Fairytale Ghent is often overshadowed by neighbouring Bruges but we discovered that it’s a truly lovely city. The grand, medieval architecture is offset by its vibrant art and music scenes and there’s no shortage of picturesque riverside spots to enjoy a drink, some frites or just to do some people-watching.

Our itinerary only allowed for a few hours here, but we managed to fit in a good mix of free activities that gave us a taste of the city and, importantly, kept the kids happy.

History and Music

The Binnenstad – or inner city – is the historic centre of Ghent. The cobblestone streets are home to so much grand medieval architecture with something interesting or beautiful everywhere you look. Canals, bridges, towers, monuments and Gravensteen – the Castle of the Counts – provide plenty of interest to a meandering wander through the heart of the city. Whilst not every child will be fascinated by the intricacies of the buildings, if they’re anything like our two, they will absolutely love dancing to the buskers and the people-watching on offer, especially in the central squares of Sint-Baafsplein and Korenmarkt. 

Street Art

Werregarenstraatje – known as Graffiti Street – is a canvas for street artists to express themselves so its constantly changing. Apparently, the only rules are to respect works that are better than your own and don’t disturb the residents in the evenings. But actually its only a small part of Ghent’s vibrant street art scene. If you want to see more, check out this very comprehensive map. https://visit.gent.be/en/media/23248/download?inline Our kids loved picking out their favourite images, and posing for some photos of course!

Culture

For balance and a little bit of culture, visiting the imposing, gothic Sint Michielskerk (Saint Michael’s Church) is a good option. It’s a very impressive inside and out and is famous for its unfinished tower which culminates in a flat roof rather than a spire – despite nearly 400 years of construction efforts! Thankfully, our girls seem to respond well to places of worship and inexplicably understand they need to be a bit less wild, but they also really love a statue and a stained-glass window to marvel at. In the late afternoon, the sun through the coloured glass lent a magical extra dimension to the ancient paintings! It’s free to enter.

Riverside Walk

Views of the medieval guildhalls across the River Leie (or Lys) and the River Scheldt during an evening stroll (which we did), or even a riverboat cruise (which we didn’t), give you a great sense of the history and the grandeur of the city. It’s another great spot for people-watching too, since so many others are likely to be doing the same.

Food 

Whilst you could, of course, choose any one of the many amazing cafes or restaurants to eat at, we have the perfect alternative kid-friendly suggestion. Frites from a little kiosk, eaten sitting on a wall or bench as the sun began to set, followed by hand-picking their own little Belgian chocolate selection or a sampling a delicious ice cream. 

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Ghent was just one stop in our 2.5 week road trip from Derbyshire (UK) to Copenhagen in Denmark. The full itinerary, using our own car, is below. It was a great trip but, if we did it again, we’d add another night on the way up north to break the journey up, and possibly the same again on the way back down.

Day 1: home to Folkestone for our LeShuttle crossing; drive to Bailleul, France (or similar for 1 night) (a long travel day but broken up so it didn’t feel too bad)

Day 2: long travel day #1 – breakfast in France, lunch in Belgium at Chateau d’Hélécine (free bouncy castles and amazing playgrounds next to a lake and café) and dinner in Germany (stay 2 nights in Weilerswist or similar or stay in Cologne if preferred)

GERMANY

Day 3: visit Cologne

Day 4: long travel day #2 – Cologne to Fleckby (or similar for 1 night) via Bremen Rhododendron Park (playgrounds, walks and a pricey/busy café so maybe bring a picnic) 

DENMARK

Day 5: travel to Svendborg (4 nights) and visit Odense

Day 6: visit Ærø island by passenger ferry

Day 7: visit Egeskov Castle

Day 8: visit Langeland island (self-drive tour)

Day 9: visit Sagnlandet Lejre (Land of Legends) then travel to Roskilde (or similar or stay in Copenhagen if preferred for 2 nights)

Day 10: visit Copenhagen

Day 11: visit Lisleje Beach; travel to Askeby (or similar for 2 nights)

Day 12: visit Møn island (self-drive tour)

Day 13: long travel day #3 – Askeby to Lübeck (2 nights) via a stop in Heiligenhafen Pier

GERMANY

Day 14: visit Lübeck

Day 15: long travel day #4 – Lübeck to Oberhausen (or similar for 1 night) via a stop in Celle

BELGIUM

Day 16: visit Ghent, Belgium (stay 2 nights in Wingene or similar or in Ghent/Bruges if preferred)

Day 17: visit Bruges

Day 18: Bruges to home

All information is correct at the time of posting. Follow us on Instagram @four_go_exploring for more independent family adventures.