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

Should you visit Ghent or Dijon?

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 Dijon. 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.

Dijon

Dijon is a culinary, relaxing, and historical city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Ghent and Dijon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ghent or Dijon?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Dijon than Ghent. While Ghent is larger than Dijon, Dijon has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Dijon is more popular for its food and big city activities, while Ghent is known for its nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Dijon is more touristy than Ghent and is known for its cuisine, wine, and nearby vineyards. It is also home to The Ducal Palace. Ghent is popular for its medieval buildings, large squares, and weekly markets

How is Ghent different from Dijon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Ghent and Dijon 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.

Dijon offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. This historic city is filled with sights worth checking. Palais des Ducs and the Musée des Beaux-Arts, Cathédrale Saint-Bénigne, and Eglise Notre-Dame are among the favorites.

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

Dijon 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 Dijon, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. It is one of the top foodie destinations in France, and you'll find amazing local markets, award winning restaurants, and world class cuisine. Make sure you check out Les Halles Market to try local flavors. In addition to its famous mustard, the city is also popular for gingerbread, truffles, escargot, and, of course, wine.

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 Dijon Better for Nightlife?

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

Ghent is a must-see 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Dijon. While it's not a active as the larger European cities, there's still an fun nightlife scene that is driven mostly by the large student population.

Is Ghent or Dijon Better for its Old Town?

Ghent is notable for its historic old town. However, Dijon 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.

Dijon does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Ghent or Dijon?

Ghent is notable for shopping. Also, Dijon 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 Dijon. For the best shopping in town, head to the main shopping street - Rue de la Liberté. It's lined with everything from clothing stores to wine shops and larger department stores. You'll even be able to pick up some of the famed mustard while you're in town.

Is Ghent or Dijon Better for Families?

Both Ghent and Dijon 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.

Dijon is a family-friendly city. Kids will enjoy the open space that the city offers. There are parks where they can run around, like The Parc de la Colombieres which has a carousel and a ropes course. There are also many museums including two favorites for young ones - Musee de la Vie Bourguignonne and Musee d'Histoire Naturelle.

Is Ghent or Dijon Better for Couples?

Ghent and Dijon 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.

Dijon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Art, palaces, gardens, and fine wine make it a perfect couple's getaway. There is some of the best food in France, as well as a welcoming culture and many beautiful sights to explore.

Is Ghent or Dijon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Ghent and Dijon 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 Dijon. It's a beautiful city with a touristy vibe, so you'll likely meet other travelers while you're in town.

Is Ghent or Dijon Better for Students?

Ghent is terrific for students. Also, Dijon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Plenty of students visit Dijon. While it's quieter than the bigger cities, you'll find a young vibe and enough of a nightlife scene to keep it interesting.

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

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

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Ghent can take you anywhere. Buses and trams travel to most parts of the city and are convenient and efficient.

Dijon has some public transit options. Tram and buses offer access to many parts of the city.

Is Ghent or Dijon a more walkable city?

Ghent is notable for its walkability. Also, Dijon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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

Dijon is a somewhat walkable place. Most of the inner city is walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Dijon or Ghent?

How long in Ghent or Dijon?

It's fun to spend time in either Ghent or Dijon. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Dijon due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Ghent, and 2-4 days is enough time in Dijon.

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

In Ghent, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this high energy destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the nightlife. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

In Dijon, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this cultural 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 Dijon?

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

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

Ghent is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Ghent. Lots of people come for the nightlife. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

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

A week in Ghent or Dijon?

You'll find food and shopping around the youthful destination of Ghent. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the nightlife. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find food and shopping around the relaxing destination of Dijon. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to France, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Ghent or Dijon?

Ghent has a larger population, and is about 55% larger than the population of Dijon. When comparing the sizes of Ghent and Dijon, 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 Dijon?

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 Dijon in the Summer?

Both Dijon 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 Dijon for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Ghent is cooler than Dijon in the summer. The daily temperature in Ghent averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Dijon fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

It's quite sunny in Dijon. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ghent. Ghent usually receives less sunshine than Dijon during summer. Ghent gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Dijon receives 266 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Ghent usually receives more rain than Dijon. Ghent gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Dijon receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Ghent or Dijon in the Autumn?

Both Dijon 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 Dijon in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Ghent is around the same temperature as Dijon. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ghent in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Dijon averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Ghent often gets less sunshine than Dijon. Ghent gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dijon receives 121 hours of full sun.

Ghent usually gets more rain in October than Dijon. Ghent gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Dijon receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ghent or Dijon in the Winter?

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

Dijon can be very cold during winter. Ghent can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Ghent is generally around the same temperature as Dijon. Daily temperatures in Ghent average around 3°C (38°F), and Dijon fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Ghent usually receives less sunshine than Dijon during winter. Ghent gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Dijon receives 53 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Ghent usually receives around the same amount of rain as Dijon. Ghent gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Dijon receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Ghent or Dijon in the Spring?

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

Ghent is cooler than Dijon in the spring. The daily temperature in Ghent averages around 8°C (47°F) in April, and Dijon fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

In the spring, Ghent often gets less sunshine than Dijon. Ghent gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dijon receives 178 hours of full sun.

Ghent usually gets less rain in April than Dijon. Ghent gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Dijon receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Dijon and Ghent