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

Should you visit Ghent or Lindau?

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 Lindau. 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 historic, under-rated, and youthful city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Lindau

Lindau is a scenic, alpine, and picturesque town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food.

Ghent and Lindau: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Ghent or Lindau?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Ghent. Although Ghent and Lindau are popular destinations, Ghent has more sights and attractions for tourists. Ghent is very popular for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Lindau attracts visitors for its small town charm. Lindau is more touristy than Ghent and is known for its lakefront location and quaint old town. 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 Lindau?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Ghent
Lindau

Ghent is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Lindau is a town with minimal options for its historical sights.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Ghent. 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.

While most people don't head to Lindau specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The town is more about it's beautiful setting than landmarks and museums, but there are some interesting sights including the harbor and lighthouse.


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

Ghent
Lindau

Foodies will find both Ghent and Lindau both to be very good destinations.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Ghent makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Lindau has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Head to the waterfront for the best seafood restaurants. Many restaurants use seasonal ingredients and serve local fish. The local whitefish is particularly popular. Dishes are influenced by the town's proximity to Switzerland and Austria, so you'll enjoy a hybrid of flavors and recipes.

Is Ghent or Lindau Better for Nightlife?

Ghent
Lindau

Ghent is terrific for nightlife and partying. However, Lindau is a town with minimal options for its evening party scene.

Ghent is a must-see 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.

Lindau doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It's not known for its nightlife scene but there are bars where you can enjoy a relaxing night out.

Is Ghent or Lindau Better for its Old Town?

Ghent
Lindau

Visitors enjoy the very good old town areas in both Ghent and Lindau.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Ghent. The medieval old town follows along the canal and offers great architecture and a unique atmosphere.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Lindau. The old town is located on Lindau island in Lake Constance. It has quaint buildings and many waterfront restaurants.


Is the Shopping Better in Ghent or Lindau?

Ghent
Lindau

Ghent is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Lindau 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.

Lindau is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Ghent or Lindau Better for Families?

Ghent
Lindau

Lindau is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Ghent is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Lindau is a very family-friendly place to visit. Head to the waterfront where there's a playground, stand up paddleboarding, paddleboats, and more. Kids will also enjoy climbing to the top of the Old Lighthouse or exploring the Museum of Local History.

Ghent is a family-friendly city. 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.

Is Ghent or Lindau Better for Couples?

Ghent
Lindau

Ghent and Lindau both very good 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.

Lindau makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With its charming old town, beautiful waterfront, great seafood restaurants, and nice hotels, couples will really enjoy a few days away at this lakefront town. It's the perfect place to have a romantic weekend.


Is Ghent or Lindau Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ghent
Lindau

Both Ghent and Lindau are nice 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 Lindau. The town has a couple of hostels and affordable hotels that make this waterfront town accessible to backpackers and budget travelers.

Is Ghent or Lindau Better for Students?

Ghent
Lindau

Ghent is terrific for students. However, Lindau is not popular with students.

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

Lindau is not popular with students.

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

Ghent
Lindau

Ghent is terrific for its public transit. However, Lindau is a town with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Ghent can take you anywhere. Buses and trams travel to most parts of the city and are convenient and efficient.

Public transit is mostly limited in Lindau. It's possible to reach town by bus or train and once you're in town you can walk many places.


Is Ghent or Lindau a more walkable city?

Ghent
Lindau

Ghent and Lindau both are very good when exploring on foot.

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

Lindau is a very walkable city. The town is very walkable and there are also many walks into the countryside.

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

Should I spend more time in Lindau or Ghent?

How long in Ghent or Lindau?

It's fun to spend time in either Ghent or Lindau. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Lindau due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Ghent, and 2-4 days is enough time in Lindau.

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

Couples should spend more time in Ghent than Lindau. 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 Lindau 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.


  • How many days in Ghent or Lindau? Ideal Length of Stay
    Ghent 1-3 
    Lindau 2-4

One day in Ghent or Lindau?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Ghent. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Even though Lindau is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This 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 Lindau?

Ghent is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

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


Five days in Ghent or Lindau?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ghent. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Lindau is a fun place to experience. Lindau 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 Lindau?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural destination of Ghent. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Lindau 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Germany, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Germany.


Which place is cheaper, Lindau 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 Lindau is €163. 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 Lindau in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Ghent 72
    Lindau 91
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Ghent 144
    Lindau 182
Compare Hotels in Ghent and Lindau

Looking for a hotel in Ghent or Lindau? 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 Lindau


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 Lindau Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Ghent 19
    Lindau 40

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ghent

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ghent:

  • Departure Private Transfer from Ghent City to Brussels Airport by Business Car: $147
  • Departure Private Transfer from Ghent City to Brussels Airport by Luxury Van: $166
  • Ghent <-> Amsterdam Shuttle Transfer (1 to 8 Seats): $229
  • Ostend <-> Luxembourg transfer (1 to 8 places): $233
  • Ostend Bruges Airport(OST) to Bruges- Round-Trip Private Transfer: $63

Is it cheaper to fly into Ghent or Lindau?

Prices for flights to both Lindau 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
    Lindau 45

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ghent

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

  • Walking food tour: Introduction to Ghent through food: $102
  • Small-Group Food Tour in Ghent by Bike: $158

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Ghent 8.64
    Lindau 27

Tours and Activities in Ghent

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

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Gastronomic Walking Tour of Gent - Tasters included: $3.26
  • Historical Walking Tour: Legends of Gent: $3.26
  • Ghent city tour: audio guide in your smartphone: $5.35
  • Self Guided City Audio Tour in Ghent: $5.45
  • Hidden A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Escape Game and Tour: $6.95
  • Ghent Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $7.08
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Walking Tour: $8.02
  • Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $8.02
  • Medieval Center Guided Boat Tour: $11
  • 40-Minute Historical Boat Tour of City Center: $11

Tours and Activities in Lindau

Here are a few actual costs in Lindau for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Lindau Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Murder Crime Game Self-Guided Interactive Tour: $74
  • Private Guided Walking Tour: $207
  • Lindau Private Christmas Market Tour: $267
  • Lindau - Town Highlights Walking Tour: $321

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Ghent 18
    Lindau 25

Sample the Local Flavors in Ghent

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Ghent:

  • Ghent Pub Trail : Pub crawl with interactive online game: $12
  • Private Ghent Beer & Brewery Tour by a young local: $245

Sample the Local Flavors in Lindau

Also in Lindau, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Lake Constance wine tour > day tour > wine tasting at 3 winemakers: $195


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


Which is Bigger, Ghent or Lindau?

Ghent has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Lindau. When comparing the sizes of Ghent and Lindau, 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.