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

Should you visit Dover or Ghent?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Dover and Ghent can help you decide which place is right for you.

Dover

Dover is a stunning, natural, and breathtaking town. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for food, hiking, and museums.

Ghent

Ghent is a high energy, cultural, and historic city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Dover and Ghent: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dover or Ghent?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Ghent than Dover, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Ghent is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Dover is more popular for its hiking. Dover is well known for the famous White Cliffs of Dover as well as the ferry connection to mainland Europe. Ghent is well known for its medieval buildings, large squares, and weekly markets Also, Ghent is famous for The Fortress of Gravensteen.

How is Dover different from Ghent?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Ghent is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Dover is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

Many visitors head to Ghent specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Dover is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Aside from the iconic White Cliffs of Dover, there is the Dover Castle, the South Foreland Lighthouse, and the Grand Shaft.

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

Ghent is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Dover is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Dining out in Ghent is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Dover. The town has a growing food scene that includes waterfront restaurants and local dishes. Find a restaurant with a view to make sure you take full advantage of the setting.

Is Dover or Ghent Better for Nightlife?

Ghent is a world-class destination for its evening party scene. However, Dover is not a good town for nightlife.

People head to Ghent just to party. 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Dover. The nightlife has a relaxed atmosphere with wine bars and microbreweries.

Is Dover or Ghent Better for its Old Town?

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

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Ghent. The medieval old town follows along the canal and offers great architecture and a unique atmosphere.

Dover does not have a historic old town.

Is Dover or Ghent Better for Hiking?

Dover is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Ghent is not a hiking destination.

Dover is a popular spot for hiking. There are many beautiful countryside walks that take you through the rolling hills and along the iconic white cliffs. Some of the best hikes in the area include The England Coast Path, The North Downs Way Saxon Shore Way.

Ghent is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Dover or Ghent?

Ghent is a well-known place for its shopping areas. However, Dover is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Dover is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Dover or Ghent Better for Families?

You'll find notable kid-friendly activities in either Dover or Ghent.

Dover is a family-friendly place to visit. There are a few kid-friendly museums like the Dover Transport Museum and the Dover Castle. Also make sure you check out the South Foreland Lighthouse.

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 Dover or Ghent Better for Couples?

Both Dover and Ghent are high quality destinations to visit as a couple.

Dover is a very popular place to visit for couples. The White Cliffs of Dover are an iconic sight and perfect for a romantic trip away. Also make sure you check out St. Margaret's Bay Beach and the Kearsney Abbey Gardens.

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 Dover or Ghent Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Dover and Ghent are notable destinations for backpackers.

Dover is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. You'll find several nice hostels to choose from in the town.

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.

Is Dover or Ghent Better for Students?

Ghent is a world-class destination for students. However, Dover is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Ghent. The city is very popular with international students so it has a young and energetic vibe with plenty to do throughout the year.

Dover is not popular with students.

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

Ghent is a world-class destination for its public transit. However, Dover is not a good town for times when you don't have a car.

With a huge network, the transit system in Ghent can get you around easily. Buses and trams travel to most parts of the city and are convenient and efficient.

Public transit is mostly limited in Dover. There are public buses through the district.

Is Dover or Ghent a more walkable city?

Ghent is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. Also, Dover is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its walkability.

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

Dover is somewhat walkable. You can wander around the countryside, but prepare for rolling hills and great views.

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

Should I spend more time in Ghent or Dover?

How long in Dover or Ghent?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Dover and Ghent. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Dover than in Ghent. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Dover, and 1-3 days is enough time in Ghent.

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

In Dover, many people enjoy the food and museums that this stunning destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This town 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.

In Ghent, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this under-rated destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the nightlife. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Dover or Ghent?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dover. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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.

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

Five days in Dover or Ghent?

Dover is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the destination of Dover. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Ghent is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Ghent. Lots of people come for the nightlife. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Dover or Ghent?

You'll find museums and food around the stunning destination of Dover. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find food and shopping around the youthful destination of Ghent. 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 nightlife. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Bicycle Tours in 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 Dover and Ghent, we can see that Dover 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 Dover would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dover 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 Dover Expensive? and Is Ghent Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Dover or Ghent?

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

Both Ghent and Dover are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Dover in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Ghent for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Dover is around the same temperature as Ghent. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dover in July average around 17°C (63°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 Dover. Dover usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ghent during summer. Dover gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Ghent receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Dover usually receives less rain than Ghent. Dover gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Dover or Ghent in the Autumn?

Both Ghent and Dover during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Dover for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Ghent because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

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

In the autumn, Dover often gets more sunshine than Ghent. Dover gets 119 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ghent receives 105 hours of full sun.

Dover usually gets less rain in October than Ghent. Dover gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dover or Ghent in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dover and Ghent. The winter months attract visitors to Dover because of the museums and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Ghent this time of year.

It's quite cold in Ghent in the winter. The weather in Dover can be very cold. Dover is a little warmer than Ghent in the winter. The daily temperature in Dover averages around 4°C (40°F) in January, and Ghent fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Dover usually receives more sunshine than Ghent during winter. Dover gets 57 hours of sunny skies, while Ghent receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Dover usually receives less rain than Ghent. Dover gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Dover or Ghent in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Dover as well as Ghent. The natural beauty are the main draw to Dover this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Ghent for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Dover is around the same temperature as Ghent. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dover in April average around 9°C (47°F), and Ghent averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the spring, Dover often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ghent. Dover gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ghent receives 158 hours of full sun.

Dover usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Ghent. Dover gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Ghent and Dover