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 was also featured in the VRT series 'De Twaalf'. In 2021 'Grond'  appeared 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 excursion with a coffee in the Dampoort district, one of my favourite areas in Ghent. Then, it's time for a hearty walk in the direction of Dok Noord, an area that has undergone numerous transformations in recent years, and is slowly emerging as the new Ghent hotspot with the renovated Batavia bridge among its highlights.

Summertime and the livin’ is easy... Especially at Houtdok where, in summertime, you'll encounter lots of locals along the renovated quay walls or in the beach zone.

Then continue walking towards the Historical Centre, making sure to include a stroll through Patershol. By the way, Sunday is 'sniff out a bargain day' at the weekly flea market Bij Sint-Jacobs, which is definitely worth a diversion. Or catch a show at Campo Nieuwpoort, one of my favourite places. Cross the city centre, visiting a Ghent shop here and there, before continuing along Lindenlei 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, making a small detour past the Krook and Vooruit. The day's grand finale: a film at Studio Skoop on Sint-Annaplein. Hungry after the film? The Vrijdagmarkt district has something to suit everyone's taste!