Ghent Market Hall
Emile Braunplein 39, Ghent, Belgium, 9000
Located in the old town center, the Ghent Market Hall is a modern building with twin-gabled roofs that serves many functions throughout the year, from a concert venue to hosting a Christmas market. It’s a convenient place for visitors with its public restrooms and bike rental office; in addition, a public piano attracts amateur musicians to this contemporary gathering place in Ghent.
The basics
An architecturally striking building that sparks polar-opposite reactions—many designers love it, while history buffs find it to be an eyesore—the Ghent Market Hall is a site for a weekly market, regular concerts, and a range of community gatherings. It also serves to protect visitors from rain and sun. Most people stop by during a stroll through Ghent’s old town, to shop, or to use the free bathrooms. This location is frequently part of walking tours of historic Ghent, including landmarks such as the Ghent City Hall and Saint Bavo’s Cathedral.
Things to know before you go
This landmark is a must-visit site for design and architecture buffs, plus market shoppers.
Ghent Market Hall is flat and accessible to wheelchairs, though the ground is cobbled.
Nearby cafés offer the chance to sit and admire the futuristic-looking structure.
The hall is known for its acoustics, drawing violinists and other musicians to the space.
How to get there
The market hall is in the heart of Ghent’s old town. Most visitors walk there or use public transportation; you can take the T1 or T2 tram to Gent Korenmarkt perron 4. There’s also a bikeshare program with stations throughout the area. Parking in Ghent is limited and some areas don’t allow cars at all.
When to get there
Set in a public square, Ghent Market Hall can be visited at any time of day. The sunset hour is an appealing time to arrive, especially if that timing overlaps with an informal or scheduled concert. As far as time of year to visit Ghent, the spring months of April and May are loved by locals for the flowers, and the fall months also offer pleasant temperatures.
Ghent’s annual music festival
Held each July, Gentse Feesten is a music festival in Ghent that brings stage events, buskers, mimes, and more to the old town. It features concerts in several locations throughout the city, including Ghent Market Hall, which is well known for its quality acoustics. Live music, food and drink vendors, plus arts and crafts all make this annual festival well worth a trip in the summer.
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