A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ghent vs. Kotor for Food, Nightlife, Old Town, and Couples

Should you visit Ghent or Kotor?

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 Kotor. 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. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Kotor

Kotor is a historic, peaceful, and remote coastal town. This is also a fantastic small town with plenty of charm and local activities. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. It's also known for food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Ghent and Kotor: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ghent or Kotor?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Kotor. Although Ghent and Kotor are both popular with visitors, Kotor has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Kotor is more popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere, while Ghent is known for its museums, nightlife, and shopping. Ghent is popular for its medieval buildings, large squares, and weekly markets Kotor is popular for its medieval old town and its dramatic setting on the coastline surrounded by limestone cliffs. It is also home to The Cathedral of Saint Tryphon (Kotor Cathedral).

How is Ghent different from Kotor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Many visitors head to Ghent specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Kotor does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Kotor is a world-class destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Ghent is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Eat your way through Kotor, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Food is fresh and hearty, with many dishes including meats, cheeses, and bread. Popular local dishes include börek, black risotto, and pasulj (a type of baked beans prepared with meats and spices). Seafood is an obvious choice around town as well. Ask for whatever is fresh and enjoy a delicious meal. There are also a number of dessert cafes where you can enjoy pastries at a very affordable price.

Ghent has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

Is Ghent or Kotor Better for Nightlife?

Ghent is a world-class destination for nightlife. However, Kotor is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

People head to Ghent just to party. 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.

Kotor doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It has some of the best nightlife in Montenegro, but outside of the summer months you'll find things are very calm. Head to the old town for the highest concentration of bars and clubs.

Is Ghent or Kotor Better for Resorts?

Kotor is a moderate coastal town for its resorts. However, Ghent is not a resort destination.

Kotor has a few resort options worth checking out. The town has mostly boutique hotels and apartments, particularly if you want to stay in old town.

Ghent is not a resort destination.

Is Ghent or Kotor Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Kotor is a good destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Ghent is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Kotor. It's possible to book snorkeling trips with a local vendor, or you can pack your own mask and snorkel and venture into the water on your own.

Ghent is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Ghent or Kotor Better for Beaches?

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

Kotor offers a nice beach destination. Like many parts of the Mediterranean, the beaches are rocky and pebbly. Many of the beaches are small and quiet, giving them a personal and discovered vibe which many travelers appreciate.

Ghent is not a beach destination.

Is Ghent or Kotor Better for its Old Town?

Kotor is a world-class destination for its historic old town. Also, Ghent is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its old town.

The historic old town of Kotor is revered around the world. The city walls and compact historic area make the old town a unique place to explore.

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.

Is Ghent or Kotor Better for Hiking?

Kotor is a world-class destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Ghent is not a hiking destination.

Kotor is well-known for its hiking and trekking. The dramatic cliffs and sea views create some of the most beautiful coastal hikes that you'll find. Trails range from walking paths to more strenuous routes like the Ladder of Kotor Hike, which has many switchbacks and stunning views.

Ghent is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ghent or Kotor?

Ghent is well known for shopping. However, Kotor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Kotor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Ghent or Kotor Better for Families?

Both Ghent and Kotor are good 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.

Kotor is a family-friendly city. Kids will enjoy wandering the streets of old town, exploring the city's fortress, or making their way around the city walls. There are a few beaches to explore, but they are a bit rocky. It's also fun to get out on the water on a boat ride.

Is Ghent or Kotor Better for Couples?

Ghent and Kotor both high quality 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.

Kotor makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The charming old town, picturesque views, and quaint personality of the town make this a great couple's get away. Whether you want to lounge on the water's edge or soak up the unique culture, there are many hidden sides to the coastal town.

Is Ghent or Kotor Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kotor is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Ghent is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Kotor. The town is affordable and reasonably accessible, making it a great option for backpackers. It's not as touristy as some of the more popular coastal towns in the area, so you can enjoy a bit of authenticity without spending big bucks.

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.

Is Ghent or Kotor Better for Students?

Ghent is a world-class destination for students. However, Kotor is not popular with students.

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.

Kotor is not popular with students.

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

Ghent is a world-class destination for its public transit. However, Kotor is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

With a huge network, the transit system in Ghent can get you around easily. Buses and trams travel to most parts of the city and are convenient and efficient.

Public transit is mostly limited in Kotor. Cars aren't allowed in the old town, but you can travel to nearby town's by bus. Most leave from the town's main bus station with higher frequency during the summer months.

Is Ghent or Kotor a more walkable city?

Kotor is a world-class destination for its walkability. Also, Ghent is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

It is easy to get around Kotor on foot. The old town is best explored on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Kotor or Ghent?

How long in Ghent or Kotor?

It's fun to spend time in either Ghent or Kotor. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Kotor due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Ghent, and 3-4 days is enough time in Kotor.

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

Couples should spend more time in Kotor than Ghent. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Kotor that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kotor than Ghent 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 Kotor.

One day in Ghent or Kotor?

In Ghent, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this historic 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.

Even though Kotor is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This coastal town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Ghent or Kotor?

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 Kotor. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Ghent or Kotor?

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.

Kotor is a fun place to experience. Kotor is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Ghent or Kotor?

You'll find food and shopping around the youthful 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.

Kotor is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Luxury Tours to Montenegro, and The Best Budget Tours to Montenegro.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ghent and Kotor, we can see that Ghent is more expensive. And not only is Kotor much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Kotor would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kotor 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 Kotor.

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

Which is Bigger, Ghent or Kotor?

Ghent has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Kotor. When comparing the sizes of Ghent and Kotor, 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 Kotor?

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 Kotor in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Ghent and Kotor. Many travelers come to Ghent for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Kotor in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Ghent is much colder than Kotor in the summer. The daily temperature in Ghent averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Kotor fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Kotor this time of the year. In Ghent, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ghent usually receives less sunshine than Kotor during summer. Ghent gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 341 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Ghent usually receives more rain than Kotor. Ghent gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 47 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Ghent or Kotor in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Ghent is cooler than Kotor. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ghent in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Kotor averages at about 17°C (63°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Kotor. In the autumn, Ghent often gets less sunshine than Kotor. Ghent gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 203 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Kotor. Ghent usually gets less rain in October than Kotor. Ghent gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 174 mm (6.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ghent or Kotor in the Winter?

Both Kotor 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 Kotor because of the cuisine.

Ghent can be very cold during winter. In January, Ghent is generally much colder than Kotor. Daily temperatures in Ghent average around 3°C (38°F), and Kotor fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Ghent usually receives less sunshine than Kotor during winter. Ghent gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Kotor receives 121 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kotor. In January, Ghent usually receives less rain than Kotor. Ghent gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 186 mm (7.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Ghent or Kotor in the Spring?

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

Ghent is much colder than Kotor in the spring. The daily temperature in Ghent averages around 8°C (47°F) in April, and Kotor fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In the spring, Ghent often gets less sunshine than Kotor. Ghent gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kotor receives 194 hours of full sun.

Kotor gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Ghent usually gets less rain in April than Kotor. Ghent gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Kotor receives 154 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kotor and Ghent