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

Should you visit Ghent or Strasbourg?

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 Strasbourg. 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 high energy, cultural, and historic city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Strasbourg

Strasbourg is a charming, picturesque, and impressive city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Ghent and Strasbourg: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ghent or Strasbourg?

Both Strasbourg and Ghent have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Ghent is more popular for its nightlife and impressive beauty, while Strasbourg is known for its historical sights. Strasbourg is more touristy than Ghent and is popular for its charming beauty, its impressive cathedral, and its quaint houses. Ghent is popular for its medieval buildings, large squares, and weekly markets

How is Ghent different from Strasbourg?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Ghent and Strasbourg have high quality 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.

Strasbourg offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. It is filled with grand monuments and historic landmarks. Many are concentrated in La Petite France and highlights include Strasbourg Cathedral, Barrage Vauban, Ponts Couverts, and Église Saint-Thomas.

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

Foodies will find both Ghent and Strasbourg both to be high quality 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.

Strasbourg has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The cuisine combines French and German flavors for rich and hearty flavors. Popular dishes include Tarte Flambée, Alsatian Sausages, and Baeckeoffe (meat and vegetable stew). Also make sure you sample the Sauerkraut, munster cheese, and Reisling wine.

Is Ghent or Strasbourg Better for Nightlife?

Ghent is a world-class destination for nightlife. Also, Strasbourg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Strasbourg. It's most famous for its monuments and charm, but the city also has plenty to do at night. The liveliest areas are The Krutenau (for students and tourists alike), The Grande-île, and La Petite France.

Is Ghent or Strasbourg Better for its Old Town?

Strasbourg is a world-class destination for its historic old town. Also, Ghent is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its old town.

The historic old town of Strasbourg is revered around the world. Known as La Petite France, the old town is filled with charming squares, historic monuments, and beautiful architecture.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Ghent. The medieval old town follows along the canal and offers great architecture and a unique atmosphere.

Is the Shopping Better in Ghent or Strasbourg?

Both Ghent and Strasbourg are high quality 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.

Strasbourg is well-known for its shopping. The city center is filled with pedestrian shopping streets and boutique stores. For some of the best shopping make sure you check out the main thoroughfare of Grand'Rue. If you want to pick up some trinkets or souvenirs, head to Place de la Cathédrale, and for department store shopping head to Galeries Lafayette Strasbourg.

Is Ghent or Strasbourg Better for Families?

Both Ghent and Strasbourg are good 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.

Strasbourg is a family-friendly city. Kids who love animals will enjoy a visit to Zoo de l’Orangerie or La Montagne des Singes. If the kids need to stretch their legs you can head to Deux-Rives Garden or on a rainy day check out Planetarium De Strasbourg or the Historical Museum of the City of Strasbourg.

Is Ghent or Strasbourg Better for Couples?

Ghent and Strasbourg both high quality 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.

Strasbourg makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's arguably one of the most beautiful cities in the region and it is filled with romance. There is beautiful architecture, romantic restaurants, wine tours, and flower filled parks. The scenic squares and grand cathedrals offer a truly perfect couples getaway.

Is Ghent or Strasbourg Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Ghent and Strasbourg are good 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 Strasbourg. The city has a handful of hostels that offer affordable accommodation for those on a shoestring budget.

Is Ghent or Strasbourg Better for Students?

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

Students come from all over the world to visit Ghent. The city is very popular with international students so it has a young and energetic vibe with plenty to do throughout the year.

Strasbourg is a good city to visit for students. Students appreciate the mix of traditional culture and international opportunities.

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

Ghent is a world-class destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Strasbourg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

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 Strasbourg can get you to some places easily. The city has six tramlines and a number of bus routes.

Is Ghent or Strasbourg a more walkable city?

Ghent and Strasbourg both are high quality when exploring on foot.

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

Strasbourg is a very walkable city. One of the best ways to explore the city is on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Strasbourg or Ghent?

How long in Ghent or Strasbourg?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Ghent and Strasbourg. In our opinion, Ghent has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Ghent than Strasbourg. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Ghent, and 2-3 days is enough time in Strasbourg.

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

Couples should spend more time in Ghent than Strasbourg. 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 Strasbourg 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 Strasbourg?

With museums and nightlife around the historic city of Ghent, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Ghent, one day is sufficent for most.

In Strasbourg, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this picturesque destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Strasbourg?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Ghent, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Strasbourg. 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 Strasbourg?

Ghent, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Strasbourg is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Strasbourg. 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 Strasbourg?

Ghent is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find food and shopping around the historic destination of Strasbourg. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 10-Day Tours from Paris, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris.

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

Which is Bigger, Ghent or Strasbourg?

Strasbourg has a larger population, and is about 19% larger than the population of Ghent. When comparing the sizes of Ghent and Strasbourg, 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 Strasbourg?

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 Strasbourg in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Ghent as well as Strasbourg. Many travelers come to Ghent for the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Strasbourg in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

Ghent is cooler than Strasbourg in the summer. The daily temperature in Ghent averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Strasbourg fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Strasbourg. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ghent this time of the year. In the summer, Ghent often gets less sunshine than Strasbourg. Ghent gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Strasbourg receives 240 hours of full sun.

Ghent usually gets more rain in July than Strasbourg. Ghent gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Strasbourg receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ghent or Strasbourg in the Autumn?

Both Strasbourg and Ghent are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Ghent in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Strasbourg for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Ghent is around the same temperature as Strasbourg. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ghent in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Strasbourg averages at about 12°C (53°F).

Ghent usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Strasbourg during autumn. Ghent gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Strasbourg receives 101 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Ghent usually receives more rain than Strasbourg. Ghent gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Strasbourg receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Ghent or Strasbourg in the Winter?

Both Strasbourg and Ghent during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Ghent for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Strasbourg because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Strasbourg can be very cold. Ghent can be very cold during winter. In January, Ghent is generally much warmer than Strasbourg. Daily temperatures in Ghent average around 3°C (38°F), and Strasbourg fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

In the winter, Ghent often gets more sunshine than Strasbourg. Ghent gets 47 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Strasbourg receives 42 hours of full sun.

Ghent usually gets more rain in January than Strasbourg. Ghent gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Strasbourg receives 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ghent or Strasbourg in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Ghent and Strasbourg. The spring months attract visitors to Ghent because of the natural beauty. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Strasbourg this time of year.

Ghent is cooler than Strasbourg in the spring. The daily temperature in Ghent averages around 8°C (47°F) in April, and Strasbourg fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Ghent usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Strasbourg during spring. Ghent gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Strasbourg receives 161 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Ghent usually receives around the same amount of rain as Strasbourg. Ghent gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Strasbourg receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Strasbourg and Ghent