Ghent’s most sophisticated gourmets gather at the blue-greenish Kiosk at about eleven in the morning. This aperitif bar serves a glass of cava, fresh oysters and other amuse-bouches to connoisseurs at the market. Once upon a time, a total of 38 such kiosks were spread over the centre of Ghent. Originally a hexagonal newspaper kiosk, the little building has stood on the Kouter since 1885 but moved to the quay at the Reep in 2026.
Kouter square was once the city’s most prestigious square. It’s surrounded by old grand townhouses, the Handelsbeurs concert hall, the Opera and plenty of shops and eateries. The bandstand was designed by city architect Adolphe Pauli and bears the name of 4 famous composers: Mozart, Gretry, Rossini and Auber.
Due to major roadworks in the (Neder)Kouter area certain routes to and from some city centre car parks have been altered.
