Ghent is a short, one hour drive from Brussels and has plenty to keep you and the kids engagged for a day or a week- end.  Its pedestrian city center is the largest in Belgium which means more freedom to run around for the little ones. You’ll have to watch out for the tram though, it can be pretty silent.

We generally love cities that have a river or water based activities. Ghent is at the confluence of two rivers ( the Lys and the Scheldt), making it even lovelier in Sprig and Summer when the locals line the steps on the river quay, in the area called Graslei and have picnics.

Ghent’s history is filled with rebellious acts against the rulling powers of the times and the inhabitants take pride in being stubborn and even a bit provocative to this day. They are also very proud of their heritage and it is easy to see why. As it suffered little bomb damage durin the wars, Ghent still boasts some of the best preserved buildings and heritage in Western Europe.

Here is what you can do in an adventure filled week- end in Gent with the kids:

1. Start with St Bravo’s Cathedral where you can admire the famous Altar piece by Hubert and Jan van Eyck (Lam Gods). This part of the trip is not so much for kids but then this is the no 1 site of Gent and famous the World over. Of course, they will be more likely to cooperate if you promise they will get to try “Gent noses” or cuberdons ( a sweet treat from gum arabic, traditionally raspberry-flavored and purple) once you leave the Cathedral. This Altar piece can be admired for a 3 Euro fee and access is directly behind the ticket booth, in a separate cathedral chapel. This was one of the art pices stolen by the Nazis during WW2 and recovered by miracle by the Allied forces before the salt mine in which they were hidden was set to be blown up. This story was tranformed in the movie Monuments Men directed by Gorge Clooney in 2014. Set aside 30 min for the visit, to also have a look around at this impressive Cathedral from the Middle Ages.

2. Head to the Gravensteen (Castle of the Count) , on the river’s edge. You can visit the castle, to the delight of all small knights to be. The entrance ticket is 10 Euro for adults and free for under 19 year olds. The castle is not accesible with a stroller so you will have to leave it at the entrance. Apart from the fortress itself, there is a large collection of armours and other effects of former knights. The historical collection of weapons in the Castle of the Counts includes one of the finest collections of Flanders. During the Christmas period, the Castle of the Counts will be transformed into a Winter Wonder Castle, with fairytale scenes that suddenly appear out of nowhere and in the most unexpected places. For the tiny tots there is the Spekkenfestival, or children’s theatre festival, with some entertaining performances ( in Dutch).

3. Cross the street and head to the Groentenmarkt. You will encounter shops with everything from flowers to spices. It’s the place to be if you’re looking to buy delicious products like sweet cuberdons or tangy Tierentyn mustard. The Great Butchers’ Hall houses the centre for the promotion of local East Flemish products. Here, you can pick up a bite for a picnic on the water’s edge. If too cold to sit outside, head to one of the lovely restaurants in the area. We can recommend, for drinks, ‘t Galgenhuisje, a popular and fair priced local cafe. For a good stake and fries, go for Aroma (Donkersteeg 9, Ghent 9000). They have a few smaller dishes for kids. For tasty vegetarian or vegan options, our guide recomended Lookal (Brabantdam 100).

4. After lunch, time to head down the river on a short cruise. The starting point is 200 m from the Castle entrance at De Botjes van Gent. Prices start at about 7, 5 Euro per person for a 40 min cruise around the medieval city center of Gent. Children under 3 are free and pay 4,5 Euro between 3 and 12. The boat will take you around the following sites: St Bavo’s Cathedral, the Belfry and St Nicholas’ Church, castles like the Castle of the Counts and the Princes’ Court and the old Fish market facing the even older Meat Hall. It ends at the Ancient Port of Ghent with its quay walls and mercantile houses.

5. End the day with a hike or an elevator ride (elevator starts on the first floor of the tower) all the way up the Belfort Gent, a UNESCO world heritage building and the tallest Belfry in Belgium. The Belfry is just in front of the whimsical looking Gent city Hall, that has two distinct parts, of completely different architecture, one Gothic and one Renaissance inspired. The Ghent Belfry symbolises the city’s prosperity and independence. The Cloth Hall, built onto the Belfry, was completed much later. The Gothic style of the Cloth Hall is a tribute to the industry to which Ghent owes so much. The entrace ticket is 8 Euros and can be bought online, in advance.

If you have a second day in the area, you can spend more time admiring the  buildings along the Graslei Canal. The Sint-Michielsbrug leads down to the Korenlei Canal, itself lined by splendid facades. A bit outsode the city center, you can walk and play at will in the green surroundomgs of  the Sint-Pietersabdij Abbey.

Where to stay? Try the NH Belfort Hotel, behind the town hall. You cannot beat the position and they have a great breakfast spread to get you ready for a day of sightseeing.  We had lunch there and found it very good value for money.

Final tipp: For kids aged 5 and above, there is even an App to encourage them to explore the city in a sort of a treasure hunt. Our little dude is still a bit too young for that but in case you need that extra motivation for the young ones, here it is: it is called OJOO and is available in Dutch and English.

Leave us a comment if you visited and enjoyed Ghent. Happy travels!