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

Should you visit Ghent or Kiel?

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 Kiel. 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.

Kiel

Kiel is a waterfront, maritime, and authentic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for food, beaches, and shopping.

Ghent and Kiel: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ghent or Kiel?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Kiel. Although Ghent and Kiel are about the same size, Kiel has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Kiel is very popular for its beaches and big city activities, while Ghent attracts visitors for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Ghent is famous for its medieval buildings, large squares, and weekly markets Kiel is famous for its maritime history and its role as the host of the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival. It is also well known for The Kiel Castle.

How is Ghent different from Kiel?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Ghent is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Kiel 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 Kiel. You'll find museums and landmarks that focus on the city's maritime past. These include Submarine U-995, the Naval Memorial, Schifffahrtsmuseum Kiel, and Leuchtturm Bülk.

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

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

Kiel is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The local cuisine, Schleswig-Holstein cuisine, is similar to much of Germany in that the dishes are hearty and filling. There are many British and Scandenavian influences. Local dishes that you should try include Kieler Sprotte (herring-like fish), Schnüüsch (veggie stew), and Mehlbüdel (bread dumpling with pork belly)

Is Ghent or Kiel Better for Nightlife?

Ghent is a must-visit destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Ghent is a world class party destination. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Kiel has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is low key and relaxing. You can sip a cocktail at a trendy bar or enjoy a beer on a floating beach bar.

Is Ghent or Kiel Better for Beaches?

Kiel is a good destination for its beaches. However, Ghent is not a beach destination.

Kiel offers a nice beach destination. The city has several sandy beaches with coastal dunes and a family-friendly atmosphere.

Ghent is not a beach destination.

Is Ghent or Kiel Better for its Old Town?

Ghent is well known for its old town. However, Kiel 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.

Kiel does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Ghent or Kiel?

Ghent is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

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.

Kiel has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There's a mix of retail shopping centers and pedestrian shopping streets like Holstenstrasse and Dänische Strasse.

Is Ghent or Kiel Better for Families?

Both Ghent and Kiel 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.

Kiel is a family-friendly city. The U-Boot U 995 is a museum on an actual submarine. Kids will love exploring this unique setting. The Kiel Botanical Gardens is another beautiful and fun place to explore. Also make sure you check out the city's aquarium, the Zoologisches Museum, and Computermuseum der Fachhochschule Kiel.

Is Ghent or Kiel Better for Couples?

Ghent is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Kiel 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.

Kiel is a good city for couples to visit. The old port city sits along Germany’s Baltic Sea and couples can enjoy learning about the city's maritime past and shopping along the shopping streets of Holstenstrasse and Dänische Strasse.

Is Ghent or Kiel Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ghent is a popular place for backpackers. However, Kiel 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.

Kiel is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it's not on the main backpacker circuit, there is a hostel or two in town.

Is Ghent or Kiel Better for Students?

Ghent is a must-visit destination for students. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

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.

It's common for students to visit Kiel. Students can enjoy the city's beaches and lively nightlife scene.

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

Ghent is a must-visit destination for its public transit. However, Kiel is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

Ghent has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. Buses and trams travel to most parts of the city and are convenient and efficient.

Public transit is mostly limited in Kiel. There is a bus system around town.

Is Ghent or Kiel a more walkable city?

Ghent is well known for its high level of walkability. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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

Kiel is a somewhat walkable city. Some parts of Kiel are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Kiel or Ghent?

How long in Ghent or Kiel?

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

Families should spend more time in Ghent than Kiel. 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 Kiel. 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 Kiel 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 Kiel?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Ghent. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Kiel, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this off-the-beaten-path destination offers. This 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 Kiel?

Ghent is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the nightlife. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

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

You'll find museums and nightlife around the youthful destination of Ghent. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Kiel is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Kiel. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Ghent or Kiel?

The cultural city of Ghent offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the maritime destination of Kiel. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin.

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

Which is Bigger, Ghent or Kiel?

Kiel has a larger population, and is about 1% larger than the population of Ghent. When comparing the sizes of Ghent and Kiel, 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 Kiel?

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 Kiel in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Ghent and Kiel. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Ghent this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Kiel for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Ghent is around the same temperature as Kiel. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ghent in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Kiel averages at about 16°C (61°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kiel this time of the year. In Ghent, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ghent usually receives less sunshine than Kiel during summer. Ghent gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Kiel receives 219 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Ghent usually receives less rain than Kiel. Ghent gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 88 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Ghent or Kiel in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Ghent as well as Kiel. Many travelers come to Ghent for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Kiel in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Ghent is generally a little warmer than Kiel. Daily temperatures in Ghent average around 12°C (54°F), and Kiel fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In the autumn, Ghent often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kiel. Ghent gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kiel receives 102 hours of full sun.

Ghent usually gets more rain in October than Kiel. Ghent gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ghent or Kiel in the Winter?

Both Kiel 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 Kiel for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Kiel can be very cold during winter. Ghent can get quite cold in the winter. Ghent is much warmer than Kiel in the winter. The daily temperature in Ghent averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Kiel fluctuates around 0°C (33°F).

Ghent usually receives more sunshine than Kiel during winter. Ghent gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Kiel receives 39 hours of full sun in the winter.

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

Should I visit Ghent or Kiel in the Spring?

Both Kiel 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 Kiel because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Ghent is a little warmer than Kiel. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ghent in April average around 8°C (47°F), and Kiel averages at about 7°C (44°F).

In the spring, Ghent often gets less sunshine than Kiel. Ghent gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kiel receives 171 hours of full sun.

Ghent usually gets less rain in April than Kiel. Ghent gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kiel and Ghent