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

Should you visit Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen 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.

Copenhagen

Copenhagen is a happy, welcoming, and relaxed city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Ghent

Ghent is a historic, under-rated, and youthful city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Copenhagen and Ghent: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Copenhagen or Ghent?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Copenhagen than Ghent. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Copenhagen is famous for its colorful buildings, beautiful canals, progressive policies, and happy population. It is also well known for Tivoli Gardens. Ghent is famous for its medieval buildings, large squares, and weekly markets

How is Copenhagen different from Ghent?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Copenhagen and Ghent.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Copenhagen. There are many sights and landmarks around town including Tivoli Gardens, Christiansborg Palace, Nyhavn Harbor, and The Round Tower. Some of the most popular museums are the National Museum of Denmark and the National Gallery of Denmark.

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 Copenhagen or Ghent? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. In recent years the celebrity food scene has put this city on the map. There are many Michelin star restaurants around town including the world famous Noma. But there's also a diversity of restaurants to choose from, ranging from elegant, award-winning options to cozy local eateries. Danish food includes a lot of pastries and sandwiches. Make sure you try a rød pølse, or local hot dog from one of the many stands around town.

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 Copenhagen or Ghent Better for Nightlife?

The fantastic nightlife scene is relatively similar in Copenhagen and Ghent.

Copenhagen is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. The nightlife scene stays active until the early morning hours with many bars and clubs staying open until 5 or 6 in the morning. Some of the most popular areas for nightlife include Istedgade and EnghavePlads in Vesterbro, Sankt Hans Torv in Nørrebro and some areas around Frederiksberg.

Ghent has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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 Copenhagen or Ghent Better for its Old Town?

Both Copenhagen and Ghent have very good historic old towns worth visiting.

Copenhagen is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. Indre By is the oldest part of the city and where you'll find most of the sights and attractions. This is where most visitors stay and you'll find many great restaurants and activities to enjoy.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Copenhagen or Ghent?

Copenhagen is a world-class destination for shopping. Also, Ghent is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Copenhagen is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. Design and style is notorious with Danish culture. You'll find many great local boutique or fashion design shops in town. Købmagergade is one of the busiest and most famous shopping streets in town, but you should also visit the street parallel to it, Pilestræde.

Ghent is well-known for its shopping. 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 Copenhagen or Ghent Better for Families?

Copenhagen is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Ghent is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Copenhagen is very family-friendly. The city almost feels like it was designed with kids in mind. There are countless playgrounds, beaches, and other kid-friendly places to explore. Also make sure you stop by Tivoli Gardens, which has rides and rollercoasters that everyone can enjoy. The city also has an aquarium, zoo, and even a deer park. The Little Mermaid statue may fascinate Disney lovers, and if you want to get out on the water there are boat tours through the canals.

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 Copenhagen or Ghent Better for Couples?

Copenhagen is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Ghent is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Copenhagen is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The city is filled with a positive energy that will rejuvenate any couple. You can hire a bike or hop on a boat to explore town, or simply wander through the cobblestone streets. There are many parks and gardens to explore and culture lovers will appreciate the many museums.

Ghent makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It makes a great weekend getaway with a diverse restaurant scene, nice hotels, and plenty of historic attractions that you can explore.

Is Copenhagen or Ghent Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Copenhagen is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Ghent is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Copenhagen. While the city is expensive, there are still plenty of free things to do like simply wandering the neighborhoods. The city has a relaxed and friendly vibe that will almost make you forget all of the money you're spending.

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 Copenhagen or Ghent Better for Students?

Ghent is renowned for its student-friendly activities. Also, Copenhagen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Many students visit Copenhagen. The city has a reputation as the happiest in the world, and students are no exception. There are plenty of activities for students as well as a relaxed, yet productive, atmosphere. It's easy to explore the town on foot or by bike as well.

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

Visitors will find fantastic public transit in both Copenhagen and Ghent.

Copenhagen has a great public transit system. There are metros, s-trains, waterbuses, and regular buses available.

Public transit in Ghent is top-notch. Buses and trams travel to most parts of the city and are convenient and efficient.

Is Copenhagen or Ghent a more walkable city?

Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen on foot. It is compact enough to explore on foot, but there are also plenty of bikes available as well.

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 Copenhagen Worth Visiting? and Is Ghent Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Ghent or Copenhagen?

How long in Copenhagen or Ghent?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Copenhagen and Ghent. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Copenhagen than in Ghent. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Copenhagen, and 1-3 days is enough time in Ghent.

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

Couples should spend more time in Copenhagen than Ghent. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Copenhagen that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen.

One day in Copenhagen or Ghent?

In Copenhagen, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this progressive destination offers. 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.

With museums and nightlife around the under-rated city of Ghent, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Ghent, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Copenhagen or Ghent?

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

With nightlife and food around the destination of Ghent, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Copenhagen or Ghent?

Copenhagen is a fun place to experience. In Copenhagen, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. 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.

Ghent, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Copenhagen or Ghent?

You'll find food and shopping around the beautiful destination of Copenhagen. 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.

Ghent is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Denmark, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Denmark, The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium.

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

Which is Bigger, Copenhagen or Ghent?

Copenhagen has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Ghent. When comparing the sizes of Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen 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 Copenhagen or Ghent in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Copenhagen as well as Ghent. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Copenhagen this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Ghent for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Copenhagen is generally around the same temperature as Ghent. Daily temperatures in Copenhagen average around 17°C (63°F), and Ghent fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Copenhagen usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Ghent. Copenhagen gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Copenhagen or Ghent in the Autumn?

Both Ghent and Copenhagen are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Copenhagen for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Ghent in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Copenhagen is cooler than Ghent in the autumn. The daily temperature in Copenhagen averages around 10°C (50°F) in October, and Ghent fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In October, Copenhagen usually receives less rain than Ghent. Copenhagen gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Copenhagen or Ghent in the Winter?

Both Ghent and Copenhagen during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Copenhagen in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Ghent for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Ghent can be very cold during winter. Copenhagen can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Copenhagen is much colder than Ghent. Typically, the winter temperatures in Copenhagen in January average around 1°C (33°F), and Ghent averages at about 3°C (38°F).

Copenhagen usually gets less rain in January than Ghent. Copenhagen gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Copenhagen or Ghent in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Copenhagen and Ghent. Most visitors come to Copenhagen for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Ghent because of the natural beauty.

In April, Copenhagen is generally cooler than Ghent. Daily temperatures in Copenhagen average around 7°C (45°F), and Ghent fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In April, Copenhagen usually receives around the same amount of rain as Ghent. Copenhagen gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Ghent and Copenhagen