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

Should you visit Marbella or Ghent?

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

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

Marbella

Marbella is a ritzy, glamorous, and fun-filled resort town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Ghent

Ghent is a cultural, historic, and under-rated city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Marbella and Ghent: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marbella or Ghent?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Marbella than Ghent. While Ghent is larger than Marbella, Marbella has more sights and attractions for tourists. Marbella is very popular for its music, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping, while Ghent attracts visitors for its museums, food, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Marbella is more touristy than Ghent and is popular for its luxury hotels, beautiful beaches, and lively nightlife. It is also well known for Plaza de los Naranjos. Ghent is famous for its medieval buildings, large squares, and weekly markets

How is Marbella different from Ghent?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Ghent is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Marbella does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Ghent can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Marbella does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Ghent is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Marbella is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Marbella area. The area is filled with tourists, so finding an authentic dining experience can be difficult. Several favorite dishes include croquetas, boquerones, and pulpo.

Is Marbella or Ghent Better for Nightlife?

The world-class nightlife scene is relatively similar in Marbella and Ghent.

Marbella is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. European tourists flock to the town for its beaches and resorts. The town has a glamorous nightlife scene with exclusive clubs and ritzy cocktail bars, particularly in Puerto Banus and along the Golden Mile.

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.

Is Marbella or Ghent Better for Music?

Marbella is a well-known place for live music. However, Ghent is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Marbella is very popular with diverse venues. Some of the best music venues include Starlite, Kitch Social Club, and Momento.

Ghent is not a live music destination.

Is Marbella or Ghent Better for Resorts?

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

Vacationers flock to Marbella for its luxury resorts. From luxury to family-friendly, this area has plenty of resorts to choose from. Popular resorts in the area include Marbella Club Hotel, Puente Romano Marbella, and Don Carlos Resort and Spa.

Ghent is not a resort destination.

Is Marbella or Ghent Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Marbella is a world-class destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Ghent is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

People travel from around the world to go scuba diving and snorkeling in Marbella. There are more than 100 dive sights and endless snorkeling opportunities in the area. There are deep offshore reefs that you can explore as well as shallower wrecks and caves.

Ghent is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Marbella or Ghent Better for Beaches?

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

Marbella offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. The area boasts some of the best beaches in Europe. They are hubs of activity with lots of energy, and there are more than 18 miles of sandy beach in the area. Popular options include Guadalmina Beach, San Pedro de Alcántara Beach, and Nueva Andalucía Beach.

Ghent is not a beach destination.

Is Marbella or Ghent Better for its Old Town?

Ghent is a very popular place for its old town. Also, Marbella is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town charm.

Many visitors go to Ghent to see the historical old town. The medieval old town follows along the canal and offers great architecture and a unique atmosphere.

Marbella offers a nice historic old town area. Head into the old town to explore a quaint area with small, meandering streets, churches, restaurants, shops, and cafes.

Is the Shopping Better in Marbella or Ghent?

Marbella is a world-class destination for shopping. Also, Ghent is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Marbella is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. This area attracts vacationers from around Europe and the shopping is some of the best in Europe.

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 Marbella or Ghent Better for Families?

Marbella 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.

Marbella is a very family-friendly place to visit. The area has beautiful, family-friendly beaches and many resorts with pools that are great for kids.

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 Marbella or Ghent Better for Couples?

Marbella 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.

Marbella is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The area has luxury resorts, nice beaches, water sports, golf, and water activities that are perfect for a honeymoon or a romantic weekend or a honeymoon.

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 Marbella or Ghent Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Marbella and Ghent are both nice destinations for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Marbella. There are a few good hostels in the area for backpackers who want to enjoy this part of Spain's cost. There's also a lively nightlife scene and plenty of opportunities to meet others.

Ghent is a good resort town to visit for backpackers. 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 Marbella or Ghent Better for Students?

Ghent is very popular for its student-friendly activities. However, Marbella is not popular with students.

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.

Marbella is not popular with students.

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

Ghent is very popular for times when you don't have a car. However, Marbella is lacking in good options 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.

Public transit is generally limited in Marbella. There is a bus system through the area, but most visitors prefer to get around by car.

Is Marbella or Ghent a more walkable city?

Marbella and Ghent are great when it comes to walkability.

Marbella is a very walkable resort town. The old town is particularly walkable and there are a number of hotels and nice resorts within a short walk of the town along a nice promenade.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Ghent or Marbella?

How long in Marbella or Ghent?

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

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

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

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

In Marbella, many people enjoy the live music and food that this fun-filled destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

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 Marbella or Ghent?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Marbella. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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.

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 Marbella or Ghent?

Marbella is a fun place to experience. In Marbella, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this destination offers. 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 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 Marbella or Ghent?

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the ritzy destination of Marbella. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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 Sightseeing Tours in Spain, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain, The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium.

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

Which is Bigger, Marbella or Ghent?

Ghent has a larger population, and is about 93% larger than the population of Marbella. When comparing the sizes of Marbella 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 Marbella 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 Marbella or Ghent in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Marbella as well as Ghent. Many travelers come to Marbella for the beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Ghent in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Marbella is generally a little warmer than Ghent. Daily temperatures in Marbella average around 25°C (77°F), 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 Marbella this time of the year. In the summer, Marbella often gets more sunshine than Ghent. Marbella gets 348 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ghent receives 202 hours of full sun.

Marbella usually gets less rain in July than Ghent. Marbella gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marbella or Ghent in the Autumn?

Both Ghent and Marbella are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Marbella in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Ghent for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Marbella is much warmer than Ghent in the autumn. The daily temperature in Marbella averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Ghent fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marbella. Marbella usually receives more sunshine than Ghent during autumn. Marbella gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Ghent receives 105 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Marbella usually receives less rain than Ghent. Marbella gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Marbella or Ghent in the Winter?

Both Ghent and Marbella during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Marbella for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Also, 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 the winter, Marbella is much warmer than Ghent. Typically, the winter temperatures in Marbella in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Ghent averages at about 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Marbella often gets more sunshine than Ghent. Marbella gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ghent receives 47 hours of full sun.

Marbella usually gets more rain in January than Ghent. Marbella gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marbella or Ghent in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Marbella and Ghent. The spring months attract visitors to Marbella because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Ghent this time of year.

In April, Marbella is generally much warmer than Ghent. Daily temperatures in Marbella average around 16°C (60°F), and Ghent fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In Marbella, it's very sunny this time of the year. Marbella usually receives more sunshine than Ghent during spring. Marbella gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Ghent receives 158 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Marbella usually receives less rain than Ghent. Marbella gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Ghent and Marbella