A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ghent vs. Aix-en-Provence for Food, Nightlife, Attractions, and Couples

Should you visit Ghent or Aix-en-Provence?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Ghent and Aix-en-Provence. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Ghent

Ghent is a cultural, historic, and under-rated city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Aix-en-Provence

Aix-en-Provence is a historic, vibrant, and laid-back town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums.

Ghent and Aix-en-Provence: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ghent or Aix-en-Provence?

You'll generally find more things to do in Ghent than Aix-en-Provence. Ghent is bigger than Aix-en-Provence, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Ghent is better known for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Aix-en-Provence is more popular for its food and shopping. Ghent is well known for its medieval buildings, large squares, and weekly markets Also, Ghent is famous for The Fortress of Gravensteen. Aix-en-Provence is well known for its Provençal cuisine made with local produce, its many art galleries, and its beautiful fountains and square.

How is Ghent different from Aix-en-Provence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Ghent or Aix-en-Provence?

Ghent is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Aix-en-Provence is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

Aix-en-Provence is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. In addition to its many squares and fountains, there is also Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur, Musée Granet, and Musée des Tapisseries.

Is the Food Better in Ghent or Aix-en-Provence? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Aix-en-Provence 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 Aix-en-Provence, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The range of restaurants includes everything from modern and trendy to traditional and casual. The town is surrounded by a region that is known for its local produce. There are also many markets worth checking out in 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 Ghent or Aix-en-Provence Better for Nightlife?

Ghent is terrific for its evening party scene. However, Aix-en-Provence is not particularly known for nightlife.

Ghent is a must-see 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.

Aix-en-Provence doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. The nightlife scene that does exist is mostly influenced by the town's large student population.

Is Ghent or Aix-en-Provence Better for its Old Town?

Ghent is well known for its historic old town charm. However, Aix-en-Provence does not have a historic 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.

Aix-en-Provence does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Ghent or Aix-en-Provence?

Aix-en-Provence 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.

Aix-en-Provence is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. It has some of the best shopping in France outside of Paris. There are many shopping streets where you can pick up trendy fashions or boutique local finds. Head to Rue Marius Reynard, Les Allées Provençales, or Rue Clemenceau for some of the best shopping.

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 Ghent or Aix-en-Provence Better for Families?

Ghent is a nice place to visit for its family-friendly activities. However, Aix-en-Provence is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Ghent. 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.

For families, Aix-en-Provence is not always the best place to visit. Many kids enjoy checking out the town's many fountains or taking a bike for a ride outside of town.

Is Ghent or Aix-en-Provence Better for Couples?

Ghent and Aix-en-Provence both great destinations for a couple.

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.

Aix-en-Provence makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's among the most charming towns in southern France and couples will enjoy the romantic buildings, beautiful fountains, and relaxing countryside. Whether you're on a honeymoon or a couple's getaway, this is a great town.

Is Ghent or Aix-en-Provence Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Ghent and Aix-en-Provence are notable destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Aix-en-Provence. There are a couple of hostels and cheap hotels that are good options for backpackers.

Is Ghent or Aix-en-Provence Better for Students?

Ghent is terrific for students. Also, Aix-en-Provence is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

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.

Students come from all over to stay in Aix-en-Provence. It's a university town with a lively but laid-back atmosphere. It's also a popular study abroad destination for American university students.

Is Ghent or Aix-en-Provence Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Ghent is terrific for its public transit. Also, Aix-en-Provence is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Ghent can take you anywhere. Buses and trams travel to most parts of the city and are convenient and efficient.

While Aix-en-Provence offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. For the places you can't reach on foot, there is a bus network.

Is Ghent or Aix-en-Provence a more walkable city?

Ghent and Aix-en-Provence both are great when exploring on foot.

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

Aix-en-Provence is a very walkable city. It's walkable, particularly in the heart of the city, so it's fun to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Ghent Worth Visiting? and Is Aix-en-Provence Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Aix-en-Provence or Ghent?

How long in Ghent or Aix-en-Provence?

It's fun to spend time in either Ghent or Aix-en-Provence. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Aix-en-Provence due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Ghent, and 2-4 days is enough time in Aix-en-Provence.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Ghent than Aix-en-Provence 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 Ghent or Aix-en-Provence?

The high energy destination of Ghent offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Aix-en-Provence, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this vibrant destination offers. 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.

A weekend in Ghent or Aix-en-Provence?

The city of Ghent offers food and shopping. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Aix-en-Provence. 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.

Five days in Ghent or Aix-en-Provence?

Ghent is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. This city offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

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

A week in Ghent or Aix-en-Provence?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Ghent. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find food and shopping around the relaxing destination of Aix-en-Provence. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in France, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Ghent or Aix-en-Provence?

Ghent has a larger population, and is about 58% larger than the population of Aix-en-Provence. When comparing the sizes of Ghent and Aix-en-Provence, 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 Ghent or Aix-en-Provence?

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 Ghent or Aix-en-Provence in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Ghent and Aix-en-Provence. Many visitors come to Ghent in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Aix-en-Provence for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Ghent is generally cooler than Aix-en-Provence. Daily temperatures in Ghent average around 17°C (63°F), and Aix-en-Provence fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Aix-en-Provence this time of the year. In Ghent, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ghent usually receives less sunshine than Aix-en-Provence during summer. Ghent gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Aix-en-Provence receives 366 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Ghent usually receives more rain than Aix-en-Provence. Ghent gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Aix-en-Provence receives 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Ghent or Aix-en-Provence in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Ghent as well as Aix-en-Provence. Most visitors come to Ghent for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Aix-en-Provence because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Ghent is cooler than Aix-en-Provence in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ghent averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Aix-en-Provence fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Aix-en-Provence. In the autumn, Ghent often gets less sunshine than Aix-en-Provence. Ghent gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Aix-en-Provence receives 205 hours of full sun.

Ghent usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Aix-en-Provence. Ghent gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Aix-en-Provence receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ghent or Aix-en-Provence in the Winter?

Both Aix-en-Provence and Ghent are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Ghent because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Aix-en-Provence this time of year.

The weather in Ghent can be very cold. In the winter, Ghent is much colder than Aix-en-Provence. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ghent in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Aix-en-Provence averages at about 7°C (44°F).

Ghent usually receives less sunshine than Aix-en-Provence during winter. Ghent gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Aix-en-Provence receives 150 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Ghent usually receives more rain than Aix-en-Provence. Ghent gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Aix-en-Provence receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Ghent or Aix-en-Provence in the Spring?

Both Aix-en-Provence and Ghent during the spring are popular places to visit. The natural beauty are the main draw to Ghent this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Aix-en-Provence for the natural beauty.

In April, Ghent is generally much colder than Aix-en-Provence. Daily temperatures in Ghent average around 8°C (47°F), and Aix-en-Provence fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In Aix-en-Provence, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Ghent often gets less sunshine than Aix-en-Provence. Ghent gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Aix-en-Provence receives 245 hours of full sun.

Ghent usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Aix-en-Provence. Ghent gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Aix-en-Provence receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Aix-en-Provence and Ghent