A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Lagos vs. Ghent for Nightlife, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Lagos or Ghent?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Lagos and Ghent. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Lagos

Lagos is a vibrant, beautiful, and scenic resort town. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Ghent

Ghent is a under-rated, youthful, and high energy city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Lagos and Ghent: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lagos or Ghent?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Lagos. Although Lagos and Ghent are both popular with visitors, Lagos has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Lagos is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Ghent is known for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping. Lagos is more touristy than Ghent and is known for its dramatic beaches, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant nightlife. It is also home to Ponta da Piedade. Ghent is popular for its medieval buildings, large squares, and weekly markets

How is Lagos different from Ghent?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Ghent is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Lagos does not have museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.

Lagos does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Both Lagos and Ghent offer a number of excellent restaurants to choose from.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Lagos makes for a great culinary experience. The city offers some of the best food in the Algarve. The old town has plenty of restaurants that are both affordable and high quality. Seafood is the obvious choice, but you'll also find tapas, paellas, and local dishes such as cataplana (a seafood and chorizo stew). Most restaurants serve up a local fish of the day as well as prawns and other seafood items.

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 Lagos or Ghent Better for Nightlife?

Ghent is a must-visit destination for nightlife. Also, Lagos is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

Ghent is a world class 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.

Many people head to Lagos for the nightlife scene. The city has a mellow vibe, even at night, but that's not to say there aren't good parties going on, particularly during the peak of the travel season. There's a local charm to the nightlife scene here and you'll likely start to recognize other party-goers. Many of the bars are housed in character-filled old buildings which can feel a bit cramped, but that's all part of the charm.

Is Lagos or Ghent Better for Resorts?

Lagos is a world-class destination for its resorts. However, Ghent is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Lagos for its luxury resorts. As a resort town, you'll find no shortage of places to stay in the area. If you don't have a car, your best options are in the historic center. If transportation isn't a concern, then you'll find plenty of great resorts in the Marina, Meia Praia, Dona Ana Beach, Camilo Beach, and Porto de Mós Beach.

Ghent is not a resort destination.

Is Lagos or Ghent Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Lagos is a well-known place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Ghent is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near Lagos. With its unique rock formations and caves, there are many spots where you can snorkel or scuba dive nearby. There's also sparkling blue waters and plenty of marine life including lobster, shrimp, anemones, octopuses, and brightly colored fish.

Ghent is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Lagos or Ghent Better for Beaches?

Lagos is a world-class destination for its beaches. However, Ghent is not a beach destination.

Lagos offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The beaches are long, flat and sandy with beautifully dramatic rock formations. The largest beach in the area is Meia Praia and arguably one of the best beaches is Praia Dona Ana. For convenience, Praia da Batata is the closest beach to town. Praia de Porto de Mós is one of the more quiet beaches, but it's still along a bus line. For beautiful nature head to either Praia dos Estudantes or Praia dos Pinheiros.

Ghent is not a beach destination.

Is Lagos or Ghent Better for its Old Town?

Ghent is well known for its historic old town. However, Lagos does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Ghent. The medieval old town follows along the canal and offers great architecture and a unique atmosphere.

Lagos does not have a historic old town.

Is Lagos or Ghent Better for Hiking?

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

Lagos is a popular spot for hiking. The city makes an excellent base for exploring some of the nearby hikes and walks. Favorite places to hike include the famous Ponte de Piedade Trail, which is the last part of the multi-day Fisherman's Trail. It takes you by many beautiful rock formations and scenic viewpoints. Another scenic hike is The Alvor Walkways, which is a series of boardwalks through sand dunes.

Ghent is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Lagos or Ghent?

Ghent is well known for shopping. Also, Lagos is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Ghent is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Lagos. The town has a long history of local artisan crafts. You can head to the seafront promenade and find local traditional items such as ceramics, leather goods, and jewelry.

Is Lagos or Ghent Better for Families?

Lagos 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, Lagos is very family-friendly. You can spend days hanging out on the beautiful beaches, but there are so many other activities that the whole family will enjoy. Explore the caves in kayaks, take surfing lessons, head for the zoo, or go dolphin watching. There are also plenty of playgrounds and kid-friendly restaurants around town.

Ghent is a family-friendly resort 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 Lagos or Ghent Better for Couples?

Lagos 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.

Lagos is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The beaches and hotels in the area offer a truly romantic setting for couples, whether you're on a honeymoon or a couple's weekend getaway. Spend some time on the beach or go kayaking through the caves. Get a spa treatment at a luxury hotel or go wine tasting through the countryside. You can also enjoy the beautiful sunsets on a sunset boat cruise while sipping a glass of local wine.

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 Lagos or Ghent Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lagos 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.

Lagos is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. The area is a favorite for backpackers who come to hang out on the beaches during the day or party late into the night after the sun goes down. There are plenty of hostels around town and many offer a social vibe where it's easy 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 Lagos or Ghent Better for Students?

Ghent is a must-visit destination for students. However, Lagos is not popular with students.

Ghent is a very popular place to visit 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.

Lagos is not popular with students.

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

Ghent is a must-visit destination for its public transit. However, Lagos is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

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 is mostly limited in Lagos. The area has buses, but they are limited in where they go. There is also reduced service on weekends and holidays.

Is Lagos or Ghent a more walkable city?

Ghent is well known for its walkability. However, Lagos is not particularly known for its high level of walkability.

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

Lagos is not a very walkable resort town. Most people prefer to have a car as some areas are very hilly and many resorts are outside of town. Depending on your fitness level and motivation, you may be able to get by without a vehicle, but it is generally not recommended.

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

Should I spend more time in Ghent or Lagos?

How long in Lagos or Ghent?

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

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

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

One day in Lagos or Ghent?

In Lagos, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this scenic destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Lots of people come for the beaches. This resort 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.

In Ghent, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this high energy destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the nightlife. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Lagos or Ghent?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lagos. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ghent. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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.

Five days in Lagos or Ghent?

Lagos is a fun place to experience. In Lagos, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the beaches. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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

A week in Lagos or Ghent?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the vibrant destination of Lagos. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the beaches. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find food and shopping around the youthful destination of Ghent. 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 nightlife. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal, The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium.

When comparing the travel costs between Lagos 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 Lagos Expensive? and Is Ghent Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Lagos or Ghent?

Ghent has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Lagos. When comparing the sizes of Lagos 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 Lagos 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 Lagos or Ghent in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Lagos and Ghent. The summer months attract visitors to Lagos because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Ghent this time of year.

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

Lagos gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Lagos usually receives more rain than Ghent. Lagos gets 243 mm (9.6 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Lagos or Ghent in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Lagos as well as Ghent. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Lagos this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Ghent for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Lagos is much warmer than Ghent. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lagos in October average around 26°C (79°F), and Ghent averages at about 12°C (54°F).

Lagos receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Lagos usually gets more rain in October than Ghent. Lagos gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lagos or Ghent in the Winter?

Both Ghent and Lagos are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Lagos for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Ghent in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Ghent can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Lagos is generally much warmer than Ghent. Daily temperatures in Lagos average around 27°C (81°F), and Ghent fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In January, Lagos usually receives less rain than Ghent. Lagos gets 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Lagos or Ghent in the Spring?

Both Ghent and Lagos during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Lagos in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Ghent for the natural beauty during these months.

Lagos is much warmer than Ghent in the spring. The daily temperature in Lagos averages around 28°C (82°F) in April, and Ghent fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Lagos. Lagos usually gets more rain in April than Ghent. Lagos gets 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Ghent and Lagos