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

Should you visit Ghent or Zagreb?

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 Zagreb. 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. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Zagreb

Zagreb is a under-rated, local, and historic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Ghent and Zagreb: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ghent or Zagreb?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Zagreb than Ghent. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Zagreb is very popular for its big city activities, while Ghent attracts visitors for its nightlife and impressive beauty. Ghent is more touristy than Zagreb and is known for its medieval buildings, large squares, and weekly markets Zagreb is famous for its museums, parks, and convenient transportation options. It is also well known for The Zagreb Cathedral.

How is Ghent different from Zagreb?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Ghent and Zagreb 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.

Zagreb offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are many historical sights around town, particularly in the historic Upper Town. Make sure you visit the Zagreb Cathedral, the Museum of Broken Relationships, Lotrscak Tower, and the historic Stone Gate.

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

Foodies will find both Ghent and Zagreb 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.

Zagreb has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The food is heartier than you might expect with many recipes that involve stew or dumplings. Cheese and meat are common ingredients as well, with far less seafood than you'll find in the coastal cities. Popular dishes include Zagrebački odrezak (a rolled up ham, cheese, and veal sandwich), Štrukli (dough filled with cheese), and Ajngemahtec (vegetarian stew).

Is Ghent or Zagreb Better for Nightlife?

Ghent is a must-visit destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Zagreb is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Ghent is a world class party destination. 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 Zagreb has something for everybody. There are a huge number of live music venues, clubs, and bars around town where locals hang out late into the evening. The city's nightlife has a more local vibe than other Croatian cities, so you can party with the students and residents and get a true feel for the Croatian culture.

Is Ghent or Zagreb Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the excellent old town areas in both Ghent and Zagreb.

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.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Zagreb. The upper town is filled with charm, cafes, and historical landmarks such as St. Mark Church, Kamenita Vrata (the Stone Gate), and the cathedral.

Is the Shopping Better in Ghent or Zagreb?

Both Ghent and Zagreb 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.

Zagreb is well-known for its shopping. The city has a huge number of shopping centers where you'll find retail shops selling international brands, clothing, jewelry, sporting goods, and more.

Is Ghent or Zagreb Better for Families?

Both Ghent and Zagreb 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.

Zagreb is a family-friendly city. The city is filled with parks where kids can run around. There are also kid-friendly museums like the Museum of Illusions and markets that are fun for the whole family. While it doesn't have the coastal activities that many Croatian towns offer, this is a unique city in its own way.

Is Ghent or Zagreb Better for Couples?

Ghent is a great destination for its romantic activities. Also, Zagreb is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Ghent frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It makes a great weekend getaway with a diverse restaurant scene, nice hotels, and plenty of historic attractions that you can explore.

Zagreb is a good city for couples to visit. Filled with history and beautiful parks, this often overlooked Croatian city actually has a lot that couples can enjoy. The historical monuments offer a glimpse into the country's past and the markets let you experience a more authentic side to what has become a very touristy country.

Is Ghent or Zagreb Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zagreb 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 Zagreb. Because it's not the most touristy city, prices are reasonable. There are also a wide range of hostels in town where you can meet other backpackers and enjoy the fun environment.

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 Zagreb Better for Students?

Ghent is a must-visit destination for students. Also, Zagreb is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

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.

Zagreb is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. There's an endless supply of bars and cafes where students hang out. This is a great student city that offers access to many beautiful parts of Croatia and Europe in general.

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

Ghent is a must-visit destination for its public transit. Also, Zagreb is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Ghent has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. Buses and trams travel to most parts of the city and are convenient and efficient.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Zagreb. The system includes trams, buses, and a funicular.

Is Ghent or Zagreb a more walkable city?

Ghent and Zagreb both are excellent when exploring on foot.

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

Zagreb is a very walkable city. It's a city that lives outdoors. It's very walkable with many outdoor cafes and parks where you can take a stroll.

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

Should I spend more time in Zagreb or Ghent?

How long in Ghent or Zagreb?

It's fun to spend time in either Ghent or Zagreb. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Zagreb 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 Zagreb.

Couples should spend more time in Ghent than Zagreb. 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 Zagreb 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 Zagreb.

One day in Ghent or Zagreb?

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 Zagreb, many people enjoy the shopping and museums 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 Zagreb?

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 Zagreb. 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 Zagreb?

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.

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

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.

You'll find food and shopping around the authentic destination of Zagreb. 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 2-Week Tours from Dubrovnik, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Split.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Ghent or Zagreb?

Zagreb has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Ghent. When comparing the sizes of Ghent and Zagreb, 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 Zagreb?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Ghent or Zagreb in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Ghent and Zagreb. The summer months attract visitors to Ghent because of the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Zagreb this time of year.

In the summer, Ghent is cooler than Zagreb. Typically, the summer temperatures in Ghent in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Zagreb averages at about 22°C (72°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Zagreb this time of the year. In Ghent, it's very sunny this time of the year. Ghent usually receives less sunshine than Zagreb during summer. Ghent gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 266 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Ghent usually receives less rain than Zagreb. Ghent gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Ghent or Zagreb in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Ghent as well as Zagreb. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Ghent this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Zagreb for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Ghent is generally around the same temperature as Zagreb. Daily temperatures in Ghent average around 12°C (54°F), and Zagreb fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Ghent often gets less sunshine than Zagreb. Ghent gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 133 hours of full sun.

Ghent usually gets more rain in October than Zagreb. Ghent gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ghent or Zagreb in the Winter?

Both Zagreb and Ghent are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Ghent for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Zagreb in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Zagreb can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Ghent. Ghent is much warmer than Zagreb in the winter. The daily temperature in Ghent averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Zagreb fluctuates around 1°C (35°F).

Ghent usually receives less sunshine than Zagreb during winter. Ghent gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Zagreb receives 54 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Ghent usually receives more rain than Zagreb. Ghent gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Ghent or Zagreb in the Spring?

Both Zagreb and Ghent during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Ghent in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Zagreb for the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Ghent is much colder than Zagreb. Typically, the spring temperatures in Ghent in April average around 8°C (47°F), and Zagreb averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Ghent often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Zagreb. Ghent gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Zagreb receives 163 hours of full sun.

Ghent usually gets less rain in April than Zagreb. Ghent gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Zagreb receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Zagreb and Ghent