A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Orkney Islands vs. Ghent for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Orkney Islands or Ghent?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Orkney Islands and Ghent can help you decide which place is right for you.

Orkney Islands

Orkney Islands is a tranquil, natural, and pristine archipelago. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food, beaches, and hiking.

Ghent

Ghent is a high energy, cultural, and historic city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Orkney Islands and Ghent: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Orkney Islands or Ghent?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Ghent than Orkney Islands, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Ghent is better known for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Orkney Islands is more popular for its beaches and hiking. Ghent is more touristy than Orkney Islands and is popular for its medieval buildings, large squares, and weekly markets Also, Ghent is famous for The Fortress of Gravensteen. Orkney Islands is well known for its sandy beaches, serene landscape, and well-preserved Neolithic sights.

How is Orkney Islands different from Ghent?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Orkney Islands or Ghent?

Ghent is great for its historical sights. Also, Orkney Islands is not as popular, but is still a nice archipelago for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to Ghent specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Orkney Islands is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The islands is home to a number of archaeological ruins including the stone age village of Skara Brae and the neolithic chambered cairn of Maes Howee. Also check out impressive Ring of Brodgar stone circle as well as the oldest dwelling in the UK, the Knap of Howar on Papa Westray.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at high quality restaurants in both Orkney Islands and Ghent.

Orkney Islands has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find so many local products on the islands. It's famous for its local beef, lamb, salmon, and seafood, but you'll also find cheeses and produce. There are two breweries on the island as well. Many people pick up some items that they take home with them.

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.

Is Orkney Islands or Ghent Better for Nightlife?

Ghent is renowned for its evening party scene. However, Orkney Islands is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Ghent is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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.

Orkney Islands is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Orkney Islands or Ghent Better for Beaches?

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

Many people visit Orkney Islands for it's beautiful beaches. The archipelago has hundreds of miles of beaches that feel serene and remote. If you're looking for a tranquil setting that is natural and untouched, you'll have many to choose from. Some of the best beaches on the islands include Tresness Beach, Grobust Beach, and Sands of Evie Beach.

Ghent is not a beach destination.

Is Orkney Islands or Ghent Better for its Old Town?

Ghent is great for its historic old town charm. However, Orkney Islands does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Ghent. The medieval old town follows along the canal and offers great architecture and a unique atmosphere.

Orkney Islands does not have a historic old town.

Is Orkney Islands or Ghent Better for Hiking?

Orkney Islands is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Ghent is not a hiking destination.

Orkney Islands is a popular spot for hiking. Rolling hills and rugged landscapes make for relaxing and beautiful walks. There are also many archaeological ruins that you can explore. Favorite hikes in the area include Balfour Village and Mill Dam, Birsay Whalebone, and Birwick to Barth Head.

Ghent is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Orkney Islands or Ghent?

Ghent is great for its shopping areas. However, Orkney Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Ghent. 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.

Orkney Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Orkney Islands or Ghent Better for Families?

You'll find notable kid-friendly activities in either Orkney Islands or Ghent.

Orkney Islands offers lots of family activities. Exploring the beaches is one of the best way to spend your days with kids. There are also several places you can take the kids like Barony Mill, Skate Rumple Alpaca Farm, Corrigall Farm Museum, and Kirbuster Farm Museum.

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.

Is Orkney Islands or Ghent Better for Couples?

Both Orkney Islands and Ghent are high quality destinations to visit as a couple.

Orkney Islands is a great archipelago if you're traveling as a couple. Nature lovers will enjoy the stunning beaches and beautiful natural setting. There are also some great restaurants and even live music performances that make for a fun date night.

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.

Is Orkney Islands or Ghent Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Orkney Islands is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Ghent is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Orkney Islands. If camping is your style, you'll find some great campgrounds and campsites that make the most of this beautiful natural setting.

Plenty of budget travelers 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.

Is Orkney Islands or Ghent Better for Students?

Ghent is renowned for its student-friendly activities. However, Orkney Islands is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Ghent. The city is very popular with international students so it has a young and energetic vibe with plenty to do throughout the year.

Orkney Islands is not popular with students.

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

Ghent is renowned for times when you don't have a car. Also, Orkney Islands is not as popular, but is still a nice archipelago for its public transit.

Ghent has a great public transit system. Buses and trams travel to most parts of the city and are convenient and efficient.

Orkney Islands has a few public transit options. Buses travel to many parts of the islands and many islands are connected by ferries.

Is Orkney Islands or Ghent a more walkable city?

Ghent is great for its ease of walking around. However, Orkney Islands is not a walkable destination.

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

Orkney Islands is not a walkable destination.

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

Should I spend more time in Ghent or Orkney Islands?

How long in Orkney Islands or Ghent?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Orkney Islands and Ghent. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Orkney Islands than in Ghent. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Orkney Islands, and 1-3 days is enough time in Ghent.

Families should spend more time in Ghent than Orkney Islands. 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 Orkney Islands. 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 Orkney Islands 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 Orkney Islands or Ghent?

In Orkney Islands, many people enjoy the food and museums that this remote destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This archipelago 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 museums and nightlife. Visiting the old town is also a must. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Orkney Islands or Ghent?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Orkney Islands. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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.

Ghent is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Orkney Islands or Ghent?

Orkney Islands is a fun place to experience. In Orkney Islands, many people enjoy the food and museums that this destination offers. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ghent. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. It offers something for everyone. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Orkney Islands or Ghent?

In Orkney Islands, many people enjoy the museums and food that this natural destination offers. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the city of Ghent. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Your budget might influence how long you stay. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. One week 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium.

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

When is the best time to visit Orkney Islands 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 Orkney Islands or Ghent in the Summer?

Both Ghent and Orkney Islands during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Orkney Islands in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Ghent for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Orkney Islands is cooler than Ghent. Typically, the summer temperatures in Orkney Islands in July average around 12°C (54°F), and Ghent averages at about 17°C (63°F).

In Ghent, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Orkney Islands often gets less sunshine than Ghent. Orkney Islands gets 129 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ghent receives 202 hours of full sun.

Orkney Islands usually gets less rain in July than Ghent. Orkney Islands gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Ghent in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Orkney Islands and Ghent. Most visitors come to Orkney Islands for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Ghent because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Orkney Islands is generally cooler than Ghent. Daily temperatures in Orkney Islands average around 9°C (48°F), and Ghent fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Orkney Islands usually receives less sunshine than Ghent during autumn. Orkney Islands gets 73 hours of sunny skies, while Ghent receives 105 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Orkney Islands gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Orkney Islands usually receives more rain than Ghent. Orkney Islands gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Ghent in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Orkney Islands as well as Ghent. The winter months attract visitors to Orkney Islands because of the museums and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Ghent this time of year.

It's quite cold in Ghent in the winter. The weather in Orkney Islands can be very cold. Orkney Islands is a little warmer than Ghent in the winter. The daily temperature in Orkney Islands averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Ghent fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Orkney Islands often gets less sunshine than Ghent. Orkney Islands gets 29 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ghent receives 47 hours of full sun.

Orkney Islands receives a lot of rain in the winter. Orkney Islands usually gets more rain in January than Ghent. Orkney Islands gets 106 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Ghent in the Spring?

Both Ghent and Orkney Islands are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Orkney Islands this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Ghent for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Orkney Islands is cooler than Ghent. Typically, the spring temperatures in Orkney Islands in April average around 6°C (43°F), and Ghent averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Orkney Islands usually receives less sunshine than Ghent during spring. Orkney Islands gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while Ghent receives 158 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Orkney Islands usually receives more rain than Ghent. Orkney Islands gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Ghent and Orkney Islands