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

Should you visit Ghent or Baden-Baden?

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 Baden-Baden. 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. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Baden-Baden

Baden-Baden is a nature-oriented, peaceful, and historic spa town. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for food, hiking, and shopping.

Ghent and Baden-Baden: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ghent or Baden-Baden?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Ghent than Baden-Baden. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Ghent is very popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Baden-Baden attracts visitors for its food and hiking. Ghent is famous for its medieval buildings, large squares, and weekly markets It is also well known for The Fortress of Gravensteen. Baden-Baden is famous for its many thermal baths, spas and wellness centers, as well as its cultural venues and festivals.

How is Ghent different from Baden-Baden?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Baden-Baden. The spa town has many places worth visiting including the Friedrichsbad and Caracalla Baths, the Museum Frieder Burda, and Altes Schloss Hohenbaden.

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

Baden-Baden 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 Baden-Baden, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. There are Michelin starred restaurants and many opportunities to sip wine and sample local cuisine. Many consider the Baden cuisine to be among the best in Germany. You'll find wine, sausages, game meat, poultry, and more. Make sure you try the Rehrücken Baden-Baden (Roe Deer), Käsespätzle (cheese spatzle), and Schäufele (pig's shoulder).

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 Baden-Baden Better for Nightlife?

Ghent is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Baden-Baden is not as famous, but is still a good spa town to visit for its evening party scene.

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 Baden-Baden. There are trendy, upscale bars and many fine dining opportunities. There's also a casino and a club in town.

Is Ghent or Baden-Baden Better for its Old Town?

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

Baden-Baden does not have a historic old town.

Is Ghent or Baden-Baden Better for Hiking?

Baden-Baden is a good destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Ghent is not a hiking destination.

Baden-Baden offers some nice hiking trails. Located near the Black Forest, you'll find a number of great hikes and walking trails just outside of town.

Ghent is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ghent or Baden-Baden?

Ghent is a well-known place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Baden-Baden is not as famous, but is still a good spa town to visit for its shopping areas.

Ghent is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Baden-Baden has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The city is filled with boutiques that sell jewelry, chocolate, designer fashion, and fine wine. There are several pedestrian shopping streets including the popular Lange-Strasse.

Is Ghent or Baden-Baden Better for Families?

Baden-Baden is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Ghent is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Baden-Baden is a very family-friendly place to visit. There are plenty of opportunities to get into nature with hikes and wildlife reserves. There's also a funicular and castles to explore as well as several kid-friendly museums.

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 Ghent or Baden-Baden Better for Couples?

Ghent and Baden-Baden 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.

Baden-Baden makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a spa town, so there are thermal baths that couples can enjoy. There are also many gardens and walks through the countryside. The old town is picturesque and the castles are fun to explore.

Is Ghent or Baden-Baden Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ghent is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Baden-Baden is not a good spa town for backpackers and budget travelers.

It's common for backpackers to 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.

Baden-Baden is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. You'll find a hostel or two in town, but most of the tourists aren't backpackers so you may have trouble meeting other like-minded travelers.

Is Ghent or Baden-Baden Better for Students?

Ghent is a world-class destination for students. However, Baden-Baden 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.

Baden-Baden is not popular with students.

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

Ghent is a world-class destination for its public transit. However, Baden-Baden is not a good spa town 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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Baden-Baden. There are a number of bus lines that run around town.

Is Ghent or Baden-Baden a more walkable city?

Ghent is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. Also, Baden-Baden is not as famous, but is still a good spa town to visit for its ease of walking around.

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

Baden-Baden is a somewhat walkable city. It's possible to walk around parts of town, but it's easier to explore with a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Baden-Baden or Ghent?

How long in Ghent or Baden-Baden?

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

Families should spend more time in Baden-Baden than Ghent. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Baden-Baden, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Ghent than Baden-Baden. 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 Baden-Baden 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 Baden-Baden?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the high energy city of Ghent. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Most people visit for the nightlife. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Baden-Baden, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this peaceful destination offers. Lots of people come for the food. This spa 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 Baden-Baden?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the cultural destination of Ghent. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

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

The historic city of Ghent offers shopping and museums. 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. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

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

A week in Ghent or Baden-Baden?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Ghent. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people visit for the nightlife. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find food and shopping around the relaxing destination of Baden-Baden. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. 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 Germany, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Germany.

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

Which is Bigger, Ghent or Baden-Baden?

Ghent has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Baden-Baden. When comparing the sizes of Ghent and Baden-Baden, 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 Baden-Baden?

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 Baden-Baden in the Summer?

Both Baden-Baden and Ghent are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Ghent in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Baden-Baden for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Ghent is cooler than Baden-Baden. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ghent in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Baden-Baden averages at about 20°C (67°F).

It's quite sunny in Baden-Baden. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ghent. Ghent usually receives less sunshine than Baden-Baden during summer. Ghent gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Baden-Baden receives 231 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Ghent usually receives less rain than Baden-Baden. Ghent gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Baden-Baden receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Ghent or Baden-Baden in the Autumn?

Both Baden-Baden and Ghent during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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 Baden-Baden because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Ghent is generally around the same temperature as Baden-Baden. Daily temperatures in Ghent average around 12°C (54°F), and Baden-Baden fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Ghent often gets more sunshine than Baden-Baden. Ghent gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Baden-Baden receives 91 hours of full sun.

Ghent usually gets more rain in October than Baden-Baden. Ghent gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Baden-Baden receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ghent or Baden-Baden in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Ghent and Baden-Baden. 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 Baden-Baden this time of year.

It's quite cold in Baden-Baden in the winter. The weather in Ghent can be very cold. Ghent is much warmer than Baden-Baden in the winter. The daily temperature in Ghent averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Baden-Baden fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

Ghent usually receives more sunshine than Baden-Baden during winter. Ghent gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Baden-Baden receives 35 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Ghent usually receives around the same amount of rain as Baden-Baden. Ghent gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Baden-Baden receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Ghent or Baden-Baden in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Ghent as well as Baden-Baden. The natural beauty are the main draw to Ghent this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Baden-Baden for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Ghent is cooler than Baden-Baden. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ghent in April average around 8°C (47°F), and Baden-Baden averages at about 10°C (50°F).

In the spring, Ghent often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Baden-Baden. Ghent gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Baden-Baden receives 154 hours of full sun.

Ghent usually gets less rain in April than Baden-Baden. Ghent gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Baden-Baden receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Baden-Baden and Ghent