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

Should you visit Dundee or Ghent?

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

Should I visit Dundee or Ghent? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Dundee

Dundee is a coastal, cultural, and historic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and museums.

Ghent

Ghent is a youthful, high energy, and cultural city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Dundee and Ghent: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dundee or Ghent?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Ghent than Dundee, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Ghent is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Dundee is known for its big city activities. Ghent is more touristy than Dundee and is known for its medieval buildings, large squares, and weekly markets It is also home to The Fortress of Gravensteen. Dundee is popular for its maritime and manufacturing history as well as its focus on design.

How is Dundee different from Ghent?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

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.

Dundee offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. On the waterfront you'll find a couple of nautical museums such as RRS Discovery, and HM Frigate Unicorn. Other museums and sights include V&A Dundee, Tay Rail Bridge, Camperdown Wildlife Centre, and Glamis Castle.

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

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

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Ghent makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Dundee has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are a few local dishes that the city is known for. These include Dundee Cake, Dundee marmalade, and Angus beef.

Is Dundee or Ghent Better for Nightlife?

Ghent is an amazing city to visit for nightlife. Also, Dundee is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Dundee. The vibrant student population heavily influences the city's nightlife. There are a number of clubs and bars where you can hang out late into the night.

Is Dundee or Ghent Better for its Old Town?

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

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.

Dundee does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Dundee or Ghent?

Ghent is a well-known place for shopping. However, Dundee is not a good city for its shopping opportunities.

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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Dundee has some nice offerings. There are shopping centers and a few independent shops that are worth checking out. Head to Overgate Shopping Centre for the standard brands or Dundee's Farmer's Market for some local produce.

Is Dundee or Ghent Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Dundee or Ghent.

Dundee is a family-friendly place to visit. Head to the Dundee Science Center or check out Discovery Point. There's also the Dundee Treasure Trail as well as climbing walls and other outdoor activities for when the weather's nice.

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 Dundee or Ghent Better for Couples?

Ghent is a well-known place for romance. However, Dundee is not a good city for its romantic activities.

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

Most people don't think of Dundee as a couple's destination. The coastal city has some nice outdoor spaces and interesting restaurants that couples can enjoy.

Is Dundee or Ghent Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ghent is a popular place for backpackers. However, Dundee is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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.

Dundee is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Dundee or Ghent Better for Students?

Ghent is an amazing city to visit for students. Also, Dundee is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Many students frequent Ghent. The city is very popular with international students so it has a young and energetic vibe with plenty to do throughout the year.

Plenty of students visit Dundee. Its affordability and authenticity make this a nice option for students. It's also a very safe city.

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

Ghent is an amazing city to visit for its public transit. Also, Dundee is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

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

Dundee has some public transit options. The city has a public bus system.

Is Dundee or Ghent a more walkable city?

Ghent is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, Dundee is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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

Dundee is a somewhat walkable place. There are a number of walks through the town.

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

Should I spend more time in Ghent or Dundee?

How long in Dundee or Ghent?

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

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

In Dundee, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this historic 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Ghent. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Dundee or Ghent?

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

Ghent is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Dundee or Ghent?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ghent. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Dundee or Ghent?

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

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the under-rated destination of Ghent. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Dundee or Ghent?

Ghent has a larger population, and is about 53% larger than the population of Dundee. When comparing the sizes of Dundee 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 Dundee 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 Dundee or Ghent in the Summer?

Both Ghent and Dundee are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Dundee for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Ghent because of the family-friendly experiences.

Dundee is cooler than Ghent in the summer. The daily temperature in Dundee averages around 14°C (58°F) in July, and Ghent fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Ghent. Dundee usually receives less sunshine than Ghent during summer. Dundee gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Ghent receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Dundee usually receives less rain than Ghent. Dundee gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Dundee or Ghent in the Autumn?

Both Ghent and Dundee during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Dundee because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Ghent this time of year.

In the autumn, Dundee is cooler than Ghent. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Dundee in October average around 10°C (49°F), and Ghent averages at about 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Dundee often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ghent. Dundee gets 100 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ghent receives 105 hours of full sun.

Dundee usually gets less rain in October than Ghent. Dundee 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 Dundee or Ghent in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dundee and Ghent. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Dundee this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Ghent for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Ghent. It's quite cold in Dundee in the winter. In January, Dundee is generally around the same temperature as Ghent. Daily temperatures in Dundee average around 3°C (38°F), and Ghent fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Dundee usually receives more sunshine than Ghent during winter. Dundee gets 58 hours of sunny skies, while Ghent receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Dundee usually receives more rain than Ghent. Dundee gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Dundee or Ghent in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Dundee as well as Ghent. Many travelers come to Dundee for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Ghent in the spring for the natural beauty.

Dundee is cooler than Ghent in the spring. The daily temperature in Dundee averages around 7°C (45°F) in April, and Ghent fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the spring, Dundee often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ghent. Dundee gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ghent receives 158 hours of full sun.

Dundee usually gets less rain in April than Ghent. Dundee gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Ghent and Dundee