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

Should you visit Ghent or Ljubljana?

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 Ljubljana. 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 cultural, historic, and under-rated city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Ljubljana

Ljubljana is a authentic, historic, and charming capital city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Ghent and Ljubljana: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ghent or Ljubljana?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Ljubljana. Although Ghent and Ljubljana are roughly the same size, Ljubljana has more sights and attractions for tourists. Ljubljana is more popular for its big city activities, while Ghent is known for its museums, food, nightlife, and impressive beauty. Ghent is popular for its medieval buildings, large squares, and weekly markets Ljubljana is popular for its small town atmosphere in a big city setting that's filled with culture, architecture, and natural beauty. It is also home to The Ljubljana Castle.

How is Ghent different from Ljubljana?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Ghent is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Ljubljana is not as popular, but is still a nice capital city for its sights and museums.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Ghent can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Ljubljana offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Because the city is so compact, it's easy to see the notable landmarks with an easy walk. Famous landmarks include Ljubljana Castle, the Dragon Bridge, and the Franciscan Church.

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

Ghent is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Ljubljana is not as popular, but is still a nice capital city 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Ljubljana. The city is surrounded by nature, so there's easy access to wild fruits and vegetables. It also has a lot of locally made honey and traditional, family run restaurants. Popular dishes include local sausage, pražen krompir (a potato side dish) and Slovenian style fried chicken.

Is Ghent or Ljubljana Better for Nightlife?

Ghent is renowned for nightlife. Also, Ljubljana is not as popular, but is still a nice capital city for nightlife and partying.

Ghent is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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 Ljubljana. Given its small size, there are a surprising number of clubs and bars in town. The city has a vibrant energy in the evening, and it's easy to travel from venue to venue on foot.

Is Ghent or Ljubljana Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the great old town areas in both Ghent and Ljubljana.

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 Ljubljana. The old town is compact with wondering cobblestone streets and historic landmarks. At the heart of the city is Prešernov trg Square, which is where you'll find several notable buildings and nearby Central Market.

Is the Shopping Better in Ghent or Ljubljana?

Both Ghent and Ljubljana are great shopping destinations.

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.

Ljubljana is well-known for its shopping. The city has several shopping streets where you can find local and international fashion brands. Many people enjoy shopping for crystal and glass products in the city. Also check out the Central Market which has fresh local food products.

Is Ghent or Ljubljana Better for Families?

Ghent is a nice place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, Ljubljana is not known for its family-friendly activities.

Ghent offers lots of family activities. 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.

Ljubljana is not the most family-friendly destination. The city has several good museums including the House of Experiments, which is only open on weekends. There are parks you can explore and it's fun to take the funicular to the castle. You can also take a boat ride which is fun for the whole family.

Is Ghent or Ljubljana Better for Couples?

Ghent is a great city for romance. Also, Ljubljana is not as popular, but is still a nice capital city 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.

Ljubljana makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's one of the more under-rated cities in Europe, but there are a number of romantic activities that you can enjoy here. Explore the old town, wander through the botanical gardens, or take a boat ride along the river. All make for a nice couple's weekend.

Is Ghent or Ljubljana Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ljubljana 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 Ljubljana. Although its not as popular as many of the more well known cities, this is an affordable option that is great 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.

Is Ghent or Ljubljana Better for Students?

Ghent is renowned for its student-friendly activities. Also, Ljubljana is not as popular, but is still a nice capital city for students.

Ghent is a great destination 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.

Ljubljana is a good city to visit for students. If you're looking for a unique study abroad opportunity, the University of Ljubljana offers an excellent academic experience in a a lively small city with easy access to nature.

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

Ghent is renowned for times when you don't have a car. Also, Ljubljana is not as popular, but is still a nice capital city for its public transit.

Ghent has a great public transit system. Buses and trams travel to most parts of the city and are convenient and efficient.

Ljubljana has a few public transit options. There is a city bus system.

Is Ghent or Ljubljana a more walkable city?

Ghent and Ljubljana both are great when exploring on foot.

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

Ljubljana is a very walkable city. It is compact and easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Ljubljana or Ghent?

How long in Ghent or Ljubljana?

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

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

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Ghent. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Ghent has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Ljubljana, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this historic destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This capital 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 Ljubljana?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the under-rated destination of Ghent. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

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

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historic city of Ghent. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the nightlife. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Ljubljana is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Ljubljana. 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 Ljubljana?

Ghent is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

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

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

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

Which is Bigger, Ghent or Ljubljana?

Ljubljana has a larger population, and is about 10% larger than the population of Ghent. When comparing the sizes of Ghent and Ljubljana, 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 Ljubljana?

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 Ljubljana in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Ghent as well as Ljubljana. Many visitors come to Ghent in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Ljubljana for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Ghent is cooler than Ljubljana in the summer. The daily temperature in Ghent averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Ljubljana fluctuates around 22°C (72°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ljubljana. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ghent this time of the year. In the summer, Ghent often gets less sunshine than Ljubljana. Ghent gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ljubljana receives 260 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Ljubljana. Ghent usually gets less rain in July than Ljubljana. Ghent gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ghent or Ljubljana in the Autumn?

Both Ljubljana and Ghent are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Ghent for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Ljubljana because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Ghent is around the same temperature as Ljubljana. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ghent in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Ljubljana averages at about 13°C (56°F).

Ghent usually receives less sunshine than Ljubljana during autumn. Ghent gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Ljubljana receives 116 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Ljubljana. In October, Ghent usually receives less rain than Ljubljana. Ghent gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 115 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Ghent or Ljubljana in the Winter?

Both Ljubljana and Ghent during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Ghent because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Ljubljana this time of year.

It's quite cold in Ljubljana in the winter. The weather in Ghent can be very cold. In January, Ghent is generally much warmer than Ljubljana. Daily temperatures in Ghent average around 3°C (38°F), and Ljubljana fluctuates around 1°C (34°F).

In the winter, Ghent often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ljubljana. Ghent gets 47 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ljubljana receives 47 hours of full sun.

Ghent usually gets less rain in January than Ljubljana. Ghent gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ghent or Ljubljana in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Ghent and Ljubljana. The natural beauty are the main draw to Ghent this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Ljubljana for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Ghent is cooler than Ljubljana in the spring. The daily temperature in Ghent averages around 8°C (47°F) in April, and Ljubljana fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Ghent usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ljubljana during spring. Ghent gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Ljubljana receives 162 hours of full sun in the spring.

Ljubljana receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Ghent usually receives less rain than Ljubljana. Ghent gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Ljubljana receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Ljubljana and Ghent