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

Should you visit Ghent or Bonn?

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 Bonn. 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 youthful, high energy, and cultural city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Bonn

Bonn is a lively, cultural, and beautiful city. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Ghent and Bonn: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ghent or Bonn?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Ghent than Bonn. While Bonn is larger than Ghent, Ghent has more sights and attractions for tourists. Ghent is more popular for its food, nightlife, and impressive beauty, while Bonn is known for its quaint atmosphere. Ghent is popular for its medieval buildings, large squares, and weekly markets It is also home to The Fortress of Gravensteen. Bonn is popular for its many museums, cultural venues, and university atmosphere, as well as being the birthplace of Beethoven.

How is Ghent different from Bonn?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Ghent and Bonn have superb 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.

Bonn offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Some of the most popular museums include Haus der Geschichte (history), Beethoven's House, and Kunstmuseum Bonn (art). For architecture check out the Old Town Hall and Bonn Minster. Other landmarks include Poppelsdorf Palace and Schloss Drachenburg.

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

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

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Ghent. 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Bonn. Like much of the food in Germany, you'll find local dishes are hearty and filling. Potatoes and meats are popular ingredients, as are milk, butter, and vegetables. For local flavors try the Rhenish Sauerbraten (veal stew), Reibekuchen (German pancakes), or Christmas Sausages.

Is Ghent or Bonn Better for Nightlife?

Ghent is very popular for nightlife. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

Ghent is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Bonn. There are bars and nightclubs around town but even more popular are the cultural events that the city hosts. If nightlife is important to you, try to visit during one of the festivals around town.

Is Ghent or Bonn Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the superb old town areas in both Ghent and Bonn.

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 Bonn. The old town is filled with cobblestone streets and charming shops. There are also cafes and restaurants where you can grab a bite to eat.

Is the Shopping Better in Ghent or Bonn?

Both Ghent and Bonn are superb shopping destinations.

Ghent is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Bonn is well-known for its shopping. A mix of local shops and major chains make shopping fun and easy. Whether you're interested in souvenir gifts or a new outfit, there are countless stores around town.

Is Ghent or Bonn Better for Families?

Bonn is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Ghent is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Bonn is very family-friendly. Just outside of the town is the Haribo factory outlet store where you can pick up a number of sweet treats and spend some time exploring with the kids. Another favorite activity for the whole family is a trip to nearby Phantasialand. This is one of the best amusement parks in Germany and it has many rides for teens and younger kids alike. In town, you'll find playgrounds and kid-friendly museums. Kids will also love a visit to Schloss Drachenburg Castle.

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 Bonn Better for Couples?

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

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.

Bonn makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Churches, architecture, and botanical gardens all make this a great couples destination. You can take a cruise down the Rhein or enjoy a meal at one of the best restaurants.

Is Ghent or Bonn Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Ghent and Bonn are good destinations for backpackers.

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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Bonn. Many backpackers skip this town, so its a good option for travelers who want to get off the beaten backpacker trail. There are affordable hotels and hostels around town as well as restaurants where you can pick up something cheap to eat.

Is Ghent or Bonn Better for Students?

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

Many students frequent Ghent. The city is very popular with international students so it has a young and energetic vibe with plenty to do throughout the year.

Bonn is very popular with students. The city has a very international vibe and you'll likely run into people speaking English around town. Job opportunities in the area are good and there are schools that attract students from around the globe.

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

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

Ghent has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. Buses and trams travel to most parts of the city and are convenient and efficient.

The public transit in Bonn can get you around easily. There is a light rail system that includes 9 lines and 64 stations. There are also buses around town. Bonn is connected to the region by convenient commuter trains so it's possible to visit as a day trip.

Is Ghent or Bonn a more walkable city?

Ghent and Bonn both are superb when exploring on foot.

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

Bonn is a very walkable city. The compact old town is easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Bonn or Ghent?

How long in Ghent or Bonn?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Ghent than Bonn. 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 Bonn 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 Bonn?

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 Bonn, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this cultural destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This 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 Bonn?

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 Bonn. 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 Bonn?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the under-rated 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.

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

The youthful 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 beautiful destination of Bonn. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 from Berlin, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin.

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

Which is Bigger, Ghent or Bonn?

Bonn has a larger population, and is about 35% larger than the population of Ghent. When comparing the sizes of Ghent and Bonn, 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 Bonn?

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 Bonn in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Ghent as well as Bonn. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Ghent this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Bonn for the family-friendly experiences.

Ghent is around the same temperature as Bonn in the summer. The daily temperature in Ghent averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Bonn fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ghent this time of the year. In the summer, Ghent often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bonn. Ghent gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bonn receives 191 hours of full sun.

Ghent usually gets less rain in July than Bonn. Ghent gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ghent or Bonn in the Autumn?

Both Bonn and Ghent are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Ghent for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Bonn in the autumn for the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Ghent is around the same temperature as Bonn. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ghent in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Bonn averages at about 12°C (53°F).

Ghent usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bonn during autumn. Ghent gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Bonn receives 109 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Ghent usually receives more rain than Bonn. Ghent gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Ghent or Bonn in the Winter?

Both Bonn and Ghent during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Ghent in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Bonn for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Bonn can be very cold during winter. Ghent can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Ghent is generally a little warmer than Bonn. Daily temperatures in Ghent average around 3°C (38°F), and Bonn fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Ghent often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bonn. Ghent gets 47 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bonn receives 45 hours of full sun.

Ghent usually gets more rain in January than Bonn. Ghent gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ghent or Bonn in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Ghent and Bonn. Most visitors come to Ghent for the natural beauty during these months.

Ghent is cooler than Bonn in the spring. The daily temperature in Ghent averages around 8°C (47°F) in April, and Bonn fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Ghent usually receives more sunshine than Bonn during spring. Ghent gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Bonn receives 145 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Ghent usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bonn. Ghent gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bonn and Ghent