A Travel Price Comparison for Belgium Ghent vs. Bruges for Nightlife, Old Town, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Ghent or Bruges?

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 Bruges. 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. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Bruges

Bruges is a historic, cultural, and beautiful city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Ghent and Bruges: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ghent or Bruges?

Both Bruges and Ghent have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Ghent is better known for its nightlife and shopping, while Bruges is more popular for its historical sights and quaint atmosphere. Bruges is more touristy than Ghent and is popular for its scenic old town, charming streets, local chocolate, and unique Christmas market. Ghent is well known for its medieval buildings, large squares, and weekly markets

How is Ghent different from Bruges?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Ghent and Bruges 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.

Bruges offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is filled with charming hidden corners as well as notable landmarks. The main square is Bruges' Markt which is where you'll find the the Belfry Tower. Other must-see sights include the Historium, Groeninge Museum, the Town Hall, and Brugse Vrije Museum.

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

Foodies will find both Ghent and Bruges both to be excellent 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.

Bruges has a huge number of terrific restaurants. From its world class breweries to its famous chocolate shops, there is plenty to eat and drink around town. In the old town prices can be a bit high, but the dishes and atmosphere are great. Popular local dishes include Belgian waffles, fries, mussels, and beef stew.

Is Ghent or Bruges Better for Nightlife?

Ghent is very popular for its evening party scene. Also, Bruges is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

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 Bruges. It's famous for its beer and breweries, so you'll find a number of places to gather in the evening. There is a lack of nightclubs, so if dancing and partying hard is your style, then this may not be your place. The vibes are generally chill and relaxed at night. Most places are concentrated around old town or near Kuipersstraat or Zilverstraat.

Is Ghent or Bruges Better for its Old Town?

Bruges 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 Bruges is revered around the world. The old town is the main attraction, with its quaint cobblestone streets and beautiful brick architecture.

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 Bruges?

Ghent is great for its shopping areas. Also, Bruges is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Ghent. 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.

Bruges is a great destination for shopping. The city offers plenty of shopping, whether you're looking for souvenirs, trendy European brands, or local items. It's more geared towards tourists than locals, and you want find the same diversity that you get in some of the larger nearby cities, but you'll find unique lace items and other local goods in the old town. The streets around Markt Square, Steenstraat, Geld Monstraat, and Jakobstraat are the main shopping areas.

Is Ghent or Bruges Better for Families?

Both Ghent and Bruges are notable 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.

Bruges is a family-friendly city. Kids will enjoy sampling the unique chocolate around town, eating their fill of waffles, and getting their energy out in the park or at a local playground. There are also canal boat tours and horse drawn carriage rides that are fun for the whole family.

Is Ghent or Bruges Better for Couples?

Ghent and Bruges both excellent 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.

Bruges makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. This romantic city has amazing restaurants, charming streets, and impressive architecture. Couples will enjoy exploring the canals by boat or taking a horse drawn carriage ride through the old town. There are also a number of cute bed and breakfasts where you can stay.

Is Ghent or Bruges Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bruges 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 Bruges. There are a few good hostels around town. The city sees its share of tourists, but many arrive as part of tours or river boat cruises. If you stay in a hostel, you shouldn't have trouble meeting other young travelers though. There are also plenty of well known breweries where you can gather with friends.

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 Bruges Better for Students?

Ghent is very popular for its student-friendly activities. However, Bruges 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.

Bruges is not popular with students.

Is Ghent or Bruges 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, Bruges 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.

Bruges has a few public transit options. There is a bus system that connects the train station to the old town. Otherwise, the city is best explored on foot.

Is Ghent or Bruges a more walkable city?

Bruges 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 Bruges on foot. The train station is a short walk from the old town but the city is very walkable and best explored on foot.

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 Bruges Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bruges or Ghent?

How long in Ghent or Bruges?

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

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

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

One day in Ghent or Bruges?

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 Bruges, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this charming 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 Bruges?

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 Bruges. 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 Bruges?

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.

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

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the high energy 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 historic destination of Bruges. 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 Tours for Seniors to Belgium, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Brussels.

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

Which is Bigger, Ghent or Bruges?

Ghent has a larger population, and is about 98% larger than the population of Bruges. When comparing the sizes of Ghent and Bruges, 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 Bruges?

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 Bruges in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Ghent as well as Bruges. The summer months attract visitors to Ghent because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bruges this time of year.

In July, Ghent is generally around the same temperature as Bruges. Daily temperatures in Ghent average around 17°C (63°F), and Bruges fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bruges. 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 Bruges. Ghent gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bruges receives 202 hours of full sun.

Ghent usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Bruges. Ghent gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ghent or Bruges in the Autumn?

Both Bruges and Ghent are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Ghent this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bruges for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Ghent is around the same temperature as Bruges in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ghent averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Bruges fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

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

In October, Ghent usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bruges. Ghent gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Ghent or Bruges in the Winter?

Both Bruges and Ghent during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Ghent for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bruges in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Bruges can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Ghent. In the winter, Ghent is around the same temperature as Bruges. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ghent in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Bruges averages at about 3°C (38°F).

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

Ghent usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Bruges. Ghent gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ghent or Bruges in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Ghent and Bruges. Many visitors come to Ghent in the spring for the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Bruges for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Ghent is generally around the same temperature as Bruges. Daily temperatures in Ghent average around 8°C (47°F), and Bruges fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

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

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

Typical Weather for Bruges and Ghent