Nice path along the boats at 'Handelsdok'
Belgium

Oude Dokken | Ghent’s latest hotspot

An industrial area behind the Ghent-Dampoort station has been transformed into one of the city’s coolest places.

A little walk from the historical center of Ghent you enter a completely different area. The distric known as ‘Oude Dokken’ or ‘Old Docks’.
In this old harbour a mix of old industrial structures, wide sidewalks and modern appartment buildings gives you a completely different perspective of Gent.
If we would have been dropped here blindfolded and asked for our location, our guess would have been closer to Hamburg than Ghent.
The cosy feeling from the old small streets in the center makes place for a spacious, modern feeling.
The tourists seem to have dissapeared, instead the sidewalks are filled with locals enjoying the sun and the waterways are filled with people doing all kinds of watersports.

Yoga on the waters of the 'Achterdok'
People doing yoga on SUP boards at the ‘Achterdok’.
Bikers at 'Schipperskaai'
The wide bike- and pedestrian path at the ‘Schipperskaai’.

What to do at the Oude Dokken?

One of the reasons this place is a summer hotspot is the possibility to enjoy it by water. The wide calm waters are ideal for Stand Up Paddling activities. There are tours available guiding you through the area, and there’s even a possibility to try a yoga class on SUP boards.
Another way to discover the waters is by canoe. This option is particulary popular with young locals who have an inflatable version, but it is also possible to rent one.
Unfortunately, swimming is not allowed.

For those who prefer to stay on land, there’s plenty of things to enjoy as well. At the Houtdok there’s a small beach, a popular place for volleybal or simply some sunbathing.

Houtdok
The beach at the ‘Houtdok’.

Overlooking the beach, you can find a few wooden tables and benches, ideal for an evening picnic while enjoying the sunset. On the other side of the water you can find a small playground.

Prefer staying active? The wide paths around the docks are ideal for walking and biking. Along the way you can enjoy watching some of the amazing house boats. A fan of streetart? The area has you covered too. Many of the old structures have become a playground for graffiti artists, resulting in some amazing work.

Streetart in the Australiëstraat
Streetart from the artist ‘Super A

How to get to the Oude Dokken area?

Coming from the city center, you can take tram 4 towards Ledeberg and get off at ‘Muidebrug’, which is located at the ‘Houtdok’.
Want to get there from outside of Ghent? Piece of cake!
The area is located just next to the Ghent-Dampoort station.
Just take a train and cross the street towards the ‘Kleindokkaai’.

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