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

Should you visit Ghent or Beaune?

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 Beaune. 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. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Beaune

Beaune is a culinary, quaint, and vineyard-filled town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Ghent and Beaune: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ghent or Beaune?

Both Beaune and Ghent have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Ghent is very popular for its nightlife, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Beaune attracts visitors for its food, historical sights, and small town charm. Beaune is more touristy than Ghent and is known for its surrounding vineyards and world-renowned wines. Ghent is famous for its medieval buildings, large squares, and weekly markets

How is Ghent different from Beaune?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Ghent and Beaune 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.

Beaune offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Top sights and museums around town include Hôtel-Dieu (a former hospital), Château de Savigny, and Château de la Rochepot.

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

Beaune 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 Beaune, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The restaurant scene is made up of small, narrow, local bistros that serve local dishes with regional ingredients. Many of the menus are focused on wine with the dishes designed specifically to compliment the wines. This is a tourist town, and you'll find many visitors come specifically to enjoy the French cuisine.

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 Beaune Better for Nightlife?

Ghent is terrific for nightlife and partying. Also, Beaune is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

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.

If you're looking for night time activities Beaune has a few options to choose from. You'll find bars and pubs as well as many places to sip French wine and enjoy the evening.

Is Ghent or Beaune Better for its Old Town?

Beaune is a world-class destination for its historic old town. Also, Ghent is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its old town.

The historic old town of Beaune is revered around the world. The old town is walled and compact. It is centered around the medieval hospital complex and it is filled with cobblestone streets and shops.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Ghent or Beaune?

Ghent is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Beaune is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Beaune has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. Boutiques, wine shops, and independent vendors are fun to explore in town.

Is Ghent or Beaune Better for Families?

Both Ghent and Beaune are nice 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.

Beaune is a family-friendly city. The town has museums like Hospices de Beaune, Hotel-Dieu (a formal hospital), as well as vineyards that you can hike through. Many people enjoy taking a hot air balloon ride while they're in the region.

Is Ghent or Beaune Better for Couples?

Beaune is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Ghent is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Beaune is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Couples will enjoy exploring vineyards, sipping French wine, and wandering through the charming old town. There are breathtaking hot air balloon rides and wonderful French restaurants that make for a romantic trip.

Ghent makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It makes a great weekend getaway with a diverse restaurant scene, nice hotels, and plenty of historic attractions that you can explore.

Is Ghent or Beaune Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ghent is a good destination for backpackers. However, Beaune is a town with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Beaune is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's a charming town, but it's not on many backpacker's itineraries. There are also a limited number of hostels to choose from.

Is Ghent or Beaune Better for Students?

Ghent is terrific for students. However, Beaune is not popular with 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.

Beaune is not popular with students.

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

Ghent is terrific for its public transit. Also, Beaune 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 Beaune offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. While you can walk around the historic center, it's possible to take a bus if you're traveling further.

Is Ghent or Beaune a more walkable city?

Beaune is a world-class destination for its walkability. Also, Ghent is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

It is easy to get around Beaune on foot. It's a walkable town that's perfect for taking a stroll.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Beaune or Ghent?

How long in Ghent or Beaune?

It's fun to spend time in either Ghent or Beaune. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Beaune 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 Beaune.

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

Couples should spend more time in Beaune than Ghent. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Beaune that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Ghent than Beaune 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 Beaune?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Ghent. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

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

Ghent is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ghent. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. 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. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Beaune is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Beaune. 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 Beaune?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural destination of Ghent. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find food and shopping around the quaint destination of Beaune. 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 Cultural Tours in Belgium, The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Ghent or Beaune?

Ghent has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Beaune. When comparing the sizes of Ghent and Beaune, 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 Beaune?

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 Beaune in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Ghent and Beaune. The summer months attract visitors to Ghent because of the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Beaune this time of year.

In the summer, Ghent is cooler than Beaune. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ghent in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Beaune averages at about 21°C (70°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Beaune this time of the year. In Ghent, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ghent usually receives less sunshine than Beaune during summer. Ghent gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Beaune receives 266 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Ghent usually receives more rain than Beaune. Ghent gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Beaune receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Ghent or Beaune in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Ghent as well as Beaune. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Ghent this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Beaune for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

In October, Ghent is generally around the same temperature as Beaune. Daily temperatures in Ghent average around 12°C (54°F), and Beaune fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Ghent often gets less sunshine than Beaune. Ghent gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Beaune receives 121 hours of full sun.

Ghent usually gets more rain in October than Beaune. Ghent gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Beaune receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ghent or Beaune in the Winter?

Both Beaune and Ghent are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Ghent for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Beaune in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Beaune can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Ghent. Ghent is around the same temperature as Beaune in the winter. The daily temperature in Ghent averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Beaune fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Ghent usually receives less sunshine than Beaune during winter. Ghent gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Beaune receives 53 hours of full sun in the winter.

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

Should I visit Ghent or Beaune in the Spring?

Both Beaune and Ghent during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Ghent in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Beaune for the small town charm during these months.

In the spring, Ghent is cooler than Beaune. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ghent in April average around 8°C (47°F), and Beaune averages at about 11°C (53°F).

In the spring, Ghent often gets less sunshine than Beaune. Ghent gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Beaune receives 178 hours of full sun.

Ghent usually gets less rain in April than Beaune. Ghent gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Beaune receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Beaune and Ghent