Is this walking tour Ghent neighborhood suitable for families?

Yes, it is very family-friendly. Children often enjoy the open space of Sint-Pietersplein and the variety of plants in the Botanical Garden, though parents should be aware that Overpoortstraat is a nightlife district best visited during the day with kids.

What is the best time to visit the Boekentoren?

The exterior is best viewed in the morning light. For the interior, you should check the Ghent University Library schedule, as it is primarily a working academic facility.

Can you enter the vineyard at St. Peter's Abbey?

Yes, the abbey gardens, including the vineyard area, are generally open to the public during the day. It is a peaceful spot perfect for a short rest.

Is the Overpoortstraat safe for visitors?

During the day, it is a perfectly normal commercial street. At night, particularly on Thursdays, it becomes very crowded with students; while generally safe, it can be loud and rowdy.

Are there any entrance fees for this route?

Walking the streets and visiting Muinkpark is free. The Botanical Garden is also free for individuals. St. Peter's Abbey gardens are free, though there may be a fee for specific indoor exhibitions.

What is the significance of the Boekentoren?

It is considered the 'Fourth Tower' of Ghent and is a masterpiece of Modernist architecture by Henry van de Velde. It symbolizes the intellectual heritage of the city.

Where can I find the best beer on this route?

Overpoortstraat has the highest concentration of bars, but for a more traditional Belgian beer experience, look for the cafes surrounding Sint-Pietersplein.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Discover the intellectual pulse of Ghent with this self-guided walk through the University Quarter, a neighborhood where centuries of history meet the vibrant energy of student life. This walking route highlights the fascinating contrast between the city's monumental academic architecture and its legendary social hubs. You will begin at the iconic Boekentoren, the 'Book Tower,' which stands as a modernist sentinel over the city. This 64-meter tower, designed by Henry van de Velde, is not just a library but a symbol of the city's enlightenment, housing millions of volumes within its concrete walls. As you explore independently, you will transition from the rigid lines of Modernism to the sprawling grandeur of Sint-Pietersplein, a square that has witnessed everything from Napoleonic parades to contemporary music festivals. The journey continues into the spiritual and agricultural past at Sint-Pietersabdij. Here, the history of Ghent’s development is etched into the stone of the old Benedictine abbey, complete with its own hidden vineyard that feels worlds away from the urban bustle. To understand the 'beer' side of this 'Books and Beer' route, the path leads you through the Overpoortstraat. This street is the epicenter of Belgian student culture, lined with countless bars where the academic elite and the party-goers have mingled for decades. The stroll then softens as you enter the Muinkpark, a charming green space with a whimsical history as a former zoo, before concluding at the University’s Botanical Garden. This walking route offers a comprehensive look at how Ghent balances its role as a historic powerhouse and a forward-thinking university town. Whether you are interested in the stark beauty of 20th-century architecture or the tranquil beauty of a 19th-century garden, this neighborhood stroll provides a deep dive into the local character that many visitors miss. This is one of the most enriching ways to experience a walking tour Ghent offers, allowing you to absorb the atmosphere at your own pace without the constraints of a group.

Highlights

The Boekentoren, Ghent's modernist 'fourth tower' designed by Henry van de Velde

The expansive Sint-Pietersplein and its magnificent Baroque church

A hidden vineyard tucked away within the walls of Sint-Pietersabdij

Overpoortstraat, the legendary hub of Ghent’s student nightlife

The tranquil Muinkpark, a former 19th-century zoo turned English garden

The lush Botanical Garden, home to over 4,000 plant species

Tour Stops (6)

Universiteitsbibliotheek Gent (Boekentoren)

Welcome to the Boekentoren, the 'Book Tower.' Designed in the 1930s by the renowned Belgian architect Henry van de Velde, this 64-meter concrete structure is Ghent’s fourth tower, joining the medieval trio in the city center. It was intended to be a 'Tower of Wisdom,' and it remains one of the most important examples of Modernist architecture in Belgium. Inside, over 3 million books are stored on kilometers of shelving. Notice the Belvédère at the top; while it's not always open to the public, it offers a 360-degree view of the city. The tower represents the university’s commitment to knowledge and stands as a beacon of the 'Blandijn' campus, the heart of the Faculty of Arts and Philosophy.

Sint-Pietersplein

As you step onto the vast expanse of Sint-Pietersplein, you are standing in one of Ghent's largest public spaces. This square has a long history as a gathering place, from military drills to the annual Mid-Lent fair. The scale of the square is meant to impress, anchored by the imposing Church of Our Lady of St. Peter. This Baroque masterpiece, with its massive dome, was inspired by St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. Look around and you'll see a mix of grand 18th-century houses and modern university buildings. Today, it’s a favorite spot for students to congregate between lectures, and it serves as the stage for many of Ghent's most popular outdoor events.

Sint-Pietersabdij

Just off the square lies the Sint-Pietersabdij, or St. Peter’s Abbey. Founded in the 7th century, this Benedictine abbey was once the most powerful in the region, owning vast tracts of land. While much of the current structure dates from the 17th and 18th centuries, the atmosphere remains deeply historical. One of the best-kept secrets here is the abbey garden. It features a working vineyard on the south-facing slope leading down to the river Scheldt—a rare sight in a Belgian city center. The abbey refectory and cloisters are remarkably well-preserved, offering a glimpse into the quiet, contemplative life of the monks who once shaped the destiny of Ghent.

Overpoortstraat

Prepare for a change of pace as you enter Overpoortstraat. If the Boekentoren represents the 'Books' of our walk, this street represents the 'Beer.' This is the undisputed center of student nightlife in Ghent. With dozens of bars, cafes, and late-night snack shops packed into a few hundred meters, it becomes a sea of neon and music after dark. During the day, it’s a bustling corridor where students grab coffee or lunch between classes. The culture here is a rite of passage for almost every Ghent university student. It’s a place of tradition, from student 'cantus' singing sessions to the lively celebrations that follow exams, embodying the youthful spirit that keeps this ancient city feeling modern.

Muinkpark

A short walk from the student hub brings you to the peaceful Muinkpark. This is the only remnant of the 19th-century Ghent Zoo, which operated here from 1851 to 1903. After the zoo closed, the land was transformed into this English-style landscape park. As you wander the winding paths, look for the century-old trees and the central pond. The surrounding neighborhood is filled with beautiful late 19th-century houses, built for the city's bourgeoisie after the zoo's animals were sold off. It’s a favorite local spot for a quiet break, offering a stark but welcome contrast to the energetic Overpoortstraat you just left behind.

Universiteit Gent - Botanical Garden

Our walk concludes at the Ghent University Botanical Garden, or Plantentuin. Established in its current location in the early 20th century, this 2.7-hectare site is a living laboratory. It houses more than 4,000 species of plants from around the world, arranged in both outdoor gardens and impressive glasshouses. The garden serves a dual purpose: it is a site for scientific research and a public haven for nature lovers. Explore the rock garden, the Mediterranean section, or the Victoria greenhouse with its giant water lilies. It is the perfect place to reflect on the academic and natural heritage of Ghent before heading toward the nearby Museum of Fine Arts or the SMAK.

Frequently Asked Questions

The walk takes approximately 90 to 120 minutes depending on how much time you spend in the Abbey gardens and the Botanical Garden. The total distance is about 2.5 kilometers.