Walk to the city center Ghent
Architecture & waterside
When you arrive in Ghent by train you can hop on the tram to go to the city center. But you should know it’s only a 30 minute walk with beautiful views.
Let me guide you on the route I do every day. If you leave the Sint-Pieters-Station you’ll have to look for the street to the left in front of you, the Koning Albertlaan.
First thing you need to do: look up. The houses are magnificent. This neighbourhood developed in the beginning of the 20th century together with the train station. The rich and famous of that time built their houses here. You’ll find different styles of architecture. Truly a pleasure for the eye of the architect lover. Most of the houses stood the test of time, that’s what makes this street unique.
Once you reach the bridge across the water Google maps will tell you to walk straight ahead. But you should listen to me and go the right into the Henleykaai. Wave at the building on the corner, I might wave back, because that’s where I live.
The only thing you need to do now is follow the water. You’ll pass the ringroad and the STAM, the city museum. And at the Bijlokekaai you’ll have a wonderfull view of the modernist Boekentoren. I love it! After the Bijlokekaai and the Baertsoenkaai, the Lindelei, Recollettenlei and Ajuinlei brings you to the most famous view of Ghent. That’s what we all wanna see, aren’t we?
About this spot
Koning Albertlaan 1
- 24 hours daily
€
free
Find your way with 112 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Ghent
STAM
Ghent city museum
"STAM" is Ghent's city museum. It's located in the old abbey. I must say, if you haven't been to this museum, you haven't been in Ghent!
By
Nick
Provoost
Eetkaffee Multatuli
Fair food
"Eetkaffee Multatuli" in Ghent is a true hidden gem of a spot. Please, keep quiet about this restaurant as I don't want it to become more popular!
By
Nick
Provoost
Noodlebar Ramen
Fresh - cosy - no-nonsense
"Noodlebar Ramen" is a fresh, cozy and no-nonsense noodle restaurant in Ghent. The owner has published several books on street food. I come here for lunch.
By
Nick
Provoost
MSK
Museum voor Schone Kunsten
"MSK" in Ghent, or Museum voor Schone Kunsten (fine arts) doesn't look so big from the outside. For me, a walk there is the perfect Sunday afternoon...
By
Tahnee
Naesen
Citadelpark
Green and culture go hand in hand
"Citadelpark" in Ghent, only 800m from Sint-Pieters station, is the oldest and biggest park in the city - the perfect place for picnics and outdoor games.
By
Dieter
Covent
Chocolatier Van Hoorebeke
Handmade chocolates
"Chocolatier Van Hoorebeke" in Ghent is a shop run by my family that specialises in Belgian pralines, or chocolate! Do try our Brasil mix...
By
Dieter
Covent
City Park
Green heart of Ghent
"City Park" is a small park next to the much-discussed City Hall - a meeting place for young and old. I enjoy getting philosophical with the view here...
By
Dieter
Covent
Le Bal Infernal
Used book café
"Le Bal Infernal" in Ghent is a used book cafe where you go inside, admire the beautiful interior and switch the books with one you have already!
By
Tahnee
Naesen
Damberd
Discover Jazzy Ghent
"Damberd" is the best example of that they call a 'Belgisch bruin café' in Ghent and one of its oldest bards. Very popular with the jazz crowd!
By
Nick
Provoost
Yoga-on-call
De-stress like a local
"Yoga-on-call" is a contemporary yoga studio in the heart of Ghent. All the teachers are enthusiastic and helpful and speak English. I'm always energized.
By
Nick
Provoost
Simon Says
Time for coffee and much more
"Simon Says" in Ghent is more than a coffee bar. They offer breakfast, lunch and great cakes. I don't like coffee but it's said that theirs is the best.
By
Nick
Provoost
Rococo
Cozy and romantic
"Rococo" in Ghent's very cozy old neighborhood Patershol is also a cozy and romantic bar. It's known among locals as 'Betty'. Have some 'liquer d'amour'...
By
Nick
Provoost
Heading to Ghent?
112 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to Ghent?
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 112 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
Our team loves Ghent
Get to know our other Spotters from Ghent
As featured on:
