A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ghent vs. Split for Nightlife, Couples, Backpackers, and Attractions

Should you visit Ghent or Split?

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 Split. 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. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Split

Split is a active, touristy, and fun-filled city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Ghent and Split: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ghent or Split?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Split than Ghent. While Ghent is larger than Split, Split has more sights and attractions for tourists. Split is very popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and big city activities, while Ghent attracts visitors for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Split is more touristy than Ghent and is popular for its historical sights, high energy coastal setting, and waterfront promenades. It is also well known for Diocletian's Palace. Ghent is famous for its medieval buildings, large squares, and weekly markets

How is Ghent different from Split?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Ghent and Split have excellent 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.

Split offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is filled with historical sights, some of which were used in the shooting of the famed television series, Game of Thrones. Highlights include Diocletian's Palace, the Cathedral of St. Domnius, and the Ivan Mestrovic Gallery.

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

Foodies will find both Ghent and Split both to be excellent destinations.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Ghent makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Split has a huge number of terrific restaurants. It's the second largest city in Croatia and the food scene reflects this. You'll find a mix of Dalmatian restaurants and international options. There's also everything from fine dining to local taverns, so whatever your budget or food preference, you won't be disappointed.

Is Ghent or Split Better for Nightlife?

Both Ghent and Split are terrific 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 Split is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. It has some of the best nightlife on mainland Croatia. Backpackers and students flock to this city for its parties and nightclubs. There's a great live music scene as well as DJs who keep the party going well into the early morning.

Is Ghent or Split Better for Resorts?

Split is a well-known place for its resorts. However, Ghent is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Split to choose from. You'll find a mix of popular resort chains, local boutique hotels, vacation rentals, and hostels. Whatever your budget or travel style there are options available.

Ghent is not a resort destination.

Is Ghent or Split Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Split is a well-known place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Ghent is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near Split. Some of the best snorkeling is found around the Kornati Islands. There are many boat trips that take visitors to some of the best snorkeling spots near Split.

Ghent is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Ghent or Split Better for Beaches?

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

Many people visit Split for it's beautiful beaches. There are many beaches in the area that are a mix of pebbly or sandy. Many have restaurants or bars nearby and the vibe is social and laid back. Some of the best beaches near town are Bacvice Beach, Žnjan Beach, and Kasjuni Beach.

Ghent is not a beach destination.

Is Ghent or Split Better for its Old Town?

Ghent is an excellent place to visit for its old town. Also, Split is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town charm.

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.

Split offers a nice historic old town area. The old town spreads out from Diocletian's Palace and People's Square. It's filled with cobblestone streets and restaurants that spill into the outdoors.

Is the Shopping Better in Ghent or Split?

Both Ghent and Split are excellent 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.

Split is well-known for its shopping. Shopping and sightseeing are intermixed in town. Make sure you don't miss the Old Market, which is the city's main outdoor market. There are many shops all through the old town as well.

Is Ghent or Split Better for Families?

Split 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.

Split is a very family-friendly place to visit. With its parks, beaches, and outdoor activities, kids will love this spot. Zvonac Park is one of the best in town for kids. Young kids will appreciate the Dinasour Playground. Also make sure you allow time to explore Diocletian's Palace and Klis Fortress. There are also beaches and other water activities that are fun for the whole family.

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 Split Better for Couples?

Split 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.

Split is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. It's not uncommon for couples to choose Split as their honeymoon destination. The old town is filled with character and charm. There are also parks where you can enjoy a picnic and beaches where you can soak up the fun of the Adriatic Sea. Cafes serving local cuisine spill into the streets and the old world charm offers a romantic ambiance that can only be found in Croatia.

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 Split Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Split 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.

Split is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. There's no shortage of hostels in town. This is a not-to-be-missed backpacker destination in Croatia and the social scene, beaches, water activities, and history all make Split a highlight for many backpackers.

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 Split Better for Students?

Ghent is terrific for its student-friendly activities. Also, Split is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for 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.

Split is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. It's easy to visit on a student's budget. There are plenty of hostels and a huge party scene that bring backpackers and students together.

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

Ghent is terrific for times when you don't have a car. Also, Split is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Ghent can take you anywhere. Buses and trams travel to most parts of the city and are convenient and efficient.

You'll find some public transit in Split, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are bus services that will help you get around town.

Is Ghent or Split a more walkable city?

Ghent and Split both are excellent when exploring on foot.

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

Split is a very walkable city. The city is laid out in a pedestrian-friendly way so it's easy to explore on foot, particularly in the old town. It's also easy to get lost, but that's all part of the fun.

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

Should I spend more time in Split or Ghent?

How long in Ghent or Split?

It's fun to spend time in either Ghent or Split. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Split due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Ghent, and 2-4 days is enough time in Split.

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

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

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

One day in Ghent or Split?

In Ghent, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this under-rated 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.

In Split, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this historic destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Lots of people come for the nightlife. 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 Split?

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 Split. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 Split?

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.

Split is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Split. Lots of people come for the nightlife. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Ghent or Split?

You'll find food and shopping around the cultural 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 fun-filled destination of Split. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium, The Best Walking Tours in Croatia, and The Best Luxury Tours to Croatia.

When comparing the travel costs between Ghent and Split, 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 Split Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ghent or Split?

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

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 Split in the Summer?

Both Split and Ghent during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Ghent because of the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Split this time of year.

In the summer, Ghent is much colder than Split. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ghent in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Split averages at about 26°C (80°F).

In Split, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Ghent. In the summer, Ghent often gets less sunshine than Split. Ghent gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 345 hours of full sun.

Ghent usually gets more rain in July than Split. Ghent gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Split receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ghent or Split in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Ghent and Split. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Ghent this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Split for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Ghent is generally cooler than Split. Daily temperatures in Ghent average around 12°C (54°F), and Split fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Split this time of the year. Ghent usually receives less sunshine than Split during autumn. Ghent gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Ghent usually receives around the same amount of rain as Split. Ghent gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Split receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Ghent or Split in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Ghent as well as Split. Many travelers come to Ghent for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Split in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Ghent. Ghent is much colder than Split in the winter. The daily temperature in Ghent averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Split fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Ghent often gets less sunshine than Split. Ghent gets 47 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Split receives 128 hours of full sun.

Ghent usually gets less rain in January than Split. Ghent gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Split receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ghent or Split in the Spring?

Both Split and Ghent are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Ghent in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Split for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Ghent is much colder than Split. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ghent in April average around 8°C (47°F), and Split averages at about 15°C (59°F).

It's quite sunny in Split. Ghent usually receives less sunshine than Split during spring. Ghent gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Split receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Ghent usually receives less rain than Split. Ghent gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Split receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Split and Ghent