Parks & gardens
Saint Peter's Square
Saint Peter's Square
Located south of Ghent's old town, this is the city's largest public square. It is named after the nearby St. Peter's Abbey and serves as a central hub for local events throughout the year. Travelers visit the area to experience the city's cultural activities, including the Lenten fair in March and various sports events.
Getting There
The square is situated within walking distance of the city center. Depending on your starting point in the old town, it typically takes about 10 to 15 minutes to reach on foot.
Duration of Visit
A brief visit to walk through the square takes about 30 minutes. However, if a fair or cultural event is taking place, you may wish to allow two to three hours to explore the activities.
When to Visit
The square is accessible at all hours. It becomes crowded during the March Lenten fair and during scheduled sports or cultural festivals. Visiting during these event windows provides a different experience than a standard weekday visit.
Nearby Attractions
Because of its central location, the square can be combined with several other sites within walking distance:
- Blandijnberg (0.2km)
- Museum of Fine Arts Ghent (MSK) (0.5km)
- King Albert Park (0.5km)
- Stedelijk Museum voor Actuele Kunst (0.6km)
Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors