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

Should you visit Belfast or Ghent?

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

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

Belfast

Belfast is a affordable, under-rated, and authentic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife and shopping.

Ghent

Ghent is a cultural, historic, and under-rated city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Belfast and Ghent: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Belfast or Ghent?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Ghent. Although Belfast and Ghent are both popular with visitors, Ghent has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Ghent is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Belfast is known for its big city activities. Belfast is popular for being the birthplace of the Titanic and the location of the era of the "Troubles". Ghent is popular for its medieval buildings, large squares, and weekly markets It is also home to The Fortress of Gravensteen.

How is Belfast different from Ghent?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Ghent is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Ghent can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Ghent is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Belfast is not a good city 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Belfast. While many restaurants have moved towards more modern cuisines, there are still places that hold tight to the traditions of the area. Traditional dishes include pasties, full Irish breakfasts, and oysters.

Is Belfast or Ghent Better for Nightlife?

Ghent is an unbeatable place for nightlife. Also, Belfast 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 Belfast. The city has a number of bars and clubs with local DJs or musicians.

Is Belfast or Ghent Better for its Old Town?

Ghent is a well-known place for its historic old town. However, Belfast does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Ghent to see the historical old town. The medieval old town follows along the canal and offers great architecture and a unique atmosphere.

Belfast does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Belfast or Ghent?

Ghent is a well-known place for shopping. Also, Belfast 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 Belfast. The main shopping areas in the city are Victoria Square Shopping Centre and CastleCourt.

Is Belfast or Ghent Better for Families?

Belfast and Ghent are both good destinations for the whole family.

Belfast is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has several great kid-friendly museums, a zoo, and a few indoor or outdoor activity centers where you can let kids play and explore.

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 Belfast or Ghent Better for Couples?

Ghent is a well-known place for romance. However, Belfast is not a good city 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.

Most people don't think of Belfast as a couple's destination. There are gardens and parks to explore, several nice hotels with spas, and an Observatory on the 23rd floor of the Grand Central Hotel.

Is Belfast or Ghent Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ghent is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Belfast is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

It's common for backpackers to 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.

Belfast is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's a reasonably affordable destination with a few hostels to choose from, but most backpackers don't make their way to this city.

Is Belfast or Ghent Better for Students?

Ghent is an unbeatable place for students. Also, Belfast 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.

Plenty of students visit Belfast. The city's affordability has made it a popular option for international students headed to the area.

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

Ghent is an unbeatable place for its public transit. However, Belfast is not a good city 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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Belfast. There is a bus service in the city.

Is Belfast or Ghent a more walkable city?

Ghent is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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

Belfast is a somewhat walkable place.

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

Should I spend more time in Ghent or Belfast?

How long in Belfast or Ghent?

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

Families should spend more time in Ghent than Belfast. 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 Ghent than Belfast. 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 Belfast 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 Belfast or Ghent?

In Belfast, many people enjoy the nightlife and shopping that this under-rated destination offers. 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, 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 Belfast or Ghent?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Belfast. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. 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 Belfast or Ghent?

Belfast is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and shopping when visiting the destination of Belfast. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

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 Belfast or Ghent?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the under-rated destination of Belfast. 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 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 Belfast and Ghent, we can see that Belfast 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 Belfast would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Belfast 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 Belfast Expensive? and Is Ghent Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Belfast or Ghent?

Belfast has a larger population, and is about 19% larger than the population of Ghent. When comparing the sizes of Belfast 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 Belfast 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 Belfast or Ghent in the Summer?

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

Belfast is cooler than Ghent in the summer. The daily temperature in Belfast averages around 15°C (59°F) in July, and Ghent fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Ghent. Belfast usually receives less sunshine than Ghent during summer. Belfast gets 151 hours of sunny skies, while Ghent receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Belfast usually receives around the same amount of rain as Ghent. Belfast gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Belfast or Ghent in the Autumn?

Both Ghent and Belfast during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Belfast in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Ghent for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Belfast is cooler than Ghent. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Belfast in October average around 9°C (48°F), and Ghent averages at about 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Belfast often gets less sunshine than Ghent. Belfast gets 92 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ghent receives 105 hours of full sun.

Belfast usually gets more rain in October than Ghent. Belfast gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Belfast or Ghent in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Belfast and Ghent. Most visitors come to Belfast for 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. Belfast can be very cold during winter. In January, Belfast is generally a little warmer than Ghent. Daily temperatures in Belfast average around 4°C (39°F), and Ghent fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Belfast usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ghent during winter. Belfast gets 50 hours of sunny skies, while Ghent receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Belfast usually receives more rain than Ghent. Belfast gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Belfast or Ghent in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Belfast as well as Ghent. The spring months attract visitors to Belfast because of the activities around the city. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Ghent this time of year.

Belfast is around the same temperature as Ghent in the spring. The daily temperature in Belfast averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Ghent fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

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

Belfast usually gets more rain in April than Ghent. Belfast gets 50 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 Belfast