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

Should you visit Antalya or Ghent?

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

Should I visit Antalya 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.

Antalya

Antalya is a relaxing, luxurious, and historic vacation spot. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Ghent

Ghent is a youthful, high energy, and cultural city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Antalya and Ghent: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Antalya or Ghent?

You'll generally find more things to do in Antalya than Ghent. Antalya is bigger than Ghent, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Antalya is better known for its music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while Ghent is more popular for its nightlife and impressive beauty. Antalya is more touristy than Ghent and is popular for its turquoise waters, hotel lined beaches, and nearby archeological sights. Also, Antalya is famous for Hadrian's Gate. Ghent is well known for its medieval buildings, large squares, and weekly markets

How is Antalya different from Ghent?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

You'll find a number of superb museums and attractions in both Ghent and Antalya.

Antalya offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city combines history with a relaxing resort vacation. Sights in the area include the Antalya Museum and the Yivli Minare.

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 Antalya or Ghent? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Antalya and Ghent can be difficult as they are each superb in their own way.

Antalya has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Food is excellent throughout Turkey and this city is no exception. The local cuisine offers a combination of fresh caught seafood as well as various grilled meats. Local specialties include meatball skewers, kulakli soup, and even lentil ice cream. The traditional Turkish breakfast is also popular, which usually includes hard boiled eggs, cheese, tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and Turkish breads or pastries. It's almost always served with Turkish tea.

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.

Is Antalya or Ghent Better for Nightlife?

Ghent is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Antalya is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Ghent has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.

Antalya is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city has an insane nightlife scene with huge glamorous dance clubs that fill to the brink as well as low key bars and pubs that everyone can enjoy.

Is Antalya or Ghent Better for Music?

Antalya is a good destination for live music. However, Ghent is not a live music destination.

You don't have to look far to find a unique music venue in Antalya. Live music ranges from rock concerts to symphonies as well as a number of local music venues.

Ghent is not a live music destination.

Is Antalya or Ghent Better for Resorts?

Antalya is a world-class destination for its resorts. However, Ghent is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Antalya for its luxury resorts. The city is famous for its resorts that range from luxury to family-friendly. Some of the most popular resorts in the area include Xanadu Resort Hotel, Susesi, and Lara Barut, but there are many more.

Ghent is not a resort destination.

Is Antalya or Ghent Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Antalya is a good destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Ghent is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Antalya. Outside of town, in the region of Antalya, you'll find some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving in Turkey.

Ghent is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Antalya or Ghent Better for Beaches?

Antalya is a world-class destination for its beaches. However, Ghent is not a beach destination.

Antalya offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. Beaches in Antalya are among the best in Turkey. They are sandy with warm water and a number of resorts nearby.

Ghent is not a beach destination.

Is Antalya or Ghent Better for its Old Town?

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

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Antalya. The city has a beautiful old town area, Kaleiçi, that is known for its narrow streets and historic buildings. The area has many sights including Hadrian's Gate.

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 Antalya or Ghent Better for Hiking?

Antalya is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Ghent is not a hiking destination.

Antalya is a popular spot for hiking. Outside of town you'll find coastal hikes with scenic views as well as trails that wander through historic ruins.

Ghent is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Antalya or Ghent?

Antalya is a world-class destination for shopping. Also, Ghent is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Antalya is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. Antalya combines modern high end malls with more traditional bazaars. From luxury fashion brands to souvenirs and local trinkets, the area has everything.

Ghent is well-known for its shopping. 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 Antalya or Ghent Better for Families?

Antalya 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.

Antalya is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has beautiful beaches, historic ruins, and resorts that cater specifically to families. It's a popular family-friendly destination in Turkey.

Ghent is a family-friendly vacation spot. 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 Antalya or Ghent Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Antalya and Ghent make for a superb place to visit.

Antalya makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Antalya is a top-rated honeymoon destination in Turkey. It's beautiful beaches, romantic resorts, and great shopping put it at the top of many couples' list.

Couples visit Ghent frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It makes a great weekend getaway with a diverse restaurant scene, nice hotels, and plenty of historic attractions that you can explore.

Is Antalya or Ghent Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Antalya is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Ghent is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Antalya. Despite the many resorts in town, there are also budget accommodation options available including hostels. Backpackers appreciate Antalya's impressive old town as well as the area's stunning beaches.

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 Antalya or Ghent Better for Students?

Ghent is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Antalya is not popular with students.

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.

Antalya is not popular with students.

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

Ghent is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Antalya is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Public transit in Ghent is top-notch. Buses and trams travel to most parts of the city and are convenient and efficient.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Antalya. Buses and minibuses will help you get around town.

Is Antalya or Ghent a more walkable city?

Ghent is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. Also, Antalya is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

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

Antalya is somewhat walkable. The historic area in particular is compact, filled with historic sights, and easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Ghent or Antalya?

How long in Antalya or Ghent?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Antalya and Ghent. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Antalya than in Ghent. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Antalya, and 1-3 days is enough time in Ghent.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Antalya 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 Antalya.

One day in Antalya or Ghent?

In Antalya, many people enjoy the nightlife and live music that this vibrant destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This vacation spot 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.

In Ghent, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Antalya or Ghent?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Antalya. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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.

In Ghent, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Ghent has to offer.

Five days in Antalya or Ghent?

Antalya is a fun place to experience. In Antalya, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Ghent is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Antalya or Ghent?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the high energy destination of Antalya. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ghent. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Ghent. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey, The Best Anzac Day Tours in Turkey, The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium.

When comparing the travel costs between Antalya and Ghent, we can see that Antalya is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Antalya or Ghent?

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

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Antalya or Ghent in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Antalya as well as Ghent. Most visitors come to Antalya for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Ghent because of the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Antalya is much warmer than Ghent. Typically, the summer temperatures in Antalya in July average around 28°C (83°F), and Ghent averages at about 17°C (63°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ghent. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Antalya this time of the year. In the summer, Antalya often gets more sunshine than Ghent. Antalya gets 376 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ghent receives 202 hours of full sun.

Antalya usually gets less rain in July than Ghent. Antalya gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Antalya or Ghent in the Autumn?

Both Ghent and Antalya are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Antalya because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Ghent this time of year.

In October, Antalya is generally much warmer than Ghent. Daily temperatures in Antalya average around 21°C (69°F), and Ghent fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Antalya. Antalya usually receives more sunshine than Ghent during autumn. Antalya gets 251 hours of sunny skies, while Ghent receives 105 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Antalya usually receives less rain than Ghent. Antalya gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Antalya or Ghent in the Winter?

Both Ghent and Antalya during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Antalya 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. Antalya is much warmer than Ghent in the winter. The daily temperature in Antalya averages around 11°C (51°F) in January, and Ghent fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Antalya often gets more sunshine than Ghent. Antalya gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ghent receives 47 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Antalya. Antalya usually gets more rain in January than Ghent. Antalya gets 239 mm (9.4 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Antalya or Ghent in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Antalya and Ghent. Many travelers come to Antalya for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Ghent in the spring for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Antalya is much warmer than Ghent. Typically, the spring temperatures in Antalya in April average around 16°C (62°F), and Ghent averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In Antalya, it's very sunny this time of the year. Antalya usually receives more sunshine than Ghent during spring. Antalya gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Ghent receives 158 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Antalya usually receives around the same amount of rain as Ghent. Antalya gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Ghent and Antalya