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

Should you visit Southampton or Ghent?

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

Should I visit Southampton or Ghent? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Southampton

Southampton is a up-and-coming, waterfront, and dynamic port city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Ghent

Ghent is a youthful, high energy, and cultural city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Southampton and Ghent: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Southampton or Ghent?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Ghent. Although Southampton and Ghent are popular destinations, Ghent has more sights and attractions for tourists. Ghent is more touristy than Southampton and is popular for its medieval buildings, large squares, and weekly markets It is also well known for The Fortress of Gravensteen. Southampton is famous for its popularity as a cruise ship port as well as its focus watersports.

How is Southampton different from Ghent?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Ghent is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Southampton is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its sights and museums.

Ghent offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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 Southampton. Museums are a favorite activity in town. There are a surprising number of options including SeaCity Museum, the Tudor House and Garden, and Southampton City Art Gallery.

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

Ghent is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Southampton is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Ghent has a huge number of terrific 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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Southampton area. While most people used to pass through Southampton on their way somewhere else, the city now offers a dynamic food scene with local restaurants mixed with international options and even fine dining.

Is Southampton or Ghent Better for Nightlife?

Ghent is an amazing city to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Southampton is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its evening party scene.

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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Southampton. The nightlife scene is filled with restaurants, pubs, and bars as well as a few nightclubs mixed in.

Is Southampton or Ghent Better for its Old Town?

Ghent is a great city for its old town. However, Southampton does not have a historic old town.

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.

Southampton does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Southampton or Ghent?

Ghent is a great city for its shopping opportunities. Also, Southampton is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its shopping areas.

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.

Many visitors go to Southampton to go shopping. The city has two indoor shopping centers, as well as a range of markets and several independent vendors.

Is Southampton or Ghent Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Southampton or Ghent.

Southampton offers lots of family activities. This cruise port city offers a handful of fascinating activities for kids including learning about the Mayflower and the Titanic. There are also many parks and gardens as well as the Mayflower Theater, which regularly has kid-family productions.

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 Southampton or Ghent Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Southampton and Ghent make for a superb place to visit.

Southampton is a great port city if you're traveling as a couple. Museums, parks, gardens, and chartered boats all offer a romantic experience for couples visiting the area.

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 Southampton or Ghent Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ghent is a popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Southampton is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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.

Southampton is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Southampton or Ghent Better for Students?

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

Many students frequent Ghent. The city is very popular with international students so it has a young and energetic vibe with plenty to do throughout the year.

Southampton is not popular with students.

Is Southampton 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, Southampton is not known 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 generally limited in Southampton. There are buses around town that make some areas accessible even without a car.

Is Southampton or Ghent a more walkable city?

Ghent is a great city for its high level of walkability. Also, Southampton is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its ease of walking around.

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

Southampton is a somewhat walkable port city. It's possible to walk in parts of Southampton but in general it's easier to take a taxi.

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

Should I spend more time in Ghent or Southampton?

How long in Southampton or Ghent?

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

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

In Southampton, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this dynamic destination offers. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural city of Ghent. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Most people visit for the nightlife. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Southampton or Ghent?

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

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the under-rated destination of Ghent. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Southampton or Ghent?

Southampton is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Southampton. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

The cultural city of Ghent offers shopping and museums. 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. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Southampton or Ghent?

You'll find food and shopping around the up-and-coming destination of Southampton. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Ghent. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people visit for the nightlife. 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 from Edinburgh, The Best 10-Day Tours from London, The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium.

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

Which is Bigger, Southampton or Ghent?

Southampton has a larger population, and is about 6% larger than the population of Ghent. When comparing the sizes of Southampton 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 Southampton 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 Southampton or Ghent in the Summer?

Both Ghent and Southampton during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Southampton for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Ghent because of the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Southampton is generally around the same temperature as Ghent. Daily temperatures in Southampton average around 18°C (64°F), and Ghent fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In Ghent, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Southampton often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ghent. Southampton gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ghent receives 202 hours of full sun.

Southampton usually gets less rain in July than Ghent. Southampton 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 Southampton or Ghent in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Southampton and Ghent. The autumn months attract visitors to Southampton because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Ghent this time of year.

Southampton is around the same temperature as Ghent in the autumn. The daily temperature in Southampton averages around 12°C (53°F) in October, and Ghent fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

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

In October, Southampton usually receives less rain than Ghent. Southampton 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 Southampton or Ghent in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Southampton as well as Ghent. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Southampton this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Ghent for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Ghent. It's quite cold in Southampton in the winter. In the winter, Southampton is a little warmer than Ghent. Typically, the winter temperatures in Southampton in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Ghent averages at about 3°C (38°F).

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

Southampton usually gets less rain in January than Ghent. Southampton 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 Southampton or Ghent in the Spring?

Both Ghent and Southampton are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Southampton for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Ghent in the spring for the natural beauty.

In April, Southampton is generally around the same temperature as Ghent. Daily temperatures in Southampton average around 9°C (48°F), and Ghent fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

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

In April, Southampton usually receives around the same amount of rain as Ghent. Southampton 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 Southampton