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

Should you visit Bucharest 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 Bucharest 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.

Bucharest

Bucharest is a undiscovered, cultural, and charming 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 under-rated, youthful, and high energy city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Bucharest and Ghent: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bucharest or Ghent?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bucharest than Ghent. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Bucharest is very popular for its big city activities, while Ghent attracts visitors for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Ghent is more touristy than Bucharest and is known for its medieval buildings, large squares, and weekly markets Bucharest is famous for its wide avenues and longstanding religious institutions. It is also well known for The Palace of Parliament.

How is Bucharest different from Ghent?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Ghent is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Bucharest. The city is rich in landmarks and historical buildings. Popular sights include the Romanian Athenaeum, the Palace of the Parliament, Stavropoleos Church, and Curtea Veche.

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

Ghent is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Bucharest is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Many Romanian recipes have been passed down through the generations and they still use traditional flavors. You'll see some German or Hungarian influences, but the flavors are still uniquely Romanian. Popular dishes include ciorba (tripe soup), cabbage rolls, and mici (grilled meat rolls).

Is Bucharest or Ghent Better for Nightlife?

Ghent is renowned for nightlife and partying. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Ghent is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Bucharest has a few options to choose from. The city has come to life with its party scene, with many bars and clubs that you can choose from. There are rooftop bars, chic dance clubs, and cozy pubs where you can pass the evening. You'll find most of the upscale clubs in the northern part of the city, with a more casual scene found in the downtown areas around Universitate and Romanā.

Is Bucharest or Ghent Better for its Old Town?

Ghent is well known for its old town. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Ghent. The medieval old town follows along the canal and offers great architecture and a unique atmosphere.

Bucharest has an old town worth visiting. The old town dates back to the 15th and 16th centuries, with much of the historical charm seen in the architecture. Many of the buildings have been restored, but others are still awaiting repairs. This gives the area a sense of authenticity that you often miss in other old towns.

Is the Shopping Better in Bucharest or Ghent?

Ghent is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Ghent is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Bucharest has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The residents love fashion, and you'll find many shopping centers around town where you can find a good deal. In addition to the many malls, there are also antique shops, flea markets and boutique clothing stores where you might find a hidden gem.

Is Bucharest or Ghent Better for Families?

Ghent is a good destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Bucharest is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Ghent. 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.

For families, Bucharest is not always the best place to visit. Kid-friendly activities include kid's play areas, museums such as the Museum of the Senses, and water centered activities like rowing in the park or visiting the wellness center Therme.

Is Bucharest or Ghent Better for Couples?

Ghent is well known for its romantic activities. However, Bucharest is not particularly known for couples.

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.

Bucharest is not always the best place to visit for a couple. The city has some romantic settings such as wandering down Victory Avenue or exploring the historic Cotroceni Neighbourhood. There are also several gardens and a number of nice cafes to explore.

Is Bucharest or Ghent Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bucharest and Ghent are nice places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Bucharest. The city is affordable, but it's often overlooked by backpackers. Part of the charm for many is the sense of authenticity that can often be hard to find in travel these days.

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 Bucharest or Ghent Better for Students?

Ghent is renowned for students. However, Bucharest is not popular with 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.

Bucharest is not popular with students.

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

Ghent is renowned for its public transit. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Ghent has a great public transit system. Buses and trams travel to most parts of the city and are convenient and efficient.

Bucharest offers a very effecient public transportation network. Public transit options include trams, buses, and trolley buses.

Is Bucharest or Ghent a more walkable city?

Ghent is well known for its high level of walkability. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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

Bucharest is a somewhat walkable city. Many of the tourist attractions are within a walkable area.

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

Should I spend more time in Ghent or Bucharest?

How long in Bucharest or Ghent?

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

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

In Bucharest, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this undiscovered 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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Ghent. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Ghent has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Bucharest or Ghent?

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

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of Ghent. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Bucharest or Ghent?

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

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural city of Ghent. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the nightlife. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Bucharest or Ghent?

You'll find food and shopping around the cultural destination of Bucharest. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Ghent is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bucharest, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Romania, The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium.

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

Which is Bigger, Bucharest or Ghent?

Bucharest has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Ghent. When comparing the sizes of Bucharest 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 Bucharest 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 Bucharest or Ghent in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Bucharest and Ghent. The summer months attract visitors to Bucharest 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 July, Bucharest is generally a little warmer than Ghent. Daily temperatures in Bucharest average around 23°C (73°F), and Ghent fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ghent this time of the year. In Bucharest, it's very sunny this time of the year. Bucharest usually receives more sunshine than Ghent during summer. Bucharest gets 289 hours of sunny skies, while Ghent receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Bucharest usually receives around the same amount of rain as Ghent. Bucharest gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bucharest or Ghent in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Bucharest as well as Ghent. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Bucharest this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Ghent for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Bucharest is around the same temperature as Ghent in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bucharest averages around 13°C (55°F) in October, and Ghent fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Bucharest often gets more sunshine than Ghent. Bucharest gets 177 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ghent receives 105 hours of full sun.

Bucharest usually gets less rain in October than Ghent. Bucharest gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bucharest or Ghent in the Winter?

Both Ghent and Bucharest are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Bucharest for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, 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. Be prepared for some very cold days in Bucharest. In the winter, Bucharest is much colder than Ghent. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bucharest in January average around -1°C (29°F), and Ghent averages at about 3°C (38°F).

Bucharest usually receives more sunshine than Ghent during winter. Bucharest gets 71 hours of sunny skies, while Ghent receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Bucharest usually receives less rain than Ghent. Bucharest gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Bucharest or Ghent in the Spring?

Both Ghent and Bucharest during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Bucharest in the spring for the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Ghent for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Bucharest is generally a little warmer than Ghent. Daily temperatures in Bucharest average around 12°C (54°F), and Ghent fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the spring, Bucharest often gets more sunshine than Ghent. Bucharest gets 185 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ghent receives 158 hours of full sun.

Bucharest usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Ghent. Bucharest gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Ghent and Bucharest