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

Should you visit Innsbruck or Ghent?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Innsbruck and Ghent can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Innsbruck

Innsbruck is a adventurous, high energy, and outdoorsy city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. It's also known for skiing, nightlife, and food.

Ghent

Ghent is a historic, under-rated, and youthful city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Innsbruck and Ghent: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Innsbruck or Ghent?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Innsbruck than Ghent. While Ghent is larger than Innsbruck, Innsbruck has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Innsbruck is very popular for its skiing, historical sights, hiking, and quaint atmosphere, while Ghent attracts visitors for its museums, nightlife, and shopping. Innsbruck is more touristy than Ghent and is known for its mountain hiking, skiing, and winter sports. It is also well known for The Golden Roof in the old town. Ghent is famous for its medieval buildings, large squares, and weekly markets

The Golden Roof in the old town

How is Innsbruck different from Ghent?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Innsbruck or Ghent Better for Skiing?

Innsbruck is a well-known place for snow skiing. However, Ghent is not a skiing destination.

Innsbruck is an extremely popular place for snow skiing and other winter sports. This city offers easy access to excellent skiing without having to travel too far. There are 9 ski resorts around town that make up the Olympia SkiWorld Innsbruck. Each resort has its own personality and style. You can reach the Seegrube mountain in about 20 minutes using the funicular and cable car.

Ghent is not a skiing destination.

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

Ghent is notable for its sights and museums. However, Innsbruck 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.

Innsbruck does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Both Innsbruck and Ghent offer very good local cuisine and restaurants.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Innsbruck. The city is known for the hearty and filling food that is perfect for a cold winter day. There are cafes and restaurants around old town that offer traditional dishes including käsespätzle, wiener schnitzel, and apfelstrudel. If you're ready for something a little less heavy, there are a number of ethnic restaurants to choose from outside of the old town.

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.

Is Innsbruck or Ghent Better for Nightlife?

Ghent is very popular for nightlife and partying. Also, Innsbruck is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Ghent is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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.

Innsbruck has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. With its large student population and wide range of young visitors who enjoy high energy activities, there's plenty to do here when the sunsets. There are bars and dance clubs that stay active late into the night.

Is Innsbruck or Ghent Better for its Old Town?

Innsbruck 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 Innsbruck is revered around the world. The old town is filled with charming restaurants and cafes as well as comfortable outdoor places to relax when the weather is nice. One of the most notable landmarks is the The Goldenes Dachl, or the "little golden roof", but the atmosphere around old town is what makes this place really special.

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 Innsbruck or Ghent Better for Hiking?

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

Innsbruck is a popular spot for hiking. The city is nestled in the Austrian mountains with many beautiful hikes just outside of town. There are hikes for all skill levels that offer spectacular views of some of the best scenery in Austria.

Ghent is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Innsbruck or Ghent?

Ghent is notable for its shopping opportunities. However, Innsbruck is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Ghent is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Innsbruck is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Innsbruck or Ghent Better for Families?

Innsbruck 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.

Innsbruck is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has a pleasant atmosphere with a charming old town and plenty of outdoor activities that the whole family can enjoy. There's also the popular Swarovski Crystal Worlds, which is fun for kids and adults alike. The Alpine Zoo and the city's many parks and playgrounds all make it a great stop if you're traveling with kids.

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 Innsbruck or Ghent Better for Couples?

Both Innsbruck and Ghent are very good destinations for a couple's getaway.

Innsbruck is a very popular place to visit for couples. The city's old town is filled with restaurants that make for great date nights. There are also many hikes, viewpoints, and activities that are perfect for a couple's getaway.

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 Innsbruck or Ghent Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Innsbruck 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 Innsbruck. The city has a number of hostels and affordable restaurants that make it a reasonable option for backpackers and budget travelers. Outdoor activities like nearby hiking are affordable ways to spend the day as well.

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 Innsbruck or Ghent Better for Students?

Ghent is very popular for students. Also, Innsbruck is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

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.

Many students visit Innsbruck. The city's laid back vibe and wide range of universities make it a great place for students. There are cafes, bars, and many outdoor activities that students enjoy while they're in the area.

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

Ghent is very popular for its public transit. Also, Innsbruck is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Ghent has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. Buses and trams travel to most parts of the city and are convenient and efficient.

The public transit in Innsbruck can get you to most places easily. The system includes trams and buses that will take you to outlying areas around town.

Is Innsbruck or Ghent a more walkable city?

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

Innsbruck is a very walkable city. The old town is particularly walkable, and if you stay anywhere nearby, it's easy to reach it on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Ghent or Innsbruck?

How long in Innsbruck or Ghent?

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

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

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

One day in Innsbruck or Ghent?

In Innsbruck, many people enjoy the skiing and nightlife that this youthful 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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Ghent. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Ghent has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Innsbruck or Ghent?

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

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Ghent. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Innsbruck or Ghent?

Innsbruck is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the food and skiing when visiting the quaint destination of Innsbruck. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the high energy city of Ghent. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the nightlife. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Innsbruck or Ghent?

You'll find skiing and nightlife around the adventurous destination of Innsbruck. 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.

Ghent is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Vienna, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Salzburg, The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium.

When comparing the travel costs between Innsbruck and Ghent, we can see that Innsbruck 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 Innsbruck Expensive? and Is Ghent Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Innsbruck or Ghent?

Ghent has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Innsbruck. When comparing the sizes of Innsbruck 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.