A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ghent vs. Karlovy Vary for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Ghent or Karlovy Vary?

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 Karlovy Vary. 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.

Where Should I go: Ghent or Karlovy Vary?

Ghent

Ghent is a large city in the northern part of Belgium (the Flanders region) with a population of about 250,000. This city was one of the most powerful cities in Europe during the Middle Ages, which is portrayed today, mostly through architecture. There is a large university in Ghent with over 60,000 students, and a large portion of the population are young students. However, among the natives and students, there are also many foreigners and artists that you will find walking the streets of the city. Ghent is also Belgium's second largest port city.

Karlovy Vary

Founded in 1370, Karlovy Vary translates to "Charles' Bath" for its founder Charles IV, King of Bohemia and Holy Roman Emperor, as well as its famous hot springs. It is located in Bohemia in the western Czech Republic and is also known as Karlsbad (German) or Carlsbad (English). Another highlight is the International Film Festival in July with draws celebrities and other film enthusiasts worldwide.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium, The Best Budget Tours to Czech Republic, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Czech Republic.


Which place is cheaper, Karlovy Vary or Ghent?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Ghent is €118, while the average daily cost in Karlovy Vary is €75. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Ghent and Karlovy Vary in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ghent 72
    Karlovy Vary 36
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ghent 144
    Karlovy Vary 72
Compare Hotels in Ghent and Karlovy Vary

Looking for a hotel in Ghent or Karlovy Vary? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Ghent


Hotels in Karlovy Vary


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Ghent Hotel Prices and Karlovy Vary Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ghent 19
    Karlovy Vary 24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ghent

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ghent:

  • Ghent <-> Amsterdam Shuttle Transfer (1 to 8 Seats): $231
  • Departure Private Transfer from Ghent City to Brussels Airport by Luxury Van: $165
  • Transfer from ruges Airport OST to Bruges City by Luxury Sedan: $115
  • Ostend Airport (OST) to Bruges hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $32

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Karlovy Vary

Also for Karlovy Vary, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer Karlovy Vary to Prague Vaclav Havel Airport : $66
  • Private Transfer from Karlovy Vary to Prague, English-speaking driver: $121
  • Transfer from Karlovy Vary to Prague: Private daytrip with 2h for sightseeing: $130

Is it cheaper to fly into Ghent or Karlovy Vary?

Prices for flights to both Karlovy Vary and Ghent change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Ghent 35
    Karlovy Vary 24

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ghent

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Ghent.

  • Walking Food Tour in Ghent: $94
  • Walking food tour: Introduction to Ghent through food: $103
  • Small-Group Food Tour in Ghent by Bike: $160

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ghent 8.64
    Karlovy Vary 11

Tours and Activities in Ghent

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Ghent are as follows:

  • Bicycle tour in historic Ghent: $50
  • Christmas Experience in Ghent - Walking Tour: $498
  • Evening Tour of the Dark Side of Gent: $3.29
  • Exquisite Sites of Ghent - Family Tour: $390
  • From Brussels: Private Tour of Bruges, Ghent and Flanders: $542
  • Gastronomic Walking Tour of Gent - Tasters included: $3.29
  • Gent: 1 hour Immersive free-roam Virtual Reality experience: $31
  • Ghent Beer Guided Walking Tour: $50
  • Ghent Beer and Sightseeing Adventure: $98
  • Ghent Bike Tour Off-the-beaten-track: $53
  • Ghent City Highlights Walking Tour with Light Meal: $83
  • Ghent Highlights Private Historical Tour: $91

Tours and Activities in Karlovy Vary

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Karlovy Vary.

  • Hot Springs Tasting Tour: $67
  • Prague: Karlovy Vary Tour with Lunch and Moser Museum Visit: $92
  • Karlovy Vary & Marianske Lazne Tour from Prague with Lunch: $114
  • Private tour of best of Karlovy Vary - Sightseeing, Food & Culture with a local: $169
  • Touristic highlights of Karlovy Vary on a Private half day tour with a local: $169
  • Karlovy Vary Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $211
  • A day in the life of Karlovy Vary - Private tour with a local: $226
  • Private Walking Tour: $231
  • LOCATION: Karlovy Vary City Tour: $256
  • Full-Day Private Karlovy Vary Tour from Prague: $298

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ghent 18
    Karlovy Vary 6.11

Sample the Local Flavors in Ghent

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Ghent:

  • Ghent Pub Trail : Pub crawl with interactive online game: $16
  • Private Ghent Beer & Brewery Tour by a young local: $193


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ghent and Karlovy Vary, we can see that Ghent is more expensive. And not only is Karlovy Vary much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Karlovy Vary would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Karlovy Vary 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 Ghent would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ghent than you might in Karlovy Vary.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Ghent Expensive? and Is Karlovy Vary Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Ghent or Karlovy Vary?

Ghent has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Karlovy Vary. When comparing the sizes of Ghent and Karlovy Vary, 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 Karlovy Vary?

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 Karlovy Vary in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Ghent as well as Karlovy Vary. Many travelers come to Ghent for the family-friendly experiences.

Ghent is cooler than Karlovy Vary in the summer. The daily temperature in Ghent averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Karlovy Vary. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ghent this time of the year. In the summer, Ghent often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Karlovy Vary. Ghent gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Karlovy Vary receives 217 hours of full sun.

Ghent usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Karlovy Vary. Ghent gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Ghent 17°C (63°F) 
    Karlovy Vary 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Ghent or Karlovy Vary in the Autumn?

Both Karlovy Vary and Ghent are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Ghent in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Ghent is a little warmer than Karlovy Vary. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ghent in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Karlovy Vary averages at about 11°C (51°F).

Ghent usually receives less sunshine than Karlovy Vary during autumn. Ghent gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Karlovy Vary receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Ghent usually receives more rain than Karlovy Vary. Ghent gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Ghent 12°C (54°F) 
    Karlovy Vary 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Ghent or Karlovy Vary in the Winter?

Both Karlovy Vary and Ghent during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Ghent for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

The weather in Karlovy Vary can be very cold. Ghent can be very cold during winter. In January, Ghent is generally much warmer than Karlovy Vary. Daily temperatures in Ghent average around 3°C (38°F), and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 1°C (33°F).

In the winter, Ghent often gets less sunshine than Karlovy Vary. Ghent gets 47 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Karlovy Vary receives 58 hours of full sun.

Ghent usually gets more rain in January than Karlovy Vary. Ghent gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Ghent 3°C (38°F) 
    Karlovy Vary 1°C (33°F)

Should I visit Ghent or Karlovy Vary in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Ghent and Karlovy Vary. The spring months attract visitors to Ghent because of the natural beauty.

Ghent is cooler than Karlovy Vary in the spring. The daily temperature in Ghent averages around 8°C (47°F) in April, and Karlovy Vary fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Ghent usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Karlovy Vary during spring. Ghent gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Karlovy Vary receives 151 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Ghent usually receives less rain than Karlovy Vary. Ghent gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Karlovy Vary receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Ghent 8°C (47°F) 
    Karlovy Vary 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Karlovy Vary and Ghent

Ghent Karlovy Vary
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 1°C (33°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 2°C (36°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 6°C (42°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 5°C (41°F) 38 mm (1.5 in)
Apr 8°C (47°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 10°C (50°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
May 12°C (54°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 15°C (58°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 18°C (65°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 20°C (68°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 18°C (64°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 19°C (67°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 16°C (60°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 16°C (60°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Oct 12°C (54°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 11°C (51°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 75 mm (2.9 in) 6°C (43°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Dec 5°C (40°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 2°C (35°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)