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

Should you visit Cordoba 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 Cordoba 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.

Cordoba

Cordoba is a historical, beautiful, and colorful town. 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 historic, under-rated, and youthful city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Cordoba and Ghent: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cordoba or Ghent?

You'll generally find more things to do in Cordoba than Ghent. Cordoba is bigger than Ghent, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Cordoba is better known for its museums and historical sights, while Ghent is more popular for its nightlife, shopping, and impressive beauty. Cordoba is more touristy than Ghent and is known for its mix of Roman, Islamic, and Spanish architecture, its whitewashed buildings and streets filled with flowers, and its handcrafted leatherwork. Also, Cordoba is famous for La Mezquita. Ghent is well known for its medieval buildings, large squares, and weekly markets

How is Cordoba different from Ghent?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Cordoba is a world-class destination for its sights and museums. Also, Ghent is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Cordoba that are not to be missed. The city is filled with monuments that reflect its past. The Great Mosque (La Mezquita) is one of the most iconic sights. You can also visit Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos, Palacio de Viana, and Puente Romano.

Ghent offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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 Cordoba or Ghent? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Cordoba and Ghent offer a number of very good restaurants to choose from.

Dining out in Cordoba is an experience not to be missed. Like much of Spain, international travelers will have to adjust to the shifted meal schedule which means most meals are served are later than they are in other parts of Europe. The ingredients are fresh and popular dishes include Salmorejo (a tomato based soup), Rabo De Toro (stewed oxtail), and Flamenquín (deep-fried pork roll).

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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.

Is Cordoba or Ghent Better for Nightlife?

Ghent is a must-visit destination for its evening party scene. Also, Cordoba is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for nightlife.

Ghent is a world class party destination. 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.

Cordoba has a large number of nightlife venues. There are cocktail bars, Flamenco shows, tapas tours, and local pubs that make for a great night out. The city offers something for everyone, whatever your style.

Is Cordoba or Ghent Better for its Old Town?

Cordoba is a world-class destination for its historic old town. Also, Ghent is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its old town.

The historic old town of Cordoba is revered around the world. It's old town is one of the most enchanting in Andalusia. There are whitewashed houses that line flower-filled streets and its compact enough to take a leisurely stroll.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Ghent. The medieval old town follows along the canal and offers great architecture and a unique atmosphere.

Is the Shopping Better in Cordoba or Ghent?

Ghent is a well-known place for its shopping areas. Also, Cordoba is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Cordoba. You'll find souvenir shops selling local pottery, traditional jewelry, and handcrafted leatherwork, so this is a nice place to pick up something to remember your trip.

Is Cordoba or Ghent Better for Families?

Both Cordoba and Ghent are notable to visit with kids.

Cordoba is a family-friendly place to visit. Horse-drawn carriage rides and then a visit to the Royal Stables of Cordoba is a great option for horse-lovers. The city also has a zoo and an impressive park - Ciudad de Los Niños. If you're willing to head out of town, about 10 kilometers away you'll find Aquasierra Waterpark.

Ghent is a family-friendly town. 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 Cordoba or Ghent Better for Couples?

Both Cordoba and Ghent are very good destinations for a couple's getaway.

Cordoba is a very popular place to visit for couples. Beautifully lit up at night, this is a truly romantic city. There are horse-drawn carriage rides, nice parks, and an impressive botanical garden. There are also many great restaurants that couples can explore.

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 Cordoba or Ghent Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cordoba 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 Cordoba. It's well-established on the backpacker circuit, so you'll find plenty of hostels around town and many opportunities to meet up with other travelers.

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 Cordoba or Ghent Better for Students?

Cordoba and Ghent are both fantastic destinations for students and younger travelers.

Cordoba is a very popular town for students. It's a top study abroad destination for international students. The university is excellent and the city is easy to navigate. It's a cultural city with a great student-friendly atmosphere.

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.

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

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

Ghent has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. Buses and trams travel to most parts of the city and are convenient and efficient.

Cordoba has some public transit options. There are 15 bus lines that are operated by Aucorsa.

Is Cordoba or Ghent a more walkable city?

Cordoba and Ghent both are very good when exploring on foot.

Cordoba is a very walkable destination. It's small and compact enough to explore on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Ghent or Cordoba?

How long in Cordoba or Ghent?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cordoba and Ghent. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in Ghent than Cordoba. 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 Cordoba 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 Cordoba.

One day in Cordoba or Ghent?

In Cordoba, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this colorful destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the museums. This town 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 Cordoba or Ghent?

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

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 Cordoba or Ghent?

Cordoba is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Cordoba. Lots of people come for the museums. 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 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 Cordoba or Ghent?

You'll find food and shopping around the beautiful destination of Cordoba. 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 museums. 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 10-Day Tours from Madrid, The Best 10-Day Tours from Barcelona, The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium.

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

Which is Bigger, Cordoba or Ghent?

Cordoba has a larger population, and is about 39% larger than the population of Ghent. When comparing the sizes of Cordoba 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 Cordoba 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 Cordoba or Ghent in the Summer?

Both Ghent and Cordoba are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cordoba this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Ghent for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Cordoba is much warmer than Ghent. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cordoba in July average around 27°C (81°F), and Ghent averages at about 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Ghent. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cordoba. Cordoba usually receives more sunshine than Ghent during summer. Cordoba gets 358 hours of sunny skies, while Ghent receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cordoba usually receives less rain than Ghent. Cordoba gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cordoba or Ghent in the Autumn?

Both Ghent and Cordoba during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Cordoba for 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.

In October, Cordoba is generally much warmer than Ghent. Daily temperatures in Cordoba average around 19°C (66°F), and Ghent fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

It's quite sunny in Cordoba. In the autumn, Cordoba often gets more sunshine than Ghent. Cordoba gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ghent receives 105 hours of full sun.

Cordoba usually gets less rain in October than Ghent. Cordoba gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cordoba or Ghent in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cordoba and Ghent. Many visitors come to Cordoba 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. Cordoba is much warmer than Ghent in the winter. The daily temperature in Cordoba averages around 10°C (50°F) in January, and Ghent fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Cordoba usually receives more sunshine than Ghent during winter. Cordoba gets 162 hours of sunny skies, while Ghent receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Cordoba usually receives more rain than Ghent. Cordoba gets 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cordoba or Ghent in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cordoba as well as Ghent. Most visitors come to Cordoba for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Ghent because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Cordoba is much warmer than Ghent. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cordoba in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Ghent averages at about 8°C (47°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cordoba this time of the year. In the spring, Cordoba often gets more sunshine than Ghent. Cordoba gets 203 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ghent receives 158 hours of full sun.

Cordoba usually gets more rain in April than Ghent. Cordoba gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Ghent and Cordoba