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

Should you visit Istanbul or Ghent?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Istanbul 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.

Istanbul

Istanbul is a historic, diverse, and beautiful city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Ghent

Ghent is a cultural, historic, and under-rated city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Istanbul and Ghent: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Istanbul or Ghent?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Istanbul than Ghent, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Istanbul is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, and big city activities, while Ghent is known for its nightlife and impressive beauty. Istanbul is more touristy than Ghent and is known for its world class historical sights, stunning mosques, and dynamic energy. It is also home to The Blue Mosque. Ghent is popular for its medieval buildings, large squares, and weekly markets

How is Istanbul different from Ghent?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Istanbul 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 Istanbul that are not to be missed. With such a long and diverse religious and political history, it has many museums, mosques, churches, and archeological sites that you can visit. Some of the most famous sights include the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Sarayi, and the Blue Mosque.

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 Istanbul or Ghent? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Istanbul is a world-class destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Ghent is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Eat your way through Istanbul, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. From Turkish classics to sweet desserts, the city has it all. Popular dishes include Turkish style pizza, kebabs, and doner, which you'll find everywhere for affordable prices. You'll also find many tourist-centered restaurants in the touristy areas but if you get away from the main sights, you'll find more local options that let you sample high quality food for affordable prices.

Ghent has a huge number of terrific 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 Istanbul or Ghent Better for Nightlife?

Ghent is an amazing city to visit for nightlife. Also, Istanbul is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Ghent has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.

Istanbul has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. Dancing, dining, and partying have all become part of Istanbul's culture. Top nightclubs in the city include Reina, Sortie, and Supperclub. If you're looking for dance clubs and alcohol, your best bet is to head to the Beyoglu district.

Is Istanbul or Ghent Better for its Old Town?

Istanbul 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 Istanbul is revered around the world. The Old City in Istanbul is the most historic part of the city. It's where you'll find most of the city's historic sights. The area around Sultanahmet Square is the most popular tourist area to explore.

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 the Shopping Better in Istanbul or Ghent?

Both Istanbul and Ghent are great shopping destinations.

Istanbul is an extremely popular place for shoppers. It is the capital of culture and fashion in Turkey, and there are many shopping areas that carry all kinds of brands. For a more traditional, but touristy experience head to the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Market. For modern brands, Istiklal Caddesi is the most popular area for shopping.

Ghent is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Is Istanbul or Ghent Better for Families?

Istanbul 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.

Istanbul is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has several kid-friendly museums, a couple of aquariums, and fun theme parks. If the kids need a break from the city, you can spend a day at Vialand Theme Park or LEGOLAND Discovery Center Istanbul. Food in Istanbul is also very kid-friendly with many affordable dishes that young ones will enjoy.

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 Istanbul or Ghent Better for Couples?

Istanbul and Ghent are both great to visit as a couple.

Istanbul is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples who enjoy history, culture, and vibrant neighborhoods will enjoy a romantic stay here. The city lights up at night and there are many rooftop dessert cafes where you can take in the view. The waterfront setting is the perfect place to watch the sunset and there are many places to walk and soak up the atmosphere.

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 Istanbul or Ghent Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Istanbul is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Ghent is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Istanbul is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. There are plenty of hostels and budget accommodation options, and there's also plenty of ways to meet other travelers. You'll find plenty of hostels concentrated in the Sultanahmet area.

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 Istanbul or Ghent Better for Students?

Ghent is an amazing city to visit for students. Also, Istanbul is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

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 Istanbul. Students appreciate the city's vibrant neighborhoods, constant activity, and diverse population.

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

Both Istanbul and Ghent offer world-class public transit options.

Public transit in Istanbul is top-notch. It has a comprehensive and diverse public transit system that includes buses, trams, minibuses, ferries, funicular, and more.

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.

Is Istanbul or Ghent a more walkable city?

Istanbul and Ghent both are great when exploring on foot.

Istanbul is very walkable. Although it is huge, most of the neighborhoods that tourists visit are incredibly walkable and pedestrian-friendly.

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 Istanbul Worth Visiting? and Is Ghent Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Ghent or Istanbul?

How long in Istanbul or Ghent?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Istanbul and Ghent. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Istanbul than in Ghent. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Istanbul, and 1-3 days is enough time in Ghent.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Istanbul 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 Istanbul.

One day in Istanbul or Ghent?

Each neighborhood in Istanbul has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. 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.

The beautiful city of Ghent offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Istanbul or Ghent?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Istanbul. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Ghent is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Ghent, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Istanbul or Ghent?

Istanbul is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Istanbul has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Ghent is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Istanbul or Ghent?

Each neighborhood in Istanbul has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Ghent is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Turkey, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey, The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium.

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

Which is Bigger, Istanbul or Ghent?

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

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 Istanbul or Ghent in the Summer?

Both Ghent and Istanbul are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Istanbul for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Ghent in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

Istanbul is a little warmer than Ghent in the summer. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 24°C (74°F) in July, and Ghent fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Ghent. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Istanbul. Istanbul usually receives more sunshine than Ghent during summer. Istanbul gets 333 hours of sunny skies, while Ghent receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Istanbul usually receives less rain than Ghent. Istanbul gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Istanbul or Ghent in the Autumn?

Both Ghent and Istanbul during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Istanbul in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Ghent for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Istanbul is a little warmer than Ghent. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Istanbul in October average around 16°C (61°F), and Ghent averages at about 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Istanbul often gets more sunshine than Ghent. Istanbul gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ghent receives 105 hours of full sun.

Istanbul usually gets less rain in October than Ghent. Istanbul gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Istanbul or Ghent in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Istanbul and Ghent. Most visitors come to Istanbul for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, 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. In January, Istanbul is generally much warmer than Ghent. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 6°C (43°F), and Ghent fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Istanbul usually receives more sunshine than Ghent during winter. Istanbul gets 75 hours of sunny skies, while Ghent receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Istanbul usually receives more rain than Ghent. Istanbul gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Istanbul or Ghent in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Istanbul as well as Ghent. The spring months attract visitors to Istanbul because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Additionally, the natural beauty are the main draw to Ghent this time of year.

Istanbul is a little warmer than Ghent in the spring. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Ghent fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the spring, Istanbul often gets more sunshine than Ghent. Istanbul gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ghent receives 158 hours of full sun.

Istanbul usually gets more rain in April than Ghent. Istanbul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Ghent and Istanbul