Walk Local with Zouzou Ben Chikha

An extensive walk that reveals a lot of hidden gems. This route shows you a rougher side of our Artevelde city, with a lot of attention for relaxation, culture and good food!

ZouZou Ben Chikha (1971) is no longer able to get away from the small screen. The actor created a furore in his role as Amar Arfaoui in the popular series 'Bevergem' and recently also played in the VRT series 'De Twaalf'. In 2021 'Grond' will appear on VIER and Netflix, an 8-part TV series written by Ben Chikha himself together with the two co-screenwriters of 'Bevergem'. What's more? Together with his older brother Chokri Ben Chikha he founded the international theatre company 'Union Suspecte'. And did we mention he's a musician too?

9,5 km - 15000 steps

Start your tour in one of my favourite côtés in Ghent, the Dampoort quarter, more specifically at Clouds in my Coffee. Then it's time for a brisk hike in the direction of Dok Noord, a neighbourhood that has undergone a lot of transformations in recent years and is quietly developing into the new Ghent hotspot with the renewed Bataviab bridge as one of its showpieces.

Summertime and the livin’ is easy... Especially at Bar Bricolage, where you can enjoy a fresh beer during the summer period. A bar has never been so hip with a mix-match interior, nestled in the ridge of the brand new Houtdok. 10 minutes away it's time for a mandatory stop at - dare I say it - the best Turkish grill in the country Abooov Adanaci.

Afterwards, step through to the Patershol and drop in at jazz cafe Misterioso, named after the 1958 album by Thelonious Monk. Sunday is trinket day at the weekly flea market of Bij  Sint-Jacobs. Or catch a performance at Campo Nieuwpoort, one of my favourite places. Cruise through the city centre and drop by the Copyright bookshop before walking along the Lindelei to the KASKcafé. After a refreshing aperitif it's time to visit the S.M.A.K. or MSK (or why not both).

Return along the picturesque Muinkkaai with a small detour to iconic vinyl shop Music Mania and their neighbour Vooruit Café. The big finale of the day: a film at Studio Skoop on Sint-Annaplein. Hungry after the movie? Keizershof is my place to be!