De Krook Ghent
The brand new public library
When I was a student I would spend all my weekends in the library. Not only because I absolutely love books, but I also had a student job over there. Almost 15 years later, visiting libraries is part of city tripping to me. Strolling between books and discovering architecture - that’s my version of a sunny beach. Only recently opened to the public, Ghent finally has its own new public library.
The old library is only a couple of hundred meters away, so the first books were moved by a human chain to their new home at De Krook. The name ‘Krook’ comes from the Dutch word ‘kreuk’ - which means wrinkle - and refers to the river Scheldt that makes an uncomfortable curve at this place. The boatmen in the middle ages were not that happy with this part of the river.
Today it’s a place that makes me very happy. Designed by Coussée en Goris Architecten, this building has given the neighbourhood new life. When the whole project is finished it will be possible to sit by the river and it'll become a new hotspot.
In the meantime, you can visit the library and the nice bar. The view of the famous three towers from the 3rd floor of the building will leave you speechless. That is perfect, because a lot of people work and study here, so shhh.
If you are planning a night walk through the city, the lighting of the building is also worth the visit.
About this spot
Find your way with 112 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Ghent
Citadelpark
Green and culture go hand in hand
"Citadelpark" in Ghent, only 800m from Sint-Pieters station, is the oldest and biggest park in the city - the perfect place for picnics and outdoor games.
by
Dieter
Covent
Chocolatier Van Hoorebeke
Handmade chocolates
"Chocolatier Van Hoorebeke" in Ghent is a shop run by my family that specialises in Belgian pralines, or chocolate! Do try our Brasil mix...
by
Dieter
Covent
City Park
Green heart of Ghent
"City Park" is a small park next to the much-discussed City Hall - a meeting place for young and old. I enjoy getting philosophical with the view here...
by
Dieter
Covent
Le Bal Infernal
Used book café
"Le Bal Infernal" in Ghent is a used book cafe where you go inside, admire the beautiful interior and switch the books with one you have already!
by
Tahnee
Naesen
Simon Says
Time for coffee and much more
"Simon Says" in Ghent is more than a coffee bar. They offer breakfast, lunch and great cakes. I don't like coffee but it's said that theirs is the best.
by
Nick
Provoost
Damberd
Discover Jazzy Ghent
"Damberd" is the best example of that they call a 'Belgisch bruin café' in Ghent and one of its oldest bards. Very popular with the jazz crowd!
by
Nick
Provoost
Yoga-on-call
De-stress like a local
"Yoga-on-call" is a contemporary yoga studio in the heart of Ghent. All the teachers are enthusiastic and helpful and speak English. I'm always energized.
by
Nick
Provoost
Rococo
Cozy and romantic
"Rococo" in Ghent's very cozy old neighborhood Patershol is also a cozy and romantic bar. It's known among locals as 'Betty'. Have some 'liquer d'amour'...
by
Nick
Provoost
Portus Ganda
Back to basics
"Portus Ganda" is one of the four marinas of Ghent. Its history goes back to the very basis of the city and is my favourite spot - I feel connected here...
by
Nick
Provoost
BOON
Lunch bar
"BOON" is the most beautiful lunch bar in Ghent and already my all-time favorite lunch place! It is mostly vegetarian. Try the rhubarb soda, trust me.
by
Tahnee
Naesen
The Virgin
A wonderful gift
"The Virgin", a little fresco was revealed on November 18, 2014 in Ghent. I first followed the reaction of Pierre Pierlala, who called it an 'enlarged stamp'
by
Bennie
de Meulemeester
St Peter's Abbey
The Ghent vineyards
"St Peter's Abbey" in Ghent is one of the city's two beer-producing abbeys. I find it the perfect place to chill out and try many kinds of Belgian beer.
by
Nick
Provoost
Heading to Ghent?
112 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to Ghent?
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 112 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture
Our team loves Ghent
Get to know our other Spotters from Ghent
As featured on:
