2 Photo Spots at the Bridge St-Michiels

About the location

The bridge spans the Lys river and provides a 360-degree panorama of Ghent's most iconic landmarks. To the east, the Three Towers of Ghent—St. Nicholas' Church, the Belfry, and St. Bavo's Cathedral—line up perfectly for a classic skyline shot. To the south, you have a direct view of the imposing St. Michael's Church, while looking west and north reveals the picturesque Graslei and Korenlei quays with their ornate guildhouses.

The bridge itself is a beautiful stone structure featuring a bronze statue of St. Michael. Because it is elevated, it provides the necessary height to clear the crowds and get a clean perspective on the river and the surrounding medieval architecture. Whether you are interested in long exposures of the water or wide-angle architectural shots, this location serves as the ultimate hub for capturing Ghent's historical charm.

Best timing

The blue hour is undoubtedly the best time to visit because the city lights illuminate the medieval buildings and towers, creating a magical atmosphere against the deep blue sky. Sunrise is also excellent for avoiding the heavy crowds and capturing the warm light hitting the facades of the Graslei.

Traveling

Bridge St-Michiels is located in the heart of Ghent's car-free historic center, making it easily accessible on foot or by bicycle. The closest major train station is Gent-Sint-Pieters, from which you can take tram line 1 directly to the Korenmarkt stop, just a short walk from the bridge. Parking is difficult and expensive in the center, so it is highly recommended to use the Park + Ride facilities on the outskirts and take public transport into the city.

Photography tips for Bridge St-Michiels

Use a wide-angle lens to capture the full scale of the Three Towers or the sweeping views of the Graslei and Korenlei quays. A tripod is essential for night photography or blue hour shots to keep the ISO low and capture the smooth reflections on the Lys river. Don't forget to include the bronze statue of St. Michael in your foreground to add depth and context to your composition.

Other languages

Here is how Bridge St-Michiels is called in other languages:
CS Most svatého Michala DE St.-Michiels-Brücke EL Γέφυρα Αγίου Μιχαήλ ES Puente de San Miguel FI Pyhän Mikaelin silta FR Pont Saint-Michel HI सेंट-मिशेल्स ब्रिज HR Most svetog Mihovila IS Sankti Mikjáls brú IT Ponte San Michele JA 聖ミヒエル橋 NL Sint-Michielsbrug NO Sankt Michaels bro PL Most św. Michała PT Ponte de São Miguel RU Мост Святого Михаила SV Sankt Michaelsbron TR Aziz Michael Köprüsü ZH 圣米歇尔桥