One Day in Ghent

Hop aboard a boat tour that takes you around the canals. This was a highlight for our whole family, and if you only have one day to spend in Ghent, and assuming the weather is nice, I highly recommend going via an open-air boat. Seeing the city from the water gives you a whole new perspective and a great view of places you may not notice from the street.

Exploring Gravensteen Castle is another thing you absolutely must do if you’re only in Ghent for one day. But here’s the thing: you must, must, spring for the audio guide. Trust me on this—it’s been the best audio guide we’ve ever had. They actually have a comedian guiding you along the castle, it’s pretty hilarious. My kids’ favorite part, for what it’s worth, was the hole for the toilets outside along the castle wall. They thought it was hilarious that people would do their business and it would just fall from there. Note if traveling with young kids: We let our 8-year-old daughter listen to the guide…but that was probably as young as I’d feel comfortable. While most of the “adult” jokes went over her head, I’m sure she understood a little more than she let on. Our younger two kids still had fun looking at everything, and we let them borrow our phones to take pictures/play games while we explored the castle.

This was a hidden gem that turned out to be pretty fun, and a great photo-op stop, too. There’s a street in Ghent called Graffitistraatje, or “Graffiti Alley,” and it’s just like it says: it’s an alley full of graffiti. This “graffiti” is considered street art, and it’s actually sanctioned by the city. It’s often painted over in one color as a blank slate for more art. Note if traveling with young kids: We didn’t see anything inappropriate when we were there, but that’s not to say that there isn’t anything little eyes shouldn’t see. Just be aware that there could be things not for kids

My kids got a kick out of the Ghent noses. These are really called cuberdons, but rumor has it they got their nickname of “noses” because they look like, well, a nose. These little candies taste like hard gummies—they’re gelatinous and come in different flavors. We got a smattering of them, and I honestly can’t remember if we had a favorite. But the other fun thing about the noses is that there’s a “battle” between who sells the original “better” noses. The two competing sellers often have their stalls set up next to each other. When you’re near Groentenmarkt, keep an eye out for two old-school-looking wagons set up. Their little setup has several flavors of noses, so you can be the judge (after paying, of course) as to which you think is the best.

Situated on top of the Belfry of Ghent (Het Belfort), one of the city’s three towers, is a medieval dragon. He’s been there, keeping watch over the city since 1377, and is a fun sight to see, especially if you’re traveling with kids. Speaking of kids, they can go up the tower for free. And if you’re not keen on climbing all the way to the top, have no fear: there’s an elevator to take you up.

Note: there is no on-site parking, my husband dropped us and our stuff off and then drove to the a parking garage: Sint-Michiels.