A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Ghent vs. Tromso for Nightlife, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Ghent or Tromso?

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 Tromso. 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. Many visitors also come to Ghent because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Ghent travel costs.

Tromso

Tromso is a spectacular, remote, and one-of-a-kind town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. You'll find world class beauty in Tromso as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and hiking. See Tromso travel costs.

Ghent and Tromso: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ghent or Tromso?

You'll generally find more things to do in Ghent than Tromso. Ghent is bigger than Tromso, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Ghent is better known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Tromso is more popular for its hiking and small town charm. Tromso is more touristy than Ghent and is popular for its stunning nature, beautiful Arctic landscape, and breathtaking fjords. Ghent is well known for its medieval buildings, large squares, and weekly markets Also, Ghent is famous for The Fortress of Gravensteen.

How is Ghent different from Tromso?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Ghent is a great city for its historical sights. However, Tromso 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.

Tromso does not have museums and landmarks. You can learn about everything having to do with the Arctic at the museum, Polaria. There's also the the Polar Museum, the Arctic Cathedral, and Nordnorsk Kunstmuseum.

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

Foodies will find both Ghent and Tromso both to be very good 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.

Tromso has a huge number of terrific restaurants. Fish is the staple around town and you'll find local seasonal fish dishes. There are also modern restaurants that serve international cuisines or trendy options.

Is Ghent or Tromso Better for Nightlife?

Ghent is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. Also, Tromso is not as popular, but is still a nice town for nightlife.

The nightlife in Ghent is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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 Tromso. There's a good nightlife scene with many bars and clubs that are popular with locals and tourists alike.

Is Ghent or Tromso Better for its Old Town?

Ghent is a great city for its historic old town charm. However, Tromso 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.

Tromso does not have a historic old town.

Is Ghent or Tromso Better for Hiking?

Tromso is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Ghent is not a hiking destination.

Tromso is a popular spot for hiking. The surrounding countryside is filled with fjords, mountains, and pristine wilderness. There are hikes that cater to every level, and a trip to Tromso is not complete without heading into the rural areas.

Ghent is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Ghent or Tromso?

Ghent is a great city for its shopping areas. However, Tromso is not known for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Ghent. 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.

Tromso is a good destination for shopping. There are shops sprinkled along the main street, as well as a shopping center or two around town.

Is Ghent or Tromso More Beautiful?

Ghent and Tromso 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.

Tromso is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's surrounding Arctic landscape includes fjords and snow-topped mountains.

Is Ghent or Tromso Better for Families?

Tromso 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.

Tromso is a very family-friendly place to visit. Whether you visit during the summer or winter season, there are a number of indoor or outdoor activities around town. Many visitors come during the winter months to see the Northern Lights. There's also the Ice Hotel, Husky Sledding, and fjords cruises. Indoors, you'll find the Science Center, the Arctic University Museum, and the Troll Museum.

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 Tromso Better for Couples?

Ghent and Tromso 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.

Tromso makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. For many couples, seeing the Northern Lights is an iconic romantic experience. The area also has an amazing outdoor setting with fjords and hiking. Indoors, there are art museums and more.

Is Ghent or Tromso Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Ghent and Tromso are notable 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 Tromso. There are hostels as well as camping in the area that make this otherwise expensive area somewhat more affordable.

Is Ghent or Tromso Better for Students?

Ghent is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Tromso is not as popular, but is still a nice town for 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.

Tromso is a good city to visit for students. Although it's a very small city, there are a large number of students and some big city amenities. There are plenty of entertainment options both in town and in the surrounding countryside.

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

Ghent is an unbeatable place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Tromso is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its public transit.

Visitors in Ghent can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. Buses and trams travel to most parts of the city and are convenient and efficient.

Tromso has a few public transit options. There's an efficient and reliable bus system in town.

Is Ghent or Tromso a more walkable city?

Ghent and Tromso both are very good when exploring on foot.

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

Tromso is a very walkable city. The city is generally walkable but if you want to get into the countryside you'll need to travel by car or bus.

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

Should I spend more time in Tromso or Ghent?

How long in Ghent or Tromso?

Both Ghent and Tromso have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Tromso than in Ghent. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Ghent, and 4-7 days is enough time in Tromso.

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Ghent. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Even though Tromso is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This town 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 Tromso?

Ghent is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ghent. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Tromso is a fun place to experience. Tromso is a small town with plenty to do. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Ghent or Tromso?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the youthful destination of Ghent. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Tromso might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Belgium, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Belgium, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Norway, and The Best Adventure Tours to Norway.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ghent and Tromso, we can see that Ghent is more expensive. And not only is Tromso much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Tromso would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tromso 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 Tromso.

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

Which is Bigger, Ghent or Tromso?

Ghent has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Tromso. When comparing the sizes of Ghent and Tromso, 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 Tromso?

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 Tromso in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Ghent as well as Tromso. Most visitors come to Ghent for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Tromso because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Ghent is generally a little warmer than Tromso. Daily temperatures in Ghent average around 17°C (63°F), and Tromso fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tromso. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ghent this time of the year. In the summer, Ghent often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Tromso. Ghent gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tromso receives 205 hours of full sun.

Ghent usually gets less rain in July than Tromso. Ghent gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ghent or Tromso in the Autumn?

Both Tromso and Ghent are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Ghent because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Tromso this time of year.

It's quite cold in Tromso in the autumn. Ghent is much warmer than Tromso in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ghent averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Tromso fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Ghent usually receives more sunshine than Tromso during autumn. Ghent gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Tromso receives 49 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Tromso. In October, Ghent usually receives less rain than Tromso. Ghent gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Ghent or Tromso in the Winter?

Both Tromso and Ghent during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Ghent this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Tromso for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Tromso. It's quite cold in Ghent in the winter. In the winter, Ghent is much warmer than Tromso. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ghent in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Tromso averages at about -4°C (25°F).

In the winter, Ghent often gets more sunshine than Tromso. Ghent gets 47 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Tromso receives 3 hours of full sun.

Ghent usually gets less rain in January than Tromso. Ghent gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ghent or Tromso in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Ghent and Tromso. Many travelers come to Ghent for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Tromso in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty.

Tromso can get quite cold in the spring. In April, Ghent is generally much warmer than Tromso. Daily temperatures in Ghent average around 8°C (47°F), and Tromso fluctuates around 1°C (33°F).

Ghent usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Tromso during spring. Ghent gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Tromso receives 160 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Ghent usually receives less rain than Tromso. Ghent gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Tromso receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Tromso and Ghent