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

Should you visit Murren or Ghent?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Murren and Ghent can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Murren

Murren is a stunning, serene, and authentic town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for skiing, food, and hiking.

Ghent

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

Murren and Ghent: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Murren or Ghent?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Ghent. Although Murren and Ghent are both popular with visitors, Ghent has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Ghent is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Murren is known for its skiing, hiking, and small town charm. Murren is more touristy than Ghent and is known for its spectacular mountain views, authentically local atmosphere, and world class hiking and skiing. Ghent is popular for its medieval buildings, large squares, and weekly markets It is also home to The Fortress of Gravensteen.

How is Murren different from Ghent?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Murren or Ghent Better for Skiing?

Murren is a world-class destination for snow skiing. However, Ghent is not a skiing destination.

Murren is a top destination for snow skiing, and it attracts visitors from around the world. If you're visiting in the winter, you're in luck because the scenery and the slopes are both amazing. The top of Schilthorn is quickly accessed from the gondola and ski lifts, and heading down you'll find some difficult runs along with easier slopes. Enjoy your apres-ski in the village with cozy drinks and a dinner of fondue. And with more time, you can easily get across the valley to the Grindelwald-Wengen ski area, too.

Ghent is not a skiing destination.

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

Ghent is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Murren is not particularly known for its historical sights.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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.

If you're looking to pass the time, head to a museum or historic sight in Murren. You don't visit this area for the museums, so if you're looking for an indoor activity on a rainy day, your options are limited.

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

Ghent is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Murren is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Ghent makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Murren has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. If you can afford the prices, you'll enjoy some great meals of fondue or local steak. There aren't many restaurants in town and some of the best are attached to the hotels. Those on a tight budget will be frustrated because cheap eats are hard to come by. You may as well pay a little more and enjoy a high quality, fine dining experience.

Is Murren or Ghent Better for Nightlife?

Ghent is an amazing city to visit for nightlife. However, Murren is not particularly known 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.

Murren doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It's a quiet and residential town that is more about the daytime activities than the nightlife scene.

Is Murren or Ghent Better for its Old Town?

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

Ghent is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The medieval old town follows along the canal and offers great architecture and a unique atmosphere.

Murren does not have a historic old town.

Is Murren or Ghent Better for Hiking?

Murren is a world-class destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Ghent is not a hiking destination.

Murren is well-known for its hiking and trekking. Hiking trails pass right through the town, connecting the many alpine towns in the area. There are hikes for all levels, and each offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks, which include Eiger, Jungfrau, and Monch.

Ghent is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Murren or Ghent?

Ghent is well known for shopping. However, Murren is not particularly known 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 in Murren can be found for those interested. Aside from a food market or two, there aren't many shops in town and prices for everything are a bit high.

Is Murren or Ghent Better for Families?

Murren 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.

Murren is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kid-friendly activities are everywhere in this amazing town. Take the Allmendhubel Funicular Train and explore one of the coolest playgrounds ever! Family-friendly trails abound and outdoor adventures with spectacular views are fun for everyone.

Ghent is a family-friendly 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 Murren or Ghent Better for Couples?

Murren 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.

Murren is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. This small town offers charming hotels, hidden viewpoints, and romantic hikes through the Alps. If you want to experience an authentic side to the Alps, then stay in this town and explore the many hiking trails in the area.

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 Murren or Ghent Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ghent is a city with good options for backpackers. However, Murren is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Ghent is a good city 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.

Murren is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't any hostels in town so it's a bit difficult to stay in Murren as a backpacker. There are a number of charming hostels in the surrounding area though and they each have a unique local character.

Is Murren or Ghent Better for Students?

Ghent is an amazing city to visit for students. However, Murren is not popular with students.

Ghent is a very popular city 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.

Murren is not popular with students.

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

Ghent is an amazing city to visit for its public transit. Also, Murren is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Ghent is top-notch. Buses and trams travel to most parts of the city and are convenient and efficient.

While Murren offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Train, cable car, and funicular are the only ways to reach this car-free town.

Is Murren or Ghent a more walkable city?

Murren is a world-class destination for its walkability. Also, Ghent is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

It is easy to get around Murren on foot. It's a small town with a very limited number of vehicles so it's best explored on foot. There are also many walking trails in the area.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Ghent or Murren?

How long in Murren or Ghent?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Murren and Ghent. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Murren than in Ghent. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Murren, and 1-3 days is enough time in Ghent.

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

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

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

Even though Murren is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Ghent. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Murren or Ghent?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Murren. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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.

Ghent is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Murren or Ghent?

Murren is a fun place to experience. Murren is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ghent. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Murren or Ghent?

Murren is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the under-rated destination of Ghent. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Switzerland, The Best Tours for Seniors to Switzerland, The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium.

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

Which is Bigger, Murren or Ghent?

Ghent has a larger population, and is about 510 times larger than the population of Murren. When comparing the sizes of Murren 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.