Discover Ghent
Ghent is a city that works very well with the family: a spectacular historic centre, photogenic quays along the Leie and the Scheldt, and a real variety of activities depending on the energy of the day.
The simplest format: a loop in the centre (Graslei, Korenlei, alleys), a green break, then a “pillar activity” (castle, museum, indoor outing if the weather is capricious).
Why go with your family?
- Dense centre : many strong spots within walking distance, without multiplying transport.
- A real “postcard” décor : quays, bridges, facades, medieval atmosphere that hooks the children.
- Modular activities : castle, museums, boat, parks, depending on age and weather.
- Reliable rain plan : several indoor options that are easy to fit in without exploding logistics.
At a glance
- TRAIN TIME FROM BRUSSELS : approximately 30 minutes (to Gent-Sint-Pieters, then tram/bus/taxi depending on your starting point).
- VISIT DURATION : Half day (centre + castle) or full day (centre + museum/park).
- FOR WHOM? Children (boat, parks), children (castle, fun museums), teenagers (museums + heritage).
Must-sees in Ghent
Castle
- Gravensteen (Castle of the Counts)
The classic: a real medieval castle in the centre, perfect for a memorable visit.
Address: Sint-Veerleplein 11, 9000 Gent.
Walks and historic centre
- Graslei & Korenlei
The most iconic quays: perfect for a short loop, photos, and “old town” atmosphere. - Bridges and alleys in the centre
The centre lends itself well to a simple walk with regular stops (waffle, hot chocolate depending on the season).
Museums that work well with children
- STAM – Stadsmuseum Gent
City museum: very good if you want to understand Ghent without being “too museum-like”, and easy to integrate in a day.
Address: Godshuizenlaan 2, 9000 Gent. - Industriemuseum
Museum around industry and techniques, good “discovery” format and rain option.
Address: Minnemeers 10, 9000 Gent. - De Wereld van Kina (Kina: the House)
Family-oriented nature/science museum, with collections (minerals, fossils, insects).
Address: Sint-Pietersplein 14, 9000 Gent.
Alternative culture (rather large)
- Museum Dr. Guislain
Atypical museum on the history of psychiatry, interesting for teenagers/parents depending on sensitivity.
Address: Jozef Guislainstraat 43, 9000 Gent.
Recommended route
1) Gent-Sint-Pieters: simple start without too much walking
Take 10 minutes upon arrival (restroom, snack, spotting). Then, reach the center by tram/bus/taxi to avoid “burning” the energy from the beginning and arrive directly in the historic center.
2) Korenmarkt: choose your first visit
Two very simple options in one place:
- Gravensteen if you want a “castle” highlight first thing in the morning
- Graslei / Korenlei walk if you prefer to start with the atmosphere by the water (without long visit)
3) Go down to the centre: alleys then quays
You walk quietly through the historic centre: alleys, small squares, then towards the quays. It’s a pleasant portion on foot, with easy breaks.
4) Graslei & Korenlei: “postcard” heart
Make a short loop along the water: facades, bridges, viewpoints. This is the easiest step to “see Ghent” without getting complicated.
5) Gravensteen: the castle in the middle of the city
Perfect for structuring the day: a visit that makes a mark, very visual, and easy to integrate because everything is around. Depending on the age, you adapt the duration.
6) STAM (or Industriemuseum): very efficient indoor option
If you fancy an additional visit (or if the weather changes), choose an option:
STAM if you want to understand the city without being “too museum”
Industriemuseum if you’re looking for something more concrete and accessible
7) Blaarmeersen: big green break
To revive the energy after the centre: large park, open spaces, calmer pace. Ideal if children need a real breath.
8) End of the day: return to the center or direct return
Finish with a final mini-loop on the platforms if everyone is in good shape, or head straight back to the station without adding unnecessary stops.
Where to eat with children
Simple lunch
• Historic centre (around Korenmarkt / Graslei)
Several brasseries and casual addresses where you can eat without straying from the route on foot. Convenient format to stay in the center + castle loop.
• Covered markets / food courts (depending on season and opening)
A useful option when everyone wants something different, without imposing a long meal at the table.
On the go
• City centre
Sandwich, soup, quick snack or bakery: perfect if you are going on a visit + museum or if the train is on a tight schedule.
• Docks
Quick break before or after the walk by the water, without changing neighborhoods.
Taste
• Around Graslei / Korenlei
Waffle, pastry or hot chocolate depending on the season, then a small “photo” loop along the canals.
More relaxed dining
• Historic centre
Simple brasserie if you want to end the day at the table without having to take transport again.
• Eilandje district (if you pushed towards the port)
More open atmosphere, spacious restaurants, practical at the end of the day before the return.
Parks, amp; green breaks
- Blaarmeersen (large leisure park, beach & playground)
Large green estate on the edge of the Watersportbaan: real wide open spaces to let off steam, easy paths around the water, a large “beach” area and water activities depending on the season. Main entrance on the Zuiderlaan side (between the Topsporthal and the Huis van de Sport).
For swimming / beach area: Strandlaan 24, 9000 Gent (Strandgebouw / Zwemvijver Blaarmeersen). - Citadelpark (green lung of the Museum District)
Large city park very close to the museum district (MSK, S.M.A.K.): lawns, shaded paths, simple break to slide between two visits. - Bourgoyen-Ossemeersen (nature reserve, wet meadows)
Large nature area in the west of Ghent, known for its wet meadows and bird watching, with quiet walking paths. Convenient entry point: Natuurcentrum Jan Hublé, Driepikkelstraat 32, 9030 Gent.
Practical information
- Access: historic center very easy to do on foot once there; A city designed for walking, with a large centre with little traffic.
- Coming from Brussels: direct train Brussels ↔ Ghent (Gent-Sint-Pieters) in about 36 minutes depending on the connections, then tram/bus to reach the centre.
- Car: Ghent has an LEZ (low emission zone); Foreign vehicles must be registered before entering (day pass possible depending on the case).
- Traffic: the traffic plan limits through traffic in the centre; In practice, the car is not the most fluid option to “radiate” from one point to another.
- Parking: paid car parks in the centre (about 15 car parks for nearly 9,000 spaces); Large pedestrian zone, motorised access subject to authorisation depending on the case.
- P+R (Park + Ride): free car parks on the outskirts + tram/bus connection to the centre (simple option to avoid the city centre by car).
- On-site transport: De Lijn network (trams/buses); 60 min ticket at €3 (purchase via app/website, in store, or contactless payment depending on options).
- CityCard Gent: 48 / 72 hour format with public transport included for the duration of the card; interesting if you go from one museum to another.
- Stroller: Overall OK; provide paving stones and variations in accessibility depending on the buildings (museums/monuments).
Frequently Asked Questions
Both: the historic centre is very easy to walk to (quays, alleys, large squares) and you can add a “pillar” activity such as the Gravensteen (castle) or a museum depending on the age.
2 to 3 hours : centre loop + quays + snack break.
Half day : centre + Gravensteen.
Day : centre + Gravensteen + museum or park.
The most common is to arrive in Gent-Sint-Pieters and then reach the centre by tram/bus/taxi depending on your programme (and your level of walking).
The centre yes, but depending on where you are staying (train station / centre), a tram ride can be more comfortable, especially with children.
Overall yes, but there are cobbled areas and some monuments have less easy stairs or access. For the castle, the visit may require you to wear it punctually.
The Gravensteen : it’s concrete, visual, and it gives a real highlight to the day.
The castle also walks, but you can complete with a more “content” museum (history, society, heritage) or a longer tour of the center.
Ghent is very beautiful and very visited, but the atmosphere is different: big city, more lively, with a spectacular historic center.
Discover the cities around Brussels
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