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

Should you visit Ghent or Dublin?

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 Dublin. 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 cultural, historic, and under-rated city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Dublin

Dublin is a friendly, welcoming, and fun city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for live music, food, and shopping.

Ghent and Dublin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ghent or Dublin?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Dublin than Ghent. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Dublin is very popular for its music and big city activities, while Ghent attracts visitors for its food and impressive beauty. Dublin is more touristy than Ghent and is known for its friendly and social nightlife, its local pubs, and its role as the birthplace of Guinness. It is also well known for The Guinness Storehouse. Ghent is famous for its medieval buildings, large squares, and weekly markets

How is Ghent different from Dublin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Ghent and Dublin have great 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.

Dublin offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are a number of museums around town including the National Museum of Ireland, the Little Museum of Dublin, and the National Gallery of Ireland.

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

Ghent is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Dublin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Ghent. 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.

Dublin is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Seafood has become popular around town, but you can also try traditional favorites like stew, pancakes, or coddle.

Is Ghent or Dublin Better for Nightlife?

Both Ghent and Dublin are world-class when it comes to partying.

People head to Ghent just to party. 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.

The nightlife in Dublin is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. Temple Bar is where you'll find the greatest concentration of pubs and nightlife. The city is among the friendliest and most welcoming, and this is seen even in the vibe around town at night.

Is Ghent or Dublin Better for Music?

Dublin is a well-known place for live music. However, Ghent is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Dublin is very popular with diverse venues. The best places to hear live music around town are the back street pubs that feature local groups.

Ghent is not a live music destination.

Is Ghent or Dublin Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the great old town areas in both Ghent and Dublin.

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.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Dublin. On the south side of the River Liffey are three different historic parts to the city. The Medieval Quarter is the oldest. To the east is Temple Bar, and further east is the Georgian Quarter.

Is the Shopping Better in Ghent or Dublin?

Both Ghent and Dublin are great shopping destinations.

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.

Dublin is well-known for its shopping. Head to Grafton Street to see a number of brand name and local shops. It's a pedestrian street that is fun to wander around.

Is Ghent or Dublin Better for Families?

Dublin is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Ghent is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Dublin is a very family-friendly place to visit. Explore the waterways with the viking splash, learn about the vikings at the museum Dublina, or visit any of the other kid-friendly museums around town, or see a show at The Gaiety.

Ghent is a family-friendly city. 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.

Is Ghent or Dublin Better for Couples?

Ghent and Dublin both great 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.

Dublin makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's laid-back vibe and countless pubs make it a fun weekend getaway for couples.

Is Ghent or Dublin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dublin 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 Dublin. There are a number of popular backpacker hostels around town. The pub scene is also popular with the young crowd.

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 Dublin Better for Students?

Ghent is terrific for students. Also, Dublin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Ghent is a great destination 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.

It's common for students to visit Dublin. While student accommodation can be a bit expensive in town, the nightlife and social aspect of living in the city center makes it well worth it.

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

Ghent is terrific for its public transit. Also, Dublin is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

While Dublin offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a comprehensive bus system around town.

Is Ghent or Dublin a more walkable city?

Dublin 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 Dublin on foot. Because it is so compact and flat, it is easy to explore the city center 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 Dublin Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Dublin or Ghent?

How long in Ghent or Dublin?

In either Ghent or Dublin, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Dublin 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 Dublin.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Dublin 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 Dublin.

One day in Ghent or Dublin?

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 Dublin, many people enjoy the live music and food that this friendly 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. 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 Dublin?

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 Dublin. 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 Dublin?

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.

Dublin is a fun place to experience. In Dublin, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the nightlife. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Ghent or Dublin?

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 museums and nightlife around the fun destination of Dublin. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium, The Best Walking Tours in Ireland, and The Best Luxury Tours to Ireland.

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

Which is Bigger, Ghent or Dublin?

Dublin has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Ghent. When comparing the sizes of Ghent and Dublin, 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 Dublin?

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 Dublin in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Ghent and Dublin. Many visitors come to Ghent in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Dublin for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Ghent is around the same temperature as Dublin. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ghent in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Dublin averages at about 16°C (60°F).

In Ghent, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ghent usually receives more sunshine than Dublin during summer. Ghent gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Dublin receives 166 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Ghent usually receives more rain than Dublin. Ghent gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Ghent or Dublin in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Ghent as well as Dublin. Most visitors come to Ghent for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Dublin because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In October, Ghent is generally around the same temperature as Dublin. Daily temperatures in Ghent average around 12°C (54°F), and Dublin fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Ghent often gets more sunshine than Dublin. Ghent gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dublin receives 97 hours of full sun.

Ghent usually gets more rain in October than Dublin. Ghent gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ghent or Dublin in the Winter?

Both Dublin and Ghent are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Ghent because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Dublin this time of year.

The weather in Ghent can be very cold. Ghent is much colder than Dublin in the winter. The daily temperature in Ghent averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Dublin fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Ghent usually receives less sunshine than Dublin during winter. Ghent gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Dublin receives 56 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Ghent usually receives less rain than Dublin. Ghent gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Ghent or Dublin in the Spring?

Both Dublin and Ghent during the spring are popular places to visit. The natural beauty are the main draw to Ghent this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Dublin for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Ghent is around the same temperature as Dublin. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ghent in April average around 8°C (47°F), and Dublin averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the spring, Ghent often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Dublin. Ghent gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dublin receives 157 hours of full sun.

Ghent usually gets less rain in April than Dublin. Ghent gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Dublin and Ghent