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

Should you visit Oxford or Ghent?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Oxford or Ghent, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Oxford

Oxford is a scholarly, collegiate, and beautiful college 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 nightlife, food, and shopping.

Ghent

Ghent is a cultural, historic, and under-rated city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Oxford and Ghent: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Oxford or Ghent?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Ghent than Oxford, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Ghent is more popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Oxford is known for its small town charm. Oxford is popular for being home to one of the world's most notable universities. Ghent is popular for its medieval buildings, large squares, and weekly markets It is also home to The Fortress of Gravensteen.

How is Oxford different from Ghent?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Spend time exploring the great sights and museums in either Oxford or Ghent.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Oxford can be an interesting and educational experience. This town is filled with culture, history, and world class museums. Check out the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, The Museum of Modern Art, Ashmolean Museum, or the Museum of Oxford.

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.

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

Ghent is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Oxford. In addition to the typical British pubs and fish and chips shops, you'll find a wide diversity of ethnic food around town. Thai, sushi, Indian, and more are common dining options. Head to the Oxford Covered Market to try a traditional British breakfast or have some delicious ice cream.

Is Oxford or Ghent Better for Nightlife?

Ghent is very popular for nightlife. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Oxford is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. As a college town, you'll find an active nightlife scene with trivia nights and plenty of parties. There are pubs around town where you can grab a drink or find out if there's a concert while you're in town.

Is Oxford or Ghent Better for its Old Town?

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

Many visitors go to Ghent to see the historical old town. The medieval old town follows along the canal and offers great architecture and a unique atmosphere.

Oxford does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Oxford or Ghent?

Ghent is a very popular place for shopping. Also, Oxford is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

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.

Oxford offers some nice shopping areas. Shops around town offer the perfect opportunity to pick up some Oxford gear or by a few items from the Harry Potter franchise.

Is Oxford or Ghent Better for Families?

Oxford and Ghent are both good destinations for the whole family.

Oxford is a family-friendly college town. Families will enjoy taking a paddle boat out on the water and exploring the beautiful setting. There are also a number of sights that were influential in the making of Harry Potter. In particular, you'll find the inspiration for the "Great Hall" if you take a tour of Christ Church College. The tour must be booked in advance and they often sell out. Older kids will also enjoy exploring the Oxford University Museum of Natural History.

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 Oxford or Ghent Better for Couples?

Oxford and Ghent are both great to visit as a couple.

Oxford makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The beautiful campus and striking architecture make this a great destination for romance. Hire a boat and explore the water or wander through one of the impressive gardens.

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 Oxford or Ghent Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ghent is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Oxford is lacking in good options for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to 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.

Oxford is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are a couple of hostels around town that offer affordable accommodation. As a college town, Oxford also has an active nightlife scene and a young crowd that keeps things affordable and fun.

Is Oxford or Ghent Better for Students?

Both Oxford and Ghent are world-class destinations for students.

Oxford is a great destination for students. At its heart, Oxford is a college town and students are at the heart of the city and its culture.

Ghent is a very popular college town 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.

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

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

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.

You'll find some public transit in Oxford, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses available if your legs get tired.

Is Oxford or Ghent a more walkable city?

Oxford and Ghent are great when it comes to walkability.

Oxford is very walkable. The best way to explore most of the town is on foot, so you can soak up the full collegiate atmosphere.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Ghent or Oxford?

How long in Oxford or Ghent?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Oxford and Ghent. In our opinion, Ghent has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Ghent than Oxford. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Ghent than Oxford. 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 Oxford. 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 Oxford 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 Oxford or Ghent?

Even though Oxford is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. This college town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

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 Oxford or Ghent?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Oxford. 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.

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 Oxford or Ghent?

Oxford is a fun place to experience. Oxford is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. 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 Oxford or Ghent?

Oxford is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours 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 Oxford and Ghent, we can see that Oxford 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 Oxford would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Oxford 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 Oxford Expensive? and Is Ghent Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Oxford or Ghent?

Ghent has a larger population, and is about 50% larger than the population of Oxford. When comparing the sizes of Oxford 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 Oxford 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 Oxford or Ghent in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Oxford as well as Ghent. Many travelers come to Oxford for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Ghent in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

Oxford is around the same temperature as Ghent in the summer. The daily temperature in Oxford averages around 17°C (63°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, Oxford often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ghent. Oxford gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ghent receives 202 hours of full sun.

Oxford usually gets less rain in July than Ghent. Oxford gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Oxford or Ghent in the Autumn?

Both Ghent and Oxford are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Oxford in the autumn for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Ghent for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Oxford is around the same temperature as Ghent. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Oxford in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Ghent averages at about 12°C (54°F).

Oxford usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ghent during autumn. Oxford gets 107 hours of sunny skies, while Ghent receives 105 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Oxford usually receives less rain than Ghent. Oxford gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Oxford or Ghent in the Winter?

Both Ghent and Oxford during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Oxford for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Ghent because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Ghent can be very cold. Oxford can be very cold during winter. In January, Oxford is generally around the same temperature as Ghent. Daily temperatures in Oxford average around 3°C (38°F), and Ghent fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Oxford often gets more sunshine than Ghent. Oxford gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ghent receives 47 hours of full sun.

Oxford usually gets less rain in January than Ghent. Oxford gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Oxford or Ghent in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Oxford and Ghent. The spring months attract visitors to Oxford because of the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Ghent this time of year.

Oxford is around the same temperature as Ghent in the spring. The daily temperature in Oxford averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Ghent fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Oxford usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ghent during spring. Oxford gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Ghent receives 158 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Oxford usually receives around the same amount of rain as Ghent. Oxford gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Ghent and Oxford