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

Should you visit Ghent or Dingle?

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 Dingle. 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.

Dingle

Dingle is a natural, scenic, and rustic peninsula. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, beaches, and hiking.

Ghent and Dingle: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ghent or Dingle?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Ghent than Dingle, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Ghent is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Dingle is more popular for its beaches and hiking. Dingle is more touristy than Ghent and is known for its traditional pubs, stunning coastline, and rugged cliffs. Ghent is well known for its medieval buildings, large squares, and weekly markets Also, Ghent is famous for The Fortress of Gravensteen.

How is Ghent different from Dingle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Ghent is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Dingle is a peninsula with minimal options 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.

While most people don't head to Dingle specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Most people visit for the natural beauty, but there are a couple of landmarks in the area including the Eask Tower, Gallarus Oratory, and the Blasket Centre.

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

Ghent is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Dingle 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 Dingle. You'll find great seafood throughout the peninsula. There's also traditional Irish food available including Irish stew or cabbage and bacon.

Is Ghent or Dingle Better for Nightlife?

Ghent is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. However, Dingle is a peninsula with minimal options for nightlife.

The nightlife in Ghent is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.

Dingle doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. The area's not known for its nightlife but you can visit The Hillgrove, which is the peninsula's only nightclub. It's in a hotel and there is weekly entertainment.

Is Ghent or Dingle Better for Beaches?

Dingle is a well-known place for its beaches. However, Ghent is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Dingle for it's beautiful beaches. It's not hard to find a quiet beach with scenic views and a serene setting. Some of the best beaches in the area include Coumeenole, Brandon Bay, and Ventry.

Ghent is not a beach destination.

Is Ghent or Dingle Better for its Old Town?

Ghent is a great destination for its historic old town charm. However, Dingle 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.

Dingle does not have a historic old town.

Is Ghent or Dingle Better for Hiking?

Dingle is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Ghent is not a hiking destination.

Dingle is a popular spot for hiking. There are a variety of walking paths and hiking trails that take you through the coastal setting, rolling mountains, and remote nature. Some of the best trails in the area include the long distance hiking trail the Dingle Way, Mount Brandon, and Glenteenassig Forest Park.

Ghent is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ghent or Dingle?

Ghent is a great destination for its shopping areas. However, Dingle is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Dingle is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Ghent or Dingle Better for Families?

Both Ghent and Dingle 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.

Dingle is a family-friendly city. There are coastal walks and beaches that are perfect for kids. You can also visit the Dingle Oceanworld Aquarium, do a dolphin tour, or enjoy some watersports. Horseback riding and Sandy Feet Farm are both fun as well.

Is Ghent or Dingle Better for Couples?

Ghent and Dingle 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.

Dingle makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Boat rides, sunset walks, and natural beauty all make this a fun place to explore with your significant other.

Is Ghent or Dingle Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dingle 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 Dingle. There are a good number of hostels on the peninsula and there are interesting music festivals and other events that make this a good backpacker destination.

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 Dingle Better for Students?

Ghent is an unbeatable place for students. However, Dingle 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.

Dingle is not popular with students.

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

Ghent is an unbeatable place for its public transit. However, Dingle is a peninsula with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors in Ghent can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. Buses and trams travel to most parts of the city and are convenient and efficient.

Public transit is mostly limited in Dingle. Bus Eireann offers buses daily to Tralee and then there are connections to other destinations.

Is Ghent or Dingle a more walkable city?

Ghent is a great destination for its ease of walking around. However, Dingle is a peninsula with minimal options for its walkability.

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

Dingle is generally not a very walkable city. If you have enough time, there are countless walking trails throughout the peninsula.

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

Should I spend more time in Dingle or Ghent?

How long in Ghent or Dingle?

In either Ghent or Dingle, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Dingle than Ghent because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Ghent, and 2-5 days is enough time in Dingle.

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

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 Dingle, many people enjoy the food that this serene destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This peninsula 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 Dingle?

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 Dingle. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 Dingle?

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.

Dingle is a fun place to experience. In Dingle, many people enjoy the food that this destination offers. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Ghent or Dingle?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural 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 around the picturesque destination of Dingle. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Ireland, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Ireland.

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

Which is Bigger, Ghent or Dingle?

Ghent has a larger population, and is about 120 times larger than the population of Dingle. When comparing the sizes of Ghent and Dingle, 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 Dingle?

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 Dingle in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Ghent and Dingle. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Ghent this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Dingle for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Ghent is generally a little warmer than Dingle. Daily temperatures in Ghent average around 17°C (63°F), and Dingle fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In Ghent, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ghent usually receives more sunshine than Dingle during summer. Ghent gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Dingle receives 140 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Ghent usually receives less rain than Dingle. Ghent gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Dingle receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Ghent or Dingle in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Ghent as well as Dingle. Many travelers come to Ghent for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, many visitors come to Dingle in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

Ghent is around the same temperature as Dingle in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ghent averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Dingle fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the autumn, Ghent often gets more sunshine than Dingle. Ghent gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dingle receives 79 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Dingle. Ghent usually gets less rain in October than Dingle. Ghent gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Dingle receives 156 mm (6.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ghent or Dingle in the Winter?

Both Dingle 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 Dingle for the museums and the cuisine during these months.

Ghent can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Ghent is much colder than Dingle. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ghent in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Dingle averages at about 7°C (44°F).

Ghent usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Dingle during winter. Ghent gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Dingle receives 44 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Dingle. In January, Ghent usually receives less rain than Dingle. Ghent gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Dingle receives 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Ghent or Dingle in the Spring?

Both Dingle and Ghent during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Ghent for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Dingle because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Ghent is generally around the same temperature as Dingle. Daily temperatures in Ghent average around 8°C (47°F), and Dingle fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Ghent often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Dingle. Ghent gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dingle receives 150 hours of full sun.

Ghent usually gets less rain in April than Dingle. Ghent gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Dingle receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Dingle and Ghent