A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Stratford-upon-Avon vs. Ghent for Attractions, Food, Old Town, and Couples

Should you visit Stratford-upon-Avon or Ghent?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Stratford-upon-Avon and Ghent can help you decide which place is right for you.

Stratford-upon-Avon

Stratford-upon-Avon is a charming, historic, and quaint town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. It's also known for food and theater.

Ghent

Ghent is a high energy, cultural, and historic city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Stratford-upon-Avon and Ghent: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Stratford-upon-Avon or Ghent?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Ghent. Although Stratford-upon-Avon and Ghent are popular destinations, Ghent has more sights and attractions for tourists. Ghent is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Stratford-upon-Avon attracts visitors for its theatre productions and small town charm. Ghent is more touristy than Stratford-upon-Avon and is popular for its medieval buildings, large squares, and weekly markets It is also well known for The Fortress of Gravensteen. Stratford-upon-Avon is famous for its status as the birthplace of William Shakespeare.

How is Stratford-upon-Avon different from Ghent?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Stratford-upon-Avon or Ghent?

Ghent is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Ghent specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Stratford-upon-Avon offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Many visitors make a point of seeing Shakespeare's Birthplace, Hall's Croft, and Anne Hathaway's Cottage.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Ghent Better for Theater?

Stratford-upon-Avon is a world-class destination for theatre. However, Ghent is not a theatre destination.

Stratford-upon-Avon is considered to be a world-class theater destination. Shakespeare enthusiasts must check out a Shakespeare play at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. There are often tickets available the day of for a reduced price.

Ghent is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Stratford-upon-Avon or Ghent? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

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 Stratford-upon-Avon area. The town center has a few nice restaurants including seafood, Italian food, Indian food, and cafes where you can enjoy high tea.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Ghent Better for Nightlife?

Ghent is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

The nightlife in Ghent is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Ghent Better for its Old Town?

Ghent is a very popular place for its old town. Also, Stratford-upon-Avon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town charm.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Ghent. The medieval old town follows along the canal and offers great architecture and a unique atmosphere.

Stratford-upon-Avon offers a nice historic old town area. The old town has a few highlights including Shakespeare's birthplace, and several museums.

Is the Shopping Better in Stratford-upon-Avon or Ghent?

Ghent is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Ghent Better for Families?

You'll find nice kid-friendly activities in either Stratford-upon-Avon or Ghent.

Stratford-upon-Avon is a family-friendly town. This small town has a ferris wheel that offers beautiful views. There's also a the Stratford Butterfly Farm, which is a beautiful setting and if you stand still enough, you might even be lucky enough to have one land on your shoulder. You can also check out Tudor World, the MAD Museum, or one of the playgrounds around town.

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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Ghent Better for Couples?

Ghent is a very popular place for its romantic activities. Also, Stratford-upon-Avon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is a good town for couples to visit. The charming town offers a few nice restaurants where you can enjoy a meal. For a lovely date night, check out a Shakespeare play at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. During the day, wander around the old town or stroll down the river and enjoy the beautiful outdoor setting. Many residents have converted properties into Bed and Breakfasts, so there are a number of cute and affordable places where couples can stay.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Ghent Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ghent is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Ghent is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. Most backpackers skip this town for the more lively cities. There are affordable places to stay, but no real hostels in town.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Ghent Better for Students?

Ghent is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Ghent. The city is very popular with international students so it has a young and energetic vibe with plenty to do throughout the year.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not popular with students.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Ghent Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Ghent is an unbeatable place for times when you don't have a car. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Visitors in Ghent can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. Buses and trams travel to most parts of the city and are convenient and efficient.

Public transit is generally limited in Stratford-upon-Avon. The train station is a bit removed from the town center, but because the town is so small, it's still possible to reach it on foot from most places.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Ghent a more walkable city?

Ghent is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Stratford-upon-Avon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

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

Stratford-upon-Avon is a somewhat walkable town. It's easy to stroll around town on foot, but there aren't many pedestrian only areas. Head for the river for some of the nicest walking areas.

For even more information, also check out Is Stratford-upon-Avon Worth Visiting? and Is Ghent Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Ghent or Stratford-upon-Avon?

How long in Stratford-upon-Avon or Ghent?

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

Families should spend more time in Ghent than Stratford-upon-Avon. 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 Stratford-upon-Avon. 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 Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Ghent?

Even though Stratford-upon-Avon is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Lots of people come for the theater. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

In Ghent, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Lots of people come for the nightlife. 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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Ghent?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Stratford-upon-Avon. 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.

Many people visit Ghent for a weekend. Lots of people come for the nightlife. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Ghent?

Stratford-upon-Avon is a fun place to experience. Stratford-upon-Avon is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Lots of people come for the theater. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

The beautiful destination of Ghent offers shopping and museums. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Stratford-upon-Avon or Ghent?

Stratford-upon-Avon is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the theater. 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. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers something for everyone. One week 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium.

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

Which is Bigger, Stratford-upon-Avon or Ghent?

Ghent has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Stratford-upon-Avon. When comparing the sizes of Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Ghent in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Stratford-upon-Avon as well as Ghent. Many visitors come to Stratford-upon-Avon in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Ghent for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Stratford-upon-Avon is generally around the same temperature as Ghent. Daily temperatures in Stratford-upon-Avon average around 17°C (63°F), and Ghent fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ghent. In the summer, Stratford-upon-Avon often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ghent. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ghent receives 202 hours of full sun.

Stratford-upon-Avon usually gets less rain in July than Ghent. Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Ghent in the Autumn?

Both Ghent and Stratford-upon-Avon are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Stratford-upon-Avon for the small town atmosphere during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Ghent because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Stratford-upon-Avon is around the same temperature as Ghent in the autumn. The daily temperature in Stratford-upon-Avon averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Ghent fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

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

In October, Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives less rain than Ghent. Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Ghent in the Winter?

Both Ghent and Stratford-upon-Avon during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Stratford-upon-Avon because of the museums, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Ghent this time of year.

It's quite cold in Ghent in the winter. The weather in Stratford-upon-Avon can be very cold. In the winter, Stratford-upon-Avon is around the same temperature as Ghent. Typically, the winter temperatures in Stratford-upon-Avon in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Ghent averages at about 3°C (38°F).

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

Stratford-upon-Avon usually gets less rain in January than Ghent. Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Ghent in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Stratford-upon-Avon and Ghent. The small town charm are the main draw to Stratford-upon-Avon this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Ghent for the natural beauty.

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

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

In April, Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives around the same amount of rain as Ghent. Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon