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

Should you visit Ghent or Bordeaux?

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

Bordeaux

Bordeaux is a elegant, charming, and romantic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Ghent and Bordeaux: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ghent or Bordeaux?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bordeaux than Ghent. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Bordeaux is very popular for its food and big city activities, while Ghent attracts visitors for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Bordeaux is more touristy than Ghent and is known for its world-renowned wine and the many nearby vineyards. It is also well known for Cathédrale Saint-André. Ghent is famous for its medieval buildings, large squares, and weekly markets

How is Ghent different from Bordeaux?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Ghent is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Bordeaux. The city has many historical landmarks and museums to explore. Cathédrale Saint-André, Tour Le Grand-Théâtre, and Basilique Saint-Seurin are all notable monuments that are worth visiting.

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

Bordeaux 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 Bordeaux, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Both food and wine are a major draw to this culinary city, which is known for its pastries and rich flavors. Popular local dishes include grilled duck, duck foie gras, and canelés.

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 Bordeaux Better for Nightlife?

Ghent is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Bordeaux has a few options to choose from. The city comes to life at night with dance clubs, wine bars, student pubs, and more.

Is Ghent or Bordeaux Better for its Old Town?

Ghent is a great destination for its old town. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

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.

Bordeaux has an old town worth visiting. The old town is between Cours de l'Intendance and rue Peyronnet. The area has many distinct neighborhoods, monuments, and historical buildings.

Is the Shopping Better in Ghent or Bordeaux?

Both Ghent and Bordeaux 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.

Bordeaux is well-known for its shopping. The city has a mix of luxury fashion brands, jewelry shops, perfume suppliers, and leather goods. There are department stores, local boutiques, and pedestrian shopping areas that you can explore.

Is Ghent or Bordeaux Better for Families?

Both Ghent and Bordeaux 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.

Bordeaux is a family-friendly city. The city has a number of parks and playgrounds as well as museums, including a kid's science museum. Kids also enjoy splashing around in the Miroir d’eau, which is the world's largest water mirror.

Is Ghent or Bordeaux Better for Couples?

Ghent and Bordeaux both superb 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.

Bordeaux makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Wine lovers will enjoy an amazing weekend in this beautiful city. Some of the most romantic activities include wine walks, river cruises, and exploring scenic gardens.

Is Ghent or Bordeaux Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Ghent and Bordeaux are nice 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 Bordeaux. There are a handful of hostels and a diversity of activities that backpackers can enjoy.

Is Ghent or Bordeaux Better for Students?

Ghent is a world-class destination for students. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

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.

Bordeaux is very popular with students. The city has a great student atmosphere and a unique culture with a diversity of activities. It's grown in popularity with students, and the prices have climbed a bit over the past few years.

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

Ghent is a world-class destination for its public transit. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Bordeaux. There are buses, trams and a ferry that runs along the river.

Is Ghent or Bordeaux a more walkable city?

Ghent and Bordeaux both are superb when exploring on foot.

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

Bordeaux is a very walkable city. The city has many pedestrian areas and large squares to explore.

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

Should I spend more time in Bordeaux or Ghent?

How long in Ghent or Bordeaux?

In either Ghent or Bordeaux, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Bordeaux than Ghent because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Ghent, and 2-5 days is enough time in Bordeaux.

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

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

The beautiful city of Ghent offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Bordeaux, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this elegant destination offers. Lots of people come for the food. 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 Bordeaux?

Ghent is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Ghent, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

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

Ghent is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Bordeaux is a fun place to experience. In Bordeaux, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the food. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Ghent or Bordeaux?

Ghent is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

You'll find food and shopping around the romantic destination of Bordeaux. 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 10-Day Tours from Paris, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris.

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

Which is Bigger, Ghent or Bordeaux?

Bordeaux has a larger population, and is about 30% larger than the population of Ghent. When comparing the sizes of Ghent and Bordeaux, 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 Bordeaux?

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 Bordeaux in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Ghent and Bordeaux. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Ghent this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bordeaux for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Ghent is cooler than Bordeaux. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ghent in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Bordeaux averages at about 21°C (69°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bordeaux this time of the year. In Ghent, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ghent usually receives less sunshine than Bordeaux during summer. Ghent gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Bordeaux receives 276 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Ghent usually receives more rain than Bordeaux. Ghent gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Ghent or Bordeaux in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Ghent as well as Bordeaux. Many travelers come to Ghent for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, many visitors come to Bordeaux in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Ghent is generally cooler than Bordeaux. Daily temperatures in Ghent average around 12°C (54°F), and Bordeaux fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In the autumn, Ghent often gets less sunshine than Bordeaux. Ghent gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bordeaux receives 165 hours of full sun.

Ghent usually gets less rain in October than Bordeaux. Ghent gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ghent or Bordeaux in the Winter?

Both Bordeaux and Ghent are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Ghent in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Bordeaux for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Ghent can get quite cold in the winter. Ghent is much colder than Bordeaux in the winter. The daily temperature in Ghent averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Bordeaux fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

Ghent usually receives less sunshine than Bordeaux during winter. Ghent gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Bordeaux receives 86 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bordeaux. In January, Ghent usually receives less rain than Bordeaux. Ghent gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Ghent or Bordeaux in the Spring?

Both Bordeaux and Ghent during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Ghent for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Bordeaux because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Ghent is cooler than Bordeaux. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ghent in April average around 8°C (47°F), and Bordeaux averages at about 12°C (53°F).

In the spring, Ghent often gets less sunshine than Bordeaux. Ghent gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bordeaux receives 190 hours of full sun.

Ghent usually gets less rain in April than Bordeaux. Ghent gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bordeaux and Ghent