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

Should you visit Saaremaa or Ghent?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saaremaa 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.

Saaremaa

Saaremaa is a relaxed, traditional, and quiet island. This is also a fantastic small town with plenty of charm and local activities. Saaremaa is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for food and beaches. See Saaremaa travel costs.

Ghent

Ghent is a cultural, historic, and under-rated city. Many visitors also come to Ghent because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Ghent travel costs.

Saaremaa and Ghent: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saaremaa or Ghent?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Ghent than Saaremaa, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Ghent is better known for its museums and attractions, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Saaremaa is more popular for its beaches and small town charm. Ghent is more touristy than Saaremaa and is popular for its medieval buildings, large squares, and weekly markets Also, Ghent is famous for The Fortress of Gravensteen. Saaremaa is well known for its untouched, undiscovered rural setting.

How is Saaremaa different from Ghent?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Ghent is great for its historical sights. However, Saaremaa does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Ghent can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Saaremaa does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Saaremaa and Ghent can be difficult as they are each great in their own way.

Saaremaa has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Like most things on the island, traditional local food is still the norm here. The island is known for its smoked fish, homemade bread, and locally brewed beers. Popular fishes include garfish, herring, and flatfish, which you can enjoy at a local restaurant or one of the pop-up cafes that are popular during the summer months. You'll find the highest concentration of restaurants in Kuressaare, but there are still many options further out. It's also fun to visit during September during the Saaremaa Food Festival.

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 Saaremaa or Ghent Better for Nightlife?

Ghent is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. However, Saaremaa is not a good destination for nightlife.

Ghent has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.

People don't go to Saaremaa for the nightlife. The island is known for it's quiet, laid-back atmosphere, so you'll be hard pressed to find a party or active club, even during the more popular summer months.

Is Saaremaa or Ghent Better for Beaches?

Saaremaa is a good destination for its beaches. However, Ghent is not a beach destination.

Saaremaa offers a nice beach destination. The beaches are quiet and relaxed, even during the summer months. In town, the best beach is Kuressaare Beach. Outside of town you'll find other nice beaches such as the sandy beaches between Mändjala and Järve. The beaches in Tuhkana and Jõiste villages are also well known. For swimming, most people prefer to visit Lake Karujärv.

Ghent is not a beach destination.

Is Saaremaa or Ghent Better for its Old Town?

Ghent is great for its historic old town charm. However, Saaremaa 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.

Saaremaa does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Saaremaa or Ghent?

Ghent is great for its shopping areas. However, Saaremaa 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.

Saaremaa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Saaremaa or Ghent More Beautiful?

Ghent is an amazing city to visit for its scenery and beauty. Also, Saaremaa is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its scenery and beauty.

Many visitors also come to Ghent because of it's amazing beauty. With its medieval architecture and beautiful waterfront areas, the city has a lot to offer.

Saaremaa is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The island has a classic beauty that feels frozen in time.

Is Saaremaa or Ghent Better for Families?

Saaremaa and Ghent are both notable destinations for the whole family.

Saaremaa offers lots of family activities. While the island is known for its slow pace, there are still a number of fun activities where the kids can run and jump. There are several outdoor adventure parks and playgrounds that are great for young legs. Check out the playgrounds in Kuressaare or head out of town for more outdoor activities. When the weather's nice you can head to Kuressaare Beach or check out the ostrich farm in Muhu.

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 Saaremaa or Ghent Better for Couples?

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

Saaremaa is a great island if you're traveling as a couple. The peace and quiet of the island make for a relaxing couple's getaway. You can enjoy the outdoors and feel like you've stepped back in time as you explore the laid back island in the Baltics.

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 Saaremaa or Ghent Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Saaremaa and Ghent are notable places to visit.

It's common for backpackers to visit Saaremaa. While prices are cheap, transportation isn't great so you'll likely want to rent a car if you want to really explore the island. There are a number of rooms available for rent at an affordable price, particularly in the shoulder season, but you'll you'll only find a handful of hostels on the island.

Ghent is a good island 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.

Is Saaremaa or Ghent Better for Students?

Ghent is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Saaremaa is not popular with students.

Ghent is a great destination 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.

Saaremaa is not popular with students.

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

Ghent is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Saaremaa is not a good destination for its public transit.

Public transit in Ghent is top-notch. Buses and trams travel to most parts of the city and are convenient and efficient.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Saaremaa. Most people arrive on the island by ferry. There are buses on the island but they cater mostly to locals. To really explore, you'll want to have access to a car.

Is Saaremaa or Ghent a more walkable city?

Ghent is great for its ease of walking around. However, Saaremaa is not a good destination for its walkability.

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

Saaremaa is not a walkable island. While their are some walking trails, you really need a car to explore the island in depth.

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

Should I spend more time in Ghent or Saaremaa?

How long in Saaremaa or Ghent?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Saaremaa and Ghent. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Saaremaa than in Ghent. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Saaremaa, and 1-3 days is enough time in Ghent.

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

Even though Saaremaa is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. This 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.

The beautiful city of Ghent offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Saaremaa or Ghent?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saaremaa. 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 popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Ghent, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Saaremaa or Ghent?

Saaremaa is a fun place to experience. Saaremaa 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.

Ghent is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Saaremaa or Ghent?

Saaremaa 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.

Ghent is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Tallinn, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Estonia, The Best Tours for Seniors to Belgium, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Belgium.

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

Which is Bigger, Saaremaa or Ghent?

Ghent has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Saaremaa. When comparing the sizes of Saaremaa 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 Saaremaa 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 Saaremaa or Ghent in the Summer?

Both Ghent and Saaremaa during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Saaremaa for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Ghent in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Saaremaa is around the same temperature as Ghent. Typically, the summer temperatures in Saaremaa in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Ghent averages at about 17°C (63°F).

In Ghent, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Saaremaa. In the summer, Saaremaa often gets more sunshine than Ghent. Saaremaa gets 302 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ghent receives 202 hours of full sun.

Saaremaa usually gets less rain in July than Ghent. Saaremaa gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saaremaa or Ghent in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Saaremaa and Ghent. Many visitors come to Saaremaa in the autumn for the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Ghent for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Saaremaa is generally cooler than Ghent. Daily temperatures in Saaremaa average around 8°C (47°F), and Ghent fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Saaremaa usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ghent during autumn. Saaremaa gets 101 hours of sunny skies, while Ghent receives 105 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Saaremaa usually receives less rain than Ghent. Saaremaa gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Saaremaa or Ghent in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Saaremaa as well as Ghent. Most visitors come to Saaremaa for the cuisine during these months. Additionally, 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. Saaremaa can be very cold during winter. Saaremaa is much colder than Ghent in the winter. The daily temperature in Saaremaa averages around -3°C (27°F) in January, and Ghent fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

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

Saaremaa usually gets less rain in January than Ghent. Saaremaa gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saaremaa or Ghent in the Spring?

Both Ghent and Saaremaa are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Saaremaa because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Ghent this time of year.

The weather in Saaremaa can be very cold. In the spring, Saaremaa is much colder than Ghent. Typically, the spring temperatures in Saaremaa in April average around 4°C (38°F), and Ghent averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Saaremaa usually receives more sunshine than Ghent during spring. Saaremaa gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Ghent receives 158 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Saaremaa usually receives less rain than Ghent. Saaremaa gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Ghent and Saaremaa