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

Should you visit Amsterdam or Ghent?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Amsterdam or Ghent, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a laid-back, scenic, and historic city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and shopping.

Ghent

Ghent is a cultural, historic, and under-rated city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Amsterdam and Ghent: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Amsterdam or Ghent?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Amsterdam than Ghent. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Amsterdam is very popular for its music and big city activities, while Ghent attracts visitors for its food. Amsterdam is more touristy than Ghent and is known for its scenic canals, huge biking culture, and its wild nightlife scene. It is also well known for The Rijksmuseum. Ghent is famous for its medieval buildings, large squares, and weekly markets

How is Amsterdam different from Ghent?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the great sights and museums in both Amsterdam and Ghent.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Amsterdam can be an interesting and educational experience. The city has a number of sights and museums including the Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Royal Palace. The world renowned Rijksmuseum is a must see for any art enthusiast. There are also many smaller, lesser known museums that are well worth a visit.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Ghent. 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 Amsterdam or Ghent? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Ghent is well known for its restaurant scene. However, Amsterdam is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Ghent. 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.

Amsterdam may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Food is expensive in this city, particularly in the touristy areas. There are some markets that sell great local items and the dessert cafes are awesome!

Is Amsterdam or Ghent Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Amsterdam and Ghent.

The nightlife in Amsterdam is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The city has some of the best nightlife in Europe. There are plenty of bars, dance clubs, and other activities that you can enjoy throughout the night.

Ghent is a world class party destination. 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.

Is Amsterdam or Ghent Better for Music?

Amsterdam is a world-class destination for live music. However, Ghent is not a live music destination.

Amsterdam is a world class music destination. The city attracts its share of world renowned DJs and musicians. Popular music venues include Paradiso, De Melkweg, and Chicago Social Club.

Ghent is not a live music destination.

Is Amsterdam or Ghent Better for its Old Town?

Amsterdam and Ghent both have great historical old towns that attract visitors.

Many visitors go to Amsterdam to see the historical old town. The old city center is one of the best preserved in Europe. It's enclosed by canals and has many historic churches, plazas, and buildings.

Ghent is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The medieval old town follows along the canal and offers great architecture and a unique atmosphere.

Is the Shopping Better in Amsterdam or Ghent?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Ghent and Amsterdam.

Amsterdam is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. For the best shopping in town, head to the Nine Streets area in the historic district and the two main shopping streets of The Kalverstraat and Leidsestraat.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Ghent. 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.

Is Amsterdam or Ghent Better for Families?

Ghent is a nice place to visit for its family-friendly activities. However, Amsterdam is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Ghent. 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.

For families, Amsterdam is not always the best place to visit. The city does it's share of partying, and there are some areas, like the red light district, that aren't exactly kid-friendly, but there are some nice parks, playgrounds, and the impressive NEMO Science Museum that you can explore.

Is Amsterdam or Ghent Better for Couples?

Amsterdam and Ghent are both great to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Amsterdam frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. For many, a visit to this city is all about the party, but for couples who enjoy history, architecture, or boat rides along the scenic canals, the city also makes a great getaway. It's also fun to stay in a houseboat and have a unique experience.

Ghent is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. It makes a great weekend getaway with a diverse restaurant scene, nice hotels, and plenty of historic attractions that you can explore.

Is Amsterdam or Ghent Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Amsterdam is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Ghent is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Amsterdam is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. With it's party-hard personality and countless low price hostels, this city attracts its share of backpackers. Do note that many of the hostels aren't focused on quality, so make sure you understand what you're paying for. It may be worth booking a slightly more expensive room in a hotel.

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.

Is Amsterdam or Ghent Better for Students?

Ghent is an unbeatable place for students. However, Amsterdam is not popular with students.

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

Amsterdam is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Amsterdam and Ghent.

Visitors in Amsterdam can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The city has metros, trams, buses, and ferries that help you get around. Since this is the Netherlands, getting around by bike is very popular.

Ghent has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. Buses and trams travel to most parts of the city and are convenient and efficient.

Is Amsterdam or Ghent a more walkable city?

Amsterdam is a world-class destination for its walkability. Also, Ghent is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

It is easy to get around Amsterdam on foot. The historic parts of the city are very walkable and much of the city is best explored on foot.

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 Amsterdam Worth Visiting? and Is Ghent Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Ghent or Amsterdam?

How long in Amsterdam or Ghent?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Amsterdam and Ghent. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Amsterdam than in Ghent. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Amsterdam, and 1-3 days is enough time in Ghent.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Amsterdam than Ghent 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 Amsterdam.

One day in Amsterdam or Ghent?

Each neighborhood in Amsterdam has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. 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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Ghent. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Ghent has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Amsterdam or Ghent?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Amsterdam. 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the high energy destination of Ghent. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Amsterdam or Ghent?

Amsterdam is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Amsterdam has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural city of Ghent. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the nightlife. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Amsterdam or Ghent?

Each neighborhood in Amsterdam has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Ghent is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Amsterdam, The Best 2-Week Tours from Amsterdam, The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Amsterdam and Ghent, we can see that Amsterdam 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 Amsterdam would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Amsterdam 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 Amsterdam Expensive? and Is Ghent Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Amsterdam or Ghent?

Amsterdam has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Ghent. When comparing the sizes of Amsterdam 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 Amsterdam 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 Amsterdam or Ghent in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Amsterdam and Ghent. Many travelers come to Amsterdam for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Ghent in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Amsterdam is generally around the same temperature as Ghent. Daily temperatures in Amsterdam average around 17°C (62°F), and Ghent fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ghent this time of the year. In Amsterdam, it's very sunny this time of the year. Amsterdam usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ghent during summer. Amsterdam gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Ghent receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Amsterdam usually receives more rain than Ghent. Amsterdam gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Amsterdam or Ghent in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Amsterdam as well as Ghent. Many visitors come to Amsterdam in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, most visitors come to Ghent for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Amsterdam is cooler than Ghent in the autumn. The daily temperature in Amsterdam averages around 11°C (51°F) in October, and Ghent fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Amsterdam often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ghent. Amsterdam gets 99 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ghent receives 105 hours of full sun.

Amsterdam usually gets less rain in October than Ghent. Amsterdam gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Amsterdam or Ghent in the Winter?

Both Ghent and Amsterdam are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Amsterdam for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Ghent because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Ghent can be very cold. Amsterdam can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Amsterdam is much colder than Ghent. Typically, the winter temperatures in Amsterdam in January average around 2°C (36°F), and Ghent averages at about 3°C (38°F).

Amsterdam usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ghent during winter. Amsterdam gets 46 hours of sunny skies, while Ghent receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Amsterdam usually receives more rain than Ghent. Amsterdam gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Amsterdam or Ghent in the Spring?

Both Ghent and Amsterdam during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Amsterdam because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Ghent this time of year.

In April, Amsterdam is generally cooler than Ghent. Daily temperatures in Amsterdam average around 8°C (46°F), and Ghent fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the spring, Amsterdam often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ghent. Amsterdam gets 166 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ghent receives 158 hours of full sun.

Amsterdam usually gets more rain in April than Ghent. Amsterdam gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Ghent and Amsterdam