Attractions and Places To See around Handelsdok - Top 14

Really nice tho cycle or walk here now that the path is fully renovated.

Alice Martha, Visu Alice Feminism in Ghent A project about feminism in Ghent. The making of this work took 2 months because of lots of bad weather. Some words about this project by the artist: "On the tram, 10 women are depicted which (have) mean(t) a lot in the strive for equal rights. I present you: Greta Craeymeersch, Kati Couck, Moniek Darge, Chantal De Smet, Marijke Colle, Lucie Van Crombrugge, Jaqui Goegebeur, Denise Deweerdt, Roos Proesmans and last but not least Emilie Claeys. They have started Dolle Mina's in Ghent, women against rape, abortion centres, education about our bodies and sexuality and the list goes on." This project had a little extra twist: due to some interventions on the tram, some windows were redone. Creating a new version of the artwork, in new colours. A project by Amazone vzw. Bron: StreetArtCities

The Oude Dokken is an urban renewal project located around the Houtdok, the Achterdok and the Handelsdok. Where the port industry used to be located, there is now a brand new district. The Oude Dokken has been in full transition since 2004, you can see the area changing while you stand there.

A hip place with a lot of street art.

For a long time, the Old Docks were part of the Ghent port area. But in the second half of the 20th century, ships became increasingly larger and there appeared to be no room for expansion in the area around the Achterdok, the Handelsdok and the Houtdok. Since the Port Authority decided to move its activities and permanently withdraw from the old port area, the site has been transformed into a new vibrant district with homes, offices and recreational facilities.

The Houtdok was dug in 1881 as an extension of the Handelsdok. The construction of the Handelsdok took place in conjunction with the digging of the Ghent-Terneuzen sea canal in 1827, an important step in the industrial development of the north of Ghent. Today the Houtdok no longer fulfills an industrial function, but its pollution is still present. The Flemish Waterway has therefore banned swimming in the Houtdok. Some local residents want this to change. They work together with the non-profit organization Waterland, which campaigns for clean water and more open bathing water in Belgium. The problem of the Houtdok is therefore a symbol for water as a commons. Water represents an important diversity of communal functions and collective destinations, and not only in terms of recreation. Sources: Van Aerschot-Van Haeverbeeck, Suzanne. Building through the ages : inventory of cultural heritage in Belgium. Architecture. Part 4nc: City of Ghent, 19th and 20th century urban expansion. Ghent: Snoeck-Ducaju & Zoon n.v., 1983. “Swimming legally in the Houtdok this summer? ‘The permits have been applied for,’” Het Nieuwsblad, 16.07.2021. Waterland. Consulted on 31.03.2022. https://www.waterlandvzw.be/

Take a break for a nice cup of coffee at Cup Gent

This new neighborhood park around the Houtdok has a sports square and playground. You can also train at the outdoor fitness station, cycle or walk on the promenade and relax on the lowered quays or beach zone. The old harbor crane on the west bank will have a viewing platform and will serve as a beacon and vantage point In the Kapitein Zeppospark, the original elements were preserved and reinforced as much as possible. That is why there is a cozy maritime atmosphere. With its sleek structure, the park zone connects to the dock. Source: City of Ghent