Which place is cheaper, Ghent or Lucerne?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Lucerne 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.
Lucerne is a vibrant, scenic, and active city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of 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 is a under-rated, youthful, and high energy city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.
Travelers will generally find more things to do in Lucerne than Ghent. While Ghent is larger than Lucerne, Lucerne has more sights and attractions for tourists. Lucerne is better known for its big city activities, while Ghent is more popular for its food, nightlife, and impressive beauty. Lucerne is more touristy than Ghent and is popular for it's wooden bridge, its waterfront setting, and the many nearby alpine day trips. Also, Lucerne is famous for The Chapel Bridge. Ghent is well known for its medieval buildings, large squares, and weekly markets
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Ghent and Lucerne. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
You'll find a number of excellent museums and attractions in both Ghent and Lucerne.
Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Lucerne. Top sights in town include the famous Chapel Bridge, the Lion Monument and the town walls and towers. There are also a number of museums including the Swiss Transport Museum and Museum Sammlung Rosengart.
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.
Ghent is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Lucerne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.
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.
Lucerne offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. Food is expensive around town, but there are some unique specialties like fondue, brätwurst, and of course, chocolate. It's nice to sit out by the river and enjoy a hearty meal while you soak up the view.
Ghent is very popular for its evening party scene. Also, Lucerne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.
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.
Lucerne has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city has some of the best nightlife in Switzerland, with many lively clubs, bars, and pubs. There are also many local events that are hosted in town and bring in a crowd.
Visitors enjoy the excellent old town areas in both Lucerne and Ghent.
There are many historical things to see in the old town of Lucerne. Sitting on the water's edge, this old town has a number of historic buildings and the beautiful Chapel Bridge.
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.
If you're looking to go shopping, Lucerne and Ghent both offer plenty of excellent spots.
Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Lucerne. The city is filled with high end shopping opportunities with everything from boutique shops to major chains. Popular items to purchase in town include chocolate, watches, jewelry, and Swiss army knives.
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.
Both Lucerne and Ghent are notable family-friendly destinations.
Lucerne offers lots of family activities. The city is filled with history and there are a number of playgrounds around town. Also make sure you pop in a chocolate shop so that everyone can enjoy a sweet treat. If the weather's warm, you can also take a swim in Lake Lucerne. Many kids enjoy escaping the city and doing a day trip to the amazing Mt. Titlis, or other peaks that are nearby.
Ghent is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.
Lucerne and Ghent both excellent destinations for a couple.
Lucerne is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. The city has many pleasant squares, excellent restaurants, and a romantic atmosphere that makes for a great couple's getaway. There are a number of nice hotels to choose from as well.
Ghent is a very popular place to visit for couples. It makes a great weekend getaway with a diverse restaurant scene, nice hotels, and plenty of historic attractions that you can explore.
Ghent is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Lucerne is not a good destination for backpackers.
Plenty of backpackers 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.
Lucerne is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Prices are high everywhere in the area but there are a few hostels that attract backpackers. It's also possible to find free activities like swimming in the lake or simply wandering around town. Prices at restaurants are very high, so you'll do best to pick up food at supermarkets and prepare your own meals. Because it's a larger city, there are options that you might not find in smaller towns around Switzerland.
Ghent is very popular for its student-friendly activities. However, Lucerne is not a good destination for 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.
Lucerne is a decent spot for students. Most people don't think of the city as a student town but there are some good opportunities for international students. The prices are high, but the city is surrounded by stunning natural beauty that is fun to explore.
Ghent is very popular for times when you don't have a car. Also, Lucerne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.
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.
Lucerne has a few public transit options. There's a comprehensive system of buses around town.
Ghent is great for its ease of walking around. Also, Lucerne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.
Ghent is a very walkable destination. The area's with the most tourist attractions are generally walkable.
Lucerne is somewhat walkable. The major tourist areas are fairly walkable if your hotel is in a convenient location.
For even more information, also check out Is Lucerne Worth Visiting? and Is Ghent Worth Visiting?.
Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Lucerne and Ghent. In our opinion, Ghent has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Ghent than Lucerne. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.
Families should spend more time in Ghent than Lucerne. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Ghent, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Couples should spend more time in Ghent than Lucerne. 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 Ghent than Lucerne 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.
In Lucerne, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this active destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.
In Ghent, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lucerne. 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.
In Ghent, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Ghent has to offer.
Lucerne is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Lucerne. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.
Ghent is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.
You'll find food and shopping around the active destination of Lucerne. 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.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ghent. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Ghent. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Switzerland, The Best 2-Week Tours in Switzerland, The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium.
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Lucerne is $214, while the average daily cost in Ghent is $127. 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 Lucerne and Ghent in more detail.
Looking for a hotel in Lucerne 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.
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.
Also for Lucerne, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ghent:
Prices for flights to both Ghent and Lucerne 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.
For Lucerne, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Ghent.
For Lucerne, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Lucerne.
Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Ghent are as follows:
Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Lucerne:
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Ghent:
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lucerne and Ghent, we can see that Lucerne 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 Lucerne would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lucerne 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 Lucerne Expensive? and Is Ghent Expensive?.
Ghent has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Lucerne. When comparing the sizes of Lucerne 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.
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.
Both Ghent and Lucerne during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Lucerne because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Ghent this time of year.
In the summer, Lucerne is a little warmer than Ghent. Typically, the summer temperatures in Lucerne in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Ghent averages at about 17°C (63°F).
In Ghent, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Lucerne. In the summer, Lucerne often gets more sunshine than Ghent. Lucerne gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ghent receives 202 hours of full sun.
Lucerne usually gets more rain in July than Ghent. Lucerne gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.
The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Lucerne and Ghent. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Lucerne this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Ghent for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.
In October, Lucerne is generally around the same temperature as Ghent. Daily temperatures in Lucerne average around 13°C (56°F), and Ghent fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).
Lucerne usually receives more sunshine than Ghent during autumn. Lucerne gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Ghent receives 105 hours of full sun in the autumn.
In October, Lucerne usually receives less rain than Ghent. Lucerne gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.
The winter brings many poeple to Lucerne as well as Ghent. Many travelers come to Lucerne for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, 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. Be prepared for some very cold days in Lucerne. Lucerne is around the same temperature as Ghent in the winter. The daily temperature in Lucerne averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Ghent fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).
In the winter, Lucerne often gets more sunshine than Ghent. Lucerne gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ghent receives 47 hours of full sun.
Lucerne usually gets more rain in January than Ghent. Lucerne gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.
Both Ghent and Lucerne are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Lucerne in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Ghent for the natural beauty during these months.
In the spring, Lucerne is a little warmer than Ghent. Typically, the spring temperatures in Lucerne in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Ghent averages at about 8°C (47°F).
Lucerne usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ghent during spring. Lucerne gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Ghent receives 158 hours of full sun in the spring.
In April, Lucerne usually receives more rain than Ghent. Lucerne gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.
Lucerne | Ghent | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | |
Jan | 3°C (37°F) | 77 mm (3 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 59 mm (2.3 in) |
Feb | 5°C (40°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 3°C (38°F) | 44 mm (1.7 in) |
Mar | 8°C (46°F) | 72 mm (2.8 in) | 6°C (42°F) | 55 mm (2.2 in) |
Apr | 12°C (53°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 8°C (47°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
May | 16°C (60°F) | 101 mm (4 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
Jun | 19°C (66°F) | 100 mm (3.9 in) | 15°C (59°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
Jul | 21°C (70°F) | 89 mm (3.5 in) | 17°C (63°F) | 66 mm (2.6 in) |
Aug | 21°C (69°F) | 104 mm (4.1 in) | 18°C (64°F) | 67 mm (2.6 in) |
Sep | 18°C (64°F) | 79 mm (3.1 in) | 16°C (60°F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
Oct | 13°C (56°F) | 70 mm (2.8 in) | 12°C (54°F) | 78 mm (3.1 in) |
Nov | 7°C (45°F) | 82 mm (3.2 in) | 7°C (45°F) | 75 mm (2.9 in) |
Dec | 4°C (39°F) | 83 mm (3.3 in) | 5°C (40°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |