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

Should you visit Glasgow or Ghent?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Glasgow or Ghent, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Glasgow

Glasgow is a friendly, cultural, and historic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for live music, food, and shopping.

Ghent

Ghent is a cultural, historic, and under-rated city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Glasgow and Ghent: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Glasgow or Ghent?

You'll generally find more things to do in Glasgow than Ghent. Glasgow is bigger than Ghent, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Glasgow is better known for its music and big city activities, while Ghent is more popular for its food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Glasgow is well known for its rich culture, its beautiful Victorian and art nouveau architecture, and its large student population. Also, Glasgow is famous for Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. Ghent is well known for its medieval buildings, large squares, and weekly markets

How is Glasgow different from Ghent?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Ghent and Glasgow. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Glasgow or Ghent?

You'll find a number of great museums and attractions in both Ghent and Glasgow.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Glasgow can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is rich in culture and offers many fascinating sights including the Glasgow Cathedral, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, and the Necropolis.

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.

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

Ghent is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Glasgow 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.

Glasgow offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The city's food scene continues to grow and innovate. You'll find plenty of seafood options as well as international cuisine and everything from fine dining to local cafes.

Is Glasgow or Ghent Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is world-class in both Glasgow and Ghent.

Glasgow is a world class party destination. The city has some of the best nightlife in the entire country. There are clubs, bars, techno warehouses and more. Some of the best clubs include Sub Club, The Berkeley Suite, and The Garage.

Ghent is a must-see 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.

Is Glasgow or Ghent Better for Music?

Glasgow is a world-class destination for live music. However, Ghent is not a live music destination.

Glasgow is a world class music destination. Known to some as "the city of music", you'll find a wide range of music venues, live shows, festivals, and even a great underground music scene.

Ghent is not a live music destination.

Is Glasgow or Ghent Better for its Old Town?

Ghent is great for its historic old town charm. Also, Glasgow is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its historic old town.

Many visitors go to Ghent to see the historical old town. The medieval old town follows along the canal and offers great architecture and a unique atmosphere.

Many visitors go to Glasgow to see the historical old town. High Street is one of the oldest and most well known streets in the city.

Is the Shopping Better in Glasgow or Ghent?

Ghent is great for its shopping areas. Also, Glasgow is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Glasgow is a great destination for shopping. The city has independent boutique shops as well as major brands. Head to the "Style Mile" for some of the best shopping. It's a district that offers pedestrian-friendly shopping and includes high end boutiques and independent markets. Also check out The Barras Market, Buchanan Street, and High Street.

Is Glasgow or Ghent Better for Families?

Glasgow and Ghent are both notable destinations for the whole family.

Glasgow offers lots of family activities. The city has some family-friendly museums including the hands on The Burrell Collection, the Glasgow Science Center, and The Riverside Museum. If you have older kids who enjoy the water, there are some water activities in town. Check out Pinkston Watersports, Glasgow Wake Park or Outdoor Pursuits. There are also climbing gyms and skate parks.

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.

Is Glasgow or Ghent Better for Couples?

Ghent is great for couples. Also, Glasgow is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Ghent is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. It makes a great weekend getaway with a diverse restaurant scene, nice hotels, and plenty of historic attractions that you can explore.

Glasgow is a nice destination for couples. Couples can enjoy a museum or one of the parks around town. There are also river cruises and spas. For a more locally specific activity, check out the Bothwell Castle.

Is Glasgow or Ghent Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Glasgow and Ghent are notable places to visit.

It's common for backpackers to visit Glasgow. There are a good number of hostels around town as well as a good social scene, making this a decent option for backpackers.

Ghent is a good city to visit for backpackers. 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 Glasgow or Ghent Better for Students?

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

Ghent is a great destination 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.

Students come from all over to stay in Glasgow. The city has the second largest student population in the UK, so you'll find plenty of students to hang out with.

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

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

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.

Public transit in Glasgow is fairly effecient and thorough. The subway is convenient in the city center, west end, and southside. There are also buses throughout the city.

Is Glasgow or Ghent a more walkable city?

Glasgow and Ghent are great when it comes to walkability.

Glasgow is a very walkable destination. The city center is generally walkable and can be explored on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Ghent or Glasgow?

How long in Glasgow or Ghent?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Ghent than Glasgow 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 Glasgow or Ghent?

In Glasgow, many people enjoy the live music and food that this historic destination offers. 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.

In Ghent, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Glasgow or Ghent?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Glasgow. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. 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.

In Ghent, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Ghent has to offer.

Five days in Glasgow or Ghent?

Glasgow is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Glasgow. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Ghent is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Glasgow or Ghent?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the friendly destination of Glasgow. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ghent. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Ghent. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium.

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

Which is Bigger, Glasgow or Ghent?

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

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 Glasgow or Ghent in the Summer?

Both Ghent and Glasgow during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Glasgow for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Ghent in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Glasgow is cooler than Ghent. Typically, the summer temperatures in Glasgow in July average around 15°C (59°F), and Ghent averages at about 17°C (63°F).

In Ghent, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Glasgow often gets less sunshine than Ghent. Glasgow gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ghent receives 202 hours of full sun.

Glasgow usually gets more rain in July than Ghent. Glasgow gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Glasgow or Ghent in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Glasgow and Ghent. Many visitors come to Glasgow in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Ghent for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Glasgow is generally cooler than Ghent. Daily temperatures in Glasgow average around 10°C (49°F), and Ghent fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Glasgow usually receives less sunshine than Ghent during autumn. Glasgow gets 69 hours of sunny skies, while Ghent receives 105 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Glasgow gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Glasgow usually receives more rain than Ghent. Glasgow gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Glasgow or Ghent in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Glasgow as well as Ghent. Most visitors come to Glasgow for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Ghent because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Ghent can be very cold. Glasgow can be very cold during winter. Glasgow is around the same temperature as Ghent in the winter. The daily temperature in Glasgow averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Ghent fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Glasgow often gets less sunshine than Ghent. Glasgow gets 40 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ghent receives 47 hours of full sun.

Glasgow receives a lot of rain in the winter. Glasgow usually gets more rain in January than Ghent. Glasgow gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Glasgow or Ghent in the Spring?

Both Ghent and Glasgow are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Glasgow because of the activities around the city. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Ghent this time of year.

In the spring, Glasgow is cooler than Ghent. Typically, the spring temperatures in Glasgow in April average around 7°C (45°F), and Ghent averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Glasgow usually receives less sunshine than Ghent during spring. Glasgow gets 134 hours of sunny skies, while Ghent receives 158 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Glasgow usually receives more rain than Ghent. Glasgow gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Ghent and Glasgow