In short
- Short route
- ± 90 min
- Distance
- ± 1.8 km
- Longer route
- + 1 hour
Start at the Korenmarkt, finish at Sint-Baafsplein. Each stop has a button that opens the place in Google Maps.
Self-guided walking tour of Ghent
Korenmarkt
Photo: Hongbin via Unsplash The lively square in the heart of the city, close to the river Leie. You start here, or we drop you off nearby.
± 100 m · ± 1 min on foot from stop 1
Sint-Michielsbrug
Photo: Callum Parker via Unsplash From this bridge you see Ghent's three towers in a row: St Nicholas' Church, the Belfry and St Bavo's Cathedral. The best photo spot in the city.
± 150 m · ± 2 min on foot from stop 2
Graslei and Korenlei
The two quays on either side of the Leie, lined with old guild houses. Beautiful in any light, at their best at dusk.
± 400 m · ± 5 min on foot from stop 3
Gravensteen
The medieval castle of the Counts of Flanders, right in the city centre. Impressive even from the outside.
± 200 m · ± 3 min on foot from stop 4
Patershol
Behind the Gravensteen lies this old quarter of narrow lanes and small restaurants. Ideal for a quiet stroll or dinner.
± 400 m · ± 5 min on foot from stop 5
Vrijdagmarkt
Photo: Suicasmo, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons A large square with the statue of Jacob van Artevelde and colourful façades, often busy with café terraces.
± 500 m · ± 7 min on foot from stop 6
Belfry and St Bavo's Cathedral
Photo: Johan Bakker, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons You finish at the Belfry, with the dragon on top, and St Bavo's Cathedral, home of the Ghent Altarpiece by the Van Eyck brothers.
In December: Gentse Winterfeesten
From 3 December 2026 to 3 January 2027, the Christmas market and ice rink are in the centre, including around Sint-Baafsplein and the Korenmarkt. From 4 December, the Gravensteen also hosts the Winter Wonder Castle. Times and details on visit.gent.be.
Longer route: graffiti and St Peter's Abbey
Fancy walking further? Allow an extra hour.
± 250 m · ± 3 min on foot from stop 7
Werregarenstraat
Photo: Tom Parnell, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons A narrow lane where graffiti is allowed. The walls change all the time, so every visit is different.
± 1.6 km · ± 20 min on foot from stop 8
St Peter's Abbey
Photo: FrDr, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons A former abbey on the edge of the centre, with a peaceful abbey garden. A lovely place to end the walk.
After the walk, we are happy to pick you up here.
Distances and walking times are estimates, without stops.
By taxi from Antwerp
We drive you from Antwerp to Ghent and drop you off near the start. After the walk, we pick you up at Sint-Baafsplein or St Peter's Abbey, at the time you choose. Combining Ghent with Bruges? Read our day trip guide.
Read the Ghent and Bruges day trip guide
On 24 and 25 December and from 31 December to 1 January, the price can be different and a ride or reply can take longer. You always see the price in your confirmation.
This guide on your phone
Scan the code to open this walking route on your phone.
Frequently asked questions
How much time do I need for Ghent?
For the short route without long stops, an hour and a half is enough. With the longer route and a break, allow half a day.
Where is the best place to start in Ghent?
At the Korenmarkt. From there, Sint-Michielsbrug and the Graslei are a few minutes' walk.
Can I combine Ghent and Bruges in one day?
Yes. By taxi from Antwerp, you visit Ghent in the morning and Bruges in the afternoon. Read our guide to the Ghent and Bruges day trip.
Book your ride to Ghent?
Send us your pick-up address, date and time. We reply on WhatsApp within 15 minutes between 07:00 and 23:00.
Book on WhatsAppSources
- Stad Gent – Gentse Winterfeesten vanaf 2026 opnieuw tot einde kerstvakantie
- Visit Gent – Winter in Ghent
- Visit Gent – Christmas Market
Checked on 8 November 2026.