A place with its heart in the right place: in Knokke you will always receive a warm welcome. Whether you’re looking to enjoy an inspiring exhibition, expand your sporting horizons, follow the latest fashion trends, or raise a glass to the good life with friends or family – in this district, you can indulge in all the finer things in life. Here, elegance is elevated to the next level, because they know that the devil is in the detail. From the impressive pink square to iconic Lippenslaan, and the trendy beach bars and the historic villas, Knokke is the perfect place for bon vivants.
Itinerary
See the numbers on the map, at the bottom of this page
Lichttorenplein (16) is the best place to begin if you want to explore Knokke. The eye-catching square, designed by Gert Verhoeven, is actually an artwork. Even the water in the fountain is pink! This is a very popular place for a photo and an ice cream, and you can also visit the tourist office. Want to dive into the bustling commercial centre? Or into the green-blue waters of the North Sea?
Veiligheidspost (17) (Safety Post), a bright-yellow artwork by Compagnie-O and John Körmeling on the opposite side of Lichttorenplein, serves as a base for the police, other emergency services and lifeguards. Some people have compared it to a cheese ball or a rubber duck. It’s definitely iconic, whichever way you look at it.
Walk westwards, past the terraces in Van Bunnenplein (25), and you'll end up in Rubensplein (1). This is the heart of this neighbourhood that is sometimes referred to as Albertstrand. Along the square and in the adjacent streets there is a great choice of nice boutiques, restaurants and traiteurs. Discover which beach bar matches your personality. Each beach bar in this locality has a different look and feel. In the centre of the square three lemurs (1) – an artwork by Franz West – keep a watchful eye on the terraces and the children zooming across the square on their go-carts . During the summer months, everyone heads to the sports beach.
Further westwards, you’ll run into Grand Casino Knokke (2). Knokke-Heist has a lively, dynamic cultural scene, and the Grand Casino has welcomed many famous stars over the decades. Jacques Brel and Frank Sinatra loved to perform here. The largest Venetian crystal chandelier in the world hangs above the stairwell. At the request of Gustave Nellens, René Magritte painted his famous panoramic mural in 1952-1953. His ‘The Enchanted Domain’ is an impressive 70 metres wide and 7 metres tall. Grand Casino Knokke organises guided tours occasionally. It also hosts art fairs, gala evenings and award shows. The game rooms are on the Canadasquare side. Try your luck in a unique atmosphere. There are several nightclubs in and around the Grand Casino, so that the party – especially on weekends and in the summer – can continue well into the early hours.
The cultural axis of Knokke-Heist winds towards La Réserve, the largest hotel in Knokke-Heist, with stunning views of Zegemeer lake. The Waving Crabs (4) by Panamarenko are reflected in the water. A relaxing walk around the beautiful lake takes you past typical villas and inviting benches to the bustling Scharpoord Cultural Centre (5). Quality is always a priority, whether for talks, concerts, theatre or dance performances. Exhibitions by wellknown artists or annual events such as the Cartoon Festival and the Photo Festival attract thousands of visitors. Looking for a good book? The library has a excellent selection in various languages. The Scharpoord Garden (5) is a nice place to unwind or see some art. In and around Scharpoord Garden you can discover ‘Nieuwe Morgen’ (New Morning) by Willy Ceysens and the marble sculptures 'I.XI.XIV’ by Conrad Willems or you can sit on a ‘Social Sofa’. The façade is decorated with Narcisse Tordoir’s neon artwork. Inside, Ingo Maurer’s indoor lighting will be sure to catch your eye.
Scharpoord is also the link between tourism and culture in Knokke-Heist. You’re just a short walk from the station (23) and the coastal tram stop. People are always coming to and going from the station – not least because of the many sunny terraces nearby. Food lovers will enjoy the many bold, unusual culinary concepts on 3 Keith Haringplein (3) around the corner. Up the road, you can wakeboard on Duinenwater Lake, or take a refreshing dip in the Sportoase swimming pool.
Walk up Natiënlaan (14), the gateway to Knokke-Heist, and you’ll discover exclusive interior design shops and the flagship stores of some famous car manufacturers, including Porsche and Bentley. Head to Gemeenteplein to experience that village feel. On Wednesday and Saturday mornings, there’s a market (15) here, with a good selection of fresh products and fragrant flowers. Take a break during your shopping and order a drink on one of the relaxed terraces on the square. Locals develop their art skills at MAAK, an open arts centre, or head to Graaf Leopold Lippenspark (6) for some exercise. The home of the Royal Knokke Football and Hockey Club is a public park, where you can use the sports fields for free. Just as exciting, but less strenuous, are the many petanque courts, where people also like to meet. The neighbouring streets are home to a number of excellent restaurants: Cuines, 33 and Boo Raan were both awarded a Michelin star while Mas Brasa, Blanco, Ugly Duckling and Gellius have also received high scores in all the best culinary guides.
Lippenslaan (10) is the main artery and shopping street of Knokke-Heist. Hundreds of shops in all shapes and sizes rub shoulders with brasseries and cafés. From food to evening wear, this mile-long walk has something for every taste and budget. The offer is wide-ranging, and the choices endless. Find a table on one of the many terraces, get acquainted with new concepts, discover the range of well-known brands, or ask experts for advice on a wide range of items including glasses, books and office chairs.
The many squares along the way are the ideal spot to give your feet a rest. Verweeplein – the backdrop to the Wednesday textile market – is dominated by the stately town hall (32) and the bust of painter Alfred Verwee. In the evening, the area between the town hall and the station (23) comes to life, as the pubs, tapas bars, dance cafés and cocktail lounges open. The tall, bright orange AVL men (22) in Abraham Hansplein are an unlikely eye-catcher, and your gaze may also be drawn to the war monument and fountains on Burgemeester Frans Desmidtplein (7).
At the crossing with Dumortierlaan, a stunning piece of architecture draws everyone’s attention. The architect Huib Hoste built this Black House (26) (Zwart Huis) in 1924. It was considered revolutionary in its time, and even today there is no denying the boldness of the design, colours and choice of materials. It was one of the very first modernist buildings in Belgium. The house is a gesamtkunstwerk: the architect designed both the building and the furniture. Victor Servranckx created the murals in the living room.
At the top of Lippenslaan, you find yourself in Van Bunnenplein (25) where Jeremy Deller’s fun sculpture ‘Ask The Animals and they will teach you’ is a popular attraction, especially with young visitors.
Dumortierlaan (11) is also a shopping heaven. Here the extraordinary has a starring role. Design lamps by a quality Belgian brand? Cuban cigars? Animal hides from Scandinavia? Floral art or chocolate from suppliers to the royal court? The latest trends in baby furniture? Shoppers will be enticed by concept stores and speciality stores with an incredibly wide range
Midway up the street, just past the Church of the Holy Heart (9), is IJzerpark (27). This is another park that was revamped by an artist. The green lung was transformed into a rolling dune landscape by the landscape architect Aldrik Heirman, while visual artist Jan Vercruysse created the ‘Garden of Pleasure’ maze. A renovation of the park is in the pipeline. Walk back via Driehoeksplein, at the intersection with Het Zoute, and past the boutiques and local businesses in Kustlaan (12) to the place where you started: Lichttorenplein.
Highlights
The artists of the Grand Casino
The Grand Casino Knokke (2) has been a hive of artistic talent for almost a century. The modernist building was designed by Léon Stynen, a famous Belgian architect. From the 1930s, the casino flourished, becoming a meeting place for high society. Famous artists such as Josephine Baker, Charles Trenet, Edith Piaf, Maurice Chevalier and Ray Ventura all took to the stage here. Following its reconstruction after World War II, Knokke's casino became an important cultural centre. The works of famous painters such as Réné Magritte, Paul Delvaux, Marc Chagall, Salvador Dalí, Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Max Ernst and Ossip Zadkine were shown alongside those of relatively unknown avant-garde artists such as Joseph Beuys, Robert Rauschenberg, Andy Warhol and Keith Haring. Meanwhile the stage became a playground for Jacques Brel, Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald, and Elton John launched his long, prestigious career here. Televised galas, beauty pageants and award shows alternated with cultural events. The Venetian chandelier, René Magritte’s mural, and Jean Lurçat’s tapestries are just some of the stand-out features of this interior design scheme. Soon the entire building will be modernised, with even nicer game rooms and even more space for art, culture and entertainment.
Shopping 7 days a week
What makes shopping in Knokke-Heist so unique? Even on Sundays and public holidays, it’s never quiet in Knokke-Heist, because all the shops and restaurants are open! The offer is varied, unique, and of the highest quality. Most shops are located in Lippenslaan, Dumortierlaan and Kustlaan, but you can also shop in Zoutelaan and on Zeedijk. Knokke-Heist is the place to go for an eclectic mix of exclusive designers, familiar brands, and unique boutiques. These flagship stores often sell timeless pieces, as you will see when you scour the vintage shops, where you can still pick up some real classics to give them a second lease of life. An exclusive handbag, an original piece of jewellery, a unique dog toy, a surprising piece of design furniture, or toys to play with for hours? There's an abundance of choice! During the summer season, creative pop-ups open up alongside these familiar brands. All leading brands want a storefront in Knokke-Heist. And you can also find everything for interiors, from silky soft bedding to a complete makeover by an interior designer. Happily, the streets are also lined with excellent food stores. Whether it's a cheese affineur, a top traiteur or patisserie, your taste buds are in for a treat! Rejuvenate yourself in one of the many restaurants, tea rooms or bars. It’s no secret that people in Knokke-Heist like to look good. There’s always a hair salon or beauty parlour nearby if you feel like being pampered. What better way to add a nice finishing flourish to your holiday? Did you know that Knokke-Heist has more than 1,500 local businesses? Care to count them all?
Shopping
Golden Triangle
Lippenslaan (10)
Dumortierlaan (11)
Kustlaan (12)
Other shopping streets
Zeedijk (13)
Rubensplein (1)
Natiënlaan (14)
Zoutelaan (34)
Discover all shops.
Food, DRINKs & ACCOMMODATION
Discover top restaurants, all food addresses and bars in Knokke.
Discover all accommodation options in Knokke.
Art & CULTUre
Discover all art sculptures & art galleries in Knokke.
NATUre
Parks & open spaces
Zegemeer (4)
Ijzerpark (27): Playground, park, basketball court
Sports centres
Graaf Leopold Lippenspark (6): Running track, football pitch, hockey field, powerball pitch, petanque courts
Sporthal De Stormmeeuw (6): All sports, judo centre
Sportstrand Knokke (28)
Petanque courts: Zegemeer, beach bars, Schuttersplein
Public playgrounds
De Marge (6): playground
Tijl en Neleplein (29): playground
IJzerpark (27): Basketball court, playground
Scharpoord Cultural Centre (5): playground
Kragenhoek (30): playground
Goudsbloemenlaan (31): playground
Beeodiversity
De Zes Bochten (Nieuwstraat)
Scharpoord Cultural Centre (5)
