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

Should you visit Ghent or Dusseldorf?

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 Dusseldorf. 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. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Dusseldorf

Dusseldorf is a historic, fun-filled, and cultural city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Ghent and Dusseldorf: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ghent or Dusseldorf?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Dusseldorf than Ghent, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Dusseldorf is more popular for its big city activities, while Ghent is known for its museums & sights, nightlife, shopping, and impressive beauty. Ghent is popular for its medieval buildings, large squares, and weekly markets Dusseldorf is popular for its music and art scene, as well as being the fashion capital of Germany. It is also home to Altstadt (the Old Town).

How is Ghent different from Dusseldorf?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Ghent is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Dusseldorf is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

Dusseldorf offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are museums, palaces, and many cultural sights. Make sure you check out Schloss Benrath, the Rheinturm, the North Rhine-Westphalia Art Collection, and Museum Kunstpalast.

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

Foodies will find both Ghent and Dusseldorf 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.

Dusseldorf has a huge number of terrific restaurants. You'll find a mix of regional specialties and international restaurant options. Traditional dishes include Rheinischer Sauerbraten (Rhine style marinated roast), Haxe (shin), Flönz (blood sausage), and Ähzezupp (pea soup).

Is Ghent or Dusseldorf Better for Nightlife?

Ghent is very popular for nightlife. Also, Dusseldorf is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

Ghent is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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 Dusseldorf has a few options to choose from. You'll find the highest concentration of bars and pubs in the old town area. Try to find a brewerie where you can try Dusseldorf's famous altbier.

Is Ghent or Dusseldorf Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the excellent old town areas in both Ghent and Dusseldorf.

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 Dusseldorf. The old town is popular for its bars and pubs, which serve up the local altbier. The atmosphere is charming and there are restaurants that spill out onto the streets.

Is the Shopping Better in Ghent or Dusseldorf?

Ghent is a great destination for shopping. Also, Dusseldorf is still popular, but not quite as popular 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 Dusseldorf. Head to the popular shopping street of Königsallee. You'll find luxury brands and boutique shops. The city also has department stores and large shopping malls.

Is Ghent or Dusseldorf Better for Families?

Dusseldorf 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.

Dusseldorf is a very family-friendly place to visit. It has many great playgrounds and parks where kids can run around. Animal lovers will appreciate Aquazoo Löbbecke Museum and Grafenberger Wald which has about 100 animals. If the weather's nice you can head to Unterbacher See, which is a lakefront beach. Other kid-friendly activities in town include the Neanderthal Museum and Museum Kunstpalast.

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 Dusseldorf Better for Couples?

Ghent and Dusseldorf both excellent 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.

Dusseldorf makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There is live theater, spa hotels, historic palaces, and many parks and gardens where couples can enjoy their time together. Popular activities for couples in town include visiting Rheinturm, taking a Rhine River cruise, and exploring Schloss Dyck.

Is Ghent or Dusseldorf Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Ghent and Dusseldorf 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 Dusseldorf. There are plenty of hostels and activities around town. There are also affordable restaurants and a nice nightlife scene.

Is Ghent or Dusseldorf Better for Students?

Ghent is very popular for students. However, Dusseldorf 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.

Dusseldorf is not popular with students.

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

Both Ghent and Dusseldorf offer terrific public transit options.

With a huge network, the transit system in Ghent can get you around easily. Buses and trams travel to most parts of the city and are convenient and efficient.

Visitors in Dusseldorf can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. All of the public transportation in town is operated by Rheinbahn. There's a city railway, (U-Bahn), suburban trains (S-Bahn), trams, and buses. Dusseldorf is also easily connected to the many other nearby towns and cities including Cologne.

Is Ghent or Dusseldorf a more walkable city?

Ghent and Dusseldorf both are excellent when exploring on foot.

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

Dusseldorf is a very walkable city. It's easy to explore most of the city on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Dusseldorf or Ghent?

How long in Ghent or Dusseldorf?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Ghent than Dusseldorf. 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 Dusseldorf 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 Dusseldorf?

With museums and nightlife around the high energy city of Ghent, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Ghent, one day is sufficent for most.

In Dusseldorf, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this cultural destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Dusseldorf?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Ghent, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

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

Ghent, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

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

A week in Ghent or Dusseldorf?

Ghent is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find food and shopping around the vibrant destination of Dusseldorf. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Belgium, The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Berlin.

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

Which is Bigger, Ghent or Dusseldorf?

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

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 Dusseldorf in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Ghent and Dusseldorf. The summer months attract visitors to Ghent because of the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Dusseldorf this time of year.

Ghent is around the same temperature as Dusseldorf in the summer. The daily temperature in Ghent averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Dusseldorf fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In Ghent, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ghent usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Dusseldorf during summer. Ghent gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Dusseldorf receives 195 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Ghent usually receives less rain than Dusseldorf. Ghent gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Dusseldorf receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Ghent or Dusseldorf in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Ghent as well as Dusseldorf. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Ghent this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Dusseldorf for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Ghent is around the same temperature as Dusseldorf. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ghent in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Dusseldorf averages at about 12°C (53°F).

In the autumn, Ghent often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Dusseldorf. Ghent gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dusseldorf receives 112 hours of full sun.

Ghent usually gets more rain in October than Dusseldorf. Ghent gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Dusseldorf receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ghent or Dusseldorf in the Winter?

Both Dusseldorf and Ghent are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Ghent for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Dusseldorf in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Dusseldorf can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Ghent. In January, Ghent is generally a little warmer than Dusseldorf. Daily temperatures in Ghent average around 3°C (38°F), and Dusseldorf fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Ghent usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Dusseldorf during winter. Ghent gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Dusseldorf receives 45 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Ghent usually receives less rain than Dusseldorf. Ghent gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Dusseldorf receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Ghent or Dusseldorf in the Spring?

Both Dusseldorf and Ghent during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Ghent in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Dusseldorf for the activities around the city during these months.

Ghent is around the same temperature as Dusseldorf in the spring. The daily temperature in Ghent averages around 8°C (47°F) in April, and Dusseldorf fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the spring, Ghent often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Dusseldorf. Ghent gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dusseldorf receives 155 hours of full sun.

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

Typical Weather for Dusseldorf and Ghent