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

Should you visit Mykonos 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 Mykonos 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.

Mykonos

Mykonos is a glamourous, party-oriented, and ritzy Greek island. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Ghent

Ghent is a under-rated, youthful, and high energy city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Mykonos and Ghent: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Mykonos or Ghent?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Mykonos than Ghent. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Mykonos is very popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while Ghent attracts visitors for its museums. Mykonos is more touristy than Ghent and is known for its active party scene, luxury accommodation, and picturesque villages. It is also well known for the traditional windmills near Chora. Ghent is famous for its medieval buildings, large squares, and weekly markets

How is Mykonos different from Ghent?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Ghent is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Mykonos is not as famous, but is still a good Greek island to visit for its museums and history.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Mykonos. Visitors enjoy checking out the windmills and churches around the island. You can also hop over to Delos to see its archeological sites.

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

Mykonos is a world-class destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Ghent is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Eat your way through Mykonos, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Like most things on the island, food is expensive, but its also very good. Make sure you try the louza sausage, kopanisti cheese, and melopita pie.

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 Mykonos or Ghent Better for Nightlife?

Both Mykonos and Ghent are terrific when it comes to partying.

The nightlife in Mykonos is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. With many exclusive clubs and bars, this island is among the best for nightlife in Greece. Popular options include Tropicana Club, Scarpa, and Super Paradise Beach Club.

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.

Is Mykonos or Ghent Better for Resorts?

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

Vacationers flock to Mykonos for its luxury resorts. There are many world class luxury resorts on the island that offer a variety of amenities including pools, restaurants, and spas. Popular options include Myconian Avaton Resort, Myconian Imperial Resort and Villas, and Myconian Utopia Resort.

Ghent is not a resort destination.

Is Mykonos or Ghent Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Mykonos 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 Mykonos. There are many good diving and snorkeling spots around the island include shipwrecks and reefs with good visibility.

Ghent is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Mykonos or Ghent Better for Beaches?

Mykonos is a well-known place for its beaches. However, Ghent is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Mykonos for it's beautiful beaches. This island has become popular for its sandy beaches, but these days they come with a high price. Many are lined with umbrellas and sunbeds that you can rent. They often have bars that bring high energy and loud music. The water is often calm enough to enjoy swimming or water sports. Most of the best beaches are on the southern side of the island, but there are less crowds on the northern side, although the weather may not be as good.

Ghent is not a beach destination.

Is Mykonos or Ghent Better for its Old Town?

Mykonos is a world-class destination for its historic old town. Also, Ghent is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its old town.

The historic old town of Mykonos is revered around the world. Chora, the old town and largest town on the island, is filled with windmills, cafes, churches, and charming streets.

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.

Is Mykonos or Ghent Better for Hiking?

Mykonos is not a good place to visit for the nearby hiking options. However, Ghent is not a hiking destination.

Mykonos has hiking trails for those that seek them out. This island doesn't have any real hiking but you can walk to the beach along the road. The island is mostly flat.

Ghent is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Mykonos or Ghent?

Mykonos 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.

Mykonos is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. This island has become the playground for celebrities and the wealthy, so there are plenty of shopping opportunities in town.

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 Mykonos or Ghent Better for Families?

Ghent is a good destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Mykonos is not a good Greek island for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Mykonos is not always a place people visit with their families. This island is a bit of a party destination, so many people choose alternative islands when visiting Greece with their kids. If you do head to Mykonos, you'll find nice beaches and some good museums.

Is Mykonos or Ghent Better for Couples?

Mykonos 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.

Mykonos is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Couples who enjoy beautiful coastal settings with a great party scene will love a vacation or honeymoon to this Greek island.

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 Mykonos or Ghent Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ghent is a good destination for backpackers. However, Mykonos is not a good Greek island for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Mykonos is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The island appeals to the wealthy and glamourous, but for backpackers and budget travelers, there are a few budget-friendly hotels. It'll be a bit harder to find affordable food though, as restaurants can be quite expensive.

Is Mykonos or Ghent Better for Students?

Ghent is an unbeatable place for students. However, Mykonos 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.

Mykonos is not popular with students.

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

Ghent is an unbeatable place for its public transit. Also, Mykonos is not as famous, but is still a good Greek island to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors in Ghent can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. Buses and trams travel to most parts of the city and are convenient and efficient.

Mykonos has some public transit options. There is a bus system that connects the towns and beaches on the island. Both major bus stations are on the western side of the island.

Is Mykonos or Ghent a more walkable city?

Mykonos 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 Mykonos on foot. Walking is actually one of the only ways to get around town.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Ghent or Mykonos?

How long in Mykonos or Ghent?

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

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

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

One day in Mykonos or Ghent?

In Mykonos, many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling that this glamourous destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This Greek island 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, 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.

A weekend in Mykonos or Ghent?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mykonos. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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.

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.

Five days in Mykonos or Ghent?

Mykonos is a fun place to experience. In Mykonos, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this quaint 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 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.

A week in Mykonos or Ghent?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the party-oriented destination of Mykonos. 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.

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 Contiki Tours to Greece, The Best G Adventures Tours to Greece, The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium.

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

Which is Bigger, Mykonos or Ghent?

Mykonos has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Ghent. When comparing the sizes of Mykonos 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.