A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Salzburg vs. Ghent for Nightlife, Old Town, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Salzburg or Ghent?

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

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

Salzburg

Salzburg is a beautiful, musical, and cultural city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. It's also known for live music, food, and shopping.

Ghent

Ghent is a cultural, historic, and under-rated city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Salzburg and Ghent: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Salzburg or Ghent?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Salzburg than Ghent. While Ghent is larger than Salzburg, Salzburg has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Salzburg is better known for its music, historical sights, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while Ghent is more popular for its nightlife. Salzburg is more touristy than Ghent and is known for its elegant breakfasts, its classical music scene, and its role in the Sound of Music. Also, Salzburg is famous for The Salzburg Old Town. Ghent is well known for its medieval buildings, large squares, and weekly markets

The Salzburg Old Town

How is Salzburg different from Ghent?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Salzburg or Ghent.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Salzburg can be an interesting and educational experience. There are many historic sights to explore including Mozart's birthplace, the Mozart Residence, the Salzburg Museum, and the many stunning churches and concert halls.

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 Salzburg or Ghent? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Dining out in Salzburg is an experience not to be missed. The old town is filled with charming restaurants that serve local specialties including schnitzel, tafelspitz, and strudel. The city is also known for it's impressive breakfast spread that is often served on a three tiered cake stand and includes cheeses, salami, fresh fruit, pastries, olives, jams and more.

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.

Is Salzburg or Ghent Better for Nightlife?

Ghent is terrific for its evening party scene. Also, Salzburg is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

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 Salzburg. The city has a number of trendy bars, pubs, and clubs where you can enjoy music and a lively atmosphere.

Is Salzburg or Ghent Better for Music?

Salzburg is a world-class destination for live music. However, Ghent is not a live music destination.

Salzburg is a world class music destination. Although most people think of Mozart and the Sound of Music when they think of this city, there are also many music festivals, including the famous Salzburg Music Festival, as well as concert venues and an independent music scene that is excellent.

Ghent is not a live music destination.

Is Salzburg or Ghent Better for its Old Town?

Salzburg is a world-class destination for its historic old town. Also, Ghent is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its old town.

The historic old town of Salzburg is revered around the world. This beautiful old town is filled with cafes, restaurants, and churches. You can enjoy local music performed by street performers as you soak in the atmosphere and the regular chime of the church bells really gives the city personality. There are also frequent markets and shops to explore.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Ghent. The medieval old town follows along the canal and offers great architecture and a unique atmosphere.

Is the Shopping Better in Salzburg or Ghent?

Salzburg is a world-class destination for shopping. Also, Ghent is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Salzburg is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city's historic heart is filled with boutique shops, chocolate markets, and charming local vendors. It's fun to peruse the many shops that line the streets while you shop for local souvenirs.

Ghent is well-known for its shopping. 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 Salzburg or Ghent Better for Families?

Salzburg is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Ghent is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Salzburg is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids who know the Sound of Music will enjoy visiting the setting of a number of scenes from the movie. There are even popular Sound of Music tours that take you to the gardens where they sang "Do Re Mi" and out of town to the church where Maria married the Captain. The city also offers Marionette Puppet shows, cooking classes, castles and more around town that everyone can enjoy.

Ghent is a family-friendly city. 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 Salzburg or Ghent Better for Couples?

Salzburg is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Ghent is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Salzburg is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The town offers a romantic setting with elaborate breakfasts, beautiful architecture, live shows, and plenty that couples can enjoy. You can simply wander around old town or explore the many gardens around town. Couples will also enjoy the concerts and music that the city is so famous for.

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 Salzburg or Ghent Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Salzburg 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 Salzburg. This is a popular city to visit, so there are plenty of amenities for backpackers. If you want to save a little money, you can stay and eat outside of old town where the prices are a little less.

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 Salzburg or Ghent Better for Students?

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

Salzburg is a great destination for students. International students appreciate the high quality of life, excellent educational opportunities and unique European setting that makes this city special. There are also a number of beautiful places just outside of town that you can explore, as well as many travel connections to other popular cities in Europe.

Ghent is a very popular city 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 Salzburg or Ghent Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Ghent is terrific for its public transit. Also, Salzburg is not as famous, but is still a good city 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.

Visitors to Salzburg can move around easily with public transportation. Trolleys and buses make it easy to get around town.

Is Salzburg or Ghent a more walkable city?

Salzburg and Ghent both are great when exploring on foot.

Salzburg is a very walkable destination. The old town is very walkable, but if you stay outside of the main tourist areas, you'll likely want to take a bus.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Ghent or Salzburg?

How long in Salzburg or Ghent?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Salzburg and Ghent. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Salzburg than in Ghent. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Salzburg, and 1-3 days is enough time in Ghent.

Families should spend more time in Salzburg than Ghent. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Salzburg, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Salzburg than Ghent. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Salzburg that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Salzburg than Ghent 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 Salzburg.

One day in Salzburg or Ghent?

In Salzburg, many people enjoy the live music and food that this beautiful destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city 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 Salzburg or Ghent?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Salzburg. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 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 Salzburg or Ghent?

Salzburg is a fun place to experience. In Salzburg, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this quaint destination offers. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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 Salzburg or Ghent?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the musical destination of Salzburg. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Austria, The Best 10-Day Tours in Austria, The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium.

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

Which is Bigger, Salzburg or Ghent?

Ghent has a larger population, and is about 54% larger than the population of Salzburg. When comparing the sizes of Salzburg 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 Salzburg 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 Salzburg or Ghent in the Summer?

Both Ghent and Salzburg are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Salzburg for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Ghent in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Salzburg is a little warmer than Ghent. Typically, the summer temperatures in Salzburg in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Ghent averages at about 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Ghent. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Salzburg. Salzburg usually receives more sunshine than Ghent during summer. Salzburg gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Ghent receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Salzburg usually receives more rain than Ghent. Salzburg gets 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Salzburg or Ghent in the Autumn?

Both Ghent and Salzburg during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Salzburg in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, 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 October, Salzburg is generally around the same temperature as Ghent. Daily temperatures in Salzburg average around 11°C (52°F), and Ghent fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Salzburg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ghent. Salzburg gets 108 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ghent receives 105 hours of full sun.

Salzburg usually gets less rain in October than Ghent. Salzburg gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Salzburg or Ghent in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Salzburg and Ghent. Most visitors come to Salzburg 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. Salzburg can be very cold during winter. Salzburg is much colder than Ghent in the winter. The daily temperature in Salzburg averages around -0°C (31°F) in January, and Ghent fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Salzburg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ghent during winter. Salzburg gets 44 hours of sunny skies, while Ghent receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Salzburg usually receives around the same amount of rain as Ghent. Salzburg gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Salzburg or Ghent in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Salzburg as well as Ghent. The spring months attract visitors to Salzburg because of the natural beauty. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Ghent this time of year.

In the spring, Salzburg is a little warmer than Ghent. Typically, the spring temperatures in Salzburg in April average around 11°C (51°F), and Ghent averages at about 8°C (47°F).

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

Salzburg usually gets more rain in April than Ghent. Salzburg gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Ghent and Salzburg