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

Should you visit Faro or Ghent?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Faro or Ghent, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Faro

Faro is a popular, busy, and active resort town. It's also known for nightlife, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Ghent

Ghent is a cultural, historic, and under-rated city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Faro and Ghent: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Faro or Ghent?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Ghent. Although Faro and Ghent are both popular with visitors, Ghent has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Ghent is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Faro is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Faro is more touristy than Ghent and is popular for its historical sights and rich culture. Ghent is popular for its medieval buildings, large squares, and weekly markets It is also home to The Fortress of Gravensteen.

How is Faro different from Ghent?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Ghent is great for its historical sights. However, Faro does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Ghent can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Faro does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Ghent is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Faro is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Faro. It has become a major tourist town, so you have to get a bit creative to find a more traditional restaurant. Look for fresh seafood like cod, monkfish, or shellfish if you want some local flavors.

Is Faro or Ghent Better for Nightlife?

Ghent is a must-visit destination for nightlife. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town for nightlife and partying.

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.

Faro has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city's bustling party scene thrives along Rua de São Pedro, Rua Conselheiro Bívar, and Rua do Prior.

Is Faro or Ghent Better for Resorts?

Faro is a world-class destination for its resorts. However, Ghent is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Faro for its luxury resorts. Popular resorts include Vila Vita Parc Resort and Spa, Conrad Algarve, and Tivoli Carvoeiro.

Ghent is not a resort destination.

Is Faro or Ghent Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Faro is a good destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Ghent is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Faro. There are both snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities in the area. It's possible to snorkel off of several beaches or arrange a scuba diving excursion with a local dive shop.

Ghent is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Faro or Ghent Better for Beaches?

Faro is a good destination for its beaches. However, Ghent is not a beach destination.

Faro offers a nice beach destination. The most popular beach in the area is Faro Beach. It can get crowded during the summer months but if you walk a bit you can often get away from the crowds. To reach the beach you'll need a car or you can take the bus as the beach is about 10 km away.

Ghent is not a beach destination.

Is Faro or Ghent Better for its Old Town?

Ghent is great for its historic old town. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town for its old town.

Many visitors go to Ghent to see the historical old town. The medieval old town follows along the canal and offers great architecture and a unique atmosphere.

Many people head to Faro to see the old town. You'll find historic buildings and cobblestone streets in the old town. It's a nice place to explore, grab a bite to eat, and do a little shopping.

Is the Shopping Better in Faro or Ghent?

Ghent is great for shopping. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Faro offers some nice shopping areas. The town isn't as big as some others, so it's shopping scene isn't as comprehensive, but you will find the major brands as well as souvenir shops to peruse when you need a break from the beach.

Is Faro or Ghent Better for Families?

Ghent is a nice place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, Faro is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

Ghent offers lots of family activities. 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.

Faro is not the most family-friendly destination. There are some nice nature reserves in the area so kids who love wildlife will enjoy a visit.

Is Faro or Ghent Better for Couples?

Ghent is great for romance. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town for its romantic activities.

Ghent is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. It makes a great weekend getaway with a diverse restaurant scene, nice hotels, and plenty of historic attractions that you can explore.

Faro makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With the beautiful natural areas and historic old town, this seaport makes a nice couples vacation.

Is Faro or Ghent Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Faro and Ghent are good places to visit.

It's common for backpackers to visit Faro. The are some good hostels in the area, but it's a bit tricky to get around without a car.

Ghent is a good resort town to visit for backpackers. 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 Faro or Ghent Better for Students?

Ghent is a must-visit destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Faro is not popular with students.

Ghent is a great destination 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.

Faro is not popular with students.

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

Ghent is a must-visit destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town for its public transit.

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.

Faro has a few public transit options. There are buses that connect the city to the beach, the airport, and other outlying areas.

Is Faro or Ghent a more walkable city?

Ghent is great for its walkability. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town for its high level of walkability.

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

Faro is a somewhat walkable place. The city's old town is particularly walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Ghent or Faro?

How long in Faro or Ghent?

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

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

In Faro, many people enjoy the nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling that this busy destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This resort 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Ghent. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Faro or Ghent?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Faro. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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 fun place to experience. Most people visit for the nightlife. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Faro or Ghent?

Faro is a fun place to experience. In Faro, many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife that this destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of Ghent. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Faro or Ghent?

You'll find nightlife and scuba diving and snorkeling around the busy destination of Faro. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

The cultural city of Ghent offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal, The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium.

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

Which is Bigger, Faro or Ghent?

Ghent has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Faro. When comparing the sizes of Faro 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 Faro 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 Faro or Ghent in the Summer?

Both Ghent and Faro during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Faro for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Ghent in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

Faro is a little warmer than Ghent in the summer. The daily temperature in Faro averages around 25°C (78°F) in July, and Ghent fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In Ghent, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Faro. In the summer, Faro often gets more sunshine than Ghent. Faro gets 374 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ghent receives 202 hours of full sun.

Faro usually gets less rain in July than Ghent. Faro gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Faro or Ghent in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Faro and Ghent. Many visitors come to Faro in the autumn for the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Ghent for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Faro is much warmer than Ghent. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Faro in October average around 20°C (68°F), and Ghent averages at about 12°C (54°F).

In Faro, it's very sunny this time of the year. Faro usually receives more sunshine than Ghent during autumn. Faro gets 222 hours of sunny skies, while Ghent receives 105 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Faro usually receives less rain than Ghent. Faro gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Faro or Ghent in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Faro as well as Ghent. Most visitors come to Faro for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Ghent because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Ghent can be very cold. In January, Faro is generally much warmer than Ghent. Daily temperatures in Faro average around 12°C (54°F), and Ghent fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Faro often gets more sunshine than Ghent. Faro gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ghent receives 47 hours of full sun.

Faro usually gets more rain in January than Ghent. Faro gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Faro or Ghent in the Spring?

Both Ghent and Faro are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Faro because of the beaches. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Ghent this time of year.

Faro is much warmer than Ghent in the spring. The daily temperature in Faro averages around 17°C (62°F) in April, and Ghent fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Faro. Faro usually receives more sunshine than Ghent during spring. Faro gets 248 hours of sunny skies, while Ghent receives 158 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Faro usually receives less rain than Ghent. Faro gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Ghent and Faro