Enchanting Ghent: A Family Adventure Tour
Family-Friendly Adventures in Ghent!
Gravensteen Castle (Castle of the Counts)
Why Visit?
Family-Friendly Itinerary to Gravensteen Castle (Castle of the Counts)
Morning Arrival
Start your day at Gravensteen Castle, located in the heart of Ghent. Easily accessible by public transport, take tram line 1 or 4 from Ghent St Pieters station and alight at the "Gravensteen" stop. If driving, park at the nearby Vrijdagmarkt or Sint-Michiels parking garages.
Tour the Castle
Buy your tickets online to skip the queue. As you step inside, you"re transported back to medieval times. Gravensteen, built in 1180 by Count Philip of Alsace, served as a fortress, court, prison, and even a cotton factory over the centuries. Today, it stands as a monument to its storied past, complete with moats, ramparts, and a dungeon.
Interactive Displays & Activities
The castle is a treasure trove for young explorers. Dive into history through interactive displays and a captivating audio guide that narrates the castle’s history in an engaging way for kids. Don"t miss the armory room, showcasing an impressive collection of medieval weapons.
Medieval Torture Museum
Located within the castle, this museum might be best for older children, showcasing eerie yet fascinating artifacts used in medieval justice.
Enjoy Panoramic Views
Climb to the top of the castle for a breathtaking view of Ghent. The staircases are a bit steep, so take care with smaller children.
Lunch Break
Head to the nearby Patershol district, a short walk from the castle, where cobblestone streets lead to cozy cafés and restaurants offering Belgian treats perfect for a family lunch.
Afternoon Stroll
Wrap up your visit with a walk around the scenic Graslei and Korenlei streets along the river Lys, just a few minutes from the castle. Enjoy the beautiful row houses and vibrant atmosphere.
Departure
End your visit by catching a tram back to the station or walking through Ghent"s charming streets, perhaps stopping for a Belgian waffle on your way back!
Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.
St. Nicholas’ Church (Sint-Niklaaskerk)
Why Visit?
Embark on a captivating family day out in Ghent, centering your visit around the impressive St. Nicholas" Church (Sint-Niklaaskerk), a striking example of the Scheldt Gothic architectural style.
Morning: Arrival and Exploration of St. Nicholas" Church
Begin your day early by taking a tram or bus to the heart of Ghent. The Korenmarkt, a bustling square, is the closest stop, and from there, St. Nicholas" Church is just a short walk away. As you approach, be sure to admire the church’s towering spires and the beautiful façades that date back to the early 13th century.
Family-Friendly Tour Inside the Church
Inside, explore the vast nave and the numerous chapels with a family-friendly audio guide available at the entrance. This guide will not only explain the architecture and history of the building but also share fascinating tales and legends that will capture the imagination of both kids and adults. Don’t miss the impressive organ and the beautiful stained glass windows.
Lunch Break
After your tour, head to one of the family-friendly cafes near the church. The area around Graslei and Korenmarkt offers several dining options with menus that cater to younger palates.
Afternoon: Visit the Belfry and Ghent City Museum
Post-lunch, make your way to the nearby Belfry of Ghent. Just a 5-minute walk from St. Nicholas" Church, climb up the tower for a panoramic view of the city and a close-up look at the historic dragon weather vane. Afterwards, visit the Ghent City Museum (STAM), which is a short tram ride away. It’s a great place to engage with interactive exhibits and learn about the city’s rich history.
Wrap Up the Day
Conclude your day with a leisurely cruise on the Ghent canals, starting from Graslei, just a stone"s throw from St. Nicholas" Church. The boat tour offers a unique perspective of the city and its historical buildings, perfect for a relaxing end to your adventure.
By following this itinerary, your family will experience the cultural richness and historical beauty of Ghendt, centered around the iconic St. Nicholas" Church.
Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.
St. Bavo"s Cathedral (Sint-Baafskathedraal)
Why Visit?
Family Day Out at St. Bavo"s Cathedral, Ghent
Morning: Arrival and Discovery
Start your family adventure at St. Bavo"s Cathedral, an architectural marvel in the heart of Ghent. Easily accessible, the cathedral is a short walk from Ghent"s central tram station at Korenmarkt. Arrive early to avoid crowds and delve into the serene beauty of this historic site.
Key Attraction
- The Altarpiece: Introduce your kids to the stunning "Adoration of the Mystic Lamb," painted by the Van Eyck brothers. Use the interactive guide available for a small fee to bring the rich history and intriguing details of this masterpiece to life for the children.
Lunch Break
Around noon, step out to enjoy lunch at one of the nearby cafes along the lively Graslei harbor, just a 5-minute walk from the Cathedral. Kids can enjoy Belgian waffles or a hearty sandwich as you take in views of the medieval buildings and boats.
Afternoon: Climb and Explore
Post-lunch, head back to the Cathedral for a climb up the Belfry. The tower offers a fun challenge for older kids and a rewarding panoramic view of Ghent from the top. For younger kids, the treasury of the cathedral offers a quieter but equally engaging experience with its collection of sacred artifacts and art.
Educational Twist
Engage your kids by turning the visit into a treasure hunt. Ask them to spot symbols like the lamb and lion in artworks throughout the cathedral, explaining their significance in Christian iconography.
Evening: Reflect and Relax
Conclude your visit by attending an early evening choir practice or service, if available. It"s a soothing experience and a perfect way to wrap up your exploratory day.
St. Bavo’s Cathedral not only offers a glimpse into the past but also provides a full, enriching day out for families seeking a combination of education and excitement in one of Belgium"s most iconic cities.
Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.
Graslei and Korenlei
Why Visit?
Graslei and Korenlei, nestled in the heart of Ghent, Belgium, offer a picturesque glimpse into the city"s medieval past, making it an ideal destination for a family day out. Here’s a captivating itinerary for a family-friendly tour.
Morning Arrival
Start your day early to enjoy the serene beauty of Graslei and Korenlei. You can easily reach here by public transport; trams and buses are frequent to the city center from where it"s a short walk to the riverbanks. If driving, park at one of the nearby car parks.
Historic Exploration
Once there, immerse yourself in the stunning views of the rows of historic buildings reflecting in the Lys River. Each building has a unique story; for instance, the Graslei is home to the oldest step-gable house in Ghent, dating back to the 13th century. This area served as a medieval port and is steeped in history related to the city’s economic boom during the Middle Ages.
Boat Tour
By mid-morning, hop onto a guided boat tour. This 40-minute ride provides a unique vantage point of the city and entertaining stories suitable for all ages. The kids will love seeing the city from the water, and you’ll appreciate the detailed architecture from a different perspective.
Lunch and Leisure
Post boat tour, enjoy lunch at one of the family-friendly cafes along the Graslei, overlooking the water. Many restaurants offer Belgian specialties, including treats for children.
Afternoon Stroll and Ice Cream
Post-lunch, take a leisurely stroll across the St. Michael"s Bridge for a panoramic view of the cityscape — a perfect photo opportunity. Wrap up your day with some delicious Belgian ice cream from a nearby shop, a delightful treat for the kids and a sweet end to your day at Graslei and Korenlei.
This itinerary offers a blend of history, relaxation, and fun, tailored to engage all family members in the beauty and history of Ghent.
Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.
Belfry and Lakenhalle (Bell Tower and Cloth Hall)
Why Visit?
Embark on a fascinating day trip to the iconic Belfry and Lakenhalle (Bell Tower and Cloth Hall) in Ghent, which promise a captivating blend of history and stunning architecture that delights visitors of all ages.
Morning - Start at the Belfry
Begin your adventure at the heart of the city with the towering Belfry of Ghent, one of the three medieval towers that famously line the city skyline. Standing at 91 meters tall, this UNESCO World Heritage site offers not just a historical journey but also panoramic views of the city. Kids will love the old winding staircase and the chance to see the massive bells up close. The highlight for many is the dragon weathervane at the top, which has become a symbol of Ghent.
How to get there: The Belfry is centrally located and easily accessible by public transport. Trams and buses frequently stop at Korenmarkt, which is just a short walk away.
Lunch Break
Take a break and grab some local treats like Belgian waffles or fries. There are several family-friendly cafes around the city center that offer a delightful taste of Belgian cuisine.
Afternoon - Explore Lakenhalle (Cloth Hall)
Post lunch, stroll to the adjacent Lakenhalle, an impressive example of Gothic architecture and once the center of the thriving textile trade during the Middle Ages. Now, it serves as a bustling center of activity and houses a museum. The museum is interactive and engages children with stories about the medieval economy and Ghent’s prosperity in the cloth industry.
How to get there: Cloth Hall is conveniently located right next to the Belfry, so no additional travel is needed.
Interesting Fact: The Belfry is home to a carillon that consists of 54 bells, which often chime to the delight of visitors, offering a musical backdrop to your exploration.
End your day by enjoying a leisurely walk back through the charming Ghent streets, perhaps stopping for some Belgian chocolate as a sweet end to your historical journey.
Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.