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

Should you visit Ghent or Bratislava?

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 Bratislava. 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. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Bratislava

Bratislava is a under-rated, genuine, and cultural city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Ghent and Bratislava: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ghent or Bratislava?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Ghent than Bratislava. While Bratislava is larger than Ghent, Ghent has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Ghent is more popular for its food, nightlife, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Bratislava is known for its quaint atmosphere. Ghent is more touristy than Bratislava and is known for its medieval buildings, large squares, and weekly markets It is also home to The Fortress of Gravensteen. Bratislava is popular for its local beer, charming old town, and scenic mountain setting.

How is Ghent different from Bratislava?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Ghent and Bratislava 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.

Bratislava offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Despite its small size, the city is packed with interesting sights and attractions. A highlight of a visit is exploring the Bratislava Castle. Other notable sights include Michael's Gate, the Slovak National Theatre, Grassalkovich Palace, and Primate's Palace & Hall of Mirrors.

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

Ghent is notable for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Bratislava is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

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.

Bratislava has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Slovakian food is hearty and uses a few staple ingredients like cheese and dumplings. The dishes are warm and filling on a cool day, so it's nice to step into a cozy restaurant and rest after a day of exploring. Popular local dishes include bryndzové halušky (sheep's cheese gnocchi), kapustnica (cabbage soup), and goulash.

Is Ghent or Bratislava Better for Nightlife?

Ghent is renowned for nightlife. Also, Bratislava is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Ghent is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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.

Bratislava has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The city has grown in popularity as a center for nightlife with many people visiting from nearby Vienna. There are a growing number of stag and hen parties around town, but you'll also find sophisticated wine bars and a refined social scene. Many of the city's clubs are found in old town around Michalská, Obchodná and Ventúrska streets as well as Hviezdoslavovo and SNP squares.

Is Ghent or Bratislava Better for its Old Town?

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

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 Bratislava. The old town is filled with diverse architecture as well as traditional and upscale restaurants.

Is the Shopping Better in Ghent or Bratislava?

Ghent is notable for shopping. Also, Bratislava is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Bratislava. Shopping has come to life here, with three large shopping malls and many shopping streets where you'll find local boutiques. The city has both global brands as well as more traditional shops where you can buy local items. Popular things to purchase while you're in town include traditional clothing, wooden crosses, corn husk dolls, and local alcohol such as slivovica.

Is Ghent or Bratislava Better for Families?

Both Ghent and Bratislava are good 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.

Bratislava is a family-friendly city. Kids and adults alike will appreciate the lack of tourist crowds when compared to other European cities, even during school holidays. You can explore the city and enjoy a laid back vibe without the chaos of navigating through tour groups and large crowds. There's also a nice old town as well as gardens, playgrounds, palaces, and the Bratislava Castle.

Is Ghent or Bratislava Better for Couples?

Ghent is notable for romance. Also, Bratislava is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

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.

Bratislava makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples that enjoy stepping away from tourist crowds will appreciate this relaxed city. There is the beautiful Janko Kráľ Park as well as the Bratislava Castle that you can explore. It's enjoyable to simply walk around the old town and soak up the atmosphere as well. There are also many great restaurants and wine bars where you can enjoy a night out.

Is Ghent or Bratislava Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bratislava 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 Bratislava. The city offers an affordable and unique alternative to some of the larger and well known cities that are nearby. There are a couple of hostels and some affordable hotels that will help you keep your expenses down.

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 Bratislava Better for Students?

Ghent is renowned for students. However, Bratislava is not popular with 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.

Bratislava is not popular with students.

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

Ghent is renowned for its public transit. Also, Bratislava is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Ghent has a great public transit system. Buses and trams travel to most parts of the city and are convenient and efficient.

The public transit in Bratislava can get you around easily. There are trams, buses, and trolleybuses.

Is Ghent or Bratislava a more walkable city?

Bratislava 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 Bratislava on foot. One of the best ways to experience the city is to walk around. The old town is also a large pedestrian zone.

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 Bratislava Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bratislava or Ghent?

How long in Ghent or Bratislava?

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

Couples should spend more time in Ghent than Bratislava. 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.

One day in Ghent or Bratislava?

With museums and nightlife around the cultural city of Ghent, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Ghent, one day is sufficent for most.

In Bratislava, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this genuine 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 Bratislava?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Ghent, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

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

Ghent, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

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

Ghent is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find food and shopping around the cultural destination of Bratislava. 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 in Slovakia, and The Best River Cruises in Slovakia.

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

Which is Bigger, Ghent or Bratislava?

Bratislava has a larger population, and is about 83% larger than the population of Ghent. When comparing the sizes of Ghent and Bratislava, 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 Bratislava?

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 Bratislava in the Summer?

Both Bratislava and Ghent are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Ghent this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bratislava for the family-friendly experiences.

Ghent is cooler than Bratislava in the summer. The daily temperature in Ghent averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Bratislava fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Bratislava. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ghent. Ghent usually receives less sunshine than Bratislava during summer. Ghent gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Bratislava receives 255 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Ghent usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bratislava. Ghent gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Bratislava receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Ghent or Bratislava in the Autumn?

Both Bratislava and Ghent during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Ghent for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bratislava in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

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

In the autumn, Ghent often gets less sunshine than Bratislava. Ghent gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bratislava receives 140 hours of full sun.

Ghent usually gets more rain in October than Bratislava. Ghent gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bratislava receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ghent or Bratislava in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Ghent and Bratislava. Many visitors come to Ghent in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Bratislava for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Bratislava can be very cold during winter. Ghent can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Ghent is generally much warmer than Bratislava. Daily temperatures in Ghent average around 3°C (38°F), and Bratislava fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

Ghent usually receives less sunshine than Bratislava during winter. Ghent gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Bratislava receives 65 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Ghent usually receives more rain than Bratislava. Ghent gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Bratislava receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Ghent or Bratislava in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Ghent as well as Bratislava. Most visitors come to Ghent for the natural beauty during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Bratislava because of the natural beauty.

Ghent is cooler than Bratislava in the spring. The daily temperature in Ghent averages around 8°C (47°F) in April, and Bratislava fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bratislava. In the spring, Ghent often gets less sunshine than Bratislava. Ghent gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bratislava receives 202 hours of full sun.

Ghent usually gets less rain in April than Bratislava. Ghent gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bratislava receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bratislava and Ghent