Charlie’s famous Chocolate Tour (Ghent)

If you’re visiting Ghent and have a soft spot for chocolate, this tour promises a delightful way to indulge your sweet tooth while soaking in some of the city’s most charming sights. It’s a compact, two-hour walking experience led by a knowledgeable guide who takes you through Ghent’s medieval streets, stopping at carefully chosen chocolatiers, candy shops, and local attractions.

One thing we love about this tour is how it combines tasting with city sightseeing—you’re not just nibbling on chocolates but also learning about Ghent’s history, architecture, and local craftsmanship. The small-group size makes the experience intimate and engaging, allowing for personalized interactions and plenty of time to ask questions. A possible downside is that the tour’s duration means you’ll need to pace yourself if you’re not used to lots of sugar—or if you prefer a more leisurely, unstructured exploration.

This experience is ideal for chocolate lovers, families, and anyone curious about Ghent’s cultural offerings. Whether you’re on a short stopover or a longer stay, it offers a tasty and educational way to spend a couple of hours. Now, let’s take a detailed look at what makes this tour a hit—and some tips on what to expect.

Key Points

• Expert guides who share engaging, detailed stories about Ghent and its chocolatiers
• Tasting at least eight chocolates and candies, including some experimental flavors
• Visit to renowned chocolatiers, including the “best chocolatier of Flanders”
• Insight into Ghent’s landmarks and historical sites, making the tour both tasty and educational
• Balanced mix of sightseeing, history, and indulgence in a small-group setting
• Cost-effective at around $52, offering genuine value for the variety and quality of tastings

An Overview of the Tour Experience

This tour, priced at about $52.25 per person, offers a well-rounded introduction to Ghent’s chocolate scene and historical fabric. The duration of approximately two hours provides enough time to enjoy multiple tastings and absorb interesting facts without feeling rushed. The group sizes are capped at 15, which helps keep the experience personal and interactive.

The tour is operated by Charlie Tours, a company with a reputation for creating engaging and authentic experiences. The guide, whether it’s Debbie, Sarah, or another local expert, is consistently praised for her enthusiasm, knowledge, and humor—elements that turn a simple tasting into a memorable story experience.

You begin at Vrijdagmarkt, a lively square that sets the tone for your exploration. From there, the route takes you through Ghent’s historic streets, blending sightseeing with stops at local chocolatiers and candy shops. Each stop is carefully selected for its quality and uniqueness, giving you a taste of both traditional Belgian chocolates and inventive, unconventional flavors.

Breaking Down the Itinerary: What to Expect

Chocolatier Deduytschaever: A Fitting Start

Your first stop is at Chocolatier Deduytschaever, a family-run shop recognized as the “best chocolatier of Flanders” by Gault Millau. This is a highlight for serious chocolate fans, as the owners open their atelier for a peek into their craft. Expect to sample exquisite pralines that showcase Belgian chocolate craftsmanship at its finest. Reviewers have noted the shop’s commitment to quality, making this a perfect first taste to set the tone.

Chocolaterie Vandenbouhede: Pushing Boundaries

Next, you visit Vandenbouhede, a place known for experimental chocolates. Here, you’ll meet the owners and sample some of their most daring combinations—think mustard, tomato, bacon, or chili-infused chocolates. This stop is both fun and surprising, especially if you’re open to new flavor experiences. Reviewers comment on the “unexpected” pairings and how they add a playful edge to the tasting.

The Most Popular Chocolate Shop in Belgium

You then get to try chocolates at the most popular chocolate shop in Belgium, which consistently draws locals and travelers alike. The quality and reputation of this shop mean you’ll be tasting some seriously good chocolates, with reviews praising the “delicious samples” and the “variety of chocolates available.” It’s a highlight for those wanting to understand what makes Belgian chocolates so revered worldwide.

Confiserie Temmerman: The Oldest Candy Shop

Stepping into Confiserie Temmerman, the oldest candy shop in Ghent since 1904, adds a layer of history. This family business has a story—and the candies taste as charming as their storied past. Expect to try classic candies and learn about their traditional recipes, which many reviewers find charming and authentic.

Chocolaterie Van Hoorebeke: Passion Fruit Perfection

At Van Hoorebeke, the focus is on flavor and creativity—particularly their passion fruit chocolates. Reviewers have described these as “an absolute taste explosion.” The family-run atmosphere combined with high-quality ingredients makes this stop special for those seeking memorable, fruit-infused chocolates.

Julie’s House: Homemade Red Velvet Brownies

A sweet twist comes at Julie’s House, where homemade red velvet brownies await you. Visitors love the personal touch and the rich, moist texture of these treats, seeing them as a perfect pick-me-up after multiple tastings.

Ghent City Center: Sightseeing and Stories

The final stretch involves 30 minutes in Ghent’s city center, where your guide shares fun facts, historical stories, and sightseeing tips. This part of the tour helps connect the dots between the chocolates you’ve sampled and the city’s rich cultural fabric. It’s an opportunity to take photos, learn about Ghent’s architecture, and appreciate the lively atmosphere of this medieval town.

Why the Tour Stands Out

One recurring theme from reviews is the knowledgeable and engaging guides. Debbie, Sarah, and others are praised for their storytelling, humor, and genuine enthusiasm. It’s clear that a good guide can elevate a tasting tour into a memorable cultural experience.

Another highlight is the quality of the chocolates and candies. Reviewers repeatedly mention trying “at least 8 different kinds,” with some stops offering experimental flavors that challenge expectations and excite the palate. The variety of shops, from traditional to innovative, provides a comprehensive look at Ghent’s diverse chocolate scene.

The value for money is another strong point. For just over $50, you’re getting a mix of tastings, stories, and sightseeing—all delivered in a friendly, intimate setting. Many reviewers note that the tastings alone—especially the pralines from Deduytschaever—are worth the price.

Practical Tips for the Tour

• Wear comfortable walking shoes; Ghent’s streets are cobbled and uneven.
• Arrive a few minutes early at the meeting point to ensure a smooth start.
• Bring a small bag if you want to buy chocolates and candies during the stops; the guide is happy to give shopping tips.
• Since the tasting stops involve multiple chocolates and candies, consider pacing yourself if you’re sensitive to sugar or prefer smaller portions.
• The tour runs regardless of weather, so dress accordingly—most stops are in shops, but expect some outdoor walking.
• Bottled water isn’t included, so bring some if needed.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Worth It?

If you’re a chocolate enthusiast, this tour offers an authentic glimpse into Ghent’s world-renowned sweet scene. The mix of tasting, storytelling, and sightseeing makes it a rich, engaging experience—more than just a tasting session. You’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for Belgian chocolates, some new favorites, and plenty of fun stories to share.

The small-group format ensures a personal touch, and the knowledgeable guides bring the city’s history alive alongside the chocolates. The stops at both traditional and experimental chocolatiers give you a broad perspective on Ghent’s sweet offerings, all within a manageable two-hour window.

For those traveling with family or friends, it’s an accessible, enjoyable way to spend a couple of hours and get a taste of local culture—literally. At the price point, it’s a solid investment in your Ghent experience, especially considering the quality and variety of treats included.

Overall, if you’re after an interactive, tasty, and informative tour that highlights Ghent’s culinary craftsmanship and historic charm, this is a top pick. Just come prepared to indulge, learn, and perhaps discover a new favorite chocolate or two.

FAQs

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately two hours, giving enough time for multiple tastings and sightseeing without feeling rushed.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Vrijdagmarkt and concludes near Saint Bavo’s Cathedral in Ghent’s city center.

What is included in the price?
You’ll taste at least nine different chocolates and candies, enjoy a local entertaining guide, and have all fees and taxes covered.

Are there any age restrictions?
Most travelers can participate, and the tour is suitable for all ages. However, it’s mainly designed for those with a sweet tooth and an interest in Ghent’s heritage.

Is this tour suitable for people with dietary restrictions?
The tour focuses on candies and chocolates; if you have allergies or dietary needs, it’s best to check with Charlie Tours beforehand.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, the tour is usually booked 35 days in advance on average, ensuring a spot. It’s recommended to reserve early due to its popularity.

Is the tour accessible via public transportation?
Yes, the meeting point is near public transit, making it easy to reach from various parts of Ghent.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour, allowing flexibility in your travel plans.

In summary, Charlie’s Chocolate Tour in Ghent offers a well-balanced blend of sweet indulgence, local history, and city exploration. It’s perfect for those who want to savor Belgium’s famous chocolates while discovering Ghent’s beautiful streets and stories. With friendly guides, a variety of stops, and a friendly group atmosphere, it promises a memorable and tasty experience.