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

Should you visit Ghent or Auxerre?

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 Auxerre. 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 high energy, cultural, and historic city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Auxerre

Auxerre is a authentic, under-rated, and undiscovered town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. It's also known for food and museums.

Ghent and Auxerre: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ghent or Auxerre?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Ghent than Auxerre, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Ghent is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Auxerre is more popular for its small town charm. Ghent is more touristy than Auxerre and is popular for its medieval buildings, large squares, and weekly markets Also, Ghent is famous for The Fortress of Gravensteen. Auxerre is well known for its food, wine, and art history.

How is Ghent different from Auxerre?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Ghent is great for its historical sights. Also, Auxerre is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

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.

Auxerre is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Although the town is often overlooked by tourists, there are many nice cathedrals and churches around town.

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

Ghent is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Auxerre is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Ghent has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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.

Auxerre offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The town is a the heart of the wine industry, so you'll find many great restaurants where you can enjoy local food and wine.

Is Ghent or Auxerre Better for Nightlife?

Ghent is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. However, Auxerre is not a good destination for nightlife.

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.

Most people don't head to Auxerre specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. It has a quiet nightlife with some nice bars and pubs.

Is Ghent or Auxerre Better for its Old Town?

Ghent is great for its historic old town charm. However, Auxerre 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.

Auxerre does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Ghent or Auxerre?

Ghent is great for its shopping areas. However, Auxerre is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas 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.

Auxerre is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Ghent or Auxerre Better for Families?

Both Ghent and Auxerre are notable 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.

Auxerre is a family-friendly city. There's the Zoo de La Fleche and the Aquarium de Touraine. You can also wander through Musee de l'Avallon or des Plantes.

Is Ghent or Auxerre Better for Couples?

Ghent is great for couples. Also, Auxerre is not as popular, but is still a nice town for romance.

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.

Auxerre is a nice destination for couples. There are many great eateries as well nice architecture and, of course, excellent wine.

Is Ghent or Auxerre Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ghent is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Auxerre is not a good destination for backpackers.

Ghent is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Auxerre is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not a popular stop off on the backpacker circuit, but you will find some affordable accommodation options.

Is Ghent or Auxerre Better for Students?

Ghent is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Auxerre 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.

Auxerre is not popular with students.

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

Ghent is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Auxerre is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its public transit.

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

Auxerre has a few public transit options. There are buses around town.

Is Ghent or Auxerre a more walkable city?

Ghent is great for its ease of walking around. Also, Auxerre is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its walkability.

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

Auxerre is somewhat walkable. The center is walkable but it is a bit more difficult to navigate than some nearby towns.

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

Should I spend more time in Auxerre or Ghent?

How long in Ghent or Auxerre?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Ghent or Auxerre to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Ghent than Auxerre because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Ghent, and 1-2 days is enough time in Auxerre.

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

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 Auxerre, many people enjoy the food and museums that this authentic destination offers. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Ghent or Auxerre?

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 Auxerre. 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 Auxerre?

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.

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

A week in Ghent or Auxerre?

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 museums and food around the authentic destination of Auxerre. 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, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, and The Best 2-Week Tours in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Ghent or Auxerre?

Ghent has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Auxerre. When comparing the sizes of Ghent and Auxerre, 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 Auxerre?

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 Ghent or Auxerre in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Ghent as well as Auxerre. Many travelers come to Ghent for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Auxerre in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Ghent is generally around the same temperature as Auxerre. Daily temperatures in Ghent average around 17°C (63°F), and Auxerre fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Auxerre. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ghent this time of the year. In the summer, Ghent often gets less sunshine than Auxerre. Ghent gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auxerre receives 255 hours of full sun.

Ghent usually gets more rain in July than Auxerre. Ghent gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Auxerre receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ghent or Auxerre in the Autumn?

Both Auxerre and Ghent are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Ghent in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Auxerre for the small town atmosphere during these months.

Ghent is around the same temperature as Auxerre in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ghent averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Auxerre fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Ghent usually receives less sunshine than Auxerre during autumn. Ghent gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Auxerre receives 126 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Ghent usually receives more rain than Auxerre. Ghent gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Auxerre receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Ghent or Auxerre in the Winter?

Both Auxerre and Ghent during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Ghent for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Auxerre because of the museums and the cuisine.

The weather in Auxerre can be very cold. Ghent can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Ghent is around the same temperature as Auxerre. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ghent in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Auxerre averages at about 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Ghent often gets less sunshine than Auxerre. Ghent gets 47 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auxerre receives 53 hours of full sun.

Ghent usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Auxerre. Ghent gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Auxerre receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ghent or Auxerre in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Ghent and Auxerre. The spring months attract visitors to Ghent because of the natural beauty. Furthermore, the small town charm are the main draw to Auxerre this time of year.

In April, Ghent is generally cooler than Auxerre. Daily temperatures in Ghent average around 8°C (47°F), and Auxerre fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Ghent usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Auxerre during spring. Ghent gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Auxerre receives 167 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Ghent usually receives less rain than Auxerre. Ghent gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Auxerre receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Auxerre and Ghent