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

Should you visit Bristol or Ghent?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Bristol and Ghent can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Bristol

Bristol is a diverse, cultural, and friendly city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Ghent

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

Bristol and Ghent: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bristol or Ghent?

You'll generally find more things to do in Bristol than Ghent. Bristol is bigger than Ghent, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Bristol is better known for its big city activities, while Ghent is more popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Bristol is well known for its laid-back atmosphere and progressive environmental policies. Also, Bristol is famous for The Bristol Harbour. Ghent is well known for its medieval buildings, large squares, and weekly markets

How is Bristol different from Ghent?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

You'll find a number of very good museums and attractions in both Ghent and Bristol.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Bristol. The city has some great museums and landmarks such as the SS Great Britain, M Shed, the Clifton Suspension Bridge, and Cabot Tower.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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 Bristol or Ghent? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Ghent is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Bristol is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Ghent has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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.

Bristol offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find all of the classic British specialties such as bangers and mash or fish and chips. There are many restaurants, markets, and pubs where you can grab a relaxing meal and enjoy the British ambiance.

Is Bristol or Ghent Better for Nightlife?

Ghent is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. Also, Bristol is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

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.

Bristol has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The nightlife scene is diverse and inclusive. There are huge clubs that host well known DJs. There is also an underground music scene as well as local bars and even traditional speakeasies. Whether your interest is live jazz or upscale cocktail bars, there really is something for everyone.

Is Bristol or Ghent Better for its Old Town?

Ghent is great for its historic old town charm. However, Bristol does not have a historic old town.

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.

Bristol does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Bristol or Ghent?

If you're looking to go shopping, Bristol and Ghent both offer plenty of very good spots.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Bristol. Head to Clifton Village for the most upscale boutiques or the Bristol Shopping Quarter for a diversity of budgets and brands. Gloucester Street is famous for its independent shops or there are the student neighborhoods of Park Street and the Triangle which have a number of trendy shops.

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.

Is Bristol or Ghent Better for Families?

Both Bristol and Ghent are notable to visit with kids.

Bristol offers lots of family activities. The city has a number of kid-friendly museums, activities, and playgrounds. For museums, check out the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, the M Shed, or Aerospace Bristol. There are also boat rides and the Bristol Aquarium among other unique activities.

Ghent is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 Bristol or Ghent Better for Couples?

Ghent is great for couples. Also, Bristol 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.

Bristol is a nice destination for couples. There are romantic restaurants, fun bars, and unique museums that make for a variety of different date options.

Is Bristol or Ghent Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ghent is a city with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Bristol is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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.

Bristol is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Bristol or Ghent Better for Students?

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

Ghent is a very popular city 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.

Bristol is a good city to visit for students. It's a small and friendly city with enough diversity that it stays interesting and dynamic.

Is Bristol 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, Bristol 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.

Bristol has a few public transit options. Metrobus serves the greater Bristol area.

Is Bristol or Ghent a more walkable city?

Bristol and Ghent are very good when it comes to walkability.

Bristol is a very walkable destination. The city center is well designed for walking.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Ghent or Bristol?

How long in Bristol or Ghent?

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

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

In Bristol, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this friendly 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 Bristol or Ghent?

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

Bristol is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Bristol. 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 Bristol or Ghent?

You'll find food and shopping around the diverse destination of Bristol. 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Historical Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium.

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

Which is Bigger, Bristol or Ghent?

Bristol has a larger population, and is about 86% larger than the population of Ghent. When comparing the sizes of Bristol 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 Bristol 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 Bristol or Ghent in the Summer?

Both Ghent and Bristol during the summer are popular places to visit. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bristol this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Ghent for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Bristol is around the same temperature as Ghent. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bristol in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Ghent averages at about 17°C (63°F).

Bristol usually gets less rain in July than Ghent. Bristol gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bristol or Ghent in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Bristol and Ghent. Many travelers come to Bristol for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Ghent in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Bristol is generally around the same temperature as Ghent. Daily temperatures in Bristol average around 13°C (55°F), and Ghent fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In October, Bristol usually receives more rain than Ghent. Bristol gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Bristol or Ghent in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Bristol as well as Ghent. Many visitors come to Bristol in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Ghent for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Ghent can be very cold during winter. Bristol is much warmer than Ghent in the winter. The daily temperature in Bristol averages around 6°C (43°F) in January, and Ghent fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Bristol usually gets more rain in January than Ghent. Bristol gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bristol or Ghent in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Bristol is a little warmer than Ghent. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bristol in April average around 10°C (50°F), and Ghent averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In April, Bristol usually receives less rain than Ghent. Bristol gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Ghent and Bristol