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

Should you visit Ghent or Nice?

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 Nice. 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. You'll find world class beauty in Ghent as well. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping. See Ghent travel costs.

Nice

Nice is a glamourous, beautiful, and opulent seaside destination. You'll find world class beauty in Nice as well. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. It's also known for food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches. See Nice travel costs.

Ghent and Nice: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ghent or Nice?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Nice than Ghent. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Nice is very popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and quaint atmosphere, while Ghent attracts visitors for its museums and attractions. Nice is more touristy than Ghent and is known for its beachfront setting in the French Riviera as well as its popularity with A-list celebrities. It is also well known for The Promenade des Anglais. Ghent is famous for its medieval buildings, large squares, and weekly markets

How is Ghent different from Nice?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Ghent is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Nice does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Nice does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Nice 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 Nice, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The cuisine brings together fresh regional ingredients and mixes Provençal and Niçoise flavors. You'll find a lot of Italian influence as well. Fresh seafood is the thing to try while you're in town, but other local favorites include socca, Ratatouille, and Salade niçoise.

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 Nice Better for Nightlife?

Both Ghent and Nice 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 Nice is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The city has some of the best nightlife on the Cote d'Azur. You'll find a number of nightclubs along the seaside as well a bars and pubs in the Old Town. Some of the best clubs are along Promenade des Anglais.

Is Ghent or Nice Better for Resorts?

Nice is a world-class destination for its resorts. However, Ghent is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Nice for its luxury resorts. The city has boutique hotels as well high end luxury resorts. Popular options include Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée, Hôtel Suisse, and AC Hotel by Marriott.

Ghent is not a resort destination.

Is Ghent or Nice Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Nice is a good destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Ghent is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Nice. There are some places where you can arrange a snorkeling or dive trip to explore the underwater setting.

Ghent is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Ghent or Nice Better for Beaches?

Nice is a well-known place for its beaches. However, Ghent is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Nice for it's beautiful beaches. The city has about 4 miles of beach along its coastline and there are both public and private beaches available. La Réserve is a public beach with a laid back and fun vibe. Plage Beau Rivage is a private beach with many amenities, making it a favorite for visitors. Blue Beach is another private beach that is very family-friendly.

Ghent is not a beach destination.

Is Ghent or Nice Better for its Old Town?

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

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 Nice. Wandering around the charming old town is a quintessential part of visiting this city. There are many historic churches and squares, as well as great restaurants and shops that you can pop in.

Is the Shopping Better in Ghent or Nice?

Both Ghent and Nice are very good 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.

Nice is well-known for its shopping. The city has long been a favorite for the rich and famous, so you'll find plenty of shopping opportunities around town. The boutique shops are chic, trendy, and fashionable, but for those on a budget, you can sometimes find a unique local purchase in your budget.

Is Ghent or Nice More Beautiful?

Ghent and Nice both are comparable with their fantastic scenery and beauty.

You'll find world class beauty in Ghent as well. With its medieval architecture and beautiful waterfront areas, the city has a lot to offer.

Nice is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. A premiere destination in the French Riviera, this town is known for it's luxury, glitz, charm, and personality.

Is Ghent or Nice Better for Families?

Both Ghent and Nice are nice 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.

Nice is a family-friendly city. The town has many fun playgrounds, kid-friendly beaches, and unique cultural opportunities that kids can enjoy. It also makes a great base for exploring the French Riviera and everything that it has to offer.

Is Ghent or Nice Better for Couples?

Nice is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Ghent is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Nice is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The old town is filled with romance and charm. You can also take a walk along the Promenade Des Anglais or soak up the romantic countryside that surrounds the town.

Ghent makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It makes a great weekend getaway with a diverse restaurant scene, nice hotels, and plenty of historic attractions that you can explore.

Is Ghent or Nice Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Ghent and Nice 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 Nice. Because it's one of the most popular tourist destinations in France, many backpackers make their way here. Nice is known for its high end vibe, so it can be challenging to find affordable options, but if you know where to look, they are around.

Is Ghent or Nice Better for Students?

Ghent is renowned for students. However, Nice 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.

Nice is not popular with students.

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

Ghent is renowned for its public transit. Also, Nice is not as famous, but is still a good seaside destination to visit for times when you don't have a car.

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

Nice offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are both buses and trams.

Is Ghent or Nice a more walkable city?

Nice 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 Nice on foot. You should definitely spend some time exploring the 7 kilometer long Promenade des Anglais.

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 Nice Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nice or Ghent?

How long in Ghent or Nice?

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

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

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

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

One day in Ghent or Nice?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Ghent. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Nice, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this trendy destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This seaside destination 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 Nice?

Ghent is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the nightlife. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nice. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Ghent or Nice?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the high energy destination of Ghent. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Nice is a fun place to experience. In Nice, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this quaint destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Ghent or Nice?

The youthful city of Ghent offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the beautiful destination of Nice. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 Budget Tours to Belgium, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Ghent or Nice?

Nice has a larger population, and is about 46% larger than the population of Ghent. When comparing the sizes of Ghent and Nice, 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 Nice?

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 Nice in the Summer?

Both Nice and Ghent are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Ghent for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Nice because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Ghent is cooler than Nice. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ghent in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Nice averages at about 23°C (73°F).

In July, Ghent usually receives more rain than Nice. Ghent gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Nice receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Ghent or Nice in the Autumn?

Both Nice and Ghent during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Ghent because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Nice this time of year.

In October, Ghent is generally cooler than Nice. Daily temperatures in Ghent average around 12°C (54°F), and Nice fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Nice gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Ghent usually gets less rain in October than Nice. Ghent gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Nice receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ghent or Nice in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Ghent and Nice. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Ghent this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Nice for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Ghent in the winter. Ghent is much colder than Nice in the winter. The daily temperature in Ghent averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Nice fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In January, Ghent usually receives less rain than Nice. Ghent gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Nice receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Ghent or Nice in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Ghent as well as Nice. Many travelers come to Ghent for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Nice in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Ghent is much colder than Nice. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ghent in April average around 8°C (47°F), and Nice averages at about 13°C (56°F).

Ghent usually gets less rain in April than Nice. Ghent gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Nice receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Nice and Ghent