Book Tower
Discover the Splendor of the Book Tower in Ghent
The Book Tower: Ghent's Tower of Wisdom
Discover Ghent's iconic Book Tower: a modernist masterpiece housing millions of books and offering stunning panoramic views of the city.
The Boekentoren, or Book Tower, is a prominent landmark in Ghent, Belgium. Designed by Henry van de Velde, this 64-meter-tall modernist masterpiece serves as the Ghent University Library, housing over 3 million books and offering panoramic city views.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to Book Tower
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
Monday
8 am-8 pm
Tuesday
8 am-8 pm
Wednesday
8 am-8 pm
Thursday
8 am-8 pm
Friday
8 am-5 pm
Other nearby places you may find interesting
Explore places near Book Tower
Getting There
Walking
From Korenmarkt, head southeast towards Sint-Niklaaskerk (St. Nicholas' Church). Continue past the church and take a left onto the Sint-Veerleplein. Follow the road as it curves to the right, and you will reach the Graslei and Korenlei riverside. Continue walking along the river until you reach the bridge, called St. Michael's Bridge. Cross the bridge and head straight until you reach the intersection with the Vlaanderenstraat. Turn left onto Vlaanderenstraat and follow it until you reach the intersection with the Rozier street. Turn right onto Rozier street. The Book Tower will be on your left at Rozier 9. Walking from the city center takes approximately 15-20 minutes.
Public Transport
From Gent-Sint-Pieters train station, the Book Tower is a 20-minute walk or a short tram ride. Take tram line 1 and alight at 'Verlorenkost'. From Korenmarkt, tram lines 1, 2, 3, and 4 are available. A single ticket costs €3 and is valid for 60 minutes, allowing you to hop on and off as many times as you like. Contactless payment is available on buses and trams.
Taxi
Taxis are available at Gent-Sint-Pieters and Gent-Dampoort train stations, as well as Korenmarkt and Woodrow Wilsonplein. Taxi fares in Ghent start with a base fee of €10, with a price of €2.60 per kilometer. A 5km ride in Ghent costs about €14.4. Expect to pay around €15-€20 for a taxi from the train station to the Book Tower.
Local tips
✓
Visit during weekdays for a quieter experience and more opportunities to explore the reading rooms.
✓
Don't miss the upper floors for the best views of Ghent; bring your camera for unforgettable photos.
✓
Check the library's schedule for special events or exhibitions to enhance your visit.
✓
Plan your visit in the afternoon when the natural light enhances the beauty of the library's interiors.
Discover more about Book Tower
The Book Tower (Boekentoren) is an iconic building in Ghent, designed by the renowned Belgian architect Henry van de Velde. Constructed between 1936 and 1942, it stands as a testament to modernist architecture and a symbol of knowledge. As part of the Ghent University Library, it houses over 3 million books, manuscripts, and other materials.
Rising 64 meters (210 feet) high, the Book Tower is also known as the "Tower of Wisdom," fulfilling Ghent's ambition to create a "Parade of Towers". Its design combines vertical lines of the tower and bookshelves with horizontal elements like open books and reading rooms. The building has twenty floors above ground and four below, providing space for about 46 kilometers of printed material.
The tower's shape, a Greek cross, symbolizes the convergence of time and space, merging the earthly and celestial. A bronze fox terrier sculpture sits atop the Book Tower, a work by Greta van Puyenbroeck, adding a touch of whimsy to the structure. Visitors can explore the library spaces during opening hours and enjoy panoramic views of Ghent from the upper levels.
A brief summary to Book Tower
Use Tower Bridge as your starting point for nearby food, family ideas, nightlife, and more local discoveries.
Get the app
Your all‑in‑one travel companion app
Explore expert travel guides, compare and book tours, experiences, hotels, and more—all from the palm of your hand. Download now for seamless trip planning wherever your wanderlust takes you.
More about Brussels
Discover Brussels: A blend of medieval architecture, world-famous cuisine, and vibrant arts scene. The heart of Belgium and Europe awaits your exploration.
Tell me more about Brussels