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

Should you visit Tallinn or Ghent?

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

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

Tallinn

Tallinn is a historical, charming, and quaint 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 nightlife, food, and shopping.

Ghent

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

Tallinn and Ghent: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tallinn or Ghent?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Tallinn than Ghent. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Tallinn is very popular for its historical sights and quaint atmosphere, while Ghent attracts visitors for its food and nightlife. Tallinn is more touristy than Ghent and is popular for its well preserved old town and its active nightlife scene. It is also well known for The Old Town. Ghent is famous for its medieval buildings, large squares, and weekly markets

The Old Town

How is Tallinn different from Ghent?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Tallinn and Ghent.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Tallinn can be an interesting and educational experience. There are beautiful historic churches, particularly in the city's old town. A highlight is the stunning Alexander Nevski Cathedral. You'll also find some unique museums around town as well as Toompea Castle.

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 Tallinn or Ghent? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Ghent is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Tallinn 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 Tallinn area. Food is affordable and hearty. Many dishes incorporate rye bread, pork, smoked fish, potatoes, or dairy products. You'll also find a lot of variation in dishes between seasons.

Is Tallinn or Ghent Better for Nightlife?

Ghent is a must-visit destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Tallinn is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Ghent is a world class 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.

Tallinn is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. As it's grown in popularity with tourists, the city has put itself on the map as a top party destination in Eastern Europe. There's an active bar and club scene, but there are also art venues and other creative activities for everyone.

Is Tallinn or Ghent Better for its Old Town?

Tallinn 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 Tallinn is revered around the world. The city's medieval old town is at the heart of it's tourist attractions. The Gothic architecture, local restaurants, and cobblestone streets give the city a fairytale charm.

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 Tallinn or Ghent?

Shoppers can find a variety of great stores in both Tallinn and Ghent.

Tallinn is well-known for its shopping. There's a mix of quirky shops and recognizable brands around town. Old town is a popular shopping area, as is nearby Kalamaja. Visitors enjoy picking up marzipan, local crafts, and unique art.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity 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 Tallinn or Ghent Better for Families?

Tallinn and Ghent are both nice destinations for the whole family.

Tallinn is a family-friendly city. Your kids will feel like they stepped into a fairytale in this beautiful city. It has countless museums including an open air museum and a zoo. There's also nearby Pirita Beach, where you and your kids can enjoy ice cream in a seaside setting.

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 Tallinn or Ghent Better for Couples?

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

Tallinn makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Filled with gardens, romantic walks, and impressive views, this city makes for a great couple's getaway. Base yourself in the city's beautiful old town and dine in one of the many local restaurants. There are also nice hotels around town that are great for couples.

Couples visit Ghent frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It makes a great weekend getaway with a diverse restaurant scene, nice hotels, and plenty of historic attractions that you can explore.

Is Tallinn or Ghent Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tallinn is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Ghent is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Tallinn is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. The city is both affordable and unique, which is perfect for travelers on a budget. There are plenty of hostels around town as well as casual places to grab a cheap bite to eat.

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 Tallinn or Ghent Better for Students?

Ghent is a must-visit destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Tallinn is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for 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.

Tallinn is popular with students. International students appreciate the vibrant atmosphere and the affordable options around town.

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

Ghent is a must-visit destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Tallinn is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Ghent has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. Buses and trams travel to most parts of the city and are convenient and efficient.

The public transit in Tallinn can get you to most places easily. There are buses trolleys and trams around town.

Is Tallinn or Ghent a more walkable city?

Tallinn is a world-class destination for its walkability. Also, Ghent is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

It is easy to get around Tallinn on foot. The city is compact and easily explored on foot, particularly in the most touristy areas.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Ghent or Tallinn?

How long in Tallinn or Ghent?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Ghent than Tallinn. 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 Tallinn 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 Tallinn.

One day in Tallinn or Ghent?

In Tallinn, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this charming 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.

In Ghent, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Tallinn or Ghent?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Tallinn. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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.

In Ghent, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Ghent has to offer.

Five days in Tallinn or Ghent?

Tallinn is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the quaint destination of Tallinn. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Ghent is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Tallinn or Ghent?

You'll find food and shopping around the charming destination of Tallinn. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ghent. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Ghent. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

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

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Tallinn and Ghent, we can see that Ghent is more expensive. And not only is Tallinn much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Tallinn would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Tallinn 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 Ghent would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ghent than you might in Tallinn.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Tallinn Expensive? and Is Ghent Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Tallinn or Ghent?

Tallinn has a larger population, and is about 70% larger than the population of Ghent. When comparing the sizes of Tallinn 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 Tallinn 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 Tallinn or Ghent in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Tallinn as well as Ghent. Many travelers come to Tallinn for the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Ghent in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Tallinn is generally around the same temperature as Ghent. Daily temperatures in Tallinn average around 17°C (62°F), and Ghent fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ghent. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Tallinn this time of the year. In the summer, Tallinn often gets more sunshine than Ghent. Tallinn gets 279 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ghent receives 202 hours of full sun.

Tallinn usually gets more rain in July than Ghent. Tallinn gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tallinn or Ghent in the Autumn?

Both Ghent and Tallinn are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Tallinn in the autumn for the shopping 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.

Tallinn is much colder than Ghent in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tallinn averages around 7°C (44°F) in October, and Ghent fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Tallinn usually receives less sunshine than Ghent during autumn. Tallinn gets 92 hours of sunny skies, while Ghent receives 105 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Tallinn usually receives less rain than Ghent. Tallinn gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Tallinn or Ghent in the Winter?

Both Ghent and Tallinn during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Tallinn 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. Tallinn can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Tallinn is much colder than Ghent. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tallinn in January average around -5°C (22°F), and Ghent averages at about 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Tallinn often gets less sunshine than Ghent. Tallinn gets 25 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ghent receives 47 hours of full sun.

Tallinn usually gets less rain in January than Ghent. Tallinn gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tallinn or Ghent in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Tallinn and Ghent. The spring months attract visitors to Tallinn because of the natural beauty. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Ghent this time of year.

The weather in Tallinn can be very cold. In April, Tallinn is generally much colder than Ghent. Daily temperatures in Tallinn average around 4°C (39°F), and Ghent fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Tallinn usually receives more sunshine than Ghent during spring. Tallinn gets 186 hours of sunny skies, while Ghent receives 158 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Tallinn usually receives less rain than Ghent. Tallinn gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Ghent and Tallinn