A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Lisse vs. Ghent for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Lisse or Ghent?

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

Should I visit Lisse 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.

Where Should I go: Lisse or Ghent?

Lisse

Lisse is very much a seasonal destination. During a two month period every spring it becomes one of the Netherlands most popular tourist destinations. In the Bulb Region of South Holland, it is home to the Keukenhof amusement park, which comes to life every spring with millions of flowers coming into full bloom. The spectacular sight attracts over eight hundred thousand visitors every year, all during that two month time period. This sight truly is amazing with rows of colored flowers lighting up the grounds. The flowers cover more than 32 hectares and include tulips, hyacinths, daffodils and other spring flowers. Its a wonderful sight for people of all ages, and a wonderful photographic opportunity for anybody in the area.

Ghent

Ghent is a large city in the northern part of Belgium (the Flanders region) with a population of about 250,000. This city was one of the most powerful cities in Europe during the Middle Ages, which is portrayed today, mostly through architecture. There is a large university in Ghent with over 60,000 students, and a large portion of the population are young students. However, among the natives and students, there are also many foreigners and artists that you will find walking the streets of the city. Ghent is also Belgium's second largest port city.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Netherlands, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Netherlands, The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium.


Which place is cheaper, Ghent or Lisse?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Lisse is €145, while the average daily cost in Ghent is €118. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Lisse and Ghent in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Lisse 79
    Ghent 72
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Lisse 158
    Ghent 144
Compare Hotels in Lisse and Ghent

Looking for a hotel in Lisse or Ghent? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Lisse


Hotels in Ghent


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Ghent Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Lisse 23
    Ghent 19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ghent

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ghent:

  • Ostend <-> Luxembourg transfer (1 to 8 places): $233
  • Ghent <-> Amsterdam Shuttle Transfer (1 to 8 Seats): $229
  • Departure Private Transfer from Ghent City to Brussels Airport by Luxury Van: $166
  • Departure Private Transfer from Ghent City to Brussels Airport by Business Car: $147
  • Ostend Bruges Airport(OST) to Bruges- Round-Trip Private Transfer: $63

Is it cheaper to fly into Lisse or Ghent?

Prices for flights to both Ghent and Lisse change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Lisse 47
    Ghent 35

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Lisse

For Lisse, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Haarlem's Food-steps: A self-guided Food Tour: $39
  • WALKING DINNER HAARLEM | 3 courses + 3 drinks and a lot of fun: $87
  • Guided Food Tour Haarlem (min. 2 persons) - Many local tastings : $97

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ghent

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Ghent.

  • Walking food tour: Introduction to Ghent through food: $102
  • Small-Group Food Tour in Ghent by Bike: $158

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Lisse 30
    Ghent 8.64

Tours and Activities in Lisse

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Lisse.

  • Walking tour Haarlem (Tip Based): $4.36
  • Keukenhof: Parking Ticket or Park Information Booklet: $7.49
  • Haarlem Highlights Walking Tour Audio and GPS Guided: $7.57
  • Cultural and Historical Audio guided walking tour Tour of Haarlem: $13
  • Leiden: Windmill and Countryside Cruise near Keukenhof: $16
  • Haarlem: Canal Cruise Spaarne Mill to Mill: $20
  • Haarlem: 50 minutes Boat Cruise: $20
  • 90 minutes Self-Guided Walking tour and Escape room in Haarlem: $21
  • Keukenhof: Entry Ticket: $21
  • Haarlem Open Canal Tour with a real live guide: $25
  • Discover Haarlem with a self-guided Outside Escape city game tour: $27
  • 2 Hours Walking Tour Throughout History & Highlights of Haarlem: $28

Tours and Activities in Ghent

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Ghent are as follows:

  • Bicycle tour in historic Ghent: $49
  • Christmas Experience in Ghent - Walking Tour: $491
  • Discover Ghent with a self-guided Outside Escape city game tour!: $22
  • Experience Christmas in Mons - Walking Tour: $247
  • Exquisite Sites of Ghent - Family Tour: $187
  • Exquisite Sites of Ghent - Family Tour: $384
  • From Brussels: Private Tour of Bruges, Ghent and Flanders: $620
  • Gastronomic Walking Tour of Gent - Tasters included: $3.26
  • Ghent Beer Guided Walking Tour: $49
  • Ghent Beer and Sightseeing Adventure: $97
  • Ghent Bike Tour Off-the-beaten-track: $52
  • Ghent City Highlights Walking Tour with Light Meal: $75

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Lisse 23
    Ghent 18

Sample the Local Flavors in Lisse

Also in Lisse, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Haarlem Private Self Guided Pub Crawl: $22

Sample the Local Flavors in Ghent

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Ghent:

  • Ghent Pub Trail : Pub crawl with interactive online game: $12
  • Private Ghent Beer & Brewery Tour by a young local: $245


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


Which is Bigger, Lisse or Ghent?

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

Both Ghent and Lisse during the summer are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Ghent because of the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Lisse is generally around the same temperature as Ghent. Daily temperatures in Lisse average around 17°C (62°F), and Ghent fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In Ghent, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Lisse. In the summer, Lisse often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ghent. Lisse gets 204 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ghent receives 202 hours of full sun.

Lisse usually gets more rain in July than Ghent. Lisse gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Lisse 17°C (62°F) 
    Ghent 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Lisse or Ghent in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Lisse and Ghent. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Ghent this time of year.

Lisse is cooler than Ghent in the autumn. The daily temperature in Lisse averages around 11°C (51°F) in October, and Ghent fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Lisse usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ghent during autumn. Lisse gets 99 hours of sunny skies, while Ghent receives 105 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Lisse usually receives less rain than Ghent. Lisse gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Lisse 11°C (51°F) 
    Ghent 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Lisse or Ghent in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Lisse as well as Ghent. Additionally, many travelers come to Ghent for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Ghent. It's quite cold in Lisse in the winter. In the winter, Lisse is much colder than Ghent. Typically, the winter temperatures in Lisse in January average around 2°C (36°F), and Ghent averages at about 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Lisse often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ghent. Lisse gets 46 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ghent receives 47 hours of full sun.

Lisse usually gets more rain in January than Ghent. Lisse gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Lisse 2°C (36°F) 
    Ghent 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Lisse or Ghent in the Spring?

Both Ghent and Lisse are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Ghent in the spring for the natural beauty.

In April, Lisse is generally cooler than Ghent. Daily temperatures in Lisse average around 8°C (46°F), and Ghent fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Lisse usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ghent during spring. Lisse gets 166 hours of sunny skies, while Ghent receives 158 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Lisse usually receives more rain than Ghent. Lisse gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Lisse 8°C (46°F) 
    Ghent 8°C (47°F)

Typical Weather for Ghent and Lisse

Lisse Ghent
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 2°C (36°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 3°C (38°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 3°C (38°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 6°C (42°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 52 mm (2 in) 8°C (47°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
May 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 15°C (59°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in) 17°C (63°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Aug 17°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 18°C (64°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 16°C (60°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 11°C (51°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 12°C (54°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 6°C (43°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 7°C (45°F) 75 mm (2.9 in)
Dec 3°C (38°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 5°C (40°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)