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

Should you visit Ghent or Florence?

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 Florence. 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. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Florence

Florence is a alluring, historical, and artistic city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Ghent and Florence: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ghent or Florence?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Florence than Ghent. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Florence is very popular for its museums, food, and historical sights, while Ghent attracts visitors for its nightlife. Florence is more touristy than Ghent and is popular for its iconic beauty, world-renowned Renaissance art and architecture, and beautifully maintained gardens. It is also well known for The Duomo (Santa Maria del Fiore). Ghent is famous for its medieval buildings, large squares, and weekly markets

How is Ghent different from Florence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Florence is a world-class destination for its sights and museums. Also, Ghent is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Florence that are not to be missed. Because of it's important role in the Renaissance, the city has many world-renowned museums that you can visit. Famous sights and landmarks include the Uffizi Gallery, the Duomo, and the Academy Gallery.

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.

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

Florence 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 Florence, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Once you've worked up an appetite exploring museums and churches, you'll find many amazing local restaurants around town. Local dishes incorporate a lot of hearty vegetables and meats. Famous dishes include a Florentine steak dish, rabbit, and a bean bed and cabbage soup.

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 Florence Better for Nightlife?

Ghent is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. Also, Florence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Florence. You'll find the most active nightlife in the Santa Croce neighborhood. The area attracts study abroad students as well as tourists who party late into the night.

Is Ghent or Florence Better for its Old Town?

Florence is a world-class destination for its historic old town. Also, Ghent is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its old town.

The historic old town of Florence is revered around the world. The historic center of the city is where you'll find many of the most beautiful buildings, art works, and quaint streets. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it was at the heart of the Renaissance period.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Ghent or Florence?

Both Ghent and Florence 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.

Florence is well-known for its shopping. There are many shops in the tourist heart of the city. Most are geared specifically to tourists so you may have to search to find a more authentic shopping experience. Famous items available in the city include gold jewelry, ceramics, leather, and perfume.

Is Ghent or Florence Better for Families?

Both Ghent and Florence are nice 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.

Florence is a family-friendly city. Most famous for its art and history, the city also has a number of activities that kids will enjoy. There's a carousel and a park that are perfect to let the little ones run around. There are a few kid-friendly museums, as well as a historic city center that will mesmerize the old and young alike.

Is Ghent or Florence Better for Couples?

Florence is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Ghent is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Florence is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Art and history lovers will enjoy a visit to this truly beautiful city. Couples who enjoy museums, historic buildings, and world-renowned art, will find plenty to do in this city.

Ghent makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It makes a great weekend getaway with a diverse restaurant scene, nice hotels, and plenty of historic attractions that you can explore.

Is Ghent or Florence Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Florence is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Ghent is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Florence is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. The city is part of a popular route through Italy, and you'll find many backpackers and students in town. There are also many hostels, so you should have no trouble meeting other young 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.

Is Ghent or Florence Better for Students?

Ghent and Florence are both world-class destinations for students and younger travelers.

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.

Many students frequent Florence. Many students visit this city as part of a short term study abroad program, or for the entire length of their studies. The city is beautiful, and whether your focus is art, history, or culture, this city will not disappoint.

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

Ghent is an unbeatable place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Florence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

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.

Florence has a few public transit options. There is a comprehensive bus system.

Is Ghent or Florence a more walkable city?

Florence 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 Florence on foot. Most people explore the city 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 Florence Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Florence or Ghent?

How long in Ghent or Florence?

Both Ghent and Florence have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Florence than in Ghent. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Ghent, and 2-7 days is enough time in Florence.

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

Couples should spend more time in Florence than Ghent. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Florence that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

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

One day in Ghent or Florence?

The beautiful city of Ghent offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Florence, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this artistic 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 Florence?

Ghent is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Ghent, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

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

Ghent is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Florence is a fun place to experience. In Florence, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. 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 Florence?

Ghent is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

In Florence, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this alluring destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Ghent or Florence?

Florence has a larger population, and is about 60% larger than the population of Ghent. When comparing the sizes of Ghent and Florence, 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 Florence?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Ghent or Florence in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Ghent as well as Florence. Many visitors come to Ghent in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Florence for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Ghent is cooler than Florence. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ghent in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Florence averages at about 25°C (77°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Florence. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ghent this time of the year. In the summer, Ghent often gets less sunshine than Florence. Ghent gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 316 hours of full sun.

Ghent usually gets more rain in July than Florence. Ghent gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Florence receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ghent or Florence in the Autumn?

Both Florence and Ghent are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Ghent for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Florence because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Ghent is generally cooler than Florence. Daily temperatures in Ghent average around 12°C (54°F), and Florence fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Ghent usually receives less sunshine than Florence during autumn. Ghent gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Ghent usually receives less rain than Florence. Ghent gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Florence receives 96 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Ghent or Florence in the Winter?

Both Florence and Ghent during the winter are popular places to visit. 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 Florence this time of year.

The weather in Ghent can be very cold. Ghent is much colder than Florence in the winter. The daily temperature in Ghent averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Florence fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In the winter, Ghent often gets less sunshine than Florence. Ghent gets 47 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 105 hours of full sun.

Ghent usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Florence. Ghent gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Florence receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ghent or Florence in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Ghent and Florence. The natural beauty are the main draw to Ghent this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Florence for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Ghent is much colder than Florence. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ghent in April average around 8°C (47°F), and Florence averages at about 14°C (57°F).

Ghent usually receives less sunshine than Florence during spring. Ghent gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Ghent usually receives less rain than Florence. Ghent gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Florence receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Florence and Ghent