Korenmarkt

Korenmarkt is one of the city’s most iconic and popular squares, located at the crossroads of Ghent’s two busiest shopping streets. Taking a break here means joining the lively crowd of locals and visitors, whether it’s for a catch-up over coffee or a refreshing pint. Beyond its lively atmosphere and bustling commercial scene, this vast terrace is a spot steeped in history. Nearly a thousand years ago, Korenmarkt was the main marketplace for grain brought in by boat along the Scheldt and Lys rivers. In the Middle Ages, it grew into a major economic hub and later became a key stop for arriving and departing stagecoaches. That history is still visible today—most notably in the 20th-century post office building, adding elegance and depth to the square’s blend of past and present.