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

Should you visit Ghent or Bari?

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 Bari. 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 under-rated, youthful, and high energy city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Bari

Bari is a authentic, local, and cultural port city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for food, beaches, and shopping.

Ghent and Bari: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ghent or Bari?

You'll generally find more things to do in Bari than Ghent. Bari is bigger than Ghent, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Bari is better known for its food, beaches, and big city activities, while Ghent is more popular for its nightlife, shopping, and impressive beauty. Ghent is more touristy than Bari and is popular for its medieval buildings, large squares, and weekly markets Bari is well known for its authentic old town and its role as a ferry port for travelers headed across the Adriatic. Also, Bari is famous for San Nicola.

How is Ghent different from Bari?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Ghent and Bari have excellent landmarks and museums for visitors.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Ghent. 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.

Bari offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is filled with historical sights and archeological ruins. San Nicola is the main basilica in town and a popular tourist sight. The Castello is also a highlight, as is San Sabino.

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

Bari 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 Bari, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. It's off-the-beaten-path vibe means that you won't find the overpriced tourist restaurants that have taken over more touristy cities. Instead you'll find locally owned pasta shops that cater to the town's residents. You can taste authentic Pugliese cuisine, which is centered around wheat and olive oil. Orecchiette is the local pasta and seafood is one of the most common staples.

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 Bari Better for Nightlife?

Ghent is terrific for its evening party scene. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city 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.

Bari offers plenty to do in the evening. The city really comes to life at night with many dance clubs, bars, and other fun venues. There's plenty of live music as well as jazz clubs and other local bars.

Is Ghent or Bari Better for Beaches?

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

Bari offers a nice beach destination. There's a sandy beach that you can reach by bus outside of the city center. There are also many great beaches around Puglia if you're willing to take a day trip or travel a bit farther.

Ghent is not a beach destination.

Is Ghent or Bari Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the excellent old town areas in both Ghent and Bari.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Ghent. The medieval old town follows along the canal and offers great architecture and a unique atmosphere.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Bari. The old town is filled with historic sights, mazelike streets, and great food. It's pedestrian-only and, because Bari is not as popular with tourists, it holds on to its authentic charm.

Is the Shopping Better in Ghent or Bari?

Ghent is a great city for its shopping areas. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for shopping.

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.

Bari is a great destination for shopping. You won't find the souvenir shops that you find in more touristy cities, so if you take the time to do some shopping while you're in town, you can enjoy a truly authentic and cultural experience.

Is Ghent or Bari Better for Families?

Bari 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.

Bari is a very family-friendly place to visit. There are historical sites and castles to explore as well as the fun-filled Miragica amusement park. There's also an impressive underground city that will spark the kid's imagination. Other fun activities include visiting the nearby beaches, taking a kayak tour, or wandering around the old town.

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 Bari Better for Couples?

Ghent is a great city for couples. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city 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.

Bari is a nice destination for couples. The old town is filled with mazelike streets and the city has many unique activities that appeal to history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Is Ghent or Bari Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bari is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Ghent is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Bari. There's plenty of hostels around town and the prices are usually very reasonable. Many backpackers pass through this port city on their way to Greece or other Adriatic destinations.

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.

Is Ghent or Bari Better for Students?

Ghent is terrific for its student-friendly activities. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for students.

Ghent is a very popular place to visit 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.

Bari is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. It's a great student city that offers access to many nearby Mediterranean destinations. There are also a number of historical sights within town that students can visit.

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

Ghent is terrific for times when you don't have a car. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its public transit.

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.

Bari has a few public transit options. There are buses around town that are operated by the AMTAB.

Is Ghent or Bari a more walkable city?

Ghent and Bari both are excellent when exploring on foot.

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

Bari is a very walkable city. The old town is pedestrian-only and best explored on foot. It's also about a 20 minute walk from the central train station.

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

Should I spend more time in Bari or Ghent?

How long in Ghent or Bari?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Ghent than Bari. 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 Bari than Ghent 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 Bari.

One day in Ghent or Bari?

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.

In Bari, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this local destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the food. This port city 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 Bari?

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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bari. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Bari?

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.

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

A week in Ghent or Bari?

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.

You'll find food and shopping around the cultural destination of Bari. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Belgium, The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, The Best Historical Tours in Italy, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Ghent and Bari, 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 Bari Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ghent or Bari?

Bari has a larger population, and is about 37% larger than the population of Ghent. When comparing the sizes of Ghent and Bari, 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 Bari?

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 Bari in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Ghent as well as Bari. The summer months attract visitors to Ghent because of the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bari this time of year.

In July, Ghent is generally cooler than Bari. Daily temperatures in Ghent average around 17°C (63°F), and Bari fluctuates around 25°C (76°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bari. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ghent this time of the year. In the summer, Ghent often gets less sunshine than Bari. Ghent gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bari receives 336 hours of full sun.

Ghent usually gets more rain in July than Bari. Ghent gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Bari receives 9 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ghent or Bari in the Autumn?

Both Bari and Ghent are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Ghent this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bari for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Ghent is much colder than Bari in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ghent averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Bari fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

Ghent usually receives less sunshine than Bari during autumn. Ghent gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Bari receives 178 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Ghent usually receives more rain than Bari. Ghent gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bari receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Ghent or Bari in the Winter?

Both Bari and Ghent during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Ghent for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Bari in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Ghent. In the winter, Ghent is much colder than Bari. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ghent in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Bari averages at about 10°C (49°F).

In the winter, Ghent often gets less sunshine than Bari. Ghent gets 47 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bari receives 110 hours of full sun.

Ghent usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Bari. Ghent gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Bari receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ghent or Bari in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Ghent and Bari. Many visitors come to Ghent in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Bari for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Ghent is generally much colder than Bari. Daily temperatures in Ghent average around 8°C (47°F), and Bari fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bari this time of the year. Ghent usually receives less sunshine than Bari during spring. Ghent gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Bari receives 203 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Ghent usually receives more rain than Bari. Ghent gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bari receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bari and Ghent