The Graslei (Grass Quay) and its counterpart the Korenlei (Corn Quay) face each other across a narrow arm of the Leie river, forming the most spectacular stretch of medieval Ghent. The Graslei side is particularly fine: a continuous row of guild houses spanning Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque styles, built between the 12th and 17th centuries by the guilds that controlled trade through the city's port.
In summer the quayside is crowded with terraces, boat tours, and people sitting on the steps with a beer. In winter, with the crowds gone and the guild facades reflected in still water, the view approaches perfection. Boat tours of the canals depart from here and offer a different perspective on the city's medieval scale.