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

Should you visit Ghent or Howth?

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 Howth. 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 youthful, high energy, and cultural city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Howth

Howth is a scenic, peaceful, and coastal fishing village. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. It's also known for food, beaches, and hiking.

Ghent and Howth: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ghent or Howth?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Ghent. Although Ghent and Howth are popular destinations, Ghent has more sights and attractions for tourists. Ghent is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Howth attracts visitors for its beaches, hiking, and small town charm. Howth is more touristy than Ghent and is known for its scenic coastline, charming character, and its accessibility to Dublin. Ghent is famous for its medieval buildings, large squares, and weekly markets It is also well known for The Fortress of Gravensteen.

How is Ghent different from Howth?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Ghent is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Howth is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Howth. The surrounding coastline is the main draw to this picturesque town but there is also a nice harbor, pier, and lighthouse that you can visit.

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

Ghent is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Howth 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.

Howth is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are seafood restaurants and a few pubs where you can enjoy some fresh food and the local ambiance.

Is Ghent or Howth Better for Nightlife?

Ghent is an amazing city to visit for nightlife and partying. However, Howth is not particularly known for its evening party scene.

Ghent has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.

Howth doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are a few pubs around town but if you're looking for a real nightlife scene then your best bet is to head into Dublin.

Is Ghent or Howth Better for Beaches?

Howth is a well-known place for its beaches. However, Ghent is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Howth for it's beautiful beaches. Many people head to this coastal town specifically to hang out on the beach. There's also the Howth Cliff Path which is fun to explore. Some of the top beaches in the area include Red Rock Beach, Claremont Beach, and Balscadden Bay Beach. The beaches can be rocky and rough so make sure you understand the water conditions before heading to the beach.

Ghent is not a beach destination.

Is Ghent or Howth Better for its Old Town?

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

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.

Howth does not have a historic old town.

Is Ghent or Howth Better for Hiking?

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

Howth is a popular spot for hiking. The best way to experience Howth is to explore the The Howth Cliff Walk. There are several versions of the hike that cater to different experience and skill levels.

Ghent is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ghent or Howth?

Ghent is well known for its shopping opportunities. However, Howth is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Ghent is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Howth is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Ghent or Howth Better for Families?

Both Ghent and Howth 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.

Howth is a family-friendly city. It has a beach where kids can run around. There are also playgrounds, a lighthouse, and a pier to explore.

Is Ghent or Howth Better for Couples?

Ghent is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Howth is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

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.

Howth is a good city for couples to visit. The small fishing village has some great seafood restaurants and a beach where couples can pass the time.

Is Ghent or Howth Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ghent is a popular place for backpackers. However, Howth is not particularly known for backpackers and budget 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.

Howth is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It a small village outside of Dublin so most backpackers don't make it this way.

Is Ghent or Howth Better for Students?

Ghent is an amazing city to visit for students. However, Howth is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Ghent. The city is very popular with international students so it has a young and energetic vibe with plenty to do throughout the year.

Howth is not popular with students.

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

Ghent is an amazing city to visit for its public transit. Also, Howth is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Ghent is top-notch. Buses and trams travel to most parts of the city and are convenient and efficient.

While Howth offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. It's easy to reach the town from Dublin by DART.

Is Ghent or Howth a more walkable city?

Ghent and Howth both are superb when exploring on foot.

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

Howth is a very walkable city. It's a small town that's easy to explore on foot. There are also many walks through the cliffs.

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

Should I spend more time in Howth or Ghent?

How long in Ghent or Howth?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Ghent or Howth to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Ghent than Howth because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Ghent, and 1-2 days is enough time in Howth.

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

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

In Ghent, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this youthful 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. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

In Howth, many people enjoy the food and museums that this picturesque destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This fishing 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 Howth?

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

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

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

Howth is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the destination of Howth. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Ghent or Howth?

You'll find food and shopping around the high energy destination of Ghent. 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.

You'll find museums and food around the beautiful destination of Howth. Most people come for the beaches. 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 2-Week Tours in Ireland, and Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Ireland.

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

When is the best time to visit Ghent or Howth?

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 Howth in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Ghent and Howth. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Ghent this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Howth for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

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

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

Should I visit Ghent or Howth in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Ghent as well as Howth. Many travelers come to Ghent for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Howth in the autumn for the hiking trails and the small town atmosphere.

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

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

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

Should I visit Ghent or Howth in the Winter?

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

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

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

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

Should I visit Ghent or Howth in the Spring?

Both Howth and Ghent during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Ghent for the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Howth because of the beaches and the small town charm.

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

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

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

Typical Weather for Howth and Ghent