A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ghent vs. Saint-Etienne for Nightlife, Attractions, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Ghent or Saint-Etienne?

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 Saint-Etienne. 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 under-rated, youthful, and high energy city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Saint-Etienne

Saint-Etienne is a authentic, historic, and park-filled city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, hiking, and museums.

Ghent and Saint-Etienne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ghent or Saint-Etienne?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Ghent than Saint-Etienne. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Ghent is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Saint-Etienne attracts visitors for its hiking. Ghent is more touristy than Saint-Etienne and is popular for its medieval buildings, large squares, and weekly markets It is also well known for The Fortress of Gravensteen. Saint-Etienne is famous for its industrial and manufacturing past.

How is Ghent different from Saint-Etienne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne?

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

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Saint-Etienne. There are several great museums in town including the Musée d'Art et d'Industrie, Musée de la Mine, Musée des Verts, and the planetarium.

Is the Food Better in Ghent or Saint-Etienne? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Ghent is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Saint-Etienne may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Try the many local cheeses which are a defining part of the cuisine in the area. You'll find some local restaurants around town where you can sample local flavors.

Is Ghent or Saint-Etienne Better for Nightlife?

Ghent is an amazing city to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

Ghent has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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 Saint-Etienne. The nightlife is centered around sipping wine or visiting one of the clubs in town.

Is Ghent or Saint-Etienne Better for its Old Town?

Ghent is great for its old town. However, Saint-Etienne does not have a historic old town.

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.

Saint-Etienne does not have a historic old town.

Is Ghent or Saint-Etienne Better for Hiking?

Saint-Etienne is a good destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Ghent is not a hiking destination.

Saint-Etienne offers some nice hiking trails. You'll find several great hikes just outside of town. It's a great way to experience the surrounding countryside.

Ghent is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ghent or Saint-Etienne?

Ghent is great for its shopping opportunities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its shopping areas.

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.

Saint-Etienne has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. Shopping malls and several boutique shopping areas make up the city's shopping scene.

Is Ghent or Saint-Etienne Better for Families?

Both Ghent and Saint-Etienne 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.

Saint-Etienne is a family-friendly city. There are several kid-friendly museums as well as plenty of natural settings just outside of town. Your kids can run around and stretch their legs nearby at Crest of the Partridge or on a rainy day, the planetarium is a fun place to visit.

Is Ghent or Saint-Etienne Better for Couples?

Ghent is great for its romantic activities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for couples.

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.

Saint-Etienne is not always the best place to visit for a couple. There are museums, parks, gardens, and beautiful architecture that make this a wonderful place for couples.

Is Ghent or Saint-Etienne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ghent is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination 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.

Saint-Etienne is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not high on the backpacker trail, but there are hostels and plenty of activities to enjoy.

Is Ghent or Saint-Etienne Better for Students?

Ghent is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Saint-Etienne is not popular with students.

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.

Saint-Etienne is not popular with students.

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

Ghent is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Public transit in Ghent is top-notch. Buses and trams travel to most parts of the city and are convenient and efficient.

Saint-Etienne has a few public transit options. There are tram and bus options available in town.

Is Ghent or Saint-Etienne a more walkable city?

Ghent is great for its high level of walkability. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its ease of walking around.

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

Saint-Etienne is a somewhat walkable city. There are several walkable areas in the city.

For even more information, also check out Is Ghent Worth Visiting? and Is Saint-Etienne Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Saint-Etienne or Ghent?

How long in Ghent or Saint-Etienne?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Ghent or Saint-Etienne to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Ghent than Saint-Etienne 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 1-2 days is enough time in Saint-Etienne.

Families should spend more time in Ghent than Saint-Etienne. 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 Saint-Etienne. 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 Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the youthful destination of Ghent. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

In Saint-Etienne, many people enjoy the nightlife and museums that this historic destination offers. 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 Saint-Etienne?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ghent. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint-Etienne. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. 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 Saint-Etienne?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the youthful destination of Ghent. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days 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.

Saint-Etienne is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and museums when visiting the destination of Saint-Etienne. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Ghent or Saint-Etienne?

You'll find food and shopping around the beautiful city of Ghent. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the authentic destination of Saint-Etienne. 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 Paris, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris.

When comparing the travel costs between Ghent and Saint-Etienne, we can see that Ghent 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 Saint-Etienne Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ghent or Saint-Etienne?

Ghent has a larger population, and is about 31% larger than the population of Saint-Etienne. When comparing the sizes of Ghent and Saint-Etienne, 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 Saint-Etienne?

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 Saint-Etienne in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Ghent as well as Saint-Etienne. The summer months attract visitors to Ghent because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Saint-Etienne this time of year.

In the summer, Ghent is cooler than Saint-Etienne. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ghent in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Saint-Etienne averages at about 22°C (71°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint-Etienne. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ghent this time of the year. In the summer, Ghent often gets less sunshine than Saint-Etienne. Ghent gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint-Etienne receives 285 hours of full sun.

Ghent usually gets more rain in July than Saint-Etienne. Ghent gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ghent or Saint-Etienne in the Autumn?

Both Saint-Etienne and Ghent are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Ghent this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Saint-Etienne for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Ghent is generally cooler than Saint-Etienne. Daily temperatures in Ghent average around 12°C (54°F), and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

Ghent usually receives less sunshine than Saint-Etienne during autumn. Ghent gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Saint-Etienne receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Ghent usually receives around the same amount of rain as Saint-Etienne. Ghent gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Ghent or Saint-Etienne in the Winter?

Both Saint-Etienne and Ghent during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Ghent for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Saint-Etienne in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Saint-Etienne can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Ghent. Ghent is cooler than Saint-Etienne in the winter. The daily temperature in Ghent averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Ghent often gets less sunshine than Saint-Etienne. Ghent gets 47 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint-Etienne receives 62 hours of full sun.

Ghent usually gets more rain in January than Saint-Etienne. Ghent gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ghent or Saint-Etienne in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Ghent and Saint-Etienne. Many visitors come to Ghent in the spring for the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Saint-Etienne for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Ghent is cooler than Saint-Etienne. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ghent in April average around 8°C (47°F), and Saint-Etienne averages at about 11°C (53°F).

Ghent usually receives less sunshine than Saint-Etienne during spring. Ghent gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Saint-Etienne receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Ghent usually receives less rain than Saint-Etienne. Ghent gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Saint-Etienne and Ghent