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

Should you visit Ghent or Calais?

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 Calais. 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. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Calais

Calais is a authentic, undiscovered, and coastal city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for food, beaches, and shopping.

Ghent and Calais: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ghent or Calais?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Calais than Ghent. While Ghent is larger than Calais, Calais has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Calais is better known for its beaches and big city activities, while Ghent is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Ghent is more touristy than Calais and is known for its medieval buildings, large squares, and weekly markets Calais is well known for being a gateway for travelers to France. Also, Calais is famous for The Town Hall.

How is Ghent different from Calais?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Ghent is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Calais 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.

Calais is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. It's a port city with a few good museums and landmarks to see. Check out the Town Hall, Burghers of Calais, La Cité de la Dentelle et de la Mode, and Musée de la Guerre de Calais, as well as the Calais Lighthouse.

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

Ghent is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Ghent is an experience not to be missed. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Calais. The region is known for its mackerel, andouillette sausage, and endive and ham gratin. If you're passing through, this is also a good place to stock up on wine and cheese.

Is Ghent or Calais Better for Nightlife?

Ghent is a must-visit destination for its evening party scene. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

Ghent is a world class party destination. 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 Calais has a few options to choose from. You'll find bars and pubs around town as well as a few clubs. Places range from trendy and high end to local dive bars.

Is Ghent or Calais Better for Beaches?

Calais is a good destination for its beaches. However, Ghent is not a beach destination.

Calais offers a nice beach destination. There are some sandy beaches near town that have nice stretches of sand and plenty of sand dunes. Many locals enjoy sunbathing at the beaches.

Ghent is not a beach destination.

Is Ghent or Calais Better for its Old Town?

Ghent is well known for its historic old town charm. However, Calais does not have a historic old town.

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.

Calais does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Ghent or Calais?

Ghent is well known for its shopping areas. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Calais. Many visitors stock up on wine and cheese when they're passing through. It's common to head straight to Auchan or Carrefour to stock up on some items.

Is Ghent or Calais Better for Families?

Both Ghent and Calais 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.

Calais is a family-friendly city. There's the Nausicaa Aquarium, the Museum of the Atlantic Wall, and the Second World War Museum. There are also beaches and parks to explore as well as some nice playgrounds.

Is Ghent or Calais Better for Couples?

Ghent is well known for couples. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Ghent frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It makes a great weekend getaway with a diverse restaurant scene, nice hotels, and plenty of historic attractions that you can explore.

Calais is a nice destination for couples. Couples can picnic with wine and cheese or eat their way through the town's great restaurants. There are also some nice beaches where people enjoy sunbathing or relaxing.

Is Ghent or Calais Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ghent is a popular place for backpackers. However, Calais is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Calais is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. This part of France is often overlooked by tourists so you won't find many backpackers or hostels in the area. It does offer a glimpse into an authentic side of France.

Is Ghent or Calais Better for Students?

Ghent is a must-visit destination for students. However, Calais 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.

Calais is not popular with students.

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

Ghent is a must-visit destination for its public transit. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Ghent has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. Buses and trams travel to most parts of the city and are convenient and efficient.

While Calais offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The city has 13 bus lines that run through town and into the surrounding areas. If you're arriving by ferry from the UK, there are shuttle buses that connect the ferry terminal to the train station.

Is Ghent or Calais a more walkable city?

Ghent is well known for its ease of walking around. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

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

Calais is somewhat walkable. Parts of the town are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Calais or Ghent?

How long in Ghent or Calais?

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

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

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 Calais, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this authentic destination offers. 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 Calais?

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 Calais. 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 Calais?

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.

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

A week in Ghent or Calais?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the under-rated 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 coastal destination of Calais. 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 Budget Tours to France, and The Best Tours for Seniors to France.

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

Which is Bigger, Ghent or Calais?

Ghent has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Calais. When comparing the sizes of Ghent and Calais, 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 Calais?

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 Calais in the Summer?

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

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Calais this time of the year. In Ghent, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ghent usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Calais during summer. Ghent gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Calais receives 212 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Ghent usually receives more rain than Calais. Ghent gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Calais receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Ghent or Calais in the Autumn?

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

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

In the autumn, Ghent often gets less sunshine than Calais. Ghent gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Calais receives 119 hours of full sun.

Ghent usually gets more rain in October than Calais. Ghent gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Calais receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ghent or Calais in the Winter?

Both Calais 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 Calais for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Calais can be very cold during winter. Ghent can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Ghent is cooler than Calais. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ghent in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Calais averages at about 4°C (40°F).

Ghent usually receives less sunshine than Calais during winter. Ghent gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Calais receives 57 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Ghent usually receives more rain than Calais. Ghent gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Calais receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Ghent or Calais in the Spring?

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

In April, Ghent is generally around the same temperature as Calais. Daily temperatures in Ghent average around 8°C (47°F), and Calais fluctuates around 9°C (47°F).

In the spring, Ghent often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Calais. Ghent gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Calais receives 162 hours of full sun.

Ghent usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Calais. Ghent gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Calais receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Calais and Ghent