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

Should you visit Ghent or Hamburg?

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 Hamburg. 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 high energy, cultural, and historic city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Hamburg

Hamburg is a energetic, cultural, and vibrant port city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for live music, food, and shopping.

Ghent and Hamburg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ghent or Hamburg?

Both Hamburg and Ghent have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Ghent is better known for its food, nightlife, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Hamburg is more popular for its music. Hamburg is more touristy than Ghent and is known for its music clubs, beautiful architecture, relaxing natural areas, and green space. Ghent is well known for its medieval buildings, large squares, and weekly markets

How is Ghent different from Hamburg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Ghent and Hamburg have high quality 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.

Hamburg offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city's most famous district is the port area, which has a number of cultural sights and a pedestrian trail. There are also many museums and architectural landmarks around town.

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

Ghent is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Hamburg 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 Hamburg. The city has a mix of cosmopolitan restaurants and traditional places where you can enjoy a classic German dish like currywurst or labskaus (a type of stew).

Is Ghent or Hamburg Better for Nightlife?

Ghent is renowned for its evening party scene. Also, Hamburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

Ghent is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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.

Many people head to Hamburg for the nightlife scene. The city is often overlooked, but it's nightlife scene is actually among the best. There are techno concerts, music festivals, and nightclubs that appeal to all personalities.

Is Ghent or Hamburg Better for Music?

Hamburg is a world-class destination for live music. However, Ghent is not a live music destination.

Hamburg is a world class music destination. The city is an influential power in the music scene around Europe. You'll find many clubs concentrated in the St. Pauli district.

Ghent is not a live music destination.

Is Ghent or Hamburg Better for its Old Town?

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

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Ghent. The medieval old town follows along the canal and offers great architecture and a unique atmosphere.

Hamburg does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Ghent or Hamburg?

Both Ghent and Hamburg are high quality 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.

Hamburg is well-known for its shopping. The diversity of shopping venues includes flea markets and luxury shopping malls. One of the main shopping streets in town is the Mönkebergstrasse.

Is Ghent or Hamburg Better for Families?

Hamburg 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.

Hamburg is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has a surprising number of opportunities to see wildlife nearby including a zoo and a wildlife park just outside of town. The city also has great playgrounds that are fun for kids who need a break from sightseeing.

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 Hamburg Better for Couples?

Ghent is well known for couples. Also, Hamburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Ghent frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It makes a great weekend getaway with a diverse restaurant scene, nice hotels, and plenty of historic attractions that you can explore.

Hamburg is a nice destination for couples. Romantic activities in town include taking a boat ride or harbor cruise or grabbing a cocktail at one of the city's many bars.

Is Ghent or Hamburg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Ghent and Hamburg are notable 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 Hamburg. Many backpackers overlook the city, but there are a number of good hostels and a relaxing vibe that makes for a nice visit.

Is Ghent or Hamburg Better for Students?

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

Students come from all over the world to visit Ghent. 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 Hamburg. The city has a few great universities and a number of opportunities for international students.

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

Ghent is renowned for its public transit. Also, Hamburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Ghent has a great public transit system. Buses and trams travel to most parts of the city and are convenient and efficient.

Public transit in Hamburg is fairly effecient and thorough. There are trains and buses that make their way around town.

Is Ghent or Hamburg a more walkable city?

Ghent and Hamburg both are high quality when exploring on foot.

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

Hamburg is a very walkable city. Most tourist areas can easily be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Hamburg or Ghent?

How long in Ghent or Hamburg?

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

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

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

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 Hamburg, many people enjoy the live music and food that this vibrant destination offers. Lots of people come for the live music. This port city 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 Hamburg?

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 Hamburg. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. 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 Hamburg?

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.

Hamburg is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Hamburg. Lots of people come for the live music. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Ghent or Hamburg?

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 museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of Hamburg. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the live music. 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 Tours for Seniors to Germany, and The Best 3-Day Tours from Munich.

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

Which is Bigger, Ghent or Hamburg?

Hamburg has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Ghent. When comparing the sizes of Ghent and Hamburg, 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 Hamburg?

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 Hamburg in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Ghent and Hamburg. Many travelers come to Ghent for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Hamburg in the summer for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Ghent is generally around the same temperature as Hamburg. Daily temperatures in Ghent average around 17°C (63°F), and Hamburg fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hamburg this time of the year. In Ghent, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ghent usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Hamburg during summer. Ghent gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Hamburg receives 207 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Ghent usually receives less rain than Hamburg. Ghent gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Ghent or Hamburg in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Ghent as well as Hamburg. Many visitors come to Ghent in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Hamburg for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Ghent is a little warmer than Hamburg in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ghent averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Hamburg fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In the autumn, Ghent often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hamburg. Ghent gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hamburg receives 101 hours of full sun.

Ghent usually gets more rain in October than Hamburg. Ghent gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ghent or Hamburg in the Winter?

Both Hamburg and Ghent are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Ghent for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Hamburg because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Hamburg can be very cold. Ghent can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Ghent is much warmer than Hamburg. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ghent in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Hamburg averages at about 0°C (33°F).

Ghent usually receives more sunshine than Hamburg during winter. Ghent gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Hamburg receives 42 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Ghent usually receives around the same amount of rain as Hamburg. Ghent gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Hamburg receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Ghent or Hamburg in the Spring?

Both Hamburg and Ghent during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Ghent because of the natural beauty. Furthermore, the natural beauty are the main draw to Hamburg this time of year.

In April, Ghent is generally a little warmer than Hamburg. Daily temperatures in Ghent average around 8°C (47°F), and Hamburg fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In the spring, Ghent often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Hamburg. Ghent gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hamburg receives 161 hours of full sun.

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

Typical Weather for Hamburg and Ghent