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

Should you visit Basel or Ghent?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Basel 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.

Basel

Basel is a beautiful, vibrant, and historic city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Ghent

Ghent is a cultural, historic, and under-rated city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Basel and Ghent: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Basel or Ghent?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Ghent than Basel. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Basel is famous for its many museums and its nice old town. Ghent is famous for its medieval buildings, large squares, and weekly markets It is also well known for The Fortress of Gravensteen.

How is Basel different from Ghent?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Basel can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is filled with history. Head to Minster Hill to see the beautiful historic church and Münsterplatz. There are also several unique museums around town including Jean Tinguely Museum, the Paper Mill Museum, the Historical Museum, and the Museum of Art.

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 Basel or Ghent? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Ghent is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

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.

Basel is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Food around town can be expensive, but there are some outdoor markets where you can buy fruit and a bratwurst for a reasonable price. The city is known for its breads, soups, and pastries, which are all delicious.

Is Basel or Ghent Better for Nightlife?

Ghent is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

People head to Ghent just to party. 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 Basel. The city's nightlife comes alive as the sun sets. There are bars, pubs, and dance clubs that stay active until the early morning hours.

Is Basel or Ghent Better for its Old Town?

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

Many visitors go to Basel to see the historical old town. The charming old town is fun to explore on foot with its quaint streets and meandering alleys. The beautiful architecture and ornate fountains give the area a unique personality. On the hottest days you may even see locals swimming in some of the fountains.

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 Basel or Ghent?

Both Basel and Ghent are great shopping destinations.

Basel is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The old town is filled with shops that you can wander through as you explore. Popular shopping streets include Freie Strasse and the area around Marktplatz, where you'll find boutique shops and interesting trinkets. You can also head to the city's oldest department store - Manor.

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 Basel or Ghent Better for Families?

Basel 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.

Basel is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has an impressive zoo, a really unique toy museum, as well as Aquabasilea with its pools and slides. It's also compact enough that little legs can explore and enjoy everything that it has to offer. If the weather's warm, head for the river to cool off.

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 Basel or Ghent Better for Couples?

Ghent is notable for its romantic activities. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

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.

Basel is a good city for couples to visit. Nice restaurants, interesting museums, and several great spas make this a nice place for a romantic trip.

Is Basel or Ghent Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Basel and Ghent are nice destinations for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Basel. There are a few hostels and a really useful City Pass that make this city an option for backpackers and budget travelers. It's also a major transit center so accessibility is convenient. If you're traveling around Europe by train, you'll likely pass through Basel at some point.

Ghent is a good city to visit for backpackers. 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 Basel or Ghent Better for Students?

Ghent is a world-class destination for students. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

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.

Students come from all over to stay in Basel. The University of Basel brings in international students from around the world. The city makes a nice base for exploring Europe, but it's also a bit expensive which can be challenging on a student income.

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

Ghent is a world-class destination for its public transit. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

With a huge network, the transit system in Ghent can get you around easily. Buses and trams travel to most parts of the city and are convenient and efficient.

The public transit in Basel can get you to most places easily. Trams and buses make it easy to get around town.

Is Basel or Ghent a more walkable city?

Basel 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 Basel on foot. The old town and most of the major attractions are easily accessible 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 Basel Worth Visiting? and Is Ghent Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Ghent or Basel?

How long in Basel or Ghent?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Basel and Ghent. In our opinion, Ghent has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Ghent than Basel. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in Ghent than Basel. 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 Basel 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 Basel or Ghent?

In Basel, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this museum-filled destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

In Ghent, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this high energy destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the nightlife. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Basel or Ghent?

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

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

Five days in Basel or Ghent?

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

A week in Basel or Ghent?

You'll find food and shopping around the easily accessible destination of Basel. 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.

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

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Switzerland, The Best Bicycle Tours in Switzerland, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Belgium, and The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium.

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

Which is Bigger, Basel or Ghent?

Ghent has a larger population, and is about 41% larger than the population of Basel. When comparing the sizes of Basel 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 Basel 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 Basel or Ghent in the Summer?

Both Ghent and Basel are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Basel for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Ghent in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Basel is generally a little warmer than Ghent. Daily temperatures in Basel average around 21°C (70°F), and Ghent fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Ghent. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Basel. Basel usually receives more sunshine than Ghent during summer. Basel gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Ghent receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Basel usually receives more rain than Ghent. Basel gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Basel or Ghent in the Autumn?

Both Ghent and Basel during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Basel in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Ghent for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Basel is around the same temperature as Ghent in the autumn. The daily temperature in Basel averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Ghent fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Basel often gets more sunshine than Ghent. Basel gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ghent receives 105 hours of full sun.

Basel usually gets less rain in October than Ghent. Basel gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Basel or Ghent in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Basel and Ghent. Most visitors come to Basel for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, 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. Basel can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Basel is around the same temperature as Ghent. Typically, the winter temperatures in Basel in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Ghent averages at about 3°C (38°F).

Basel usually receives more sunshine than Ghent during winter. Basel gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Ghent receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Basel usually receives more rain than Ghent. Basel gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Basel or Ghent in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Basel as well as Ghent. The spring months attract visitors to Basel because of the natural beauty. Additionally, the natural beauty are the main draw to Ghent this time of year.

In April, Basel is generally a little warmer than Ghent. Daily temperatures in Basel average around 12°C (53°F), and Ghent fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the spring, Basel often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ghent. Basel gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ghent receives 158 hours of full sun.

Basel usually gets more rain in April than Ghent. Basel gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Ghent and Basel