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

Should you visit Athens or Ghent?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Athens and Ghent. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Athens

Athens is a historic, ancient, and vibrant city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Ghent

Ghent is a under-rated, youthful, and high energy city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Athens and Ghent: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Athens or Ghent?

You'll generally find more things to do in Athens than Ghent. Athens is bigger than Ghent, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Athens is better known for its museums, food, historical sights, and big city activities, while Ghent is more popular for its shopping and impressive beauty. Athens is more touristy than Ghent and is popular for its ancient temples and landmarks as well as its influence as the birthplace of democracy. Also, Athens is famous for The Acropolis. Ghent is well known for its medieval buildings, large squares, and weekly markets

The Acropolis

How is Athens different from Ghent?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Athens is a world-class destination for its sights and museums. Also, Ghent is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Athens that are not to be missed. As a historical capital of the world, this city has countless museums and archeological sites including the famous Acropolis, the National Archaeology Museum, and the Ancient Agora.

Ghent offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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 Athens or Ghent? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Athens is a world-class destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Ghent is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Eat your way through Athens, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Make sure you try the souvlaki, moussaka, and dolmades at any of the many local restaurants throughout the city.

Ghent has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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 Athens or Ghent Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is terrific in both Athens and Ghent.

The nightlife in Athens is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. There are all-night dance clubs as well as local bars and chill live music venues.

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 Athens or Ghent Better for its Old Town?

Athens is a world-class destination for its historic old town. Also, Ghent is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its old town.

The historic old town of Athens is revered around the world. The city's "historic triangle" is between Syntagma, Omonia, and Monastiraki Squares. This area is also at the political and financial heart of the city.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Ghent. The medieval old town follows along the canal and offers great architecture and a unique atmosphere.

Is the Shopping Better in Athens or Ghent?

Ghent is great for its shopping areas. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

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.

Athens is a great destination for shopping. Most neighborhoods have a shopping street but head to Ermou Street for some of the city's best shopping.

Is Athens or Ghent Better for Families?

Athens 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.

Athens is a very family-friendly place to visit. With its rich history, beautiful outdoor activities, and kid-friendly food, Athens is a fun place to explore with the whole family.

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 Athens or Ghent Better for Couples?

Ghent is great for couples. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

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.

Athens is a nice destination for couples. The city is historical, fascinating, and romantic, making it a beautiful place to explore as a couple.

Is Athens or Ghent Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Athens 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.

Athens is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. The city has long been established as a backpackers destination with budget friendly food and plenty of hostels around town.

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 Athens or Ghent Better for Students?

Ghent is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

Ghent is a very popular place to visit 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.

Athens is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. International students will appreciate the rich history, archaeological ruins, and unique opportunities that are available here.

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

Ghent is an unbeatable place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

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.

Public transit in Athens is fairly effecient and thorough. The city's metro system has 3 lines that connect to bus, tram and commuter rail lines.

Is Athens or Ghent a more walkable city?

Athens and Ghent are excellent when it comes to walkability.

Athens is a very walkable destination. You'll find the city's most walkable area's in the historical heart, where there are many pedestrian only streets and shopping areas.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Ghent or Athens?

How long in Athens or Ghent?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Ghent than Athens. 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 Athens 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 Athens.

One day in Athens or Ghent?

Each neighborhood in Athens 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Ghent. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Athens or Ghent?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Athens. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Ghent is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Athens or Ghent?

Athens is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Athens 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ghent. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Athens or Ghent?

Each neighborhood in Athens 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the youthful destination of Ghent. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium.

When comparing the travel costs between Athens and Ghent, we can see that Athens 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 Athens Expensive? and Is Ghent Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Athens or Ghent?

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

Both Ghent and Athens during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Athens because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Ghent this time of year.

In the summer, Athens is much warmer than Ghent. Typically, the summer temperatures in Athens in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Ghent averages at about 17°C (63°F).

In Ghent, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Athens. In the summer, Athens often gets more sunshine than Ghent. Athens gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ghent receives 202 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in July than Ghent. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Ghent in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Ghent. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Athens this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Ghent for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Athens is generally much warmer than Ghent. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 19°C (67°F), and Ghent fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In Athens, it's very sunny this time of the year. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Ghent during autumn. Athens gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Ghent receives 105 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Athens usually receives less rain than Ghent. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Athens or Ghent in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Athens as well as Ghent. Many travelers come to Athens for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Ghent in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Ghent can get quite cold in the winter. Athens is much warmer than Ghent in the winter. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 10°C (51°F) in January, and Ghent fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Athens often gets more sunshine than Ghent. Athens gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ghent receives 47 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in January than Ghent. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Ghent in the Spring?

Both Ghent and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Athens in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Ghent for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Athens is much warmer than Ghent. Typically, the spring temperatures in Athens in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Ghent averages at about 8°C (47°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Athens. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Ghent during spring. Athens gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Ghent receives 158 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Athens usually receives less rain than Ghent. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Ghent and Athens