Guildhall of the Free Boatmen
A beautifully preserved late Gothic guildhall on Ghent's iconic Graslei, offering stunning views and a glimpse into the city's maritime history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Best light for photos
Guildhall of the Free Boatmen
Best Time
Best light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beautifully preserved late Gothic guildhall on Ghent's iconic Graslei, offering stunning views and a glimpse into the city's maritime history.
"The House of Franks-Boatmen is one of the best preserved and most attractive guild houses along Graslei in the Historic City Centre of Ghent."
📸 Admire from Across the Canal
Cross to Korenlei for a fantastic view of the Guildhall amongst other beautiful guild houses on Graslei.
🚶♀️ Walk the Embankments
Stroll along Graslei and Korenlei to fully appreciate the historic architecture and city charm.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Late Gothic Facade
Graslei Embankment
Admire the ornate sculptured decoration of this beautifully preserved 16th-century guild house.
Iconic Graslei Views
Graslei Embankment
Experience stunning, postcard-worthy vistas of Ghent's most famous embankments from this historic spot.
Historic City Centre
Ghent Historic City Centre
Immerse yourself in a city brimming with architectural and historical beauty, with attractions easily accessible on foot.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Graslei's Architectural Gem
Explore Ghent's Historic Heart
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Looking for tips from locals
📸 Admire from Across the Canal
Cross to Korenlei for a fantastic view of the Guildhall amongst other beautiful guild houses on Graslei.
🚶♀️ Walk the Embankments
Stroll along Graslei and Korenlei to fully appreciate the historic architecture and city charm.
For someone who's never been to Gent before
Visiting Ghent for a week end of April. Looking for activities/places to meet people
✨ See the Restoration
Appreciate the building's beauty, restored in 2015, and its intricate facade details up close.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Admire from Across the Canal
Cross to Korenlei for a fantastic view of the Guildhall amongst other beautiful guild houses on Graslei.
🚶♀️ Walk the Embankments
Stroll along Graslei and Korenlei to fully appreciate the historic architecture and city charm.
✨ See the Restoration
Appreciate the building's beauty, restored in 2015, and its intricate facade details up close.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Guildhall of the Free Boatmen for its stunning late Gothic facade and its prime location on Ghent's iconic Graslei embankment. The well-preserved architecture and the beautiful views it offers are frequently highlighted as major draws. Some note that it's best appreciated from the exterior, with the surrounding historic area adding to its charm.
"Very nice old house with the late gothic facade in the heart of Ghent. I loved it. The view to the most famous embankments of the town is stunning. The interious are impressive."
Dasha P.
"#Gent is a beautiful, lovely and cozy city with beautiful architectural/historical building. The most attractions are within walking distance."
Kawa Majidpour
"The House of Franks-Boatmen (Vrije Schippers) is one of the best preserved and most attractive guild houses along Graslei in the Historic City Centre of Ghent.
Historically the building was owned by the Free Skippers from 1530. The facade is the works of Flemish architect Chistoffel van den Berghe in 1531 and features ornate sculptured decoration.
Restored in 2015, Vrije Schippers, is a beautiful building worth spending time to view from up close when walking along Graslei. Then cross over to the other side of the canal to Korenlei and you'll be able to view Vrije Schippers amongst the other beautiful guild houses of Graslei."
Brad
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Guildhall of the Free Boatmen is located on the Graslei embankment in the heart of Ghent's historic city center. Most attractions in Ghent are within walking distance, making it easily accessible on foot from the city center. If arriving by public transport, tram and bus stops are nearby.
Parking in Ghent's historic center can be challenging and expensive. It's recommended to use public transport or park in one of the city's designated parking garages on the outskirts and walk or take public transport into the center.
Yes, you can walk from Ghent-Sint-Pieters station to the Guildhall, but it's a significant walk (around 30-40 minutes). Taking a tram or bus from the station directly into the city center is a more convenient option.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Guildhall of the Free Boatmen is primarily viewed from the exterior along the Graslei embankment. There is no admission fee to admire its facade and the surrounding historic area.
As the Guildhall is an exterior architectural feature, it can be viewed at any time. However, the best experience is during daylight hours to appreciate the details of the facade and the surrounding scenery.
No, there is no entrance fee to view the Guildhall of the Free Boatmen from the outside. It is part of the picturesque Graslei embankment, which is a public area.
📸 📸 Photography
The best times for photography are during the golden hours – shortly after sunrise and before sunset – for soft, warm light. Daytime offers clear views, but can be crowded. Evening offers beautiful reflections on the water.
For classic shots, photograph the Guildhall from the Graslei embankment. For a broader perspective including other guild houses, cross over to the Korenlei embankment.
Generally, there are no specific restrictions on photography for personal use from the public areas around the Guildhall. However, always be mindful of other visitors and avoid obstructing pathways.
🎫 🏛️ History & Architecture
Historically, the building was owned by the Free Skippers (Vrije Schippers) from 1530. It represents the guild of 'free people' who lived in Ghent, with the guild for foreigners located on the opposite side of the river.
The facade was designed by Flemish architect Christoffel van den Berghe in 1531 and features ornate sculptured decoration.
The Guildhall of the Free Boatmen was restored in 2015, ensuring its preservation and enhancing its architectural beauty for visitors to admire.
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👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Marvel on the Graslei
The restoration in 2015 has ensured that this architectural gem remains in pristine condition, allowing visitors to appreciate its grandeur as it was centuries ago. Its prominent location on the Graslei embankment places it at the heart of Ghent's most picturesque scenery. The guildhall is best viewed from up close, allowing for an appreciation of the fine details in its stonework and design. However, for a truly comprehensive perspective, crossing to the Korenlei embankment offers a stunning panorama of the Guildhall nestled amongst its equally impressive neighboring guild houses, creating an unforgettable cityscape.
This iconic structure is a key component of the Historic City Centre of Ghent, a UNESCO World Heritage site candidate. Its presence contributes significantly to the area's charm and historical narrative. The contrast between the Guildhall's detailed facade and the gentle flow of the Leie River creates a visually dynamic scene, perfect for photography and contemplation. It's a place where history, architecture, and natural beauty converge, offering a glimpse into the prosperous past of this Flemish city.
Experiencing Ghent's Historic Embankments
Many visitors find that the best way to experience the Graslei and Korenlei is simply by strolling along their lengths, taking in the views and the atmosphere. From the Graslei, you can get up close to the Guildhall and other magnificent guild houses. For a different perspective, crossing the bridges to the Korenlei allows you to see the entire row of historic buildings reflected in the water, especially beautiful during the golden hour. This vantage point is often cited by travelers as offering the most iconic views of Ghent.
Beyond admiring the architecture, the embankments are a popular spot for boat tours, which offer a unique way to see the city from the water and learn more about its history. Cafes and restaurants line the quays, providing opportunities to relax, enjoy a meal, or a drink while overlooking the picturesque scene. The area is particularly enchanting in the evening when the buildings are illuminated, creating a magical ambiance.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit