The castle opens at 2:00 PM on 24 and 31 December. Additional closures or shortened hours are posted on the official website in case of private events or renovations. The ticket desk at the entrance stops selling tickets 30 minutes before closing time. The opening hours allow visitors ample time to explore the various rooms, exhibitions, dungeons, ramparts and courtyard at their leisure. With the extensive hours all year-round, tourists can easily fit a visit to iconic Gravensteen Castle into their Ghent itinerary when feasible. Visitors should plan sufficient time since there is much to see inside the castle that spans centuries of history.

When is the best time to visit Gravensteen Castle?

The best time to visit Gravensteen Castle is generally during the summer months between June and August. The weather in Ghent is mildest and sunniest during midsummer, providing pleasant conditions to walk to and explore the outdoor ramparts of the castle. Summer also offers the most hours of daylight to view the castle exterior. Since Gravensteen Castle is indoors, it can be visited year-round but summer offers the most agreeable experience. The major downside is that summertime is also peak tourist season so Gravensteen can get crowded, especially midday. Visiting in May, September or October are good alternatives with fewer tourist crowds, lower rates and comfortable weather before Belgium's rainy season begins. No matter when you visit, going early in the morning is best for thinner crowds. Given its immense popularity, Gravensteen Castle draws steady visitors year-round regardless of season or weather.

Yes, Gravensteen Castle is generally regarded as very safe to visit. No major incidents have occurred and the castle has security personnel present during opening hours. Bags may need to be checked which helps maintain safety. The castle itself is structurally sound after renovations. The neighborhood surrounding Gravensteen in central Ghent is also considered extremely safe for tourists. Belgium has low crime rates that make sites like Gravensteen safe for travelers. Visitors should exercise basic precautions as in any crowded environment. Overall, Gravensteen Castle has a excellent safety record and lacks significant hazards beyond dark, narrow stairways that require caution. Visitors of all ages can feel at ease spending a few hours exploring this fascinating Belgian landmark.

How much is the cost for entering for Gravensteen Castle?

The entrance fee to visit Gravensteen Castle is 13 euros per adult. Special discounted rates apply to seniors, students and children and toddlers. Children under 12 enter for free when accompanied by an adult. Family tickets are available for families of 2 adults and children. Other discounted combination tickets can be purchased that include other Ghent museums like the Design Museum and S.M.A.K. Tickets can be bought at the castle entrance, online in advance, or at Ghent's tourist information centers. Tickets can also be bought online. The entrance fees are very reasonable given the castle's prestige as a top attraction. Visitors should allow at least 1-2 hours to fully experience Gravensteen Castle so the fee provides an excellent value.

There is no time limit for how long you can stay inside Gravensteen Castle during regular opening hours. Visitors are welcome to explore Gravensteen at their own pace for as long as they wish until the museum closes each day at 6:00 PM (5:00 PM last admission). The average length of visit is 1-2 hours which allows enough time to leisurely view the various rooms with exhibitions, the interior courtyard, dungeons and torture chambers, and the ramparts. Some visitors stay closer to the minimum time while history buffs linger longer reading details. Guided tours are 75 minutes so set a good timeframe. Those wanting to maximize time inside Gravensteen should arrive early in the day when it opens. Regardless of length, visitors are immersed in over 800 years of history inside one of Belgium's most majestic medieval castles.

The typical time visitors spend exploring Gravensteen Castle is 1 to 2 hours. This allows enough time to walk through the interior exhibits at a relaxed pace, climb the ramparts for views of Ghent, and descend into the dungeons and torture chamber. For context, the standard audio tour lasts about 50 minutes. Those wishing for an in-depth experience can book a 75 minute guided tour. But most visitors are satisfied with 1-2 hours to marvel at the grand architecture and artifacts. Those short on time can see the highlights in a hurried 1 hour visit but will miss nuances. Visitors wanting a comprehensive experience should devote the full 2 hours to appreciate everything Gravensteen has to offer. Time can pass quickly when immersed in the imposing medieval atmosphere.

How to get to Gravensteen Castle?

Gravensteen Castle is centrally located in downtown Ghent that makes it easy to access in multiple ways:

• Public Transportation: The closest tram stop is Gravensteen right in front of the castle entrance. This is on tram routes 1, 2 and 4. Other nearby stops like Sint-Michielsbrug, Korenmarkt and Belfort on various tram routes are a quick 5-10 minute walk.
• Walking: Gravensteen is very walkable since it's situated right in the historic core of central Ghent. It's just over a kilometer from Sint-Niklaas Train Station which takes 15 minutes on foot.
• Cycling: Ghent is very bike-friendly so cycling to Gravensteen Castle is popular. Bike rental stations are available across the city.
• Car: Driving and parking is difficult since Gravensteen is in the old city center. Parking garages like Vrijdagmarkt are a 10-15 minute walk away.
• Boat: A river boat tour on the Leie Canal stops right by Gravensteen Castle.

Gravensteen's premier location enables simple access through Ghent's many transportation modes. Visitors should consider the tram or walking as the easiest options to reach this iconic medieval landmark.

Gravensteen Castle has house rules in place to preserve the integrity of the museum and ensure an enjoyable experience for all visitors:

• No food or drinks. No food or drinks allowed inside the castle. A cafe is onsite for refreshments.
• Photography is prohibited. Photography prohibited in certain designated areas to protect artifacts.
• Do not touch. Do not touch any exhibits, interiors or artifacts within the castle.
• Bags must be checked. Large/heavy bags must be checked into lockers and cloakroom onsite.
• Children Policy. Children must be supervised by parents/guardians at all times.
• Audio Device Policy. Audio devices must be used with headphones only.
• No pets. No pets allowed except certified service animals.
• Conduct Policy. Follow all signs and instructions from museum staff.
• Dress Code Policy. Proper attire and footwear required – no bare feet allowed.

These policies help Gravensteen Castle maintain the integrity of its precious medieval architecture and artifacts for future generations to appreciate. Visitors who follow the simple house rules can deeply enjoy their time exploring this one-of-a-kind Belgian castle museum.

Gravensteen Castle in Ghent, Belgium emerges as a highlight for many visitors, who describe it as a beautiful, imposing medieval fortress that transports you back in time. Reviewers frequently mention the robust defensive architecture including the tall walls, turrets, moat, and drawbridge as impressive and picturesque. The castle interior receives consistent praise, with travelers describing the rooms, armory, dungeons, and torture chambers as fascinating glimpses into medieval life. Many recommend taking advantage of the panoramic views of Ghent from the castle towers and rooftops, calling them stunning and breathtaking.

However, the standout aspect that elevates Gravensteen seems to be the audio tour included with admission. Numerous reviewers call it one of the best and most unique audio tours they’ve experienced, entertaining and funny yet still informative. The humorous delivery by a Flemish comedian surprises people and makes the history engaging for both kids and adults. People say it brings the castle to life through stories of its inhabitants, avoiding dry facts. Reviewers recommend not missing the audio tour. With it, the castle becomes an absolute must-see attraction. Without it, the experience feels empty.

Beyond the audio tour, travelers describe Gravensteen as an architectural gem and highlight of any visit to Ghent. It provides beautiful scenery for photos and an unforgettable glimpse into medieval history and culture. Though challenging for those less mobile due to the narrow stairs, most agree Gravensteen Castle is well worth visiting.

Does it worth it to visit Gravensteen Castle?

Absolutely, Gravensteen Castle is extremely worthwhile to visit for several reasons. As one of the best maintained medieval castles in Belgium and Europe, Gravensteen offers the rare chance to view 12th century architecture and artifacts in situ. Walking through the Gothic halls, dungeons and ramparts transports you back in time and brings history to life. Beyond its magnificent physical presence, Gravensteen houses insightful exhibits that illuminate daily medieval life. All this historical significance comes at an affordable price making it a must-see attraction. Gravensteen also occupies a central location in picturesque Ghent that is easy to access. Considering its combination of immense heritage value, interactive experience and prime location in the city, Gravensteen Castle is absolutely worth a visit for anyone traveling to Ghent or Flanders.

Yes, Gravensteen Castle offers guided tours that provide further historical context and insight into the castle. Guided tours must be reserved in advance online and have an additional cost of 60 euros for a group of up to 25 people. The standard guided tour is available in Dutch, French, English or German and lasts approximately 75 minutes. Private guided tours are also available at a higher cost. Guided tours explore both the interior castle rooms and exterior courtyards. Another option is renting an audio guide at the entrance which provides narration in various languages for a more self-guided experience. This option is usually enough for almost all travellers. Guided tours are ideal for visitors wanting a deeper understanding of Gravensteen's history and architecture than reading placards. Through expert storytelling, the castle's rich past comes even more dramatically to life.

What are the best things to in Ghent aside Gravensteen Castle?

Listed below are the best things to do in Ghent aside Gravensteen Castle.

• Belfry of Ghent. The Belfry of Ghent is a 13th century bell tower in Ghent's historic center. At 91 meters tall, it offers panoramic city views. Its spire has a golden dragon weathervane from 1377. The tower contains a carillon with 54 bells and is part of a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visitors can take the lift or climb 366 steps to the top. Located off Sint-Baafsplein, the belfry appeals to sightseers and photographers. Admission is 11€ ($12, £10). Open daily 10am-6pm. Visiting the Belfry of Ghent is one of the most popular things to do in Ghent .
• Ghent's local delicacies. Ghent has signature local delicacies like the purple conical raspberry-flavored candy called cuberdon and the vegetable stew Gentse waterzooi. The Great Butchers' Hall displays over 175 regional products. Ghent is a haven for vegetarians with “veggie days” on Thursdays in restaurants. Foodies flock here for the diverse cuisine.
• Patershol. Patershol is a historic neighborhood with cobblestone streets and medieval architecture dating to the 12th century. Once home to leather traders, it is now a trendy district with restaurants, bars, galleries and cafés. Located by the Castle of the Counts, it offers charming ambience. Patershol appeals to photographers and foodies.
• House of Alijn. The House of Alijn in a former children's hospital illuminates daily life in 20th century Ghent through recreated shops, exhibits and artifacts. Located at Kraanlei 65, it appeals to all ages. Hands-on exhibits bring history to life. Admission is 9€ ($9.50, £7.70). Open Tuesday-Sunday 10am-5pm, closed Mondays.

Ghent is moderately expensive compared to other European destinations. It's not the cheapest, but also not excessively expensive. Accommodation can be pricey, with decent 3-star hotels averaging around 120 EUR ($134, £96) per night. However, cheaper options like hostels and Airbnbs are available. Public transportation is fairly priced, with a standard ticket costing 3 EUR ($3.35, £2.40) and day passes available for 6 EUR ($6.70, £4.80). Attractions and activities have competitive rates. Museums and boat tours start at around 10 EUR ($11, £8). Free walking tours are also available. Dining out at restaurants can get costly, with a three course meal for two averaging 60 EUR ($67, £48). But groceries from markets and supermarkets are reasonably priced. Drinks like beer and wine are more expensive than other parts of Europe, at 4-6 EUR ($4.50-6.70, £3.20-4.80) each.

Visiting Ghent on a tight budget is certainly possible if you choose more affordable options for accommodation, food, and activities. But it's not an ultra-cheap city. Careful budgeting is recommended to avoid unexpectedly high costs.

Ghent to Brussels travel can be completed in a variety of ways, with the most common options being by train, bus, or car. The distance between Ghent and Brussels is approximately 50 kilometers (31 miles). By car, the drive takes around 1 hour in normal traffic conditions. Taking the bus or train from Ghent to Brussels is a bit longer, but more convenient as you don't have to focus on driving. The bus takes around 1 hour and 50 minutes for the direct trip. The train is the fastest public transport option at just 28-40 minutes depending on the train type and number of stops. Most travelers choose the train for its speed and frequency, with departures available every 10-15 minutes during the day. Train tickets cost around €10 ($11, £9) each way.

Travel between Ghent and Brussels is relatively affordable. Train tickets average €10-15 ($11-17, £9-14) each way. You can find bus tickets for as low as €5 ($6, £5). Hotels and restaurants are moderately priced in both cities. Travelers on a budget can find accommodation for around €50 ($56, £46) per night. Those looking for a bit more luxury can expect to spend €100-150 ($112-168, £92-139) or more per night. With cheap transportation and reasonably priced lodging and food, Ghent to Brussels makes for an inexpensive city break. 

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Michelle - Very Hungry Explorer says

I’ve been meaning to go inside the castle for ages – so interesting to see what’s actually in it. That view from the top is gorgeous.

Now that you’ve seen it on photo you’ll have to go up there yourself!:)

Beautiful! Did you know this castle passed as Warwick Castle in ‘The White Queen’ series? Funny!

I did not know that! And I have to admit I hadn’t heard of “The White Queen” yet:)

Check it out. I loved that series. It’s made after a book.

It’s noted:D Thanks for the recommendation!

mytravelnama says

Superb Mam…you have really created a mark of your own…Double thumps up…

12v led says

Some genuinely good info, Gladiolus I discovered this.

Hahaha, thanks :-)

Yamily says

I went to Ghent recently, but I didn’t manage to visit inside the castle, I will definitely be back.

It’s quite fun to visit!

Roland says

Maybe something that might interest you. in 1180 It was built on an old motte site after the image of another castle in present Syria (I think Aleppo), but because Flanders can be quit chilly, the castle was abandoned early 14th century as a living space, and the counts of Flanders moved to the Prinsenhof (court of princes), a cosy little palace not so far from the castle. The castle was on one side of the river to show its strength toward the rich patricians who were also able to build stone houses,on the other side of the river, and to make clear who was in power, because many times the power and rights of the counts was challenged,. It’s a bit weird that, even with modern technology, the old mediëval buildings of Belgium were used for the White Queen series. It makes people believe that royalty lived in weathered and chilly stone prisons without decoration.

Thanks so much for the additional info, Roland!

Alessandra says

Hi, how many hours does it take to visit the castle?

Hey Alessandra, It depends on whether you want to listen to the full audio guide or just have a look around. I’d say you can do it in a hour.

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Audio guide permanent collection

Our new audio tour takes you past over 50 highlights of the museum's collection! The audio guide offers new insights and fun facts and invites you to pause for a while and look at remarkable details in the artworks.

The audio tour allows you to discover new insights and fun facts, and invites you to dwell longer on remarkable details in the works. Each stop on the tour is independent, so you can choose how often you want to stop, listen and look.

The route through the collection also includes several in-depth stops. We use the audioguide as an instrument to create multiperspectivity. We offer more space for other stories and interpretations to emerge alongside certain artworks. This gives us the opportunity to broaden the perspective on our collection and demonstrate that artworks evoke different references, thoughts, memories, and inspirations for everyone.

There are four in-depth themes to explore:

• Schoonvolk! : Contemporary interpretations of the collection by the museum's youth collective
• MuSiKa : Musical interpretations by Ehsan Yadollahi and Shalan Alhamwy, in collaboration with De Centrale
• Audio description : Extensive descriptions for visitors with visual impairments
• LGBTQ+ : Seven regular stops have been replaced with new audio fragments that examine the works from a queer perspective

The audio tour is available in Dutch, French and English and is included in your ticket, just ask for it at the ticket desk! There's a version for adults and  a version for families  (from 6 years of age), so that even the youngest museum-goer can experience the works of art in MSK for the first time.

Uitbreiding bij de audiogids

Schoonvolk! audio guide

MuSika audio guide

Audio descriptions

Also available:.

Cramming at MSK

Kina & MSK: Adventures between art and nature

Tactile plates for the blind and visually impaired

Exhibitions.

The Collection

Worldwide Walkers

Visiting the Gruesome Gravensteen Castle in Ghent

One of the darkest, yet most impressive places to visit in Ghent is the Gravensteen Castle.

Within Gravensteen’s castle walls you’ll go back in time and learn about the counts of Ghent and their crazy love for torture and power.

In the Middle Ages, a lot of people died within these stone walls in the most gruesome ways imaginable. But today Gravensteen Castle is just a harmless (and pretty interesting) tourist attraction where you can learn about the Medieval times in Belgium.

Since we’ve visited Gravensteen Castle twice, we think it’s time to put our experience into the travel blog. So, in this blog post we’ll share our own experience in Gravensteen castle, the important history and facts about the place, plus all the practical information that you need to go visit the castle by yourself.

A little disclaimer: We have tried not to write too detailed about these gruesome events that took place within the castle. However, it’s inevitable not to write about them at all because they’re part of the history of Gravensteen Castle. So, if you feel uncomfortable with reading about torture in the Middle Ages, then you should probably leave this blog post now.

We also don’t claim to be historians in any way, this is just our personal experience of touring Ghent’s famous castle.

Now, if you’re ready – let’s learn about this rather dark place in one of our favorite cities on earth! This is our trip to Gravensteen Castle in Ghent.

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About Gravensteen Castle in Ghent

First things first, let’s make sure that you can go on a trip to Ghent’s castle yourself. Here you can find information about how to get there, opening hours, ticket prices and how long it takes to visit Gravensteen Castle.

How to get to Gravensteen in Ghent?

It’s super easy to get to Gravensteen Castle with public transportation from Gent-sint-Pieters Station.

Just take the tram line in front of Gent Station and ride it into the city center where you can walk the remaining distance to the castle. A single ticket with the tram costs €2,5.

You can also just use your legs and walk the 2,8 kilometers to Gravensteen from Gent Station – calling ourselves the Worldwide Walkers, that’s our main form of transportation.

Gravensteen Castle opening hours 2024

The official opening hours to Gravensteen Castle is every day from 10 AM – 6 PM.

However, you should take into account that the castle closes at 6 PM and you need some time to experience the place beforehand.

The last admission at the online booking system says to arrive between 4:20 – 4:40 PM, so come no later than this hour and you’ll have enough time to go explore the castle before it closes.

Gravensteen Castle tickets 2024

The entrance fees to Gravensteen vary a lot, so we made a table below with some of the ticket types and prices. Unless you’re a child, student, or live in Ghent – then expect to pay the basic price of €13. You can book your Gravensteen tickets here .

You can either buy your ticket directly at the counter or book it online. We suggest you book in advance during busy periods to secure your spot.

And remember to grab your free audioguide before you start your tour around Gravensteen Castle.

How long is a visit to Gravensteen?

It took us 1,5 hour to go through the whole place with an audioguide. So expect to spent between 1-2 hours on your visit to Ghent’s iconic castle.

This means that you don’t have to set aside a full day to visit the Gravensteen Castle, which gives you time to explore more of Gent. So make sure to go by some of the other great historical buildings or go on a guided tour in Gent to learn more about this amazing city.

History & facts about Gravensteen Castle

Before we share our experience, we’d like to tell you a bit about the history of Gravensteen Castle. We learned most of this from the audioguide that’s available at your visit in the castle. So, make sure to pick up the free audioguide before you start your tour around the Gravensteen.

Gravensteen Castle was built in 1180 by Philip of Alsace, who was the Count of Flanders from 1168 until his death in 1191.

The name “Gravensteen” refers to a castle that’s made out of stone for the count. And rightfully, the whole castle is built in stone, and its walls are still standing strong today.

From 1180 to 1353, Gravensteen Castle housed several Counts of Flanders, and it’s therefore also known as the “Castle of the Counts”.

For many centuries, grim things took place inside of Gravensteen Castle and in its courtyard. In fact, if you didn’t have an invite to the castle and Philip of Alsace wasn’t in the mood to see you, then you could expect hot oil or big rocks to fall from the castle walls and onto your head. Not a very pleasant way to be told to bugger off.

Gravensteen Castle is also known for its torture chambers where many disgusting things happened back in the Middle Ages. When I think about the Middle Ages, I always think of kings and queens and great love stories. However, the Middle Ages were actually really brutal – and probably more deadly than romantic…

A lot of things happened to Gravensteen Castle during its time in Ghent. Apart from being a castle housing the Count of Flanders, it also used to be a court, a prison, and even a cotton factory.

There is so much interesting history in the city of Ghent, and Gravensteen Castle is one of the best places to get sucked into another time period and experience what Ghent was like hundreds of years ago.

• Related blog post: Things to do in Ghent

What to expect on a day trip to Ghent’s castle

In this section, we’ll share more pictures from Ghent’s castle and tell you what you can expect on a day trip to Gravensteen.

First we bought our tickets to Gravensteen Castle at the ticket counter. It went smooth and the woman behind the counter was really nice. Then we went to pick up our free audioguides. We quickly learned that the audioguide is half of the experience – without it, you’ll just walk through empty rooms in an old castle and don’t learn anything.

The audioguide in English is also pretty funny – so you won’t feel bored during your visit.

The first room you visit is where the knights used to gather in the castle. However, they always started fighting over their local feuds, which always left a mess in the castle. In this room you can see all the old lances that were used for jousting, several armors worn by knights, and many different weapons used by the knights of Flanders.

Next stop is the roof.

We visited Gravensteen Castle during the winter – The snow had just fallen in Belgium, which left a beautiful white layer on the rooftops of Ghent. Unfortunately, it also meant that Gravensteen’s rooftop was closed due to slipperiness. Normally you get an amazing view over Ghent city from the rooftop of the castle. But we’ll just have to come back and take more pictures another day.

Then we went to see where Count Philip of Alsace and Countess Elisabeth used to live. There are not really anything to see in these rooms. But the audioguide tells you a bit about their history as a couple. Apparently, he was only 14 years old and she was only 13 years old when they got married. They never had any children together.

Afterwards, things started to get grim. It’s at this point in touring the castle that you learn about the horrors that took place here.

First you see the oubliette, which is basically a dungeon in the castle. Here the count could throw down people who had committed crimes – or just got on his nerve.

Afterwards, you’re let into a room where you see the drawings of the 5 most horrible execution stories from the castle. In my opinion, the grimmest story was about the man who was boiled alive in the 16th century (if I remember correct). That just sounds so painful, I can’t even begin to imagine it!

Then the tour takes you to the darkest room of the castle. It’s basically a room filled with all these different instruments that was used for torturing people in the Middle Ages. The room was different when I visited Gravensteen Castle a few years ago. There used to be dolls in these hurtful instruments to showcase how the instruments worked, but today you just have to use your imagination.

So, it’s actually less uncomfortable to visit now because you don’t see these dolls, but it also means that you don’t understand how most of these instruments worked. And maybe that’s okay..? I mean, it’s not that pleasant to know.

Afterwards, you visit the most uncomfortable room in the castle (at least for me!)… The squared room! This room used to have four chains linked to each of the four walls. Then in the middle of the room was a stool with a person connected to all of these four chains. Have a look at the photo below, and you get the picture…

“Funny” story – If you were chained to this device, then you could have your friends come over and cheer you on. There was a man who was sitting on this chair for more than a week. The authority at the time was trying to get a confession out of him. However, because his friends and family came to cheer him on he never lost hope and therefore never confessed.

He was eventually one of the few people who survived the grim torture of Gravensteen Castle.

You also get to visit the toilets. Another funny story – the count and countess went to the toilet on the castle walls, so “it” went directly into the moat around the castle. That way, the people living in the village could see what came out of the count and countess. The Middle Ages was such a strange time. I mean, why would people want to watch that?

The tour around the castle ended with the story of Philip of Alsace’s death. He died in a crusade in Syria from an unknown illness. Somehow his death wrapped up the whole experience in Gravensteen Castle, and it was overall a great place to end the tour.

We hope you enjoyed this bizarre and dark (yet interesting) blog post about Ghent’s Gravensteen Castle. Feel free to leave a comment if you want to visit Gravensteen yourself and have any questions about your visit.

You can also read our blog post about things to do in Ghent , because there are so many other great attractions in this city apart from the Gravensteen. So, make sure to check it out before your trip to amazing Ghent.

Thanks for reading and happy travels!

Like these types of posts? Check out similar:

• Belfry Tower of Bruges in Belgium
• Castelo de São Jorge in Portugal

Hi, I'm Cecilie! And I'm the writer behind our travel blog. I only write about places that we've personally been to and want to recommend to you. I'm passionate about creating truthful travel guides, which can help you plan your own trip. When I'm not traveling or writing, you'll find me on a hiking trail, in a coffee shop, or in a shoe store around Copenhagen.

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Guided tours in Ghent

Enjoy one of the many thematic tours offered by these tourist guides. The choice is yours!

The Brewery

Gentse Gidsen

Individual guides

Legends Tours

Charlie Tours

Ghent-Authentic

Eco Tours Mixua

GhentCityGuide

Genius Gent

Tours of Ghent

Or visit Ghent in a sporty way with guide:

CityCycling Gent

Ghent Active Guides

TOURS & ACTIVITIES IN GHENT

Free Historical Tour: Legends of Ghent

In english, voluntary contribution.

History and medieval legends! | 2 hours | Tip-based | Book now

Explore the medieval heart of Ghent while learning about the history and legends of the city with an experienced local guide.

Meeting point 

The tour starts in front of Hostel Uppelink, Sint-Michielsplein 21, 9000 Gent. Look out for the red umbrella!

About the tour     

Join our daily Free Historical Tour of Gent and discover the highlights of this gorgeous city in the company of our knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides. We take you on a journey through the legendary past of Ghent and give you lots of tips on where to go and what to do in the city today.

History and funny stories, legends and interesting facts, highlights and hidden gems — this tour has got everything to make your experience of Ghent authentic and exciting!

Places we visit

Saint Michael’s Bridge | Saint Nicholas Church | Grass Quay & Corn Quay | Saint Bavo’s Cathedral | Belfry | City Hall | Guild Houses | Gravensteen Castle | Friday Market | Duivelsteen | and more

Pay what you like

We believe that anyone can enjoy our tours no matter the budget. Therefore, we offer our free tours on the basis of tips, which means that we'll try our best to give you an excellent overview of the city and at the end of the tour you are free to tip your guide as much as you think the tour is worth to you. 

Online booking is required to guarantee your spot on the tour. 

Max. 6 people per booking (children -12 not included). Are you traveling in a group of 7 or more? Please contact us via email for private tour options: [email protected] 

Good to know

Join our daily Gent by Night Free Tour to visit a different part of Ghent and complete your introduction to the city!

See you soon for a legendary time with us in Bruges, Brussels, Ghent & Antwerp!

Highly recommended! What a nice way to walk around Ghent. We walked the tour with Sophia and laughed a lot about the stories and enjoyed beautiful Ghent.

  More Guruwalk reviews

Despite the rain, Sebastien told us very nicely about the city. Not only the interesting history was discussed, but also tips about nice places and where to find the best beer! Interesting stories where humour was not lacking :) Definitely recommended!

More TripAdvisor reviews

Top. Highly recommended to explore Ghent! Top guide Paulina! Must do if you want to learn more about this city in a 2-hour walking tour at a leisurely pace

More Facebook reviews

We got the tour from Bram. Bram was able to convey the history of the city in a very nice way. He involved the group well in what he told and he gave us a lot of great tips about Ghent. All in all, highly recommended!!

More Google reviews

Tours by legends for legends

Legends vzw - Legends Experiences bv, Sasplein 12, 8000 Brugge

VAT: BE0607.943.144 - BE0800.649.183

Best things to see and do in Ghent

Free walking tour near ghent, others cities to visit after ghent, find other guruwalks in ghent, where are you traveling to.

• Ghent Walking Tour: A Self-Guided City Trail (Belgium)

by Aileen Adalid Things to Do , Belgium 55 comments

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Ghent and Bruges , the charming ‘ darlings ‘ of Belgium, have long been pitted against one another — not only by tourists but even by locals themselves! It’s no wonder though because both of them are filled with rich history and sights. (Ghent Walking Tour)

In fact, I still fondly remember how a mini-debate ensued when I first asked my Belgian friends’ thoughts on the most beautiful town/city in Belgium. As soon as the question rolled out off my lips, there was instantly a divide: the Ghent team and the Bruges team. (Of course, there were biased people in the bunch since they lived in or close to either of the two.)

At the end of the day though, there wasn’t a ‘winner’ in the argument so I simply decided that I will check these two places for myself! The final verdict?

Well, trust me when I say this: BOTH were soooo lovely may it be daytime or night time and it’s all because of their equally spell-binding structures and canals — naturally, I can’t just pick one! Even if they’re not entirely the same, both Ghent and Bruges have their individual strengths and weaknesses that in the end, they just balanced out.

Top Tour to Try?

Check out this hassle-free Ghent and Bruges day trip tour !

For instance, Bruges wins in the ‘ cuteness ‘ department for being such a small yet enchanting historical and medieval city (some would even say that it’s like a ‘city museum’ in itself); however, due to its long-standing popularity as one of Europe’s stunning little cities, it typically results to a very touristy atmosphere. On the other hand, Ghent has a bigger area, resulting in a more dynamic city with lesser tourists (it’s even contested as an underrated picturesque destination in the country); however, some would say that it loses a bit on the romantic side of things as compared to Bruges, especially with the more urban atmosphere that surrounds Ghent.

Given these points, I bet you can imagine by now that if you combine the two, they would surely become an unbeatable pair! So I say: arrange a trip for the both of them if you have the time. But if you don’t, then with your knowledge now of the pros and cons of each, as per your traveling style, you can determine the best destination for yourself.

To read and know more about Bruges as well as the things that you can do, come and check out my post here:

» READ: Things to Do in Bruges

Meanwhile, to know more about the city of Ghent, do continue reading through this article especially since what I am sharing with you today is my own self-guided Ghent walking tour or route that will help make your travel ordeal a lot more hassle-free.

Table of Contents

DIY Ghent Walking Tour

» quick travel planning.

• Top tours & experiences
• Find flights to Ghent
• Visa requirements
• Best places to stay
• Travel insurance (5% discount)
• Stay connected

– – –

Quick Ghent Facts

• It is Gent in Dutch and Gand in French. (It helps to know since Belgium predominantly speaks [Flemish] Dutch and French).
• It is the capital and largest city of the East Flanders province with a population that is around 248,000+ as of January 2013.
• One of the well-known festivities would be Ghent Festival / Festivities or ‘Gentse Feesten’ which is held every year for 10 days by mid-July and attended by millions of visitors!
• Ghent residents are called as rope or ‘noose bearers’ ( Stroppendragers ) since in the past, after revolting in 1539 against the regime of Charles V (who was the Holy Roman Emperor and King of Spain in 1539) and failing in doing so, Charles made the nobles of Ghent to parade around town barefoot and with a noose rope around their neck. (You’ll see a statue somewhere in Prinsenhof commemorating this time in the past, and you will also notice that some signs feature this ‘element’).

Ghent Walking Tour Map

Even though it’s a big city, you can actually explore the town on foot in just a day! For your ease, I have included a Ghent walking tour map below showing the address and routes of the top hotspots in Ghent, followed by a listed section that briefly explains each of these places.

Things to Do in Ghent

» patershol.

An old and medieval quarter in Ghent, Patershol is your go-to place if you truly want to find the ‘gastronomic’ or ‘foodie’ center of the city. Lined with an array of small cafes and restaurants, there is definitely something for everyone here. Besides, this area holds a charm given its closed street pattern — truth be told, this is said to be one of the most desirable neighborhoods in the city!

TRIVIA: This side of the river is called the ‘Domain of the Counts’ as it was originally the property of the count (meaning that it was not owned by the city).

Follow the route indicated on the Ghent walking tour map above and you will arrive at the street of Kraanlei which is by the river.

Right somewhere in the middle of this stretch, you will see two interesting houses. First will be Kraanlei 81 which is a baroque house richly decorated with a flute player, the five senses, a flying deer, and many others. Next will be Kraanlei 79 which is just beside it. It’s called the Six Works of Mercy adorned with 6 figures. However, historians are arguing that there was a seventh which depicts the burial of the dead and they claim that it could have been omitted as it was too grim.

NOTE: Today, this house is a shop that sells Ghent specialties. A must-try would be the cuberdons, that are sweet raspberry-flavored gum. It’s fondly called as ‘ Gentse neus ‘ or Ghent nose because, as it is, it looks like a human’s nose.

» Other surrounding sight to see : Ghent’s version of Manneken Pis which they claim to be older than the Manneken Pis in Brussels .

» Gravensteen

Smacked right in the middle of the city stands the imposing Gravensteen or ‘Castle of the Counts’ that is referred to as one of the strongest moated fortresses in Western Europe. Originating from the Middle Ages, this was built by the past count Philip of Alsace and has since then become the seat of the Counts of Flanders. But somewhere along the way, it was abandoned which lead the castle to become a courthouse and a prison at certain points in time.

Today though, it is a museum that does not only showcase medieval armors but medieval torturing devices as well. I took the chance to do the tour here and it was interesting and… refreshing. (I say this because the first time that I visited this castle, I had just finished visiting the castles in France which were predominantly filled with stuff from royalty. Therefore it was quite a new experience when I finally landed in a castle that actually shows historical weapons, warfare, and the like).

» Fees : Basic price €10.00 / For +65 years €7.50 For those below 26 years €6.00 / For 19 years and below €0.00

» De Oude Vismijn

Or ‘Old Fishmarket’ is located in the square of Sint-Veerleplein and it is one of the oldest markets in the city. In here, you will see the gatehouse built in Rococo-style. It was originally decorated with three statues of sea gods but after a fire in 1872, only the statue of Neptune (in the middle) was saved. The rest were replaced by statues of a man and a woman that respectively represents the River Scheldt and River Leie.

NOTE: It’s in this area where you will find Ghent’s Tourist Office.

» Jan Breydelstraat

If you are into unique finds, make sure that you pass by this narrow yet picturesque street of Jan Breydelstraat. In here you will find several interesting shops and restaurants such as that of:

• The Fallen Angels : for those who want a touch of nostalgia, you will find here a lot of old and vintage stuff!
• Bloemenijs : come try out a unique flower ice cream.
• House of Elliot : one of the top restaurants in Ghent and a Michelin-accredited restaurant, it’s a must to try their lobsters! Just make sure you reserve in advance.

You will also find key spots like:

• Het Design Museum : this is a good place to visit if you’re into contemporary and interior design.
• Appelbrugparkje : one of the many hidden gems in Ghent, this is a park that has a really nice view of the river.

» Graslei & Korenlei

The most-pictured area in Ghent is this area around and between the streets of Graslei and Korenlei . (If you’re following my map above, you’ll be standing at the Korenlei side with the Graslei street on the other side of the water).

A lot of the locals would proudly claim that this is the most beautiful spot in their city and I have to agree with them! It was truly and absolutely magical both during the day and the night. Back in the 11th century, these both formed the city’s first trading harbor.

In this time though, amidst several medieval guild houses that have survived the years (such as the Grain Weighers, the Guildhall of the Free Boatmen, and more), it is mainly a ‘hangout place’ speckled by cafes and restaurants here and there so that visitors and locals alike can enjoy the amazing view while eating. (You will also find a lot of people who would just resort to sitting by the river, so feel free to do the same!)

» Sint-Michielsbrug

(St. Michael’s Bridge) Walk down a bit further and go up the bridge! This is the best place to enjoy a panoramic 360 view of almost all the top attractions in Ghent.

You will see the Graslei and Korenlei in front of you on your Ghent walking tour, the St. Michael’s Church behind you, the Castle of the Counts in the distance, and the main ‘three towers’ ahead: Saint Nicholas Church, Belfry Tower, and Saint Bavo’s Cathedral. You should NOT miss taking a view and a shot from this vantage point!

» Sint-Michielskerk

As I’ve mentioned above, just beside the St. Michael’s Bridge would be Saint Michael’s Church (that’s why the bridge was called as such). Clearly, as you have seen from the featured photo of this post as well as from the photo above, this Roman Catholic church is a wondrous sight that you must see on your Ghent walking tour!

Supposedly, this was planned to be 134 meters high, but due to delays and cost concerns, the tower was never completed and it just stands now at 24 meters — which is absolutely fine. I personally think that it looks really good this way!

NOTE: You will find here the famous painting ‘Christ on the Cross’ by Anthony Van Dyck.

Walk a little bit further and you will see Het Pand, a former Dominican monastery and hospital which is now a cultural and congress center owned by Ghent University. As a recognized monument, this is worth checking out! Besides, the courtyard is quite a pretty sight.

» Sint-Niklaaskerk

By now, you are at the commercial heart of Ghent, but smacked right in the middle would be the old St. Nicholas’ church which is an exemplary example of the Scheldt Gothic architectural style. One of the highlights of this church would be its organ which is produced by the famous French organ builder Aristide Cavaillé-Coll.

» Metselaarshuis

Called as Masons’ Guild Hall in English, this structure that’s just opposite of St. Nicholas’ church is the original 16th century Masons’ Guild Hall (“ original ” since there’s an exact copy of it on the Graslei ).

And like any other typical guild hall, you will see on the top of their stepped gable some distinguishing statues — this one has 6 dancers that look like they’re merrily frolicking around. This was placed by Ghent sculptor and folk-singer Walter De Buck, the one who spearheads the Ghent Festival.

After a string of old historical landmarks, this will be the first modern structure that you will see in the city! A large open canopy structure that demands attention in the middle of the Emile Braun square, Stadshal, or ‘Town Hall’ was erected as part of the urban reconstruction goals for this public area. Underneath, there is an area that includes a brasserie, dressing rooms, public toilets, and a bicycle park.

Nearby you will see other landmarks like:

• Emile Braunplein : a small park that also has the…
• De Bron der Geknielden: (The Fountain of the Kneelers) a masterpiece composed of 6 naked young men who are seemingly staring into the reflection of the fountain’s water. Made by a Belgian artist, George Minne, this artpiece is said to signify Narcissus from the Greek mythology who did the same thing out of narcissism.
• Mammelokker : this was quite a sight! It depicts the legend of Cimon who was condemned to starve to death, but he was saved by his daughter who breastfed him every day. (The name means exactly as is! “Mamme” = breast. “Lokken” = suck.)

» Het Belfort van Gent

The ‘Belfry of Ghent’ is about 91 meters high, making it the tallest belfry in the whole of Belgium. In the past, it used to be a bell tower, a watchtower, and a place where records of municipal privileges were kept.

With its adjoining rectangular hall, it also used to be the cloth hall that handled the cloth trade in the city during the Middle Ages (at the entrance of the small annex connected to this hall, you will see Mammelokker which I’ve just discussed above).

NOTE: This is listed under the UNESCO World Heritage List.

» Koninklijke Nederlandse Schouwburg (NTGent)

The Royal Dutch Theatre is the city’s municipal auditorium where you can enjoy both classical and contemporary plays.

Not only is it a spectacle from the inside, but from the outside as well as the god, Apollo, stands in the middle of the square upon a fountain! To learn more about the theatre’s schedule, see here .

» Sint-Baafskathedraal Gent

Photo by: VisitGent / CC

(St. Bavo’s Cathedral) This is the ‘seat’ of the diocese or bishop of Ghent. In 942, this used to be a small wooden church but later on expanded in Romanesque style by 1038 and onwards. Come 1559 when the Diocese of Ghent was founded, this church became its cathedral. Today, St. Bavo’s Cathedral holds a lot of treasures!

From famous paintings ( Saint Bavo enters the Convent at Ghent and The Calvary Triptych by Justus van Gent, View of Gent by Lucas de Heere, etc.) to key treasures ( rococo pulpit, Baroque high altar, tombs of bishops, etc.), there are surely a lot of things to see here.

But of course, the one work that stands out from all of the rest is the world-famous 12-paneled Ghent Altarpiece (Adoration of the Mystic Lamb) . As one of Belgium and the world’s greatest masterpieces (for being the first major oil painting depicting the A to Z of Christianity), it is said to be the most stolen artwork of all time ! Why so? Well, it was robbed by Napoleon, nearly burned by Calvinists, hunted in WWI, and repeatedly stolen in WWII (Hitler and Nazis really wanted to own it) . In fact, up till now, a part of it is still missing which is ‘The Just Judges’ panel.

TRIVIA: If you watched the movie, The Monuments Men , this is one of the paintings that they were trying to recover.

When I first visited Ghent in 2013, I saw this painting up close in Museum voor Schone Kunsten* (Gent Museum of Fine Arts) as they were doing a routine fix for it. It’s still there since they are doing a 7-year restoration, so you can definitely visit this museum to get a look at it up close and LIVE as they do their work. So what then is in St. Bavo’s Cathedral? Two-thirds of the original work and the missing panels that are being restored are replaced by black and white replicas.

* The location of the museum is a bit far outside the city center so I didn’t include it in the Ghent walking tour map above.

» Geeraard de Duivelsteen

Photo by: Lech Linkel / CC

This is the ‘Castle of Gerald the Devil’ named after the Knight, Geeraard Vilain. He was no devil but he was nicknamed that way and this edifice played a vital role in defending the Portus Ganda , a trading post that was the foundation of the creation of Ghent in the past.

Over time, it has been a knight’s residence, an arsenal, a monastery, a school, a bishop’s seminary, a madhouse, and a prison.

This is the official Town or City Hall of Ghent (not to be confused with Stadshal above) and you would immediately be struck by awe with its two ‘faces’: the flamboyant Gothic style on the right (by Hoogpoort street) and the dark Renaissance style on the left (by Botermarkt street) .

You can also see a lot of architectural styles in this building: the Arsenal Hall’s wooden vaulting, the Pacification Hall with its labyrinth, the Wedding Chapel with its stained glass windows and so much more!

NOTE: Nearby, you will see Sint Jorishof which is the oldest hotel in Western Europe where Maria of Burgundy stayed in 1477.

» Werregarenstraat or Graffitistraatje

Launched as a graffiti project during the 1995 Ghent Festival, this has since remained as a ‘tolerant zone’ for all types of graffiti and where all street art is to be placed.

Artists are even given the freedom to change the artworks as they please; therefore, you could expect that the view here will change from time to time. This is a fun place to visit for your DIY Ghent walking tour so keep your camera on hand!

» Sint-Jacobskerk

(St. James’ Church) Dating back to the Romanesque period, this church has gone through a lot of renovation, destruction, and expansion.

Meanwhile, the surrounding square called Bij Sint-Jacobs and the Trefpunt café is the epicenter of the Ghent Festivities every year.

» Vrijdagmarkt

(Friday Market) This is another one of the oldest squares in the city and it played a big role in history as it used to be where all political and social life in Ghent took place — though it’s also where public executions were done. Surrounding this area are restaurants as well as key landmarks that you could check out:

• Toreken : a 15th century tower where trade regulations were used to be announced from
• Ons Huis : (Our House) a monumental home of socialist trade unions
• Jacob van Artevelde statue : a key figure and the ‘Wise Man of Ghent’ whose support of the English King kept the city (as well as Flanders) to remain neutral and unharmed during the Hundred Years War. He was murdered years later by rivals and Ghent is still called today sometimes as the ‘City of Artvelde’
• Tavern Dulle Griet : this is not a historical spot per se, but I highlighted this since it’s a legendary café to go to for Belgian beers! They have over 260 types, and customers can swap one of their shoes for a Max beer (served in a boot-shaped glass). But don’t worry, you can get your shoe back afterwards.

» Dulle Griet

Photo by: Wernervc / CC

By the River Leie, you will chance upon this quaint-looking spot on your Ghent walking tour where you can not only unwind but also glance upon the Dulle Griet (Mad Meg) which is a medieval supergun bombard constructed in the first half of the 15th century.

This was employed by the city in the siege of Oudenaarde (a nearby municipality) .

» Groentenmarkt

Photo by: Paul Hermans / CC

Yet another Ghent square but this time around, it holds establishments where you can primarily buy fresh products and Flemish specialties like Ganda ham, sweet cuberdons, or the Tierentyn mustard. Make sure that you visit the medieval Great Butcher’s Hall which has an impressive open wooden roof and great selections of Flanders cuisine.

Ghent Travel Guide

» how to get to ghent.

By Car. Belgium has an impressive motorway so it’s very easy to reach Ghent by car. Just take either the two main highways E40 or E17 and you’ll see ample signs that will lead you to the city. (These two highways intersect to Ghent).

By Train. Likewise, Belgium has a good train system and from the capital, Brussels, heading to Ghent will only take you 30 minutes. Depending on your location, you can pick either Gent-Dampoort or Gent-Sint-Pieters for your arrival station. Gent-Sint-Pieters is the main station and all trains pass through this, whereas Gent-Dampoort mainly serves towards/from Antwerp and is closest to the city center.

TIP : Pick the “IC” marked trains since they travel faster as compared to “IR”. The “L” trains are the slowest since they travel ‘locally’, meaning that it stops at more stations.

By Bus. Eurolines and Megabus both go to/from Ghent.

By Plane. The closest airport would be Brussels Airport (Zaventem Airport).

» If you want a more detailed transportation planner, try using Rome2Rio ! I am in love with this platform since it gives you all the possible routes.

» Where to Stay in Ghent

Having landed in such a medieval city like Ghent, you should absolutely grab the chance of making the most of your experience by staying in an equally historic accommodation! With Historic Hotels Ghent’s collection of 3 privately-owned establishments — the Ghent River Hotel (4 stars), the Hotel de Flandre (4 stars), and the Hotel Gravensteen (3 stars) — you are sure to have a meaningful and comfortable stay! Guaranteed.

Besides, with their range, you can pick the hotel that best suits your needs whether it be by price or by location (but then again all 3 have a prime location within the city center).

» If you happen to have a tighter budget, you can always check by Booking.com for the best deals on other hotels, inns, and hostels in Ghent!

You can clearly see that Ghent is full of wonders that you must explore! Add the fact that it’s a car-free city, you’ll never have to worry about traffic and you can even take your sweet time in enjoying the charming streets fully.

All in all, I hope you’ll enjoy your trip fully with the help of my guide. Do tell me how it goes!

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Thank you for sharing this information about this beautiful city. Ghent is my favorite city in Belgium. The Graslei during Ghent Festivities is excellent <3

Ghent, just like many cities in Belgium, is absolutely gorgeous. Walking along the river or sitting by it people watching was one of my favourite things to do. Especially at night when the lights illuminate the old buildings, such a lovely place

Wow you have done Belgium a great service because Ghent looks like an amazing place to visit!

Just did this walk – loved it and great link to google maps to follow the tour

Hi Aileen, was planning for my solo trip to Belgium and came across your site. Very informative and I am certainly gonna bookmark this! Thanks dear!

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Ghent - Authenticity with a strong pulse in 'Medieval Manhattan'

The Belgian port city of Ghent, or Gent, is a lively University city rich in culture, history, vibrant nightlife, ancient charm, modern beauty and a hint of honest urban grit.

Gent's heritage stretches back to the Middle Ages when it was an important large city-state and the best way to delve into this remarkable history and all Ghent has to offer is to join a lovely local guide on a Freetour.com recommended free walking tour. You'll get fantastic hints & tips and local recommendations while you explore centuries of history and discover beautiful sights & stories along the way, including Belfort, St. Michaels Church, St. Bavo's Cathedral, beautiful guildhalls, the 12th Century Castle of the Counts and the Belfry – perch of the all-seeing dragon, watching over the city from 95 metres up since 1380.

There's plenty to do in Ghent after your free walking tour – marvel in museums & galleries, enjoy fantastic theatre, live music & performance arts, stroll along the waters-edge, snap a breath-taking panorama from St. Michael's bridge of the beautiful cityscape punctuated by majestic Medieval towers, relax at the delightful Portus ganda marina, treat your taste-buds in sublime cafes & restaurants and hit the bars, pubs and clubs for famously great Belgian beer and absorb the nightlife of this wonderfully vibrant student city. Get to Ghent and you won't regret it for a second!

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How to watch PGA Championship 2024 | FREE live stream, time, TV, channel for golf tournament

• Updated: May. 16, 2024, 8:00 a.m. |
• Published: May. 16, 2024, 8:00 a.m.

Tiger Woods has odds of +17000 to win the PGA Championship this week. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

• Cayden Steele | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

The 2024 PGA Championship begins on Thursday, May 16, 2024 (5/16/24) with the first round of the competition at the Valhalla Golf Club, in Louisville, Kentucky.

The tournament concludes on Sunday, May 19, 2024 (5/19/24).

Fans can watch a majority of the action throughout the tournament for free via a trial of fuboTV and DirecTV Stream .

Here’s what you need to know:

What : 2024 PGA Championship

When : Thursday, May 16, 2024 - Sunday, May 19, 2024

Where : Valhalla Golf Club

Time/TV schedule, via Golf.com

Thursday, May 16: 12-8 p.m. (ESPN); 11 a.m.-3 p.m. (ESPN2 Alternate telecast)

Friday, May 17: 1-8 p.m. (ESPN); 11 a.m.-3 p.m. (ESPN2 Alternate telecast)

Saturday, May 18: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. (ESPN); 1-7 p.m. (CBS)

Sunday, May 19: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. (ESPN); 1-7 p.m. (CBS)

Channel finder: Verizon Fios , AT&T U-verse , Comcast Xfinity , Spectrum/Charter , Optimum/Altice , Cox , DIRECTV , Dish , Hulu , fuboTV , Sling .

Live stream: fuboTV and DirecTV Stream

AP PGA Championship story:

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — The attention starts building weeks, if not months, ahead of the one major keeping Rory McIlroy from the career Grand Slam, the most elite club in golf. It’s like that every year, and it doesn’t make it any easier when he gets to the Masters.

Jordan Spieth should be able to appreciate the feeling. Except that he really doesn’t.

Now that McIlroy missed again at the Masters — his 10th straight attempt at getting the final leg — Spieth is next up with an opportunity to become only the sixth player in history to capture all four professional majors.

It feels like an afterthought going into the PGA Championship.

Scottie Scheffler tries to extend his dominance with a second straight major. Brooks Koepka is the defending champion and coming off a LIV Golf win in Singapore. Jon Rahm turned in a dud at the Masters and curious eyes will want to see at Valhalla if that was an aberration.

Oh yes, and Spieth goes for the career Grand Slam, a feat achieved only by Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Ben Hogan and Gene Sarazen.

“These things, like winning a career Grand Slam, they happen kind of when I think there’s less focus and less of a spotlight on him,” said Jim Nantz of CBS, who has covered every PGA Championship since 1991. “And I think Jordan goes into this week without a whole lot of discussion about that possibility coming up at Valhalla.

“So maybe it is favorable in that sense mentally.”

Spieth isn’t surprised the attention is not that high, certainly not at the level McIlroy has faced the last decade each time he heads to Augusta National.

One reason is his game, which has not been great. Spieth has gone just over two years since he last won a tournament and has had only a few close calls since then. He comes into the PGA Championship having missed the cut in four of his last five tournaments that had a 36-hole cut.

“He’s got more accolades,” Spieth said about the Slam hype between him and McIlroy. “He’s been a better player over his career. Maybe that creates a little noise. He’s been a bit more vocal about it himself, so maybe that makes a little bit more difference.”

The other reason is the Masters, the only major held on the same course every year.

Sarazen is the only player with the career Grand Slam who completed it at Augusta National. But that was in 1935, long before the Masters was considered a major and 25 years before Arnold Palmer first brought a professional slam into the golf conversation.

McIlroy threw away a chance in 2011 when he lost a four-shot lead in the final round at the Masters. He played in the final group with Patrick Reed in 2018 and didn’t get it done. Reminders are everywhere when he returns.

That isn’t the case for Spieth. He goes to Quail Hollow one year, Bellerive the next. He has had seven cracks at getting the missing piece of the Grand Slam on seven courses.

“For me, it’s like the PGA Championship feels decently similar to a number of tournaments we play,” Spieth said. “I don’t mean that in a bad way. It’s played on some of the biggest, best golf courses. But the identity is not the same as the other three. In my mind, you don’t need to find a different way to win, versus guys who don’t have some of the other ones.

“We play a few tournaments a year that could be PGA Championships if you change the branding and the grandstands.”

Only two other players lacked only the PGA Championship for the career slam — Arnold Palmer and Tom Watson.

Jack Nicklaus referenced them last month when speaking of McIlroy’s chances at Augusta.

“Is Tom Watson good enough to win the Grand Slam? Absolutely. Was Arnold Palmer good enough to win the Grand Slam? Absolutely,” Nicklaus said.

He felt the same way about McIlroy before adding, “But they have got to do it.”

Spieth is 30 and would seem to have time on his side — but not history. Sarazen, Hogan and Woods won the final leg in their first attempt. Woods did it in the most spectacular fashion, winning the U.S. Open by 15 shots and a month later the British Open by eight. He was 24.

Player (1965 U.S. Open) and Nicklaus (1966 British Open) completed the Grand Slam on their third attempt after they had captured the third leg.

McIlroy already has had 10 cracks at the Masters since he picked up the third leg. Spieth has had seven tries at the PGA Championship since winning the third leg at Royal Birkdale in 2017.

He said it doesn’t weigh on him, at least not lately.

“I remember thinking about it in ‘17 because it was right after the Open and I was playing so well,” Spieth said. He tied for 28th at Quail Hollow.

He also said he gave the Grand Slam some thought in 2019 at Bethpage Black when he was in the final group going into the weekend with Brooks Koepka. That wasn’t really a fair fight. Koepka set the 36-hole record for majors (128), a record seven shots ahead of Spieth.

“But I don’t feel like it will build up over time, not like people talk about Rory’s building up over time,” Spieth said.

More focus is on a nagging injury to his left wrist that first surfaced right before the PGA Championship last year at Oak Hill. Spieth is trying to manage it. He also is spending more time than he imagined on the phone as part of the PGA Tour Enterprises board trying to figure out the best way forward with the Saudis.

Justin Thomas has two PGA titles — what Spieth wouldn’t do for one — and is surprised why his longtime friend doesn’t get much attention as he pursues the final leg.

“It should be the same amount of attention — you could say more because he’s younger than Rory,” Thomas said. “But that also could be a good thing. Going in under the radar is never bad.”

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2024 PGA Championship TV schedule, coverage, live stream, where to watch online, channel, golf tee times

How to watch every memorable moment of the 2024 pga championship on tv or streaming live online.

The second major of the 2024 golf season continues being contested with plenty of big-time players looking to set a tone for the remainder of the campaign. This as the beautify of May surrounds Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville with the PGA Championship returning to town for the first time in a decade.

An unfortunate wrench was thrown into the tournament Friday morning as, in unrelated incidents, a pedestrian was killed outside the Valhalla grounds in a traffic incident and world No. 1 golfer Scottie Scheffler was arrested for violating traffic rules . Even before this shocking incident, Scheffler had an immense amount of pressure on his shoulders entering the tournament. Not only is he attempting to become the first golfer since 2015 to win the first two major championships of the year, the 2024 Masters champion is looking for his third straight win on the PGA Tour, which would also make it five victories across his last six tournaments played. The PGA would also mark the second leg of his personal slam journey -- even if he does not complete it this year -- given his major championship mantle consists of two green jackets over the last three years.

While attending the PGA Championship can be a ton of fun, simply being able to watch golf on the game's grandest stages is an incredible treat each year. We here at CBS Sports are thrilled to bring you wall-to-wall live leaderboard coverage of the PGA Championship throughout this week with action streaming live all weekend.

CBS Sports golf anchor Jim Nantz will call the action for the 34th consecutive year while hosting coverage from the super tower alongside lead analyst Trevor Immelman. Also at Valhalla for CBS Sports are Ian Baker-Finch, Frank Nobilo, Dottie Pepper, Colt Knost and Mark Immelman with Amanda Renner reporting and conducting interviews.

The 106th PGA Championship is the 34rd consecutive (and 41th overall) broadcast by CBS Sports, which will offer multi-platform coverage throughout the week. In partnership with the PGA of America, CBS Sports will lead overall production efforts deploying 125 cameras and nearly 150 microphones to capture all the sights and sounds. Additional technological enhancements include Fly Cams, Bunker Cameras, state-of-the-art drone coverage, panoramic Falcon 360 cameras, Toptracer and more.

Enough talking about it. Here's how you can watch as much PGA Championship as possible throughout the week. Be sure to stick with CBS Sports for live coverage throughout and  download the CBS Sports App  to watch the PGA Championship live on your mobile device this weekend.

All times Eastern

Round 3 -- Saturday, May 18

Round 2 continues: 7:15 a.m. Round 3 start time:  9 a.m.

PGA Championship live stream:  7:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. on ESPN+

• Featured Groups -- 9 a.m.
• Featured Holes -- 9 a.m.

Early TV coverage:  10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on ESPN,  fubo  (Try for free)

Prime TV coverage:  1-7 p.m. on CBS, Paramount+

TV simulcast live stream:  1-7 p.m. Desktop and mobile:  Free on  CBSSports.com ,  CBS Sports App Connected devices*:  Available on  Paramount+ ,  CBS Sports App *Paramount+ login required

Clubhouse Report:  8-9 p.m. on CBS Sports Network Round 3 encore:  Sunday from 6-10 a.m. on CBS Sports Network

Round 4 -- Sunday, May 19

Round 4 start time:  TBA

PGA Championship live stream:  8-10 a.m. on ESPN+

• Featured Groups -- TBA
• Holes 16-18 -- TBA

Clubhouse Report:  8-9 p.m. on CBS Sports Network Round 4 encore:  9 p.m. to 3 a.m. on CBS Sports Network

PGA coverage on CBS Sports Network

• PGA Championship On the Range -- 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Thursday, Friday) Pre-round player interviews, analysis, daily previews
• PGA Championship Clubhouse Report -- 8-9 p.m. (Thursday-Sunday) Post-round highlights, analysis, player interviews
• PGA Championship encore presentations Round 3 -- Sunday -- 6-10 a.m. Round 4 -- Sunday -- 9 p.m. to 3 a.m.

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Fans are following Taylor Swift to Europe after finding Eras Tour tickets less costly there

Thousands of Taylor Swift fans are following her across the pond after missing out on her U.S. concert tour last year or being put off by marked-up ticket prices.

Taylor Swift fans drinking at The Black Dog in Vauxhall, south London, said they were there thanks to the track “The Black Dog,” in which the singer describes monitoring an unnamed ex’s visit “into some bar called The Black Dog,” through location share on her phone.

In this image taken from video, fans pose with a life-size image of Taylor Swift at a club that plays only Swift’s music in Gothenburg, Sweden, on Tuesday, April 30th, 2024. Swift is scheduled to kick off the 18-city Europe leg of her record-setting Eras Tour on Thursday, May 9, 2024. There will be three shows in Stockholm. (AP Photo/Chisato Tanaka)

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Taylor Swift fan Brodie MacArthur from east London poses with a friend’s dog next to a sign featuring Taylor Swift lyrics outside The Black Dog pub in Vauxhall, London, Saturday, May 4, 2024. As Taylor Swift prepares to launch the Europe leg of her blockbuster Eras tour, thousands of her fans from the U.S. and Canada are following her across the pond. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)

Drinks are prepared in the Black Dog pub, thought to be mentioned in a Taylor Swift song, in London, Saturday, May 4, 2024. As Taylor Swift prepares to launch the Europe leg of her blockbuster Eras tour, thousands of her fans from the U.S. and Canada are following her across the pond. Some Swifties decided to see Swift in one of the 18 cities on the pop star’s tour after noticing that tighter restrictions on ticket fees and scalping in Europe made seeing Miss Americana perform abroad less of a splurge. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)

FILE - Taylor Swift performs at the Monumental stadium during her Eras Tour concert in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Nov. 9, 2023. Swift is scheduled to kick off the 18-city Europe leg of her record-setting Eras Tour on Thursday, May 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko, File)

In this image taken from video, Friends Arena in Stockholm, Sweden, is shown on Wednesday, April 24th, 2024. Taylor Swift is scheduled to kick off the 18-city Europe leg of her record-setting Eras Tour, with three shows in Stockholm, on Thursday, May 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Chisato Tanaka)

In this image taken from video, Taylor Swift fans sing and dance at a nightclub event called ‘Ready for It’ that only plays Swift’s music in Gothenburg, Sweden, on Tuesday, April 30th, 2024. Swift is scheduled to kick off the 18-city Europe leg of her record-setting Eras Tour on Thursday, May 9, 2024. There will be three shows in Stockholm. (AP Photo/Chisato Tanaka)

LONDON (AP) — Thousands of ride-or-die Taylor Swift fans who missed out on her U.S. concert tour last year or didn’t want to buy exorbitantly priced tickets to see her again found an out-of-the-way solution: Fly to Europe.

The pop star is scheduled to kick off the 18-city Europe leg of her record-setting Eras Tour in Paris on Thursday, and planeloads of Swifties plan to follow Miss Americana across the pond in the coming weeks. The arena where Swift is appearing said Americans bought 20% of the tickets for her four sold-out shows. Stockholm, the tour’s next stop, expects about 10,000 concertgoers from the U.S.

A concert might sound like an odd raison d’etre for visiting a foreign country, especially when fans can watch the Eras Tour from home via the documentary now streaming on Disney+. Yet online travel company Expedia says continent-hopping by Swift’s devotees is part of a larger trend it dubbed “tour tourism” while observing a pattern that emerged during Beyoncé's Renaissance world tour .

Some North American fans who plan to fly overseas for the Eras Tour said they justified the expense after noticing that tighter restrictions on ticket fees and resales in Europe made seeing Swift perform abroad no more costly — and potentially cheaper — than catching her closer to home .

“They said, ’Wait a minute, I can either spend $1,500 to go see my favorite artist in Miami, or I can take that $1,500 and buy a concert ticket, a round-trip plane ticket, and three nights in a hotel room,” Melanie Fish, an Expedia spokesperson and travel expert, said.

That was the experience of Jennifer Warren, 43, who lives in St. Catharines, a city in the Niagara region of Ontario. She and her 11-year-old son love Swift but had no luck scoring what she considered as decently priced tickets in the U.S. Undeterred, Warren and her husband decided to plan a European vacation around wherever she managed to get seats. It turned out to be Hamburg, Germany.

AP AUDIO: Fans are following Taylor Swift to Europe after finding Eras Tour tickets less costly there

AP correspondent Jennifer King reports Taylor Swift is heading to Europe, and her U.S. fans are following.

“You get out, you get to see the world, and you get to see your favorite artist or performer at the same time, so there are a lot of wins to it,” said Warren, who works as the director of research and innovation for a mutual insurance company.

The three VIP tickets she secured close to the stage — “I would call it brute-force dumb luck” — cost 600 euros ($646) each. Swift subsequently announced six November tour dates in Toronto, within driving distance of Warren’s home. “Absolute nose-bleed seats” already are going for 3,000 Canadian dollars ($2,194) on secondary resale sites like Viagogo, Warren said.

TOUR TOURISM: IS IT REALLY A THING?

Hard-core fans trailing their favorite singer or band on tour is not a new phenomenon. “Groupie” emerged in the late 1960s as a somewhat derogatory word for the ardent followers of rock bands. Deadheads took to the road in the 1970s to pursue the Grateful Dead from city to city.

More recently, music festivals like California’s Coachella and England’s Glastonbury, and concert residencies in Las Vegas by the likes of Elton John, Lady Gaga and Adele, have attracted travelers to places they wouldn’t otherwise visit, Fish noted.

Travel and entertainment analysts have also spoken of a pent-up consumer demand for “experiences” over material objects since the coronavirus pandemic. Some think the willingness of music lovers to broaden their fandom horizons is part of the same mass cultural correction.

“It does seem like it’s more than a structural shift, maybe a personality transformation we all went through,” said Natalia Lechmanova, the chief Europe economist for the Mastercard Economics Institute.

As Swift hopscotches across Europe, Lechmanova expects restaurants and hotels to see the same boost that Mastercard observed within a 2.5-mile (4-kilometer) radius of concert venues in the U.S. cities she visited in 2023. The U.S. dollar’s strong value against the euro may also increase retail spending on apparel, memorabilia, beauty products and supplies for the friendship bracelets fans exchange as part of the Eras Tour experience, the economist said.

Former college roommates Lizzy Hale, 34, who lives in Los Angeles, and Mitch Goulding, 33, who lives in Austin, Texas, already had tickets to see the Eras Tour in L.A. last summer when they decided to try to get ones for Paris, London or Edinburgh, Scotland, too. They saw a Europe concert trip as a makeup for travel plans they had in May 2020 to celebrate Goulding’s birthday but had to cancel due to the pandemic.

Goulding managed to secure VIP tickets for one of Swift’s three Stockholm shows. He, Hale and two other friends scheduled a 10-day trip that also includes time in Amsterdam and Copenhagen.

“As people who enjoy traveling and enjoy music, if you can find an opportunity to combine the two, it’s really special,” said Hale, who is pregnant with her first child.

FOR STOCKHOLM, 120,000 SWIFTIES CAN’T BE WRONG

The local economic impact of what the zeitgeist has termed “Swiftonomics” and the “Swift lift” can be considerable . It’s no wonder the exclusive arrangement Singapore’s government made with Swift to make the city-state her only tour stop in Southeast Asia earlier this year aroused regional jealousy .

No European governments have complained of their countries not being among the dozen selected for the Europe leg of the Eras Tour, although some fans have expressed surprise that Gelsenkirchen, a city with a population of about 264,000 is one of the three cities in Germany that made the cut.

Airbnb reported Tuesday that searches on its platform for the U.K. cities where Swift is performing in June and August — Edinburgh, Liverpool, Cardiff and London — increased an average of 337% when tickets went on sale last summer.

Not to be outdone when it comes to trend-spotting, the property rentals company cited the demand as an example of “passion tourism,” or travel “driven by concerts, sports and other cultural events.”

In Stockholm , 120,000 out-of-towners from 130 countries -- among them 10,000 from the U.S. — are expected to swarm Sweden’s capital this month, Stockholm Chamber of Commerce Chief Economist Carl Bergqvist said. Stockholm is the only Scandinavian city on Swift’s tour, and airlines added extra flights from nearby Denmark, Finland and Norway to bring people to the May 17-19 shows, he said.

The city’s 40,000 hotel rooms are sold out even though prices skyrocketed for the tour dates, Bergqvist said. Concert visitors are expected to pump around 500 million Swedish kroner, or over $46 million, into the local economy over the course of their stays, an estimate that does not include what they paid for Swift tickets or to get to Sweden, he said.

“So this is going to be huge for the tourism sector in Sweden and Stockholm in particular,” Bergqvist said.

Nightclubs, restaurants and bars are seizing the opportunity to cater to fans with Taylor Swift-themed events, such as karaoke, quizzes and after-concert dance parties.

Houston resident Caroline Matlock, 29, saw Swift more than a year ago when the Eras Tour came to the Texas city. Now she’s making more friendship bracelets and trying to learn a few words of Swedish as she prepares to see the 3 1/2-hour show in Stockholm. The idea of seeing Swift in Europe was her friend’s, and Matlock needed some persuading at first.

“I was like, ‘I only want to go if it’s a country I haven’t been to. I’ve seen Taylor Swift,’” she said.

Visiting the Scandinavian cities of Oslo and Gothenburg is on their itinerary. The concert is the last night of the trip and Matlock looks forward to interacting with Swifties from other countries: “Americans tend to have a very obsessive culture, especially Taylor Swift-related, so I’m curious if the crowd will be more toned-down.”

WILL TOUR TOURISM ENDURE AFTER ERAS?

It remains to be seen if the music tourism trend has legs as long and strong as Swift’s and Beyoncé's, and if it will carry over to Billie Eilish, Usher and other artists with world tours scheduled next year. Expedia’s Fish thinks other big-name artists in Europe this summer will prove that booking a foreign trip around a concert is catching on.

Kat Morga, a travel consultant based in Nashville, isn’t so sure. Morga saw Swift perform in Nashville last year and helped two clients with school-aged children book European family vacations this summer that include seeing Swift in concert. But she thinks the difficulty of navigating ticket purchases through language barriers, currency conversions, international banking regulations and the risk of cancellations will limit the appeal of regular gig getaways.

“I think this is an anomaly,” Morga said. “People aren’t typically going to build their $20,000 huge family vacation only because Taylor Swift is there. She’s the one-off. She’s special.”

Booking Holdings CEO Glenn Fogel, whose company operates Booking.com, priceline.com, agoda.com, Kayak and OpenTable, is even less enthusiastic about concert tours as a tourism instigator. The Swift Effect causes a “little blip” when the superstar goes to smaller destinations, but for the worldwide travel industry, “one star touring around does not make a difference,” he said.

“It may just shift it a little bit. A person was going to go to the Caribbean for a week vacation. Instead that person (says), ‘Let’s travel to the Taylor Swift thing,’” Fogel said. “It doesn’t increase it. It just moves it from here to there.”

AP journalists Colleen Barry in Milan, Chisato Tanaka in Stockholm, Anne D’Innocenzio in New York, David Koenig in Dallas, Thomas Adamson in Paris and Brian Melley in London contributed reporting.