A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Interlaken vs. Ghent for Families, Couples, Food, and Backpackers

Should you visit Interlaken or Ghent?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Interlaken and Ghent can help you decide which place is right for you.

Interlaken

Interlaken is a adventurous, adrenaline-filled, and breathtaking town. You'll find world class beauty here as well. This is a quaint and attractive place to visit, too. It's also known for skiing, food, and hiking.

Ghent

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

Interlaken and Ghent: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Interlaken or Ghent?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Ghent. Although Interlaken and Ghent are both popular with visitors, Ghent has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Ghent is more popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Interlaken is known for its skiing, hiking, and quaint atmosphere. Interlaken is more touristy than Ghent and is popular for its adventure sports, alpine setting, and beautiful lakes. Ghent is popular for its medieval buildings, large squares, and weekly markets It is also home to The Fortress of Gravensteen.

How is Interlaken different from Ghent?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Interlaken or Ghent Better for Skiing?

Interlaken is a good destination for snow skiing. However, Ghent is not a skiing destination.

Interlaken is a great destination for skiing with plenty areas to explore. While the city itself has no skiing, there is access to several ski areas in Jungfrau. There are several different resorts in the area near Grindelwald, Wengen, and Mürren. You'll need to take a train or ski bus to get most places.

Ghent is not a skiing destination.

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

Ghent is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Ghent specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Foodies will find both Interlaken and Ghent both to be high quality destinations.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Interlaken. Restaurants in the area serve local classics like fondue, local meats, cheeses, and chocolate. You can finish your meal off with strudel or head to a local bakery and try their samplings. Meals are expensive but the quality is good. You should also out into the countryside and enjoy a meal looking out over the mountains.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit 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.

Is Interlaken or Ghent Better for Nightlife?

Ghent is a world-class destination for nightlife. However, Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy 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.

Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Interlaken or Ghent Better for its Old Town?

Ghent is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town. However, Interlaken does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Ghent. The medieval old town follows along the canal and offers great architecture and a unique atmosphere.

Interlaken does not have a historic old town.

Is Interlaken or Ghent Better for Hiking?

Interlaken is a world-class destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Ghent is not a hiking destination.

Interlaken is well-known for its hiking and trekking. Hikes in the area range from easy to challenging with every option in between. You can experience beautiful waterfalls, breathtaking views, and dramatic ridge hikes. Several of the best hikes in the area include Schynige Platte Ridge Trail, Mt Niesen Panorama Trail, and Giessbach Waterfalls.

Ghent is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Interlaken or Ghent?

Ghent is an excellent place to visit for shopping. However, Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Interlaken or Ghent Better for Families?

Interlaken is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Ghent is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Interlaken is very family-friendly. While the city is beautiful, it's really the surrounding areas that you and your family will enjoy. There are amazing hikes, stunning views, playgrounds, lakes, and more. There's also an impressive ropes course that adventurous kids will love, funiculars, gondolas, and so many water sports!

Ghent is a family-friendly town. 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 Interlaken or Ghent Better for Couples?

Interlaken 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.

Interlaken is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The mountaintop views, breathtaking hikes, and beautiful lakes make this a top destination for couples. Make sure you head out of town and fully immerse yourself in everything that the area has to offer. Kayaking, canoeing, paragliding, and more will make this a trip of a lifetime.

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 Interlaken or Ghent Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Interlaken and Ghent are both good destinations for backpackers.

Interlaken is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. It's a world class destination with so many activities that backpackers will love, but it's also one of the most expensive areas in one of the most expensive countries. There are hostels in town as well as a few in the nearby towns and countryside, but prices are steep. Cook when you can and enjoy all of the free activities that the area has to offer.

It's common for backpackers to 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 Interlaken or Ghent Better for Students?

Ghent is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Interlaken is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Ghent. The city is very popular with international students so it has a young and energetic vibe with plenty to do throughout the year.

Interlaken is not popular with students.

Is Interlaken 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, Interlaken 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.

Interlaken has some very good public transit options. Buses travel around town, but to get into the mountains there are trains, cog railways, funiculars, and gondolas.

Is Interlaken or Ghent a more walkable city?

Ghent is an excellent place to visit for its walkability. Also, Interlaken is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

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

Interlaken is a somewhat walkable place. The old town is relatively walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Ghent or Interlaken?

How long in Interlaken or Ghent?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Interlaken and Ghent. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Interlaken than in Ghent. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Interlaken, and 1-3 days is enough time in Ghent.

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

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

In Interlaken, many people enjoy the skiing and food that this adrenaline-filled destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Lots of people come for the hiking. This town 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.

With museums and nightlife around the under-rated city of Ghent, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Ghent, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Interlaken or Ghent?

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

With nightlife and food around the destination of Ghent, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Interlaken or Ghent?

Interlaken is a fun place to experience. In Interlaken, many people enjoy the skiing and food that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the hiking. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Ghent, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Interlaken or Ghent?

You'll find food and skiing around the adventurous destination of Interlaken. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the hiking. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Ghent is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Geneva, The Best 10-Day Tours from Zurich, The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium.

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

Which is Bigger, Interlaken or Ghent?

Ghent has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Interlaken. When comparing the sizes of Interlaken 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 Interlaken 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 Interlaken or Ghent in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Interlaken as well as Ghent. Many visitors come to Interlaken in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Ghent for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Interlaken is a little warmer than Ghent in the summer. The daily temperature in Interlaken averages around 21°C (70°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 Interlaken this time of the year. In the summer, Interlaken often gets more sunshine than Ghent. Interlaken gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ghent receives 202 hours of full sun.

Interlaken usually gets more rain in July than Ghent. Interlaken gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Interlaken or Ghent in the Autumn?

Both Ghent and Interlaken are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Interlaken for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Ghent because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Interlaken is around the same temperature as Ghent. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Interlaken in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Ghent averages at about 12°C (54°F).

Interlaken usually receives more sunshine than Ghent during autumn. Interlaken gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Ghent receives 105 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Interlaken usually receives less rain than Ghent. Interlaken gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Interlaken or Ghent in the Winter?

Both Ghent and Interlaken during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Interlaken because of the skiing and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Ghent this time of year.

It's quite cold in Ghent in the winter. The weather in Interlaken can be very cold. In January, Interlaken is generally around the same temperature as Ghent. Daily temperatures in Interlaken average around 3°C (37°F), and Ghent fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Interlaken often gets more sunshine than Ghent. Interlaken gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ghent receives 47 hours of full sun.

Interlaken usually gets more rain in January than Ghent. Interlaken gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Interlaken or Ghent in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Interlaken and Ghent. The natural beauty are the main draw to Interlaken this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Ghent for the natural beauty.

Interlaken is a little warmer than Ghent in the spring. The daily temperature in Interlaken averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Ghent fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Interlaken usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ghent during spring. Interlaken gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Ghent receives 158 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Interlaken usually receives more rain than Ghent. Interlaken gets 79 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 Interlaken