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

Should you visit Saint Andrews or Ghent?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saint Andrews 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.

Saint Andrews

Saint Andrews is a charming, quaint, and peaceful university town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

Ghent

Ghent is a cultural, historic, and under-rated city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Saint Andrews and Ghent: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint Andrews or Ghent?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Ghent. Although Saint Andrews and Ghent are popular destinations, Ghent has more sights and attractions for tourists. Ghent is very popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Saint Andrews attracts visitors for its beaches, hiking, and small town charm. Saint Andrews is famous for its reputation as the birthplace of golf. Ghent is famous for its medieval buildings, large squares, and weekly markets It is also well known for The Fortress of Gravensteen.

How is Saint Andrews different from Ghent?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint Andrews or Ghent?

Ghent is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Saint Andrews is not as famous, but is still a good university town to visit for its museums and history.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Saint Andrews. For many, a highlight of their trip is to play a round of golf at St. Andrews Links Golf Courses. Golf enthusiasts will also appreciate a visit to the British Golf Museum. Other interesting sights in the area include a visit to the ruins of the Cathedral of St. Andrew, visiting the St. Andrews University Museums, or stopping by St. Andrews Castle.

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

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Saint Andrews and Ghent.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Saint Andrews. The town holds on to its history and heritage, and that stands out with the restaurant selection. There are a range of of independent cafes and pubs and surprisingly few major chain restaurants and fast food joints.

Ghent has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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 Saint Andrews or Ghent Better for Nightlife?

Ghent is terrific for nightlife and partying. Also, Saint Andrews is not as famous, but is still a good university town to visit for its evening party scene.

Ghent is a must-see party destination. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Saint Andrews. There are a large number of pubs and bars throughout the town, and you'll find students hanging out and keeping things lively.

Is Saint Andrews or Ghent Better for Beaches?

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

Saint Andrews offers a nice beach destination. Adding to the natural beauty is the beautiful coastline around St. Andrews. Some of the best beaches include West Sands Beach, Kingsbarns Beach, Castle Sands, and Saint Andrews Beach.

Ghent is not a beach destination.

Is Saint Andrews or Ghent Better for its Old Town?

Ghent is a well-known place for its old town. However, Saint Andrews 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.

Saint Andrews does not have a historic old town.

Is Saint Andrews or Ghent Better for Hiking?

Saint Andrews is a good destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Ghent is not a hiking destination.

Saint Andrews offers some nice hiking trails. There are some beautiful hikes just outside of town. Check out the views from Chamcook Mountain or wander down the Van Horne Trail.

Ghent is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint Andrews or Ghent?

Both Saint Andrews and Ghent are great shopping destinations.

Saint Andrews is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The town is filled with boutique shops and local markets where you can buy unique items like artisan food, handmade crafts, or local art.

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.

Is Saint Andrews or Ghent Better for Families?

Saint Andrews and Ghent are both nice destinations for the whole family.

Saint Andrews is a family-friendly place to visit. There are some great playgrounds, parks, and gardens that kids will enjoy. Check out Kingbrae Gardens, Ministers Island, and Katy’s Cove. For museums, head to Ross Memorial Museum and Huntsman Fundy Discovery Aquarium.

Ghent is a family-friendly university town. 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 Saint Andrews or Ghent Better for Couples?

Saint Andrews and Ghent are both great to visit as a couple.

Saint Andrews is a very popular place to visit for couples. The scenic landscapes, stunning views, and quaint charm make this a perfect place for couples to escape to. You can enjoy boat rides, seafood restaurants, golfing, and spas all while you soak up the natural beauty.

Ghent makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It makes a great weekend getaway with a diverse restaurant scene, nice hotels, and plenty of historic attractions that you can explore.

Is Saint Andrews or Ghent Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ghent is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Saint Andrews is not a good university town for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Saint Andrews is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not really a backpacker's destination, but there are some guesthouses and apartments that are more affordable.

Is Saint Andrews or Ghent Better for Students?

Saint Andrews and Ghent are both world-class destinations for students and younger travelers.

Saint Andrews is a great destination for students. At its heart, this is a university town with a long standing history in teaching. You'll find the town's population doubles when students are in town.

Ghent is a very popular university 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 Saint Andrews or Ghent Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Ghent is terrific for its public transit. Also, Saint Andrews is not as famous, but is still a good university town to visit for times when you don't have a car.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Ghent can take you anywhere. Buses and trams travel to most parts of the city and are convenient and efficient.

Saint Andrews has some public transit options. There are buses through St. Andrews.

Is Saint Andrews or Ghent a more walkable city?

Ghent is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. Also, Saint Andrews is not as famous, but is still a good university town to visit for its ease of walking around.

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

Saint Andrews is a somewhat walkable university town. Parts of the town are compact enough to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Ghent or Saint Andrews?

How long in Saint Andrews or Ghent?

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

Families should spend more time in Ghent than Saint Andrews. 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 Saint Andrews. 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 Saint Andrews 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 Saint Andrews or Ghent?

Even though Saint Andrews is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. This university 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 shopping and museums when visiting the under-rated destination of Ghent. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Saint Andrews or Ghent?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ghent. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Five days in Saint Andrews or Ghent?

Saint Andrews is a fun place to experience. Saint Andrews 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the under-rated destination of Ghent. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

A week in Saint Andrews or Ghent?

Saint Andrews 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the beautiful city of Ghent. 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. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Sightseeing 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 Saint Andrews and Ghent, we can see that Saint Andrews 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 Saint Andrews would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Saint Andrews 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 Saint Andrews Expensive? and Is Ghent Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Saint Andrews or Ghent?

Ghent has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Saint Andrews. When comparing the sizes of Saint Andrews 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 Saint Andrews 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 Saint Andrews or Ghent in the Summer?

Both Ghent and Saint Andrews are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Saint Andrews for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Ghent in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Saint Andrews is generally cooler than Ghent. Daily temperatures in Saint Andrews average around 14°C (58°F), and Ghent fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Ghent. Saint Andrews usually receives less sunshine than Ghent during summer. Saint Andrews gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Ghent receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Saint Andrews usually receives less rain than Ghent. Saint Andrews gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Saint Andrews or Ghent in the Autumn?

Both Ghent and Saint Andrews during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Saint Andrews in the autumn for the hiking trails, 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.

Saint Andrews is cooler than Ghent in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saint Andrews averages around 10°C (49°F) in October, and Ghent fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Saint Andrews often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ghent. Saint Andrews gets 100 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ghent receives 105 hours of full sun.

Saint Andrews usually gets less rain in October than Ghent. Saint Andrews gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint Andrews or Ghent in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint Andrews and Ghent. Most visitors come to Saint Andrews 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. Saint Andrews can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Saint Andrews is around the same temperature as Ghent. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saint Andrews in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Ghent averages at about 3°C (38°F).

Saint Andrews usually receives more sunshine than Ghent during winter. Saint Andrews gets 58 hours of sunny skies, while Ghent receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Saint Andrews usually receives more rain than Ghent. Saint Andrews gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Saint Andrews or Ghent in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Saint Andrews as well as Ghent. The spring months attract visitors to Saint Andrews 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.

In April, Saint Andrews is generally cooler than Ghent. Daily temperatures in Saint Andrews average around 7°C (45°F), and Ghent fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the spring, Saint Andrews often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ghent. Saint Andrews gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ghent receives 158 hours of full sun.

Saint Andrews usually gets less rain in April than Ghent. Saint Andrews gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Ghent and Saint Andrews