A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Aberdeen vs. Ghent for Nightlife, Attractions, Food, and Old Town

Should you visit Aberdeen or Ghent?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Aberdeen or Ghent? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Aberdeen

Aberdeen is a historic, cultural, and architectural city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Ghent

Ghent is a youthful, high energy, and cultural city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Aberdeen and Ghent: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Aberdeen or Ghent?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Aberdeen than Ghent. While Ghent is larger than Aberdeen, Aberdeen has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Aberdeen is more popular for its big city activities, while Ghent is known for its food, nightlife, shopping, and impressive beauty. Aberdeen is popular for its longstanding maritime history and its many cultural sights and activities. It is also home to St Machar's Cathedral Aberdeen. Ghent is popular for its medieval buildings, large squares, and weekly markets

How is Aberdeen different from Ghent?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Ghent and Aberdeen. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Aberdeen or Ghent?

Both Aberdeen and Ghent have superb landmarks and museums for visitors.

Aberdeen offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city's long running history means that there are plenty of sights and museums worth exploring. Highlights include St. Machar's Cathedral, the University and King's College of Aberdeen, Brig o'Balgownie, and the Tolbooth Museum.

Many visitors head to Ghent specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city has many different sights that are concentrated in a compact area. Make sure you check out the Cathedral of St. Bavo, The Fortress of Gravensteen, and The Belfry. The audio tour at Gravensteen really brings the history to life and makes for an enjoyable activity.

Is the Food Better in Aberdeen or Ghent? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Ghent is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Aberdeen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Ghent makes for a great culinary experience. The food scene is diverse and international, but there are also many local dishes and flavors that you should try. Pas de Rouge is a local cheese and mastel is a local bread. Ganda ham is also a popular meat that is dried and salted. In additional to traditional restaurants, you'll find almost any international cuisine that you could want.

Aberdeen has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Everything from brunch bistros to fine dining are available in this city. You can enjoy local specialties or international options at any of the unique restaurants around town.

Is Aberdeen or Ghent Better for Nightlife?

Ghent is an unbeatable place for nightlife. Also, Aberdeen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Ghent is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. With its young student population, you'll find plenty of lively bars and clubs around town. There are many places where you can party or dance into the early hours of the morning and some of the best places are around Oude Beestenmarkt, De Overpoort, and De Vlasmarkt. There's also the famous Ghent Festival every July.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Aberdeen. The nightlife scene is diverse with whisky dens, local pubs, and even trendy nightclubs to choose from.

Is Aberdeen or Ghent Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the superb old towns in both Aberdeen and Ghent.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Aberdeen. This city's old town is a hidden gem in Scotland. The cobblestone streets and long history make for a fascinating place to explore.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Ghent. The medieval old town follows along the canal and offers great architecture and a unique atmosphere.

Is the Shopping Better in Aberdeen or Ghent?

Ghent is a well-known place for shopping. Also, Aberdeen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Ghent is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city has the largest pedestrian shopping area in Belgium, making it a great place to explore on foot. The city has several different shopping areas which each have their own style and personality. You'll find everything from major European brands to local boutiques and street markets.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Aberdeen. A mix of modern shopping centers, antique vendors, and local boutiques make for an interesting shopping scene. For some of the city's best shopping head to Union Square Shopping Centre, the Trinity Centre, or Bon Accord Aberdeen.

Is Aberdeen or Ghent Better for Families?

Aberdeen is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Ghent is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Aberdeen is a very family-friendly place to visit. Explore the city's history or wander through one of the many museums. Some of the best museums for kids include the Aberdeen Maritime Museum, Little Treasures Toy Museum, the Aberdeen Science Center, and the Gordon Highlanders Museum. Adrenaline seekers will enjoy rock climbing and ropes courses at Transition Extreme or ziplining at Go Ape Crathes Castle. Also nearby is horseback riding and Codona’s Amusement Park.

Ghent is a family-friendly city. The city has a fun atmosphere with kid-friendly restaurants and a number of attractions that appeal to all ages. Kids and adults alike will enjoy exploring Gravensteen, which is the "Castle of Counts". You can also take a boat tour, rent bikes, or head to one of the town's playgrounds so the kids can burn off some energy.

Is Aberdeen or Ghent Better for Couples?

Ghent is a well-known place for romance. Also, Aberdeen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Ghent is a very popular place to visit for couples. It makes a great weekend getaway with a diverse restaurant scene, nice hotels, and plenty of historic attractions that you can explore.

Aberdeen makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many of the standard activities for couples such as interesting restaurants, theaters, and fun concerts.

Is Aberdeen or Ghent Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ghent is a popular place for backpackers. However, Aberdeen is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Ghent. The city has a number of hostels to choose from as well as a young vibe with a large student population. Many people overlook Ghent, but it feels more genuine than nearby Bruges, which attracts the larger tourist crowds.

Aberdeen is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Aberdeen or Ghent Better for Students?

Ghent is an unbeatable place for students. Also, Aberdeen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Many students frequent Ghent. The city is very popular with international students so it has a young and energetic vibe with plenty to do throughout the year.

Plenty of students visit Aberdeen. The city is a nice affordable option for students who want to study at the University of Aberdeen.

Is Aberdeen or Ghent Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Ghent is an unbeatable place for its public transit. Also, Aberdeen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors in Ghent can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. Buses and trams travel to most parts of the city and are convenient and efficient.

Aberdeen has some public transit options. There are public buses through town and it's possible to pick up a Grasshopper ticket that lets you ride on most of the bus companies.

Is Aberdeen or Ghent a more walkable city?

Aberdeen and Ghent both are superb when exploring on foot.

Aberdeen is very walkable. It's easy to walk to most of the city's attractions.

Ghent is a very walkable city. The area's with the most tourist attractions are generally walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is Aberdeen Worth Visiting? and Is Ghent Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Ghent or Aberdeen?

How long in Aberdeen or Ghent?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Aberdeen and Ghent. In our opinion, Ghent has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Ghent than Aberdeen. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Aberdeen, and 1-3 days is enough time in Ghent.

Families should spend more time in Aberdeen than Ghent. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Aberdeen, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Ghent than Aberdeen. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Ghent that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Ghent than Aberdeen if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Ghent.

One day in Aberdeen or Ghent?

In Aberdeen, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this cultural destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

The beautiful city of Ghent offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Aberdeen or Ghent?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Aberdeen. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Ghent is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Ghent, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Aberdeen or Ghent?

Aberdeen is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Aberdeen. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Ghent is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Aberdeen or Ghent?

You'll find food and shopping around the authentic destination of Aberdeen. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Ghent is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Aberdeen and Ghent, we can see that Aberdeen is more expensive. And not only is Ghent much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Ghent would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ghent and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Aberdeen would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Aberdeen than you might in Ghent.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Aberdeen Expensive? and Is Ghent Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Aberdeen or Ghent?

Ghent has a larger population, and is about 26% larger than the population of Aberdeen. When comparing the sizes of Aberdeen and Ghent, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Aberdeen or Ghent?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Aberdeen or Ghent in the Summer?

Both Ghent and Aberdeen are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Aberdeen for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Ghent because of the family-friendly experiences.

Aberdeen is cooler than Ghent in the summer. The daily temperature in Aberdeen averages around 14°C (58°F) in July, and Ghent fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Ghent. Aberdeen usually receives less sunshine than Ghent during summer. Aberdeen gets 157 hours of sunny skies, while Ghent receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Aberdeen usually receives less rain than Ghent. Aberdeen gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Aberdeen or Ghent in the Autumn?

Both Ghent and Aberdeen during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Aberdeen because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Ghent this time of year.

In the autumn, Aberdeen is cooler than Ghent. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Aberdeen in October average around 9°C (49°F), and Ghent averages at about 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Aberdeen often gets less sunshine than Ghent. Aberdeen gets 93 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ghent receives 105 hours of full sun.

Aberdeen usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Ghent. Aberdeen gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Aberdeen or Ghent in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Aberdeen and Ghent. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Aberdeen this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Ghent for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Ghent. It's quite cold in Aberdeen in the winter. In January, Aberdeen is generally around the same temperature as Ghent. Daily temperatures in Aberdeen average around 3°C (38°F), and Ghent fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Aberdeen usually receives more sunshine than Ghent during winter. Aberdeen gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Ghent receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Aberdeen usually receives more rain than Ghent. Aberdeen gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Aberdeen or Ghent in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Aberdeen as well as Ghent. Many travelers come to Aberdeen for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Ghent in the spring for the natural beauty.

Aberdeen is cooler than Ghent in the spring. The daily temperature in Aberdeen averages around 7°C (44°F) in April, and Ghent fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the spring, Aberdeen often gets less sunshine than Ghent. Aberdeen gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ghent receives 158 hours of full sun.

Aberdeen usually gets more rain in April than Ghent. Aberdeen gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Ghent and Aberdeen