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

Should you visit Ghent or Alesund?

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 Alesund. 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 youthful, high energy, and cultural city. You'll find world class beauty in Ghent as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping. See Ghent travel costs.

Alesund

Alesund is a laid back, welcoming, and friendly city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Alesund is a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping. See Alesund travel costs.

Ghent and Alesund: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ghent or Alesund?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Alesund. Although Ghent and Alesund are both popular with visitors, Alesund has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Alesund is more popular for its big city activities, while Ghent is known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Ghent is popular for its medieval buildings, large squares, and weekly markets Alesund is popular for its nouveau architecture, beautiful views, and access to the fjords. It is also home to the Art Nouveau Center.

How is Ghent different from Alesund?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Alesund 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 Alesund?

Ghent is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Alesund 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.

Alesund offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Check out the Atlantic Sea-Park and the Sunnmøre Museum. Also visit the small but interesting Fisheries Museum & Ålesund Museum.

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

Foodies will find both Ghent and Alesund both to be superb destinations.

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.

Alesund has a huge number of terrific restaurants. As Norway's largest fishing port, you'll find plenty of seafood offerings around town. A favorite is bacalao de noruega (dried and salted clipfish), but also make sure you try the lobster soup.

Is Ghent or Alesund Better for Nightlife?

Ghent is a world-class destination for nightlife. Also, Alesund is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Alesund. There are plenty of bars around town as well as nightclubs and live music venues.

Is Ghent or Alesund Better for its Old Town?

Ghent is a well-known place for its historic old town. However, Alesund 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.

Alesund does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Ghent or Alesund?

Ghent is a well-known place for shopping. Also, Alesund is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Alesund. There are a number of shopping streets around town including the shopping areas in Aspøya, which are known for their homemade souvenirs.

Is Ghent or Alesund More Beautiful?

Ghent is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. Also, Alesund is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its scenery and beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Ghent as well. With its medieval architecture and beautiful waterfront areas, the city has a lot to offer.

Alesund is a beautiful place to visit, too. The architecture, viewpoints, and nearby fjords make this a great stop off on any Norwegian adventure.

Is Ghent or Alesund Better for Families?

Both Ghent and Alesund are good family-friendly destinations.

Ghent is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Alesund is a family-friendly city. There's an aquarium and several great parks including Tueneset Naturlekeplass, which is near the aquarium. There's also hiking in the area and other outdoor adventures.

Is Ghent or Alesund Better for Couples?

Ghent is a well-known place for romance. Also, Alesund is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Alesund makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a beautiful setting with spectacular views and fun restaurants. There are many great hikes in the area, and many visitors like to use this town as a base for exploring nearby places.

Is Ghent or Alesund Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ghent is a popular place for backpackers. However, Alesund is not a good city for backpackers and budget 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.

Alesund is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a limited number of hostels in town so apartments may be the best option for backpackers. It's also hard to get around the region without a car.

Is Ghent or Alesund Better for Students?

Ghent is a world-class destination for students. Also, Alesund 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 Alesund. There's a small student population, which means that the group stays close and everyone is very welcoming. The town also makes a great base for exploring this part of Norway.

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

Ghent is a world-class destination for its public transit. Also, Alesund is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Alesund has some public transit options. There is a public bus system around town.

Is Ghent or Alesund a more walkable city?

Ghent is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, Alesund 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.

Alesund is a somewhat walkable place. The city center can be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Alesund or Ghent?

How long in Ghent or Alesund?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Ghent and Alesund. In our opinion, Ghent has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Ghent than Alesund. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Ghent, and 2-3 days is enough time in Alesund.

Families should spend more time in Ghent than Alesund. 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 Alesund. 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 Alesund 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 Alesund?

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.

In Alesund, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this welcoming destination offers. This city 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 Alesund?

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.

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

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.

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

A week in Ghent or Alesund?

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.

You'll find food and shopping around the friendly destination of Alesund. 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 Tours for Seniors to Belgium, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Belgium, The Best Tours for Seniors to Norway, and The Best Contiki Tours to Norway.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ghent and Alesund, we can see that Ghent is more expensive. And not only is Alesund much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Alesund would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Alesund 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 Ghent would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ghent than you might in Alesund.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Ghent Expensive? and Is Alesund Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ghent or Alesund?

Ghent has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Alesund. When comparing the sizes of Ghent and Alesund, 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 Alesund?

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 Alesund in the Summer?

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

Ghent is a little warmer than Alesund in the summer. The daily temperature in Ghent averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Alesund fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In July, Ghent usually receives less rain than Alesund. Ghent gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Ghent or Alesund in the Autumn?

Both Alesund and Ghent during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Ghent for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Alesund in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Ghent is a little warmer than Alesund. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ghent in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Alesund averages at about 9°C (48°F).

Alesund gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Ghent usually gets less rain in October than Alesund. Ghent gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 188 mm (7.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ghent or Alesund in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Ghent and Alesund. Many visitors come to Ghent in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Alesund for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Alesund can be very cold during winter. Ghent can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Ghent is generally a little warmer than Alesund. Daily temperatures in Ghent average around 3°C (38°F), and Alesund fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Alesund receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Ghent usually receives less rain than Alesund. Ghent gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Ghent or Alesund in the Spring?

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

The weather in Alesund can be very cold. Ghent is much warmer than Alesund in the spring. The daily temperature in Ghent averages around 8°C (47°F) in April, and Alesund fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

Ghent usually gets less rain in April than Alesund. Ghent gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Alesund receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Alesund and Ghent