A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ghent vs. Rio de Janeiro for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Backpackers

Should you visit Ghent or Rio de Janeiro?

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 Rio de Janeiro. 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 Ghent is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Ghent travel costs.

Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro is a multicultural, festive, and diverse city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. You'll find world class beauty in Rio de Janeiro as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches. See Rio de Janeiro travel costs.

Ghent and Rio de Janeiro: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ghent or Rio de Janeiro?

You'll generally find more things to do in Rio de Janeiro than Ghent. Rio de Janeiro is bigger than Ghent, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Rio de Janeiro is better known for its museums and attractions, food, beaches, hiking, shopping, and big city activities, while Ghent is more popular for its historical sights. Rio de Janeiro is more touristy than Ghent and is known for its samba dancing, sandy beaches, and Carnival. Also, Rio de Janeiro is famous for Christ the Redeemer. Ghent is well known for its medieval buildings, large squares, and weekly markets

How is Ghent different from Rio de Janeiro?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro?

Rio de Janeiro is a world-class destination for its sights and museums. Also, Ghent is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Rio de Janeiro that are not to be missed. Looking out over the city is the world famous landmark of Christ the Redeemer. It sits on top of Corcovado Mountain and it is a must-see destination for visitors to the city. Other sights around town include the church and monastery of São Bento, the stunning church of São Francisco da Penitência, the imperial palaces of São Cristóvão, and the baroque church of Nossa Senhora do Carmo.

Ghent offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Is the Food Better in Ghent or Rio de Janeiro? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The cuisine around town mixes African and European cooking styles to give it a unique taste. The city is a mix of cultures and flavors and you'll find restaurants that integrate traditional Brazilian dishes with international influences. You'll find a wonderful street food scene, but also fine dining, and everything in between. Some of the most popular dishes include feijoada (beef and bean stew), churrasco (Brazilian barbecue), and pão de queijo (baked dough and cheese).

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 Rio de Janeiro Better for Nightlife?

Both Ghent and Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. It has a world famous nightlife scene, and the most popular party neighborhood is Lapa. While the biggest crowds are on the weekends, weeknights stay busy as well. Every weekend in Lapa there's a huge street party, but there are also bars and dance clubs nearby. A more local neighborhood is Botafogo, which is a great area to grab a beer and enjoy a relaxed night out. If you want a beachside bar, check out the touristy neighborhoods of Ipanema and Copacabana.

Is Ghent or Rio de Janeiro Better for Beaches?

Rio de Janeiro is a world-class destination for its beaches. However, Ghent is not a beach destination.

Rio de Janeiro offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The beaches have long been written about and made iconic by songs and literary works. Copacabana and Ipanema are world renowned, and the sandy stretches and vibrant waterfront promenades will not disappoint. There are plenty of recreational activities as well as a striking blue water backdrop. You'll find beach parties, waterside bars, and pickup games of football or volleyball. In addition to these iconic beaches, there are several lesser known places to visit like Joatinga and Barra da Tijuca.

Ghent is not a beach destination.

Is Ghent or Rio de Janeiro Better for its Old Town?

Ghent is a great destination for its historic old town charm. However, Rio de Janeiro does not have a historic old town.

Ghent is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The medieval old town follows along the canal and offers great architecture and a unique atmosphere.

Rio de Janeiro does not have a historic old town.

Is Ghent or Rio de Janeiro Better for Hiking?

Rio de Janeiro is a world-class destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Ghent is not a hiking destination.

Rio de Janeiro is well-known for its hiking and trekking. Although it is a bustling megacity, it also offers access to world class hikes. The city is filled with mountains and dramatic peaks, so many hikes take you to spectacular views of the city. There are also jungle hikes and even opportunities to see local wildlife. There's a combination of iconic trails and lesser known strolls that will let you truly absorb what this city has to offer. Some of the best hikes include Pedra Bonita, Dois Irmaos, and Pedra da Gávea.

Ghent is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ghent or Rio de Janeiro?

Rio de Janeiro 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.

Rio de Janeiro is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The shopping is as diverse as the city itself. Whatever your budget, there are options for you. There are wonderful street markets for those on a budget and grand shopping malls if you're looking for something a bit higher end. Some of the best places for shopping include Rio Sul, Barra Shopping, and SAARA Market.

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 Rio de Janeiro More Beautiful?

Ghent and Rio de Janeiro 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.

Rio de Janeiro is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. The city's mountainous landscapes and striking beaches make it, arguably, one of the most beautiful cities in the world. There are many mountaintop views of the city as well as city hikes and iconic neighborhoods.

Is Ghent or Rio de Janeiro Better for Families?

Rio de Janeiro 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.

Rio de Janeiro is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the beaches. It's easy to spend days by the water soaking up the sun. Another must-do is a trip up Sugarloaf Mountain. The cable cars are fun and there are jungle walks and spectacular views. If you need to escape the rain or heat, spend the day at the Museum of Tomorrow.

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 Rio de Janeiro Better for Couples?

Ghent and Rio de Janeiro 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.

Rio de Janeiro makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many parks and gardens around town that are perfect for a stroll. Nature lovers will enjoy the many hikes in the area, many which go through the jungle, visit waterfalls, or offer spectacular views. And, of course, Sugarloaf Mountain is a must-see destination, as are the many beaches in the area.

Is Ghent or Rio de Janeiro Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Rio de Janeiro is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Ghent is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Rio de Janeiro is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. Backpackers flock to the city for its wild nightlife scene and beautiful beaches. There's a huge backpacker culture here and many hostels around town that offer a social setting and plenty of activities for guests.

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 Rio de Janeiro Better for Students?

Ghent is a world-class destination for students. However, Rio de Janeiro 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.

Rio de Janeiro is not popular with students.

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

Ghent is a world-class destination for its public transit. Also, Rio de Janeiro 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.

Public transit in Rio de Janeiro is fairly effecient and thorough. The city has a subway system, MetroRio, that is relatively reliable and convenient. There are also city buses, trams, and commuter trains.

Is Ghent or Rio de Janeiro a more walkable city?

Ghent and Rio de Janeiro both are very good when exploring on foot.

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

Rio de Janeiro is a very walkable city. Most of the areas where tourists spend their time are relatively walkable. Centro is compact and many tourists choose to explore areas on foot. As always, remember to take the appropriate safety precautions and always be aware of your surroundings.

For even more information, also check out Is Ghent Worth Visiting? and Is Rio de Janeiro Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Rio de Janeiro or Ghent?

How long in Ghent or Rio de Janeiro?

Ghent and Rio de Janeiro both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Rio de Janeiro than Ghent because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Ghent, and 4-6 days is enough time in Rio de Janeiro.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro.

One day in Ghent or Rio de Janeiro?

In Ghent, you'll find museums and nightlife. Visiting the old town is also a must. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Each neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. It's also a great beach destination, too. This city 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 Rio de Janeiro?

Ghent is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Rio de Janeiro. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 Rio de Janeiro?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ghent. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. It offers something for everyone. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Rio de Janeiro is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Ghent or Rio de Janeiro?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Ghent. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. 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 shopping around the high energy big city of Rio de Janeiro. Most people come for the beaches. 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 G Adventures Tours to Brazil, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rio de Janeiro.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ghent and Rio de Janeiro, we can see that Ghent is more expensive. And not only is Rio de Janeiro much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Ghent is in Europe and Rio de Janeiro is in South America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Rio de Janeiro would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro.

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

Which is Bigger, Ghent or Rio de Janeiro?

Rio de Janeiro has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Ghent. When comparing the sizes of Ghent and Rio de Janeiro, 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 Rio de Janeiro?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Rio de Janeiro is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Ghent has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Ghent or Rio de Janeiro in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Ghent and Rio de Janeiro. Most visitors come to Ghent for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Rio de Janeiro because of the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Ghent is generally much colder than Rio de Janeiroin January. Daily temperatures in Ghent average around 17°C (63°F), and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 26°C (79°F).

Rio de Janeiro receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Ghent usually receives less rain than Rio de Janeiroin January. Ghent gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Ghent or Rio de Janeiro in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Ghent as well as Rio de Janeiro. The autumn months attract visitors to Ghent because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Rio de Janeiro this time of year.

Ghent is much colder than Rio de Janeiro in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ghent averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 25°C (77°F)in April.

It's quite rainy in Rio de Janeiro. Ghent usually gets less rain in October than Rio de Janeiroin April. Ghent gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, May to November in Rio de Janeiro is the dry season. December to April in Rio de Janeiro is the rainy season.

Should I visit Ghent or Rio de Janeiro in the Winter?

Both Rio de Janeiro and Ghent are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Ghent this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Rio de Janeiro for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Ghent in the winter. In the winter, Ghent is much colder than Rio de Janeiro. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ghent in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Rio de Janeiro averages at about 21°C (70°F)in July.

In January, Ghent usually receives around the same amount of rain as Rio de Janeiroin July. Ghent gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Ghent or Rio de Janeiro in the Spring?

Both Rio de Janeiro and Ghent during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Ghent for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Rio de Janeiro in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In April, Ghent is generally much colder than Rio de Janeiroin October. Daily temperatures in Ghent average around 8°C (47°F), and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

Ghent usually gets less rain in April than Rio de Janeiroin October. Ghent gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year. May to November is the dry season in Rio de Janeiro. December to April is the rainy season in Rio de Janeiro.

Typical Weather for Rio de Janeiro and Ghent