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

Should you visit Granada or Ghent?

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

Should I visit Granada or Ghent? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Granada

Granada is a historic, beautiful, and charming city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for food, hiking, and shopping.

Ghent

Ghent is a youthful, high energy, and cultural city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Granada and Ghent: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Granada or Ghent?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Granada. Although Granada and Ghent are roughly the same size, Granada has more sights and attractions for tourists. Granada is more popular for its museums, historical sights, and hiking, while Ghent is known for its food, nightlife, and shopping. Granada is more touristy than Ghent and is popular for its Islamic architecture, charming old town, and the stunningly impressive Alhambra. It is also home to The Alhambra. Ghent is popular for its medieval buildings, large squares, and weekly markets

How is Granada different from Ghent?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Granada 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 Granada that are not to be missed. Many visitors head to Granada specifically to visit the famed Alhambra. The palace and fortress complex will not disappoint. The gardens are beautifully maintained and the palace is filled with intricate details. It's easy to spend hours wandering around. In addition to The Alhambra, the Granada Cathedral is also impressive to visit. If you have kids or extra time to fill, head to Parque de las Ciencias, which is the city's Science Park.

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 Granada or Ghent? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Ghent is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. Also, Granada is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Ghent. 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Granada. It's a very touristy city so restaurants can be hit or miss. There are some amazing local eateries, but you'll also find a number of places with lower quality, overpriced food. Classic local dishes include Churros, Plato Alpujarreño, and Habas con Jamón. Tapas are very popular and many restaurants provide free tapas with drink orders. There are also a number of Moroccan restaurants around town.

Is Granada or Ghent Better for Nightlife?

Ghent is a world-class destination for nightlife. Also, Granada is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

The people in Granada know how to have a good time. The nightlife scene kicks off around 11 pm, when most people have finished up a late dinner. There's a laid-back atmosphere with pubs, live music, and dance clubs that stay open late into the night. There are several popular streets at night including Calle Elvira, Calle Reyes Católicos, and the Realejo District.

Is Granada or Ghent Better for its Old Town?

Granada 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 Granada is revered around the world. The Old Town spills out around the Granada Cathedral and is filled with charming pedestrian streets, lively plazas, and many great shops.

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 Granada or Ghent Better for Hiking?

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

Granada is a popular spot for hiking. Ruta de Los Cahorros is a great hike about 25 minutes outside of Granada that begins in the town of Monochil. It crosses many bridges and weaves through dramatic canyons. There are places where you can wade in the water or check out a hidden waterfall. It's well worth the time and can be reached by taxi or public bus.

Ghent is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Granada or Ghent?

Ghent is an excellent place to visit for shopping. Also, Granada is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Granada offers some nice shopping areas. The town is filled with souvenir shops and places to buy local items. It's fun to wander through the old town and pop into the many different shops.

Is Granada or Ghent Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Granada or Ghent.

Granada is a family-friendly city. While the highlight of the city is the Alhambra, kids will likely enjoy exploring the shops or seeing a Flamenco show a bit more. Just outside of town is a wonderful hike, Ruta de Los Cahorros. It begins near the town of Monachil which is easily accessible by taxi or public bus. The hike goes through canyons and across bridges and its a wonderful activity for the whole family.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Ghent. 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 Granada or Ghent Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Granada and Ghent make for a superb place to visit.

Granada makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It is a beautiful city that is filled with charm and history. Couples will enjoy exploring the Alhambra, taking in a Flamenco show, or sipping Sangria with tapas. The city is incredibly beautiful with stunning views and many great restaurants.

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.

Is Granada or Ghent Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Granada 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 Granada. It's a touristy city and it's a popular destination for backpackers as well. There are plenty of hostels around town and the city has social atmosphere with many opportunities to meet other travelers.

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 Granada or Ghent Better for Students?

Ghent is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Granada is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Many students frequent Ghent. The city is very popular with international students so it has a young and energetic vibe with plenty to do throughout the year.

Granada is very popular with students. It's a popular study abroad destination. Accommodation for students is usually affordable and this is also a great city for integrating into the local culture. You may even end up with a Spanish roommate.

Is Granada or Ghent 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, Granada is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

You'll find some public transit in Granada, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a comprehensive bus system around town that many tourists take advantage of. Taxis are also very affordable, so for many visitors, that is an easy option.

Is Granada or Ghent a more walkable city?

Granada and Ghent are superb when it comes to walkability.

Granada is very walkable. Most of the touristy areas are easy to explore on foot, but there are some steep hills so put on your walking shoes.

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 Granada Worth Visiting? and Is Ghent Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Ghent or Granada?

How long in Granada or Ghent?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Granada and Ghent. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Granada than in Ghent. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Granada, and 1-3 days is enough time in Ghent.

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

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

One day in Granada or Ghent?

In Granada, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this historic destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the museums. 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 Granada or Ghent?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Granada. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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.

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 Granada or Ghent?

Granada is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Granada. Lots of people come for the museums. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Granada or Ghent?

You'll find food and shopping around the cultural destination of Granada. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the museums. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Madrid, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Barcelona, The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium.

When comparing the travel costs between Granada and Ghent, we can see that Granada is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Granada or Ghent?

Granada has a larger population, and is about 3% larger than the population of Ghent. When comparing the sizes of Granada 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 Granada 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 Granada or Ghent in the Summer?

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

Granada is a little warmer than Ghent in the summer. The daily temperature in Granada averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Ghent fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ghent. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Granada this time of the year. In the summer, Granada often gets more sunshine than Ghent. Granada gets 348 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ghent receives 202 hours of full sun.

Granada usually gets less rain in July than Ghent. Granada gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Granada or Ghent in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Granada is much warmer than Ghent. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Granada in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Ghent averages at about 12°C (54°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Granada. Granada usually receives more sunshine than Ghent during autumn. Granada gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Ghent receives 105 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Granada usually receives less rain than Ghent. Granada gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Granada or Ghent in the Winter?

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

Be prepared for some very cold days in Ghent. In January, Granada is generally much warmer than Ghent. Daily temperatures in Granada average around 12°C (54°F), and Ghent fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Granada often gets more sunshine than Ghent. Granada gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ghent receives 47 hours of full sun.

Granada usually gets more rain in January than Ghent. Granada gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Granada or Ghent in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Granada and Ghent. Many travelers come to Granada for the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Ghent in the spring for the natural beauty.

Granada is much warmer than Ghent in the spring. The daily temperature in Granada averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Ghent fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In Granada, it's very sunny this time of the year. Granada usually receives more sunshine than Ghent during spring. Granada gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Ghent receives 158 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Granada usually receives less rain than Ghent. Granada gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Ghent and Granada