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

Should you visit Ghent or Caen?

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 Caen. 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. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Caen

Caen is a historic, park-filled, and important city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and museums.

Ghent and Caen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ghent or Caen?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Ghent than Caen, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Ghent is more popular for its nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Caen is known for its big city activities. Ghent is popular for its medieval buildings, large squares, and weekly markets It is also home to The Fortress of Gravensteen. Caen is popular for its role in World War II and its memorials and historical buildings.

How is Ghent different from Caen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Ghent and Caen 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.

Caen offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are many monuments around town commemorating the city's long history. You'll want to see Château de Caen, Pegasus Bridge, Mémorial de Caen, Musée de Normandie, and Musée des beaux-arts de Caen.

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

Foodies will find both Ghent and Caen 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.

Caen has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There's a market that's at its best on Sundays where you'll find fresh produce and other local ingredients. There are also Michelin starred restaurants, seafood restaurants, and other traditional dishes. Head to the Vaugueux Quarter for traditional dishes.

Is Ghent or Caen Better for Nightlife?

Ghent is renowned for nightlife. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Caen has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene stays active thanks to the 30,000 students living in town. Head to the Rue Ecuyère for a pub crawl or hit up any of the other bars around town.

Is Ghent or Caen Better for its Old Town?

Ghent is a very popular place for its historic old town. However, Caen does not have a historic old town.

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.

Caen does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Ghent or Caen?

Ghent is a very popular place for shopping. However, Caen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Caen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Ghent or Caen Better for Families?

Both Ghent and Caen 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.

Caen is a family-friendly city. There are museums, parks, monasteries, and castles that kids and adults alike with enjoy visiting.

Is Ghent or Caen Better for Couples?

Ghent is a very popular place for romance. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Ghent makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It makes a great weekend getaway with a diverse restaurant scene, nice hotels, and plenty of historic attractions that you can explore.

Caen makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples that are fascinated by history will enjoy a visit to this town in Normandy. There are also abbeys, castles and parks.

Is Ghent or Caen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Ghent and Caen 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 Caen. You'll find more apartments and bed and breakfasts than hostels in town, but backpackers still make their way here.

Is Ghent or Caen Better for Students?

Ghent is renowned for its student-friendly activities. However, Caen 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.

Caen is not popular with students.

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

Ghent is renowned for times when you don't have a car. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

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

Public transit in Caen can get you to some places easily. There are buses and trams that travel throughout the city.

Is Ghent or Caen a more walkable city?

Ghent is a very popular place for its walkability. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

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

Caen is a somewhat walkable place. The city center is best explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Caen or Ghent?

How long in Ghent or Caen?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Ghent and Caen. In our opinion, Ghent has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Ghent than Caen. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Ghent, and 2-3 days is enough time in Caen.

Families should spend more time in Ghent than Caen. 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 Caen. 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 Caen 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 Caen?

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 Caen, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this important destination offers. 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 Caen?

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 Caen. 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 Caen?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the high energy 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.

Caen is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Caen. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Ghent or Caen?

The historic 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 nightlife and food around the important destination of Caen. 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 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Ghent or Caen?

Ghent has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Caen. When comparing the sizes of Ghent and Caen, 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 Caen?

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 Caen in the Summer?

Both Caen and Ghent during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Ghent because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Caen this time of year.

Ghent is around the same temperature as Caen in the summer. The daily temperature in Ghent averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Caen fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In Caen, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Ghent. In the summer, Ghent often gets less sunshine than Caen. Ghent gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Caen receives 227 hours of full sun.

Ghent usually gets more rain in July than Caen. Ghent gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Caen receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ghent or Caen in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Ghent and Caen. 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 Caen for the city's sights and attractions.

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

Ghent usually receives less sunshine than Caen during autumn. Ghent gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Caen receives 128 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Ghent usually receives more rain than Caen. Ghent gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Caen receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Ghent or Caen in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Ghent as well as Caen. Many travelers come to Ghent for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Caen in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.

Caen can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Ghent. In January, Ghent is generally much colder than Caen. Daily temperatures in Ghent average around 3°C (38°F), and Caen fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Ghent often gets less sunshine than Caen. Ghent gets 47 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Caen receives 70 hours of full sun.

Ghent usually gets less rain in January than Caen. Ghent gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Caen receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ghent or Caen in the Spring?

Both Caen and Ghent are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Ghent in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Caen for the activities around the city during these months.

Ghent is cooler than Caen in the spring. The daily temperature in Ghent averages around 8°C (47°F) in April, and Caen fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

Ghent usually receives less sunshine than Caen during spring. Ghent gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Caen receives 171 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Ghent usually receives around the same amount of rain as Caen. Ghent gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Caen receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Caen and Ghent