The Top Instagram Spots in Ghent
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I spent a weekend in Ghent, Belgium last month and I absolutely fell in love with this medieval town.
Often overlooked for Brussels, the capital, or trendy small-town Bruges, Ghent was a stunner of a city: amazing food (and beer!), beautiful scenery, fascinating architecture.
If you are planning a trip to Ghent, Belgium, I strongly suggest that you take your camera. 📸
THIS CITY IS A PHOTOGRAPHER'S DREAM!
Even if you’re shooting on an iPhone (like me 😇), there are several spots throughout town you’ll want to capture.
Here’s my list of the best photography spots in this Flemish hidden gem!
The Top Instagram Spots in Ghent
Top Experiences in Ghent
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🤝 Connection | Meet locals and trade stories
🚌 Excursion | Explore nearby places of interest
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Saint Michael’s Bridge
Saint Michael’s Bridge is the major photography spot in Ghent, offering some of the best views of the city’s historic core.
From the north side of the bridge, looking east, is the famous “Three Towers of Ghent” view, a tight shot that lines up Saint Nicholas Church, the Belfry, and Saint Bavo’s Cathedral nicely.
Because it’s located in the center of the city, it can be difficult to snag a pedestrian-free shot during the afternoon and evenings.
The view of the Three Towers of Ghent is beautiful during the day - especially if the clouds are showing off.
While sunrise is great for beating the odds, the eastward direction also means that the early morning photos will be back-lit.
Dawn can also be a great time to capture the Three Towers of Ghent, but be warned, you’ll be dealing with backlit conditions as the sun rises in the east.
The bridge itself is a Neo-Gothic structure, completed in the early 20th century.
It looks great from the water, too, so take a boat tour along the river Leie, for the best photo opportunity.
Though mostly used as a vantage point for other parts of Ghent, don’t forget to snag a photo of the bridge itself. In my opinion, it looks best from the water.
Saint Michael’s Bridge is also a wonderful spot for shooting the Graslei and Korenlei. Just gaze northward while standing at the center of the bridge.
The Graslei and Korenlei
The Graslei and Korenlei are two parallel streets that line opposite sides of the Leie River in Ghent’s historic center.
Both were crucial trade hubs during the Middle Ages when the city was one of Europe’s most important ports: Graslei was known for its grain trade, while Korenlei hosted merchants and shipowners.
The Graslei as photographed from the Korenlei.
MANY OF THE BUILDINGS HERE DATE BACK TO THE 11TH AND 12TH CENTURIES, MAKING THIS ONE OF THE MOST WELL-PRESERVED MEDIEVAL AREAS IN BELGIUM.
Today, the Graslei and Korenlei are popular spots for both locals and tourists to relax by the river, especially in warmer months, which further makes this area feel like the beating heart of Ghent.
There are multiple vantage points for capturing the Graslei and Korenlei: from their opposite street, from Saint Michael’s Bridge, and also from the water by taking a boat tour.
My favorite photo spot for capturing the Graslei is great for quick “peekaboo” shots like this.
My personal favorite photo spot for capturing a distinctive sliver of the Graslei is from Gruuthuusestraat, located just off of the Korenlei.
Saint Michael’s Church
Art and architecture enthusiasts will want to add Saint Michael’s Church to their camera roll.
KNOWN FOR ITS LATE-GOTHIC DESIGN, THE CHURCH DATES BACK TO THE 15TH CENTURY.
Inside, a significant collection of religious art, including works by Flemish painters like Anthony van Dyck, attracts a steady stream of visitors.
Saint Michael’s Church also offers great views of the nearby Graslei and Korenlei, so don’t forget your camera.
Castle Gravensteen
Castle Gravensteen, or "Castle of the Counts," is a medieval fortress built in 1180 by Count Philip of Alsace.
It’s unique among European castles for its location so close to the city center. (Most Counts and Lords of the time would build their castles farther outside of the city, for defensive purposes.)
A photo of Gravensteen from the nearby Hoofdbrug.
This imposing structure has served numerous purposes over the years: first, as the residence of the Counts of Flanders, and later as a courthouse and prison.
Today, it houses a museum with displays on medieval weaponry, judicial history, and the castle's significance.
The simplest vantage point for Photographers is from the nearby Hoofdbrug, but it also looks great when captured from farther away, like at the corner of Burgstraat and Gewad, just west of the Hoofdbrug.
THIS IS AN ESPECIALLY GREAT SPOT IF THE CLOUDS ARE LOOKING GOOD - AFTER ALL, GOOD CLOUDS USUALLY EQUAL GOOD PHOTOS.
Gravensteen captured from the corner of Burgstraat and Gewad.
Most boat tours in the city will pass Gravensteen multiple times.
Another good reason to take a boat tour in Ghent - Gravensteen looks spectacular from the water.
I really love the way the castle looks from the water - it’s giving fortress - so I would absolutely recommend taking a boat tour so that you can snag this photo!
The Belfry
Fans of aerial photography should head over to Ghent’s Belfry for unmatched views of the city from above.
Built in the 14th century, the Belfry is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the tallest belfry in Belgium.
IT ORIGINALLY SERVED AS A WATCHTOWER AND A SYMBOL OF THE CITY’S INDEPENDENCE.
It remains a focal point for major events and festivals, like the Gentse Feesten (or Ghent Festival), held every July.
The dragon has sat atop the Belfry’s spire since 1377 and is considered a guardian of the city. (He’s also printed on bottles of Gulden Draak beer if you’re looking to try that world-famous Belgian beer 😉.)
Werregarenstraatje (Graffiti Street)
Looking for a short-break from historic Ghent?
WERREGARENSTRAATJE, OR GRAFFITI STREET, IS AN EVER-CHANGING OPEN-AIR CANVAS FOR STREET ARTISTS.
Graffiti Street is a bit narrow, but there are plenty of ways to capture great photos of its street art.
Created as an authorized space for graffiti during Ghent’s 1995 arts festival, the street has become a hidden gem for visitors to discover.
The bold colors are the perfect backdrop for street-style photography.
Photographers looking for a colorful backdrop for Instagram photos should absolutely seek out Werrengarenstraatje!
The bold colors and unique shapes are perfect backdrops for street-style photography.
Old Fish Market Building
I’m a sucker for Baroque architecture, and The Old Fish Market Building, with its imposing statue of Neptune and ornamented gateway, is a must-see in Ghent.
BUILT IN 1689, IT ONCE SERVED AS THE CENTRAL HUB FOR GHENT’S FISH TRADE.
For the best photos of the Old Fish Market Building, head out early in the morning to get ahead of the crowds.
While those days are long gone, the building now houses Ghent’s tourism office as well as various shops and restaurants.
You can find the Old Fish Market Building across from Gravensteen.
For the best photos, head out in the early morning to beat the crowds
Patershol and Oudburg + Zuivelbrug
Patershol and Oudberg are two of Ghent’s oldest neighborhoods, with a history that dates back to the Middle Ages.
Oudburg was once a wealthy district, while Patershol, with its narrow streets, was home to artisans.
The charming twin storefronts on Kraanlei.
Two of the most famous buildings in Ghent are located at Kraanlei 79 and 81.
THERE’S SOMETHING SO ROMANTIC AND FAIRY-TALE-LIKE ABOUT THEM.
Definitely worth adding to your Ghent camera roll 📸.
Today, Patershol is a popular spot for both locals and tourists, with a wide selection of restaurants and bars housed in medieval buildings.
Both neighborhoods have charming, winding streets and well-preserved architecture, perfect for those looking to capture the Ghent aesthetic.
I love the yellow wrought-iron railing on the Zuivelbrug.
The nearby Zuivelbrug is great for capturing the calmer northern reaches of the Leie river, too.
Serpentstraat
Serpentstraat is one of Ghent’s trendier streets, known for its eclectic mix of boutiques, vintage shops, and cafes.
I’m a fan of a good shopping street, and Serpentstraat has a great mix of bohemian vibes and creative flair.
I LOVE A GOOD SHOPPING STREET, AND SERPENTSTRAAT HAS A FUN, BOHEMIAN FEEL TO IT.
Photographers can capture beautiful photos with the overhead flags and colorful storefronts.
Lievekaai
Lievekaai is a quiet, picturesque street that runs along the Lieve River.
Lievekaai offers a moment of calm in the bustling center of Ghent.
Historically, this river was an important waterway for transporting goods into the city.
Today, it’s just a residential area with beautiful 19th-century houses and a few cafes.
Don’t forget to capture of photo of the bridge itself, which looks lovely next to its willows.
I LOVE THE WILLOWS THAT LINE THE RIVER AT LIEVEKAAI.
Though the bridge is the most popular vantage point, don’t be afraid to walk further down Augustijnenkaai to capture a photo with the bridge and the willows in all their glory.
Stadshal
The Stadshal is a modern pavilion in the center of Ghent that was completed in 2012.
While I appreciate a good modern structure that shakes up the scenery, locals of Ghent were not exactly fans of the Stadshal when it was unveiled in 2012.
TO SAY THAT ITS MODERN ARCHITECTURAL STYLE DIFFERS FROM THE MEDIEVAL BUILDINGS OF GHENT IS AN UNDERSTATEMENT.
In fact, the Stadshal caused controversy when it was first introduced because of how starkly it contrasted with surrounding structures like the Belfry and Saint Nicholas Church.
Today, it’s a venue for public events, markets, and festivals, but many locals are still critical of it.
(Although some will say this is because Belgians just really like to complain 😲.)
Portus Ganda
Portus Ganda is the restored dock area where the rivers Scheldt and Leie meet, marking Ghent’s original port location.
Nothing says “vacation” like lounging dockside.
While the area played a vital role in the city’s trade and commerce during the Middle Ages, it was transformed in the 2000s to a recreational marina and a popular spot for boaters.
Though it has a more modern feel than other waterway-adjacent areas in Ghent, I really enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and scenic contrast.
Conclusion
Ghent is a magical city, and I hope this photo tour has inspired you to add this Flemish hidden gem to your next Europe itinerary!
The city is a medieval treasure trove, perfect for history and architecture enthusiasts alike, and its gastronomic delights - waffles, beer, chocolate - make it a treat for foodies.
IT’S ALSO A LITTLE BIT UNEXPECTED. 🥰
Because Ghent isn’t as popular a destination as, say, Rome, there’s a real feeling of having discovered something new around every corner.
I think Ghent is especially great for repeat visitors to Europe, those who are looking for something new and under-the-radar.
I honestly didn’t want to leave when I was there, and I’m already daydreaming about going back. ❤️
That’s all for now.
xx,
Angela
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