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

Should you visit Ghent or Venice?

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 Venice. 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. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Venice

Venice is a beautiful, romantic, and cultural city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums.

Ghent and Venice: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ghent or Venice?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Venice. Although Ghent and Venice are roughly the same size, Venice has more sights and attractions for tourists. Venice is better known for its museums, historical sights, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while Ghent is more popular for its food and nightlife. Venice is more touristy than Ghent and is popular for its many canals, famous gondolas, iconic architecture, romantic squares, and beautiful bridges. Also, Venice is famous for St. Mark's Basilica. Ghent is well known for its medieval buildings, large squares, and weekly markets

How is Ghent different from Venice?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Venice 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 Venice that are not to be missed. The many historic and famous landmarks in town include St. Mark's Basilica, St. Mark's Square, Doge's Palace, and the Rialto Bridge.

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 Venice? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Ghent is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Venice is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Ghent has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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.

Venice offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. For the best dining experience, you should try to avoid the touristy restaurants that serve the typical pizza and pasta. Instead, find a local eatery that specializes in the region's traditional flavors like fish and vegetables.

Is Ghent or Venice Better for Nightlife?

Ghent is a world-class destination for its evening party scene. However, Venice is not a good destination for nightlife.

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.

Most people don't head to Venice specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. If you want to party, your best option is to head to the Lido area where you'll find night clubs and bars. A better alternative for enjoying your evening is to order a late night meal and a glass of wine at a local restaurant in Venice.

Is Ghent or Venice Better for its Old Town?

Venice 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 Venice is revered around the world. The city's historic area is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, colorful buildings, are world-renowned architecture, make this among the most recognized historic settings in the world.

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 Venice?

Venice 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.

Venice is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are many unique items that people purchase in town. Some of the most popular include Murano glass, Burano lace, Venetian masks, and local fabrics.

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 Venice Better for Families?

Venice 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.

Venice is a very family-friendly place to visit. Even for kids, visiting this city is all about soaking up the atmosphere and sense of place. It is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, historic buildings, gondolas, and plazas offer a special environment, even for kids who may be burned out from exploring cities. Attractions that appeal to kids include visiting the prisons at Doge's Palace, shopping for masks, and taking a ride on a gondola.

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 Venice Better for Couples?

Venice 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.

Venice is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. With its many truly unique romantic experiences, this city makes for a truly memorable honeymoon or romantic getaway. Ride a gondola, get lost in the city, and enjoy pasta and music around town to make the experience unlike any other.

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 Venice Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Venice is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Ghent is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Venice. Many backpackers stay just out of town to save a bit of money, but, even though it's not cheap, this city is well-established on the backpacker trail.

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 Venice Better for Students?

Ghent and Venice are both first-rate destinations for students and younger travelers.

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.

Many students frequent Venice. Because of its well-established reputation, this city attracts many international students for both semester and full length programs. There are many programs to choose between, and many students focus on the region's art, architecture, history, and language.

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

Both Ghent and Venice offer first-rate public transit options.

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.

Visitors in Venice can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. There is a comprehensive boat and ferry system that includes aporettos, alilagunas, private water taxis, gondolas, and traghettos.

Is Ghent or Venice a more walkable city?

Venice is a world-class destination for its walkability. Also, Ghent is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

It is easy to get around Venice on foot. Because it is small, it's easy to walk to all of the major tourist attractions.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Venice or Ghent?

How long in Ghent or Venice?

Both Ghent and Venice have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Venice than in Ghent. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Ghent, and 2-7 days is enough time in Venice.

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

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

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

One day in Ghent or Venice?

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.

In Venice, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this historic 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 Venice?

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 Venice. 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 Venice?

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.

Venice is a fun place to experience. In Venice, many people enjoy the museums and food that this quaint destination offers. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Ghent or Venice?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural 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.

In Venice, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this magical destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Cultural Tours in Belgium, The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Ghent or Venice?

Venice has a larger population, and is about 17% larger than the population of Ghent. When comparing the sizes of Ghent and Venice, 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 Venice?

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 Venice in the Summer?

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

In July, Ghent is generally cooler than Venice. Daily temperatures in Ghent average around 17°C (63°F), and Venice fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Venice. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ghent this time of the year. In the summer, Ghent often gets less sunshine than Venice. Ghent gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Venice receives 287 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Ghent or Venice in the Autumn?

Both Venice 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 Venice for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Ghent is cooler than Venice in the autumn. The daily temperature in Ghent averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Venice fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

Ghent usually receives less sunshine than Venice during autumn. Ghent gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Venice receives 134 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Ghent usually receives more rain than Venice. Ghent gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Venice receives 67 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Ghent or Venice in the Winter?

Both Venice 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. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Venice because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Venice can be very cold. Ghent can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Ghent is a little warmer than Venice. Typically, the winter temperatures in Ghent in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Venice averages at about 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Ghent often gets less sunshine than Venice. Ghent gets 47 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Venice receives 88 hours of full sun.

Ghent usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Venice. Ghent gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Venice receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ghent or Venice in the Spring?

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

In April, Ghent is generally cooler than Venice. Daily temperatures in Ghent average around 8°C (47°F), and Venice fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Ghent usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Venice during spring. Ghent gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Venice receives 154 hours of full sun in the spring.

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

Typical Weather for Venice and Ghent