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

Should you visit Nottingham 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 Nottingham 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.

Nottingham

Nottingham is a dynamic, livable, and cultural city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for live music, food, and shopping.

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.

Nottingham and Ghent: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Nottingham or Ghent?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Nottingham. Although Nottingham and Ghent are about the same size, Nottingham has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Nottingham is more popular for its music and big city activities, while Ghent is known for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Nottingham is popular for its authenticity and local cuisine. It is also home to Old Market Square. Ghent is popular for its medieval buildings, large squares, and weekly markets

How is Nottingham different from Ghent?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Nottingham
Ghent

Ghent is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Nottingham is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Nottingham offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. You'll find history and culture around town. Some of the notable landmarks include Wollaton Hall, the National Justice Museum, Nottingham Castle, and Old Market Square.


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

Nottingham
Ghent

Ghent is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Nottingham 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.

Nottingham has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. You'll find a diversity of restaurants around town that range from local fish and chips shops to international options. Pubs, cafes, and fine dining are all available in town.

Is Nottingham or Ghent Better for Nightlife?

Nottingham
Ghent

Ghent is very popular for nightlife. Also, Nottingham is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

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.

If you're looking for night time activities Nottingham has a few options to choose from. Head to the oldest pub in England, Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, for a pint or check out one of the trendy clubs around town. The city is also a big sports town, so see if there are any sporting events going on while you're visiting.

Is Nottingham or Ghent Better for Music?

Nottingham
Ghent

Nottingham is a good destination for live music. However, Ghent is not a live music destination.

You don't have to look far to find a unique music venue in Nottingham. Many of the best music concerts in the UK make there way to Nottingham. Check out Rock City, which hosts all kinds of concerts.

Ghent is not a live music destination.


Is Nottingham or Ghent Better for its Old Town?

Nottingham
Ghent

Ghent is well known for its historic old town. However, Nottingham 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.

Nottingham does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Nottingham or Ghent?

Nottingham
Ghent

Shopping is a popular activity in both Ghent and Nottingham.

Nottingham is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Head to the Lace Market, which is a popular shopping area. You can also wander around the center of town on foot and head to the pedestrian streets that are often lined with independent shops or international chains.

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 Nottingham or Ghent Better for Families?

Nottingham
Ghent

Both Nottingham and Ghent are good to visit with kids.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Nottingham. There are a number of parks and play areas that younger kids will enjoy. You can check out Wheelgate Park, White Post Farm, Rufford Abbey, or Sherwood Pines. Sundown Adventureland is a small theme park that's designed for younger kids under 10. If your kids are into museums, head to the Newark Air Museum.

Ghent offers lots of family activities. 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 Nottingham or Ghent Better for Couples?

Nottingham
Ghent

Ghent is well known for romance. Also, Nottingham is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Ghent frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It makes a great weekend getaway with a diverse restaurant scene, nice hotels, and plenty of historic attractions that you can explore.

Nottingham makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. You'll find the typical date night activities around town like arcades, minigolf, and some interesting restaurants. There are also parks where you can enjoy a stroll in nature.

Is Nottingham or Ghent Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nottingham
Ghent

Ghent is a city with good options for backpackers. However, Nottingham is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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.

Nottingham is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Nottingham or Ghent Better for Students?

Nottingham
Ghent

Ghent is very popular for students. However, Nottingham 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.

Nottingham is not popular with students.


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

Nottingham
Ghent

Ghent is very popular for its public transit. Also, Nottingham is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

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 in Nottingham can get you to some places easily. There are buses and trams around town that connect into the rail network. The multi-operator system is organized by the Robin Hood Network.

Is Nottingham or Ghent a more walkable city?

Nottingham
Ghent

Nottingham and Ghent both are very good when exploring on foot.

Nottingham is very walkable. It is trying to transform itself into a pedestrian-friendly city, and you'll find some areas that are particularly walkable. The city center is very compact and generally walkable.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Ghent or Nottingham?

How long in Nottingham or Ghent?

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

Families should spend more time in Ghent than Nottingham. 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 Nottingham. 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 Nottingham 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.


  • How many days in Nottingham or Ghent? Ideal Length of Stay
    Nottingham 1-2 
    Ghent 1-3

One day in Nottingham or Ghent?

In Nottingham, many people enjoy the live music and food that this dynamic destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

With museums and nightlife around the youthful city of Ghent, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Ghent, one day is sufficent for most.


A weekend in Nottingham or Ghent?

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

With nightlife and food around the destination of Ghent, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Nottingham or Ghent?

Nottingham is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Nottingham. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Ghent, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Nottingham or Ghent?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the dynamic destination of Nottingham. 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 popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the nightlife. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Bicycle Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium.


Which place is cheaper, Ghent or Nottingham?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Nottingham is £117, while the average daily cost in Ghent is £101. 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 Nottingham and Ghent in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nottingham £64
    Ghent £61
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nottingham £128
    Ghent £122
Compare Hotels in Nottingham and Ghent

Looking for a hotel in Nottingham 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 Nottingham


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: Nottingham Hotel Prices and Ghent Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nottingham £21
    Ghent £16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nottingham

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nottingham:

  • East Midlands Airport EMA to Loughborough City Transfer: $35
  • Private Transfer from Loughborough to East Midlands Airport: $35
  • Nottingham to East Midlands Airport Private Departure Transfer: $38
  • East Midlands Airport EMA to Nottingham City Private Transfer: $38
  • Derby to East Midlands Airport (EMA) - Departure Private Transfer: $38
  • Private East Midlands Departure Transfer- Hotel / Accommodation to Airport: $55
  • East Midlands Airport EMA to Leicester-RoundTrip Private Transfer: $76
  • Private Transfer from Glossop to Manchester Airport (MAN): $80
  • Private Nottingham Departure Transfer - Hotel / Accommodation to Airport: $96
  • Nottinghamshire to Manchester Airport (MAN) Luxury Transfers: $210
  • Private Transfer from Nottingham to Manchester Airport (MAN): $223

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ghent

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ghent:

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Nottingham or Ghent?

Prices for flights to both Ghent and Nottingham 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
    Nottingham £36
    Ghent £30

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.
    Nottingham £28
    Ghent £7.41

Tours and Activities in Nottingham

Here are a few actual costs in Nottingham for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Nottingham Treasure Hunt Adventure - Robin Hood's Secret Stash: $9.44
  • Stamford Town Guided Tours: $13
  • Nottingham Walking Tour with a Local Guide: $17
  • Nottingham Walking Tour with a Local Guide: $18
  • Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz Tour App: $19
  • Watson Fothergill Walk: Architecture of Victorian Nottingham Guided Tour: $25
  • Baroness Bolsover's Town Tour with Afternoon Tea: $32
  • Whatsapp Murder Mystery Interactive City Tour: $74
  • Private Immersive Play Wall Experience in Nottingham: $89
  • Half-Day Spa Experiences : $103
  • Stamford and Oakham Private Tour: $114
  • Lincoln Private Walking Tour: $140

Tours and Activities in Ghent

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

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Gastronomic Walking Tour of Gent - Tasters included: $3.26
  • Historical Walking Tour: Legends of Gent: $3.26
  • Ghent city tour: audio guide in your smartphone: $5.35
  • Self Guided City Audio Tour in Ghent: $5.45
  • Hidden A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Escape Game and Tour: $6.95
  • Ghent Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $7.08
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Walking Tour: $8.02
  • Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $8.02
  • Medieval Center Guided Boat Tour: $11
  • 40-Minute Historical Boat Tour of City Center: $11

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nottingham £7.10
    Ghent £15

Sample the Local Flavors in Nottingham

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Nottingham:

  • Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $47

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 comparing the travel costs between Nottingham and Ghent, we can see that Nottingham 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 Nottingham Expensive? and Is Ghent Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Nottingham or Ghent?

Nottingham has a larger population, and is about 7% larger than the population of Ghent. When comparing the sizes of Nottingham 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 Nottingham or Ghent?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Nottingham or Ghent in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Nottingham and Ghent. The city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Nottingham this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Ghent for the family-friendly experiences.

Nottingham is around the same temperature as Ghent in the summer. The daily temperature in Nottingham averages around 16°C (62°F) in July, and Ghent fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ghent this time of the year. Nottingham usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ghent during summer. Nottingham gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Ghent receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Nottingham usually receives less rain than Ghent. Nottingham gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nottingham 16°C (62°F) 
    Ghent 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Nottingham or Ghent in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Nottingham as well as Ghent. Many travelers come to Nottingham for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Additionally, many visitors come to Ghent in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Nottingham is cooler than Ghent. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nottingham in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Ghent averages at about 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Nottingham often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ghent. Nottingham gets 112 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ghent receives 105 hours of full sun.

Nottingham usually gets less rain in October than Ghent. Nottingham gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nottingham 11°C (52°F) 
    Ghent 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Nottingham or Ghent in the Winter?

Both Ghent and Nottingham are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Nottingham in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Ghent for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Ghent can be very cold during winter. Nottingham can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Nottingham is generally a little warmer than Ghent. Daily temperatures in Nottingham average around 4°C (39°F), and Ghent fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Nottingham usually receives more sunshine than Ghent during winter. Nottingham gets 61 hours of sunny skies, while Ghent receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Nottingham usually receives less rain than Ghent. Nottingham gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nottingham 4°C (39°F) 
    Ghent 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Nottingham or Ghent in the Spring?

Both Ghent and Nottingham during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Nottingham for the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Ghent because of the natural beauty.

Nottingham is around the same temperature as Ghent in the spring. The daily temperature in Nottingham averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Ghent fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the spring, Nottingham often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ghent. Nottingham gets 151 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ghent receives 158 hours of full sun.

Nottingham usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Ghent. Nottingham gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Typical Weather for Ghent and Nottingham

Nottingham Ghent
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (39°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 3°C (38°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 3°C (38°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 6°C (42°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 8°C (47°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
May 11°C (53°F) 50 mm (2 in) 12°C (54°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jun 15°C (58°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 15°C (59°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 16°C (62°F) 51 mm (2 in) 17°C (63°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Aug 16°C (61°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 18°C (64°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 16°C (60°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 12°C (54°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 7°C (44°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 7°C (45°F) 75 mm (2.9 in)
Dec 5°C (40°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 5°C (40°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)