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

Should you visit Ghent or Naples?

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 Naples. 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. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Naples

Naples is a authentic, gritty, and colorful city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Ghent and Naples: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ghent or Naples?

You'll generally find more things to do in Naples than Ghent. Naples is bigger than Ghent, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Naples is better known for its food and big city activities, while Ghent is more popular for its nightlife and impressive beauty. Ghent is well known for its medieval buildings, large squares, and weekly markets Naples is well known for its colorful atmosphere, long running history, and influence on world cuisine as the birthplace of pizza. Also, Naples is famous for Piazza del Plebiscito.

How is Ghent different from Naples?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Ghent and Naples have great 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.

Naples offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Most of the sights are concentrated in the city's historic center. The Naples Harbor is a gateway to the Mediterranean. Also worth visiting are the National Archeological Museum, Capodimonte Royal Palace, Castel Nuovo, and the Catacombs of San Gennaro.

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

Naples 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 Naples, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. As the birthplace of pizza, the city has a well known food reputation. Many local dishes, including an authentic Napoli pizza, use simple flavors such as olive oil, garlic, and tomatoes. The dishes are lighter than their northern counterparts and tomatoes are a very popular ingredient. In addition to the pizza, you should try Lasagna Al Forno Napoletana and Spaghetti Alla Vognole. Also check out a pizza making class.

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 Naples Better for Nightlife?

Ghent is a world-class destination for its evening party scene. Also, Naples is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

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.

Many people head to Naples for the nightlife scene. The nightlife scene includes small bars, wineries, and dance clubs, but much of the energy and activity is actually focused on being outdoors. There is plenty of live music and many nightclubs are actually "disco bars" that are found tucked away in the city's historic center.

Is Ghent or Naples Better for its Old Town?

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

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 Naples. Most of the city's tourist attractions are found in the historic center, which includes beautiful fountains, grand churches, and an impressive network of catacombs and caves.

Is the Shopping Better in Ghent or Naples?

Both Ghent and Naples 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.

Naples is well-known for its shopping. There are shopping streets and districts that have boutique clothing vendors, high end brands, and major chains. There's plenty of diversity in the shopping scene and some of the best shopping areas include Via Toledo, the Chiaia District, and Poggioreale Market.

Is Ghent or Naples Better for Families?

Both Ghent and Naples 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.

Naples is a family-friendly city. Despite its rough-around-the-edges reputation, the city actually has some fun kid-friendly activities. As the birthplace of pizza, a childhood favorite, eating is a kid approved activity. You can even try your hand at pizza making classes. Other fun kid-friendly activities include exploring the underground city, going to The Science Centre of Citta della Scienza, and running around Parco di Capodimonte.

Is Ghent or Naples Better for Couples?

Ghent and Naples both great 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.

Naples makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Dining on pizza, wine tasting, or taking a cruise on the Gulf of Naples all make this city a great couples destination. There are also many romantic day trips in the area, so many couples use Naples as a base for exploring the region.

Is Ghent or Naples Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Naples 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 Naples. It's more affordable than most of northern Italy, and it has plenty of hostels to choose from. The city makes a great stop for backpackers who want to see a different part of Italy. While not completely off the backpacker trail, Naples is not inundated with tourists the way some other Italian cities are.

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 Naples Better for Students?

Ghent is a world-class destination for students. Also, Naples is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

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.

It's common for students to visit Naples. It's a large city with a lot to see and do. Students also appreciate the many day trips that are available in the area.

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

Ghent is a world-class destination for its public transit. Also, Naples is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Naples. There's a metro with two metro lines as well as four suburban train lines. There are also funiculars, regional trains, and ferries to the surrounding areas.

Is Ghent or Naples a more walkable city?

Ghent and Naples both are great when exploring on foot.

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

Naples is a very walkable city. The historic center is flat and easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Naples or Ghent?

How long in Ghent or Naples?

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

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

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

One day in Ghent or Naples?

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.

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

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 Naples. 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 Naples?

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.

Naples is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the big city destination of Naples. Lots of people come for the food. 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 Naples?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the authentic big city of Naples. 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 food. 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 in Italy, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Ghent and Naples, we can see that Naples is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Ghent or Naples?

Naples has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Ghent. When comparing the sizes of Ghent and Naples, 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 Naples?

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 Naples in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Ghent and Naples. Many visitors come to Ghent in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Naples for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Ghent is generally cooler than Naples. Daily temperatures in Ghent average around 17°C (63°F), and Naples fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Naples this time of the year. In Ghent, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ghent usually receives less sunshine than Naples during summer. Ghent gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Naples receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Ghent usually receives more rain than Naples. Ghent gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Naples receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Ghent or Naples in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Ghent as well as Naples. 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 Naples because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Ghent is cooler than Naples in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ghent averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Naples fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Ghent often gets less sunshine than Naples. Ghent gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Naples receives 189 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Naples. Ghent usually gets less rain in October than Naples. Ghent gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Naples receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ghent or Naples in the Winter?

Both Naples and Ghent are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. 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 Naples this time of year.

The weather in Ghent can be very cold. In the winter, Ghent is much colder than Naples. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ghent in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Naples averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Ghent usually receives less sunshine than Naples during winter. Ghent gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Naples receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Naples. In January, Ghent usually receives less rain than Naples. Ghent gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Naples receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Ghent or Naples in the Spring?

Both Naples and Ghent during the spring are popular places to visit. The natural beauty are the main draw to Ghent this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Naples for the activities around the city.

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

In the spring, Ghent often gets less sunshine than Naples. Ghent gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Naples receives 189 hours of full sun.

Ghent usually gets less rain in April than Naples. Ghent gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Naples receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Naples and Ghent