Graslei, Riverside streets in Ghent, Belgium.
Graslei and Korenlei are parallel waterfront streets along the Leie River lined with tall historic buildings that rise directly from the water's edge. Their distinctive stepped gable roofs and colorful facades create a distinctive skyline that reflects in the river below.
In medieval times, this riverside was the beating heart of Ghent's trade, where merchants moved grain, salt, and cloth across Europe. The buildings rose over several centuries as the city expanded its commercial power and influence.
The guild houses here served as homes and workplaces for merchants and craftspeople who shaped the city's economy for centuries. Today, their facades tell the story of how these families built their wealth and status through trade.
The streets are best explored on foot, with easy access to both sides of the water and plenty of space to walk and stop to observe the buildings. The area fills with people at all hours, especially during warm weather when outdoor seating makes the waterfront lively.
The reflection of medieval buildings in the water nearly doubles their visual presence, especially on calm days when the water becomes like a mirror. Photographers often capture these reflections as if the structures stretch infinitely downward.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
