Veldstraat (Veld Street), Ghent

Veld Street (Veldstraat), located in the heart of Ghent, is the city's main shopping street and one of the most significant retail destinations in the country, often compared to other famous Belgian shopping streets like Brussels' Nieuwstraat and Antwerp's Meir. Stretching approximately 400 meters, Veld Street is a bustling hub of commerce and history.

Veld Street dates back to 1164 as Platea de Velde, originally a rural path through farmland outside Ghent. By the 12th and 13th centuries, it urbanized and became one of the city's first roads, attracting wealthy citizens who built stone houses in the 14th century. The street's architecture evolved from Romanesque stone and stepped gables, though little remains today. In the 18th and 19th centuries, it became known for large hotels, hosting notable guests like Louis XVIII, Wellington, and the American delegation at the signing of the Treaty of Ghent.

Veld Street's evolution into a major shopping street began in earnest at the end of the 19th century, marked by the widening of the street and the construction of new buildings, especially on the side adjacent to the Korenmarkt. This transformation established it as the premier retail destination in Ghent. Today, Veld Street's character is defined by its 19th-century architecture, though many of these historical buildings have been altered at street level to accommodate retail spaces that contrast with their upper façades.

The modern-day Veld Street is dominated by branches of large retail chains, such as H&M, Zara, Massimo Dutti, and Esprit. Over the years, the presence of independent stores has dwindled, with many family-run businesses closing their doors.