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

Should you visit Ghent or Glencoe?

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 Glencoe. 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 historic, under-rated, and youthful city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Glencoe

Glencoe is a natural, serene, and beautiful village. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for food and hiking.

Ghent and Glencoe: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ghent or Glencoe?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Ghent than Glencoe, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Ghent is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Glencoe is more popular for its hiking. Ghent is well known for its medieval buildings, large squares, and weekly markets Also, Ghent is famous for The Fortress of Gravensteen. Glencoe is well known for its mountaineering, hiking, and beautiful natural setting.

How is Ghent different from Glencoe?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Ghent is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Glencoe does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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.

Glencoe does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Ghent is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Glencoe 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 Glencoe. Local specialties include seafood and pub food. You'll also find plenty of whisky and local beer. There are a variety of dining options with local pubs alongside fine dining restaurants.

Is Ghent or Glencoe Better for Nightlife?

Ghent is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. However, Glencoe is not particularly known 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.

Glencoe doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are a handful of bars where you can relax with local whisky or beer.

Is Ghent or Glencoe Better for its Old Town?

Ghent is well known for its historic old town charm. However, Glencoe does not have a historic old town.

Ghent is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The medieval old town follows along the canal and offers great architecture and a unique atmosphere.

Glencoe does not have a historic old town.

Is Ghent or Glencoe Better for Hiking?

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

Glencoe is a popular spot for hiking. The area has dramatic hikes and stunning landscapes. Some of the best walks through the countryside include Inchree Falls, Grey Mare's Tail & Mamore Lodge, and The Two Lairigs.

Ghent is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ghent or Glencoe?

Ghent is well known for its shopping areas. However, Glencoe 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.

Glencoe is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Ghent or Glencoe Better for Families?

Glencoe 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.

Glencoe is a very family-friendly place to visit. Take a steam train along the Harry Potter Line. You'll feel like you're aboard the Hogwarts Express. You can also visit the Natural History Center, hike around the Glencoe National Nature Center, or visit the Glencoe Folk Museum.

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 Glencoe Better for Couples?

Ghent and Glencoe both very good 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.

Glencoe makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy nature, hiking, and stunning scenery will enjoy a visit to this beautiful area.

Is Ghent or Glencoe Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ghent is a city with good options for backpackers. However, Glencoe is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Ghent is a good city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Glencoe is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It can be challenging to reach without a car and the surrounding countryside also requires a vehicle. There is some great camping available in the area.

Is Ghent or Glencoe Better for Students?

Ghent is an unbeatable place for students. However, Glencoe is not popular with students.

Ghent is a very popular city 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.

Glencoe is not popular with students.

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

Ghent is an unbeatable place for its public transit. However, Glencoe is not particularly known 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 Glencoe. There are local buses, but it's much easier to make the most of your visit if you have a vehicle.

Is Ghent or Glencoe a more walkable city?

Ghent is well known for its ease of walking around. However, Glencoe is not particularly known for its walkability.

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

Glencoe is generally not a very walkable city. It's easier to fully experience the area if you have your own vehicle.

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

Should I spend more time in Glencoe or Ghent?

How long in Ghent or Glencoe?

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

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

In Ghent, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

In Glencoe, many people enjoy the food that this picturesque destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This village offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Ghent or Glencoe?

In Ghent, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Ghent has to offer.

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

Ghent is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Glencoe is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the food when visiting the destination of Glencoe. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Ghent or Glencoe?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ghent. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Ghent. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

You'll find food around the beautiful destination of Glencoe. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Historical Tours in United Kingdom, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom.

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