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

Should you visit Ghent or Berlin?

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 Berlin. 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. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Berlin

Berlin is a cultural, artsy, and creative city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's also known for live music, food, and shopping.

Ghent and Berlin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ghent or Berlin?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Berlin than Ghent. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Berlin is very popular for its museums, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Ghent attracts visitors for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Berlin is more touristy than Ghent and is popular for its art scene, cultural activities, and war torn history. It is also well known for the Brandenburg Gate. Ghent is famous for its medieval buildings, large squares, and weekly markets

How is Ghent different from Berlin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Berlin is a world-class destination for its sights and museums. Also, Ghent is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Berlin that are not to be missed. Famous landmarks include the rebuilt Reichstag, the Berlin Wall Memorial, and Berliner Fernsehturm. Many of the city's oldest and most famous museums are found on Museum Island, where you'll find the Pergamon Museum, the James Simon Gallery, the Altes Museum, and the Neues Museum, among others.

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.

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

Foodies will find both Ghent and Berlin both to be great 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.

Berlin has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There's a great international food scene, but also all of the traditional favorites like currywurst, spätzle, and schnitzel. You'll find many diverse food halls, street markets, and local restaurants, as well as a large selection of traditional German restaurants that cater to the tourists.

Is Ghent or Berlin Better for Nightlife?

Both Ghent and Berlin are world-class when it comes to 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.

The nightlife in Berlin is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The nightlife scene here is legendary. There are club nights that last for days, bars and parties that appeal to every personality, and a diversity of venues that you can choose from. You'll find the classic techno warehouses, but there are also modern dance clubs, bunker parties, and raves.

Is Ghent or Berlin Better for Music?

Berlin is a world-class destination for live music. However, Ghent is not a live music destination.

Berlin is a world class music destination. From the raves to the techno parties, there is a hugely diverse music scene in the city. It is so much more than the stereotypical punk and techno music that Berlin is known for. Rock, pop, and other genres are popular as well.

Ghent is not a live music destination.

Is Ghent or Berlin Better for its Old Town?

Ghent is a great city for its old town. However, Berlin 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.

Berlin does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Ghent or Berlin?

Berlin is a world-class destination for shopping. Also, Ghent is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Berlin is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. Bookshops, flea markets, luxury boutiques and artisan shops all make up the shopping scene in the city. Kurfürstendamm is one of the most famous shopping districts in the city.

Ghent is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Is Ghent or Berlin Better for Families?

Berlin 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.

Berlin is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has a number of great kid-friendly museums such as the Museum of Natural History and the Computer Games Museum. There's also Legoland, an impressive aquarium, and lots of parks and playgrounds to explore.

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 Berlin Better for Couples?

Ghent is a great city for its romantic activities. Also, Berlin is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

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.

Berlin is a good city for couples to visit. Romantic activities in the city include wandering through Schloss Charlottenburg gardens and learning to dance at Clärchen’s Ballhaus. For couples who enjoy a night out on the town, there are many great restaurants and nightclubs that you can check out.

Is Ghent or Berlin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Berlin is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Ghent is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Berlin is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. The city has no shortage of hostels to choose from, many of which organize activities and tours that guests can enjoy.

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 Berlin Better for Students?

Ghent and Berlin are both world-class destinations for students and younger travelers.

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.

Many students frequent Berlin. With it's rich culture and eclectic creative side, this city appeals to many international students. There's also a great social scene that is perfect for university students.

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

Both Ghent and Berlin offer world-class public transit options.

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.

Visitors in Berlin can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The transportation system is diverse and includes the S-Bahn, U-Bahn, buses, and trams.

Is Ghent or Berlin a more walkable city?

Ghent is a great city for its high level of walkability. Also, Berlin is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its ease of walking around.

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

Berlin is a somewhat walkable city. While parts of the city are very walkable, the neighborhoods are spread out and the city covers a large amount of space, so walking isn't always practical.

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

Should I spend more time in Berlin or Ghent?

How long in Ghent or Berlin?

Both Ghent and Berlin have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Berlin than in Ghent. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Ghent, and 2-7 days is enough time in Berlin.

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

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

One day in Ghent or Berlin?

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.

Each neighborhood in Berlin has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. 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 Berlin?

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 Berlin. 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 Berlin?

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.

Berlin is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Berlin has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Ghent or Berlin?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the youthful 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.

Each neighborhood in Berlin has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium, The Best Adventure Tours to Germany, and The Best Cultural Tours in Germany.

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

Which is Bigger, Ghent or Berlin?

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

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 Berlin in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Ghent as well as Berlin. Many visitors come to Ghent in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Berlin for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Ghent is around the same temperature as Berlin. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ghent in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Berlin averages at about 19°C (66°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Berlin. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ghent this time of the year. In the summer, Ghent often gets less sunshine than Berlin. Ghent gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Berlin receives 227 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Ghent or Berlin in the Autumn?

Both Berlin and Ghent are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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 Berlin because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In October, Ghent is generally a little warmer than Berlin. Daily temperatures in Ghent average around 12°C (54°F), and Berlin fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Ghent usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Berlin during autumn. Ghent gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Berlin receives 106 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Ghent usually receives more rain than Berlin. Ghent gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Berlin receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Ghent or Berlin in the Winter?

Both Berlin and Ghent during the winter are popular places to visit. 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 Berlin this time of year.

It's quite cold in Berlin in the winter. The weather in Ghent can be very cold. Ghent is much warmer than Berlin in the winter. The daily temperature in Ghent averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Berlin fluctuates around -0°C (31°F).

In the winter, Ghent often gets more sunshine than Berlin. Ghent gets 47 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Berlin receives 42 hours of full sun.

Ghent usually gets more rain in January than Berlin. Ghent gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Berlin receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ghent or Berlin in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Ghent and Berlin. The natural beauty are the main draw to Ghent this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Berlin for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Ghent is around the same temperature as Berlin. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ghent in April average around 8°C (47°F), and Berlin averages at about 9°C (47°F).

Ghent usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Berlin during spring. Ghent gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Berlin receives 160 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Ghent usually receives more rain than Berlin. Ghent gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Berlin receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Berlin and Ghent