Kouter Sunday flower and antique market

The Kouter is a large square in central Ghent, in Belgium's Flemish Region, known for its long-running flower market and a Sunday antiques and flea market. The square is surrounded by 18th- and 19th-century buildings and sits at the end of Veldstraat, which makes it an easy extension of a shopping walk. Flower stalls operate on Saturdays and Sundays, selling cut flowers, bulbs, potted plants and seasonal arrangements, while on Sunday mornings, typically from about 8AM to 1PM, antique and flea-market traders add furniture accessories, glassware, silverware, books, prints, vintage clothing and curiosities. The flower market reflects Ghent's horticultural tradition, and the quality is generally high, with locals making up the bulk of customers, so the proportion of tourist trinkets is low. Flowers typically cost about €3 to €25 (approx $3.45 to $29), and antiques run from about €5 to €200 (approx $5.75 to $230), with rarer pieces higher. Bargaining is accepted at the antique and flea stalls, where a polite request for a reduction is normal, especially when buying more than one item, whereas flower sellers usually keep fixed prices. Cash is advisable for small purchases, although some established dealers accept cards. As with other second-hand markets, tax-free refunds are generally not available. The atmosphere is relaxed and sociable, with browsing couples, collectors and families, and the crowd grows through the late morning. The layout is open, with flower stalls grouped together and antique sellers spread around the square's edges, so a single circuit allows visitors to see all of it. Food options include coffee, snack vendors and the cafes and restaurants around the square and along nearby streets, which fill with brunch visitors on Sundays. Early arrival offers the best selection of antiques and quieter conditions, and dealers begin to pack up from early afternoon. The Kouter also hosts other events during the year, so seasonal variations are possible.