A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Outer Hebrides vs. Ghent for Food, Couples, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Outer Hebrides 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 Outer Hebrides 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.

Outer Hebrides

Outer Hebrides is a tranquil, serene, and remote 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 under-rated, youthful, and high energy city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Outer Hebrides and Ghent: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Outer Hebrides or Ghent?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Ghent. Although Outer Hebrides and Ghent are both popular with visitors, Ghent has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Ghent is more popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Outer Hebrides is known for its beaches and hiking. Ghent is more touristy than Outer Hebrides and is popular for its medieval buildings, large squares, and weekly markets It is also home to The Fortress of Gravensteen. Outer Hebrides is popular for its scenic beauty, fresh seafood, and distilleries.

How is Outer Hebrides different from Ghent?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Outer Hebrides or Ghent?

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

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.

Outer Hebrides does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Outer Hebrides and Ghent can be an enjoyable experience.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Outer Hebrides. You'll find plenty of seafood, smokehouses, distilleries and crofting produce in the area. Most islands have independent restaurants as well as pubs and other local eateries to choose from.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Ghent. 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 Outer Hebrides or Ghent Better for Nightlife?

Ghent is an unbeatable place for nightlife. However, Outer Hebrides is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

The nightlife in Ghent is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.

Outer Hebrides is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Outer Hebrides or Ghent Better for Beaches?

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

Many people visit Outer Hebrides for it's beautiful beaches. From white sand beaches to hidden coves, you'll enjoy a completely serene beach experience on these islands. You can get lost in the nature and soak up the surprisingly blue waters at any of the remote beaches. Favorite beaches in the area include Vatersay Bay, Coilleag a’Phrionnsa, West Coast Beach, and Crabhadail.

Ghent is not a beach destination.

Is Outer Hebrides or Ghent Better for its Old Town?

Ghent is a very popular place for its historic old town. However, Outer Hebrides does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Ghent. The medieval old town follows along the canal and offers great architecture and a unique atmosphere.

Outer Hebrides does not have a historic old town.

Is Outer Hebrides or Ghent Better for Hiking?

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

Outer Hebrides is well-known for its hiking and trekking. The islands offer some of the area's best hiking. You'll pass by stunning beaches, see unique wildlife, and enjoy a remote and tranquil setting. Follow the Hebridean Way, which covers the full length of the archipelago. It spans 156 miles and goes through 10 islands with 2 ferry trips.

Ghent is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Outer Hebrides or Ghent?

Ghent is a very popular place for shopping. However, Outer Hebrides is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Outer Hebrides is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Outer Hebrides or Ghent Better for Families?

Both Outer Hebrides and Ghent are good family-friendly destinations.

Outer Hebrides is a family-friendly archipelago. The beautiful outdoor setting is great for kids and adults alike. There are beaches to explore as well as kid-friendly museums. You can also try your hand at digging for cockles or head out on the water to watch for dolphins.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Ghent. 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 Outer Hebrides or Ghent Better for Couples?

Outer Hebrides and Ghent both excellent destinations for a couple.

Outer Hebrides makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Go island hopping and discover the countless beautiful beaches. You can take a boat trip or simply soak up the peaceful coastal setting.

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.

Is Outer Hebrides or Ghent Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Outer Hebrides and Ghent are both good destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Outer Hebrides. You'll need to take either a plane of ferry to reach the islands but once you're there you can camp and hike and soak up the tranquil 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 Outer Hebrides or Ghent Better for Students?

Ghent is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. However, Outer Hebrides 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.

Outer Hebrides is not popular with students.

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

Ghent is an unbeatable place for times when you don't have a car. However, Outer Hebrides is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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.

Public transit is generally limited in Outer Hebrides. There are buses that run doing the day between Monday and Saturday. In Stornoway you may be able to find some evening buses as well.

Is Outer Hebrides or Ghent a more walkable city?

Ghent is a very popular place for its walkability. However, Outer Hebrides is not a walkable destination.

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

Outer Hebrides is not a walkable destination.

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

Should I spend more time in Ghent or Outer Hebrides?

How long in Outer Hebrides or Ghent?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Outer Hebrides and Ghent. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Outer Hebrides than in Ghent. Usually, 4-10 days is a good amount of time for Outer Hebrides, and 1-3 days is enough time in Ghent.

Families should spend more time in Ghent than Outer Hebrides. 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 Outer Hebrides. 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 Outer Hebrides 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 Outer Hebrides or Ghent?

In Outer Hebrides, many people enjoy the food that this spectacular destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. Lots of people come for the hiking. 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 Outer Hebrides or Ghent?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Outer Hebrides. 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 Outer Hebrides or Ghent?

Outer Hebrides is a fun place to experience. In Outer Hebrides, many people enjoy the food that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the hiking. 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 Outer Hebrides or Ghent?

In Outer Hebrides, many people enjoy the food that this stunning 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. Lots of people come for the hiking. 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 Sightseeing Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in 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 Outer Hebrides and Ghent, we can see that Outer Hebrides 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 Outer Hebrides would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Outer Hebrides 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 Outer Hebrides Expensive? and Is Ghent Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Outer Hebrides 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 Outer Hebrides or Ghent in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Outer Hebrides as well as Ghent. The summer months attract visitors to Outer Hebrides because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Ghent this time of year.

Outer Hebrides is cooler than Ghent in the summer. The daily temperature in Outer Hebrides averages around 13°C (55°F) in July, and Ghent fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ghent. In the summer, Outer Hebrides often gets less sunshine than Ghent. Outer Hebrides gets 117 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ghent receives 202 hours of full sun.

Outer Hebrides usually gets more rain in July than Ghent. Outer Hebrides gets 73 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Outer Hebrides or Ghent in the Autumn?

Both Ghent and Outer Hebrides are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Outer Hebrides this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Ghent for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Outer Hebrides is cooler than Ghent. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Outer Hebrides in October average around 9°C (49°F), and Ghent averages at about 12°C (54°F).

Outer Hebrides usually receives less sunshine than Ghent during autumn. Outer Hebrides gets 83 hours of sunny skies, while Ghent receives 105 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Outer Hebrides. In October, Outer Hebrides usually receives more rain than Ghent. Outer Hebrides gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Outer Hebrides or Ghent in the Winter?

Both Ghent and Outer Hebrides during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Outer Hebrides for the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Ghent in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Ghent can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Outer Hebrides. In January, Outer Hebrides is generally a little warmer than Ghent. Daily temperatures in Outer Hebrides average around 4°C (40°F), and Ghent fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Outer Hebrides often gets less sunshine than Ghent. Outer Hebrides gets 33 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ghent receives 47 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Outer Hebrides. Outer Hebrides usually gets more rain in January than Ghent. Outer Hebrides gets 122 mm (4.8 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Outer Hebrides or Ghent in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Outer Hebrides and Ghent. Many visitors come to Outer Hebrides in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Ghent for the natural beauty during these months.

Outer Hebrides is cooler than Ghent in the spring. The daily temperature in Outer Hebrides averages around 7°C (44°F) in April, and Ghent fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Outer Hebrides usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ghent during spring. Outer Hebrides gets 149 hours of sunny skies, while Ghent receives 158 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Outer Hebrides usually receives more rain than Ghent. Outer Hebrides gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Ghent and Outer Hebrides