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

Should you visit Ghent or Milan?

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 Milan. 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. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Milan

Milan is a cultural, trendy, and chic city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for live music, food, and shopping.

Ghent and Milan: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ghent or Milan?

You'll generally find more things to do in Milan than Ghent. Milan is bigger than Ghent, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Ghent is well known for its medieval buildings, large squares, and weekly markets Milan is well known for its grand squares, dramatic architecture, and its leadership in the fashion world. Also, Milan is famous for Piazza del Duomo.

How is Ghent different from Milan?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Ghent and Milan have very good landmarks and museums for visitors.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.

Milan offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The Milan Cathedral is the most famous landmark in the city, but other sights include Castello Sforzesco, Pinacoteca di Brera, and Sant'Ambrogio.

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

Milan 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 Milan, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The city has a mix of traditional dishes combined with modernized, trendy restaurants. You can try a new dish by a groundbreaking chef, or sample a long running favorite like risotto alla Milanese.

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 Milan Better for Nightlife?

Both Ghent and Milan are fantastic when it comes to 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.

The nightlife in Milan is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The city has a huge number of students and young professionals, which make it a fun place with an active nightlife. There are cocktail bars, trendy clubs, and relaxed pubs that you can chose from.

Is Ghent or Milan Better for Music?

Milan is a world-class destination for live music. However, Ghent is not a live music destination.

Milan is a world class music destination. The diversity of music ranges from classical concerts to techno raves. Popular venues include Blue Note Milan, Santeria Social Club, and Spirit de Milan.

Ghent is not a live music destination.

Is Ghent or Milan Better for its Old Town?

Milan 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 Milan is revered around the world. Known as the Centro Storic, this area is the most popular with tourists. It's where you'll find the most historic buildings and beautiful sights in the city.

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 the Shopping Better in Ghent or Milan?

Milan is a world-class destination for shopping. Also, Ghent is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Milan is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. Famous as the fashion capital of Italy, shopping is the thing to do here. There are many streets that are lined with the biggest designers in fashion. Make sure you check out Via Monte Napoleone, Via Della Spiga, and Corso Buenos Aires.

Ghent is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Is Ghent or Milan Better for Families?

Both Ghent and Milan are notable 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.

Milan is a family-friendly city. The city has a science museum and a children's museum, MuBa, that is great for the kids. There are also a number of parks to explore as well as playgrounds where the kids and get out their energy.

Is Ghent or Milan Better for Couples?

Ghent and Milan 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.

Milan makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many beautiful buildings, excellent shopping, and romantic restaurants that make for a wonderful couple's getaway.

Is Ghent or Milan Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Milan 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 Milan. While not as popular with backpackers as some Italian city's, there are a number of hostels and great activities that are fun for visitors.

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 Milan Better for Students?

Ghent and Milan are both fantastic destinations for students and younger travelers.

Ghent is a very popular place to visit 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.

Many students frequent Milan. It is one of the more popular city's for international students in Italy. It is very livable with a lot of culture and a fun nightlife, so you're sure to have the experience of a lifetime.

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

Both Ghent and Milan offer fantastic public transit options.

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.

Visitors in Milan can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. Options include metro, bus, tram, and train lines.

Is Ghent or Milan a more walkable city?

Milan 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 Milan on foot. In particular, the city center is walkable.

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 Milan Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Milan or Ghent?

How long in Ghent or Milan?

In either Ghent or Milan, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Milan than Ghent because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Ghent, and 1-5 days is enough time in Milan.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Milan 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 Milan.

One day in Ghent or Milan?

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

Each neighborhood in Milan has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Milan?

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 Milan. 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 Milan?

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.

Milan is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Milan has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Ghent or Milan?

You'll find food and shopping around the high energy 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the trendy big city of Milan. 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 Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Ghent or Milan?

Milan has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Ghent. When comparing the sizes of Ghent and Milan, 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 Milan?

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 Milan in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Ghent as well as Milan. Most visitors come to Ghent for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Milan because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Ghent is generally cooler than Milan. Daily temperatures in Ghent average around 17°C (63°F), and Milan fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Milan. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ghent this time of the year. In the summer, Ghent often gets less sunshine than Milan. Ghent gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milan receives 250 hours of full sun.

Ghent usually gets more rain in July than Milan. Ghent gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Milan receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ghent or Milan in the Autumn?

Both Milan and Ghent are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Ghent because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Milan this time of year.

Ghent is cooler than Milan in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ghent averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Milan fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

Ghent usually receives less sunshine than Milan during autumn. Ghent gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Milan receives 152 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Milan. In October, Ghent usually receives less rain than Milan. Ghent gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Milan receives 103 mm (4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Ghent or Milan in the Winter?

Both Milan and Ghent during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Ghent this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Milan for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Milan. It's quite cold in Ghent in the winter. In the winter, Ghent is cooler than Milan. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ghent in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Milan averages at about 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Ghent often gets less sunshine than Milan. Ghent gets 47 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Milan receives 119 hours of full sun.

Ghent usually gets less rain in January than Milan. Ghent gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Milan receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ghent or Milan in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Ghent and Milan. Many travelers come to Ghent for the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Milan in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Ghent is generally much colder than Milan. Daily temperatures in Ghent average around 8°C (47°F), and Milan fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Ghent usually receives less sunshine than Milan during spring. Ghent gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Milan receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Ghent usually receives less rain than Milan. Ghent gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Milan receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Milan and Ghent