Citadelpark - Beautiful low angle view of the medieval Amberd fortress in Amberd, Armenia
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Citadelpark

4.6
·491k reviews·Gent, Belgium

Ghent's expansive green lung, blending historic citadel remnants with serene ponds, gardens, and world-class art museums.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring mornings

Blossoms and fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Citadelpark - Beautiful low angle view of the medieval Amberd fortress in Amberd, Armenia

Citadelpark

Best Time

Spring mornings

Blossoms and fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Ghent's expansive green lung, blending historic citadel remnants with serene ponds, gardens, and world-class art museums.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"A peaceful escape with beautiful gardens and a touch of history, perfect for a relaxed day."

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TIP

🚶‍♀️ Comfortable Shoes Essential

You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the vast Citadelpark, so comfy shoes are a must! :athletic_shoe:

🧺 Picnic Perfection

Pack a picnic basket and blanket for a delightful afternoon amidst the greenery. :sandwich:

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Citadel's Historic Grounds

The Citadel's Historic Grounds

Central area

Wander through the remnants of the 19th-century citadel, offering a glimpse into Ghent's past.

MSK & S.M.A.K. Museums

MSK & S.M.A.K. Museums

Adjacent to the park

Explore world-class art at the Museum of Fine Arts and the Municipal Museum of Contemporary Art.

Serene Ponds and Gardens

Serene Ponds and Gardens

Various locations within the park

Discover tranquil water features and beautifully maintained gardens, ideal for a peaceful moment.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Green Heart of Ghent

Citadelpark is Ghent's green lung, perfect for a relaxed stroll or a picnic. It's easily accessible and offers a peaceful escape from the city bustle. Plan for a leisurely visit to truly soak in its atmosphere.

Best Footwear for Exploration

While Citadelpark is mostly flat, comfortable walking shoes are a must if you plan to explore its expansive grounds. Consider bringing a picnic blanket for a more enjoyable experience on the grass.

Best Times

When
Spring mornings
Why
Blossoms and fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Summer afternoons
Why
Perfect for picnics
Crowd
Medium
When
Autumn evenings
Why
Golden light and crisp air
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

What's a Gent "life hack" everybody living here should know?

🚶‍♀️ Comfortable Shoes Essential

You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the vast Citadelpark, so comfy shoes are a must! :athletic_shoe:

🧺 Picnic Perfection

Pack a picnic basket and blanket for a delightful afternoon amidst the greenery. :sandwich:

reddit.com

Cool parks to walk in Ghent? I just know citadelpark

🖼️ Art Lover's Paradise

Don't miss the adjacent MSK and S.M.A.K. museums for a dose of culture. :museum:

🗺️ Explore Beyond the Center

While central, Citadelpark is large; consider it a great spot for a longer walk or date. :couplewithheart:

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♀️ Comfortable Shoes Essential

You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the vast Citadelpark, so comfy shoes are a must! :athletic_shoe:

🧺 Picnic Perfection

Pack a picnic basket and blanket for a delightful afternoon amidst the greenery. :sandwich:

🖼️ Art Lover's Paradise

Don't miss the adjacent MSK and S.M.A.K. museums for a dose of culture. :museum:

🗺️ Explore Beyond the Center

While central, Citadelpark is large; consider it a great spot for a longer walk or date. :couplewithheart:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Citadelpark is widely appreciated as a beautiful and expansive green space in Ghent, offering a peaceful retreat with its serene ponds and gardens. Visitors enjoy the proximity to major art museums and the historical remnants of the citadel. While generally well-maintained, some find the park's vastness can feel a bit empty at times, and parking can be a challenge.

What People Like

Peaceful atmosphere
Beautiful gardens
Proximity to museums

What People Dislike

Limited parking
Can feel vast

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Citadelpark is conveniently located near Ghent's city center. You can easily reach it by tram or bus from the city's main transport hubs. Many visitors also find it a pleasant walk from the historic center. :bus: :tram: :walking:

Limited street parking is available around the park, but it can be challenging to find a spot, especially during peak hours. Public transport is generally recommended. :car: :noentrysign:

Yes, cycling is a great option! Ghent is a very bike-friendly city, and there are usually bike racks available near the park entrances. :bicycle:

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Citadelpark is a public park and is free to enter and explore. Enjoy the green spaces without any cost! :moneywithwings:

Citadelpark is generally open from dawn until dusk. The adjacent museums have their own specific opening hours. :clock1:

There's no need to book tickets for Citadelpark itself, as it's a public space. Tickets are only required for entry into the MSK and S.M.A.K. museums. :ticket:

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Citadelpark offers a variety of activities, including leisurely walks, picnicking, enjoying the ponds and gardens, and visiting the nearby art museums. It's a great spot for relaxation and recreation. :park_park:

While Citadelpark is a beautiful space for all ages, it doesn't have dedicated large playgrounds. However, its open spaces are perfect for children to run and play freely. :child:

Absolutely! Citadelpark is a popular spot for picnics. Find a nice grassy area and enjoy your meal surrounded by nature. :food_picnic:

The main paths in Citadelpark are generally well-maintained and accessible for strollers and wheelchairs, making it a pleasant experience for most visitors. :wheelchair:

📸 📸 Photography

The serene ponds, the historic citadel remnants, and the lush gardens offer beautiful backdrops. The architecture of the MSK and S.M.A.K. museums also provides unique photographic opportunities. :camera:

Drone usage is typically restricted in public parks and near cultural institutions. It's best to check local regulations before flying a drone in the area. :noentrysign: :drone:

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Citadelpark offers a wonderful, open space for families to enjoy. While there aren't dedicated large playgrounds, the vast lawns are perfect for children to run, play games, and enjoy the outdoors. Packing a picnic is a fantastic way to make a family outing even more enjoyable, allowing kids to have a relaxed meal amidst nature. Reddit

Consider combining a park visit with a stroll around the ponds or a brief exploration of the historic citadel remnants, which can spark children's imaginations. The adjacent museums, MSK and S.M.A.K., might be more suited for older children or those with a keen interest in art, but the park itself is a universally appealing destination for family fun and relaxation.

❤️ Couples and Day-Trippers

For couples, Citadelpark provides a romantic setting for a leisurely walk, a picnic by the ponds, or simply enjoying each other's company in a serene environment. It's a perfect spot for a relaxed date, away from the usual tourist crowds. Reddit

Day-trippers to Ghent will find Citadelpark an easily accessible and rewarding escape. It offers a chance to experience a different side of the city – its green heart. Combine a visit with the nearby art museums for a well-rounded cultural experience, or simply use it as a peaceful break between sightseeing activities.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Stroll Through History and Art

Citadelpark is more than just a green space; it's a place where history and art converge. The park itself is built on the grounds of a 19th-century citadel, remnants of which can still be explored, offering a tangible connection to Ghent's past. This historical significance adds a unique layer to any visit, making it a perfect spot for those interested in local heritage.

Adjacent to the park are two significant cultural institutions: the Museum of Fine Arts (MSK) and the Municipal Museum of Contemporary Art (S.M.A.K.). The MSK houses an impressive collection spanning from the Middle Ages to the 20th century, while S.M.A.K. focuses on contemporary art. Visiting these museums can easily turn a park visit into a full day of cultural immersion. Reddit

Many visitors find the combination of natural beauty and artistic treasures to be a major draw. The park's layout encourages leisurely exploration, with winding paths leading to tranquil ponds and well-maintained gardens. It's a place where you can enjoy a peaceful walk, a picnic, or simply sit and admire the surroundings, all while being in close proximity to world-class art. Reddit

Planning Your Citadelpark Experience

When planning a visit to Citadelpark, consider the time of year for the best experience. Spring brings blooming flowers, making the gardens particularly picturesque, while summer offers ideal weather for picnics and outdoor relaxation. Autumn provides a beautiful display of fall colors, and even winter can be charming for a crisp, quiet walk. Reddit

Comfortable footwear is highly recommended, as the park is quite expansive and best explored on foot. If you plan on picnicking, bringing a blanket is a great idea. For those interested in art, dedicating time to visit the MSK and S.M.A.K. museums is a must. Check their respective websites for opening hours and any special exhibitions. TikTok

While Citadelpark is a large park, it's also noted as a good spot for a relaxed date or a longer walk, suggesting its suitability for extended visits. The park's accessibility from the city center makes it an easy addition to any Ghent itinerary, offering a peaceful counterpoint to the bustling city streets. Reddit

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