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

Should you visit Ghent or Le Mans?

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 Le Mans. 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. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Le Mans

Le Mans is a small, historic, and quaint town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. It's also known for nightlife and museums.

Ghent and Le Mans: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ghent or Le Mans?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Ghent than Le Mans, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Ghent is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Le Mans is known for its small town charm. Ghent is more touristy than Le Mans and is popular for its medieval buildings, large squares, and weekly markets It is also home to The Fortress of Gravensteen. Le Mans is popular for being the location of the annual 24 Hours of Le Mans, which is one of the world's greatest sports-car races.

How is Ghent different from Le Mans?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Ghent is great for its historical sights. Also, Le Mans is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

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.

Le Mans offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. It's most famous as the location of the 24 hour car race, the 24 Hours of Le Mans and on some days it's possible to visit the race track which has a museum with simulators and other activities. Around town you'll find museums and activities affiliated with the racing culture, and there's also a cathedral as well as several nice museums relating to the automotive industry among other things.

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

Ghent is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Le Mans is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Le Mans. It's not known for its food scene, but there is one dish in particular that you should try. The local specialty is les rillettes de porc, which is a pork paté.

Is Ghent or Le Mans Better for Nightlife?

Ghent is a world-class destination for nightlife. Also, Le Mans is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Le Mans. You'll find bars and clubs in the city center around Saint-Nicolas Quarter, rue des Ponts-neufs, Place de la Sirène and around the Republic Square.

Is Ghent or Le Mans Better for its Old Town?

Ghent is great for its historic old town. However, Le Mans 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.

Le Mans does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Ghent or Le Mans?

Ghent is great for shopping. However, Le Mans is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Ghent. 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.

Le Mans is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Ghent or Le Mans Better for Families?

Both Ghent and Le Mans 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.

Le Mans is a family-friendly city. Make sure you visit on a day when Le Mans Karting International and the 24 Hours of Le Mans Museum is open to visitors. Families can ride on high speed go-carts and train like professionals with special game simulators. This is a popular destination for adults and kids alike. The town also has indoor play areas, waterparks, and beautiful parks to explore.

Is Ghent or Le Mans Better for Couples?

Ghent is great for romance. Also, Le Mans is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its romantic activities.

Ghent is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. It makes a great weekend getaway with a diverse restaurant scene, nice hotels, and plenty of historic attractions that you can explore.

Le Mans makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a small town, but racing enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to the 24 Hours of Le Mans Museum.

Is Ghent or Le Mans Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Ghent and Le Mans are good 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 Le Mans. While there aren't many hostels specifically designed for backpackers, it is possible to find affordable accommodation at most times.

Is Ghent or Le Mans Better for Students?

Ghent is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Le Mans 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.

Le Mans is not popular with students.

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

Ghent is a world-class destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Le Mans is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its public transit.

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.

Le Mans has a few public transit options. There is a tram service around town that provides access to many places including the race track via the T1 line (Antarès-Stade Marie Marvingt and exit at the East Entrance).

Is Ghent or Le Mans a more walkable city?

Ghent is great for its walkability. Also, Le Mans is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its high level of walkability.

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

Le Mans is a somewhat walkable place. Parts of the town are walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Le Mans or Ghent?

How long in Ghent or Le Mans?

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

Families should spend more time in Ghent than Le Mans. 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 Le Mans. 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 Le Mans 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 Le Mans?

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 Le Mans, many people enjoy the nightlife and museums that this quaint destination offers. This town 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 Le Mans?

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 Le Mans. 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 Le Mans?

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.

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

A week in Ghent or Le Mans?

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 historic destination of Le Mans. 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 Adventure Tours to France, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Ghent or Le Mans?

Ghent has a larger population, and is about 60% larger than the population of Le Mans. When comparing the sizes of Ghent and Le Mans, 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 Le Mans?

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 Le Mans in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Ghent as well as Le Mans. Many travelers come to Ghent for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Le Mans in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

Ghent is around the same temperature as Le Mans in the summer. The daily temperature in Ghent averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Le Mans fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Le Mans. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ghent this time of the year. In the summer, Ghent often gets less sunshine than Le Mans. Ghent gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Le Mans receives 231 hours of full sun.

Ghent usually gets more rain in July than Le Mans. Ghent gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Le Mans receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ghent or Le Mans in the Autumn?

Both Le Mans 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. Also, most visitors come to Le Mans for the small town atmosphere during these months.

In the autumn, Ghent is around the same temperature as Le Mans. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ghent in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Le Mans averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Ghent usually receives less sunshine than Le Mans during autumn. Ghent gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Le Mans receives 117 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Ghent usually receives more rain than Le Mans. Ghent gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Le Mans receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Ghent or Le Mans in the Winter?

Both Le Mans 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. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Le Mans because of the museums and the cuisine.

The weather in Le Mans can be very cold. Ghent can be very cold during winter. In January, Ghent is generally cooler than Le Mans. Daily temperatures in Ghent average around 3°C (38°F), and Le Mans fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

In the winter, Ghent often gets less sunshine than Le Mans. Ghent gets 47 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Le Mans receives 54 hours of full sun.

Ghent usually gets less rain in January than Le Mans. Ghent gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Le Mans receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ghent or Le Mans in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Ghent and Le Mans. The spring months attract visitors to Ghent because of the natural beauty. Furthermore, the small town charm are the main draw to Le Mans this time of year.

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

Ghent usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Le Mans during spring. Ghent gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Le Mans receives 168 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Ghent usually receives less rain than Le Mans. Ghent gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Le Mans receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Le Mans and Ghent