Ghent is Belgium's street art capital. The city has embraced street art, with legal graffiti zones, commissioned murals, and a supportive local government. This has turned Ghent into an open-air gallery, with works by internationally renowned artists alongside local talent.
We analyzed hundreds of Reddit posts from r/belgium, r/gent, r/streetart, and r/travel to find the street art spots that locals and travelers recommend most. Skip the aimless wandering — these are the murals and locations worth seeking out.
“Werregarenstraat is the famous graffiti street. It's an ever-changing canvas, so you'll always see something new.”
— r/gent
tabiji verdict: This is the heart of Ghent's street art scene. A narrow alley where graffiti is legal, the walls are a riot of color and creativity. It's constantly evolving, so every visit is unique. A must-see for any street art fan.
“ROA is a Ghent native and his work is all over the city. Look for his signature black and white animals.”
— r/streetart
tabiji verdict: ROA is one of the most famous street artists in the world, and he hails from Ghent. His large-scale murals of animals, often depicting their skeletons as well, are powerful and thought-provoking. You can find his work all over the city, but a well-known piece is located on Sleepstraat.
“Ghent has a 'Sorry, Not Sorry' street art festival every few years, which leaves behind some amazing murals. You can find a map of them on the Visit Ghent website.”
— r/belgium
tabiji verdict: The 'Sorry, Not Sorry' festival has gifted Ghent with a stunning collection of large-scale murals from international artists. The city provides a map, making it easy to do a self-guided tour. A great way to see different parts of Ghent and some world-class street art.
“Cee Pil does these amazing optical illusion murals. He often combines two different animals into one, or gives a classic painting a modern twist.”
— r/streetart
tabiji verdict: Cee Pil’s work is instantly recognizable. His murals often feature two animals fused together in a "graffit-surrealism" style. His "Flemish Masters" series reimagines classic paintings, like Van Eyck's "The Arnolfini Portrait," with a street art aesthetic.
“Klaas Van der Linden is another Ghent artist. His work is often dark and beautiful, with a focus on light.”
— r/gent
tabiji verdict: Klaas Van der Linden's murals have a painterly quality, often depicting figures in nocturnal settings with a dramatic use of light. His work has a haunting, beautiful quality that sets it apart.
“Bué’s stuff is just so fun and cheerful. His colorful characters are all over Ghent.”
— r/streetart
tabiji verdict: Bué the Warrior's work is the antidote to a grey day. His bright, cartoonish characters bring a sense of fun and playfulness to the streets of Ghent. His murals are guaranteed to make you smile.
“The Hyuro mural is one of my favorites in Ghent. It’s a beautiful tribute to the city.”
— r/gent
tabiji verdict: This mural by the late Argentinian artist Hyuro is a poignant and beautiful piece. It depicts the "Maiden of Ghent," a symbol of the city, in a delicate and dreamlike style. A true masterpiece of the Ghent street art scene.
“Check out the Concrete Canvas tour. It’s a project that brings street art to different neighborhoods in Ghent.”
— r/belgium
tabiji verdict: Concrete Canvas is another project that has brought a wealth of street art to Ghent. It focuses on bringing art to the suburbs and less-visited areas of the city, making it a great way to explore beyond the city center.
📍 Various locations
“Keep an eye out for Stam X’s stencils. They are incredibly detailed and often have a political or social message.”
— r/streetart
tabiji verdict: Stam X is a master of stencil art. His intricate, multi-layered stencils are a common sight in Ghent. His work is often politically charged, but always beautifully executed.
“The Phlegm mural is absolutely incredible. The level of detail is insane.”
— r/streetart
tabiji verdict: British artist Phlegm is known for his intricate, storybook-style murals. "The Golden Cage" is a stunning example of his work, a sprawling black and white masterpiece that rewards close inspection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find the best street art in Ghent?
The best place to start is Werregarenstraat, also known as Graffiti Street. It's a legal graffiti zone that's constantly changing. Beyond that, you can find large-scale murals by artists like ROA, Cee Pil, and Phlegm scattered throughout the city.
Is there a street art tour in Ghent?
Yes, there are several guided street art tours available in Ghent. You can also download the 'Sorry, Not Sorry' street art map from the Visit Ghent website for a self-guided tour.
Is the street art in Ghent legal?
Much of the street art in Ghent is commissioned or created in legal zones like Werregarenstraat. The city has a supportive attitude towards street art, which has helped it become a major hub for the art form.