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

Should you visit Tartu or Ghent?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Tartu and Ghent can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Tartu

Tartu is a historical, lively, and intellectual university town. Tartu is a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife. See Tartu travel costs.

Ghent

Ghent is a historic, under-rated, and youthful city. Many visitors also come to Ghent because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Ghent travel costs.

Tartu and Ghent: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less charming
  • Less popular with couples
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Tartu or Ghent?

You'll generally find more things to do in Ghent than Tartu. Ghent is bigger than Tartu, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Ghent is more touristy than Tartu and is popular for its medieval buildings, large squares, and weekly markets Also, Ghent is famous for The Fortress of Gravensteen. Tartu is well known for its vibrant student population and long running university.

How is Tartu different from Ghent?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Tartu
Ghent

Ghent is a great city for its historical sights. However, Tartu does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Tartu does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Tartu
Ghent

Ghent is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Tartu is not known for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Tartu offers some easy restaurants to choose from. The restaurant scene is surprisingly limited because of the large student population. Most students prefer saving their money for a night out drinking over a quiet meal at a restaurant. There are some cafes around town as well as pastry shops and a few good ethnic restaurants to choose between.

Is Tartu or Ghent Better for Nightlife?

Tartu
Ghent

Ghent is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Tartu is not as popular, but is still a nice university town for nightlife.

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.

Tartu offers plenty to do in the evening. With its huge student population, there is plenty of activity year round. The nightlife scene includes many bars, dance clubs, and pubs that are popular with students and visitors alike. You'll find large parties and music festivals throughout the year that bring crowds to the city.

Is Tartu or Ghent Better for its Old Town?

Tartu
Ghent

Both Tartu and Ghent have very good historic old towns worth visiting.

Tartu is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The old town is where you'll find one of the oldest universities in Northern Europe. There is also Town Hall Square and St. John’s Quarter with many historic buildings and beautiful architecture.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Ghent. The medieval old town follows along the canal and offers great architecture and a unique atmosphere.


Is the Shopping Better in Tartu or Ghent?

Tartu
Ghent

Ghent is a great city for its shopping areas. However, Tartu is not known for shopping.

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.

Tartu is a good destination for shopping. While most people don't visit to go shopping, there is an active art scene in town so you can find some creative pieces that are worth checking out.

Is Tartu or Ghent More Beautiful?

Tartu
Ghent

Ghent is an amazing city to visit for its scenery and beauty. Also, Tartu is not as popular, but is still a nice university town for its scenery and beauty.

Many visitors also come to Ghent because of it's amazing beauty. With its medieval architecture and beautiful waterfront areas, the city has a lot to offer.

Tartu is a gorgeous place to visit. It's a beautiful city with a long history and a number of unique historical buildings.

Is Tartu or Ghent Better for Families?

Tartu
Ghent

Both Tartu and Ghent are notable to visit with kids.

Tartu offers lots of family activities. Many of the kid-friendly activities are outdoors, so summer visits are better if you're traveling with children. There are adventure parks, animal parks, and educational museums that you can choose from.

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 Tartu or Ghent Better for Couples?

Tartu
Ghent

Ghent is a great city for couples. However, Tartu is not known for romance.

Ghent is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. It makes a great weekend getaway with a diverse restaurant scene, nice hotels, and plenty of historic attractions that you can explore.

Tartu is not the best destination for a couple to visit. The city has a young population, so you'll find many activities center around a more youthful vibe. There are some great museums that couples will enjoy, as well as a lively nightlife scene. Outside of old town, couples will enjoy wandering through the Karlova and Supilinn districts.

Is Tartu or Ghent Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tartu
Ghent

Tartu 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 Tartu. With it's young population and budget friendly entertainment options, there are many things that backpackers will enjoy. It's not nearly as popular with backpackers as some other cities, but that doesn't mean it doesn't have a lot to offer.

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 Tartu or Ghent Better for Students?

Tartu
Ghent

For students, both Tartu and Ghent are fantastic places to visit.

Tartu is a very popular university town for students. It is a university town and home to one of the oldest universities in Northern Europe. The student population is large here, with many activities, museums, and nightlife options to choose from. There always seems to be something going on in this vibrant city.

Ghent is a very popular place to visit 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 Tartu or Ghent Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Tartu
Ghent

Ghent is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Tartu is not as popular, but is still a nice university town 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.

Tartu has a few public transit options. There is a comprehensive bus system around the town.

Is Tartu or Ghent a more walkable city?

Tartu
Ghent

Tartu and Ghent are very good when it comes to walkability.

Tartu is a very walkable destination. The city is compact with most of its sights and restaurants close together along a couple of streets.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Ghent or Tartu?

How long in Tartu or Ghent?

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

Families should spend more time in Ghent than Tartu. 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 Tartu. 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 Tartu 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.


  • How many days in Tartu or Ghent? Ideal Length of Stay
    Tartu 1-3 
    Ghent 1-3

One day in Tartu or Ghent?

In Tartu, many people enjoy the nightlife that this lively destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This university 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 shopping and museums that this under-rated destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the nightlife. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.


A weekend in Tartu or Ghent?

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

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

Five days in Tartu or Ghent?

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

A week in Tartu or Ghent?

You'll find nightlife around the lively destination of Tartu. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the cultural destination of Ghent. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the nightlife. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Estonia, The Best Budget Tours to Estonia, The Best Tours for Seniors to Belgium, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Belgium.


Which place is cheaper, Ghent or Tartu?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Tartu is €132, while the average daily cost in Ghent is €144. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Tartu and Ghent in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Tartu 47
    Ghent 72
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Tartu 94
    Ghent 144
Compare Hotels in Tartu and Ghent

Looking for a hotel in Tartu or Ghent? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Tartu


Hotels in Ghent


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Tartu Hotel Prices and Ghent Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Tartu 27
    Ghent 19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ghent

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ghent:

  • Transfer Ghent Luxembourg (1 to 8 places): $252

Is it cheaper to fly into Tartu or Ghent?

Prices for flights to both Ghent and Tartu change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Tartu 65
    Ghent 60
Typical Food Prices in Tartu

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Tartu:


  • Danishes
    0.76
  • Lunch for Two
    4.93
  • Ice Cream
    1.27
  • Cookies
    0.51
  • Coffee & Cake
    3.47

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ghent

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Ghent.

  • Walking Food Tour in Ghent: $96
  • Walking food tour: Introduction to Ghent through food: $111

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Tartu 16
    Ghent 8.64
Typical Entertainment Prices in Tartu

For Tartu, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Art Museum ticket
    0.95
  • Movie Ticket
    3.47

Tours and Activities in Tartu

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Tartu.

  • Around Viljandi bike tour: $29
  • TARTU COUNTRY: SLED DOG TOUR AND KENNEL VISIT: $141
  • Private Horse-Drawn Sleigh Adventures: $212
  • Charming Viljandi Private Walking Tour for Couples: $257
  • Magical Tartu Romantic Private Walking Tour: $751
  • Dazzling Tartu City Cultural Private Walking Tour: $751

Tours and Activities in Ghent

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Ghent are as follows:

  • Best of Gent: Private Walking Tour with a Local: $48
  • Bicycle tour in historic Ghent: $53
  • Brussels: Bruges & Ghent Tour w/ Cruise & Chocolate Tasting: $88
  • Escape Tour Gent -selfguided citygame- and find the secret exit!: $35
  • Evening Tour of the Dark Side of Gent: $3.53
  • Explore History and Family Walking Tour in Mons: $242
  • From Brussels: Private Tour of Bruges, Ghent and Flanders: $675
  • From Brussels: Private Tour to Ghent’s Top Highlights: $195
  • Gastronomic Walking Tour of Gent - Tasters included: $3.53
  • Gent Private Walking Tour with a Local: $48
  • Ghent - Private Historic Walking Tour: $419
  • Ghent Beer Guided Walking Tour: $58

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Tartu 16
    Ghent 18

Sample the Local Flavors in Ghent

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Ghent:

  • Brewery Visit in Ostend- Two 33cl Beers Included: $21
  • Brewery Visit in Ostend- 3 Beers & Breughel Plate Experience: $41
  • NEW Ghent Brewery Visit, Beer Tasting Tour & Chocolate Pairing: $88


When comparing the travel costs between Tartu and Ghent, we can see that Ghent is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Tartu or Ghent?

Ghent has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Tartu. When comparing the sizes of Tartu 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 Tartu 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 Tartu or Ghent in the Summer?

Both Ghent and Tartu during the summer are popular places to visit. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Tartu this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Ghent for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Tartu is around the same temperature as Ghent. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tartu in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Ghent averages at about 17°C (63°F).

In Ghent, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Tartu. In the summer, Tartu often gets more sunshine than Ghent. Tartu gets 265 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ghent receives 202 hours of full sun.

Tartu usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Ghent. Tartu gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Tartu 17°C (62°F) 
    Ghent 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Tartu or Ghent in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Tartu and Ghent. Many travelers come to Tartu for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Ghent in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Tartu is generally much colder than Ghent. Daily temperatures in Tartu average around 6°C (43°F), and Ghent fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Tartu usually receives less sunshine than Ghent during autumn. Tartu gets 86 hours of sunny skies, while Ghent receives 105 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Tartu usually receives less rain than Ghent. Tartu gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Tartu 6°C (43°F) 
    Ghent 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Tartu or Ghent in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Tartu as well as Ghent. Many visitors come to Tartu in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Ghent for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Ghent can be very cold during winter. Tartu can get quite cold in the winter. Tartu is much colder than Ghent in the winter. The daily temperature in Tartu averages around -7°C (19°F) in January, and Ghent fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Tartu often gets less sunshine than Ghent. Tartu gets 36 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ghent receives 47 hours of full sun.

Tartu usually gets less rain in January than Ghent. Tartu gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Tartu -7°C (19°F) 
    Ghent 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Tartu or Ghent in the Spring?

Both Ghent and Tartu are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Tartu for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Ghent because of the natural beauty.

Tartu can be very cold during spring. In the spring, Tartu is much colder than Ghent. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tartu in April average around 5°C (41°F), and Ghent averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Tartu usually receives more sunshine than Ghent during spring. Tartu gets 180 hours of sunny skies, while Ghent receives 158 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Tartu usually receives less rain than Ghent. Tartu gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Tartu 5°C (41°F) 
    Ghent 8°C (47°F)

Typical Weather for Ghent and Tartu

Tartu Ghent
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -7°C (19°F) 29 mm (1.1 in) 3°C (38°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Feb -6°C (20°F) 23 mm (0.9 in) 3°C (38°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Mar -2°C (29°F) 26 mm (1 in) 6°C (42°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 5°C (41°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 8°C (47°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
May 11°C (53°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 12°C (54°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 15°C (59°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 17°C (63°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Aug 16°C (61°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 18°C (64°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 11°C (52°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 16°C (60°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 6°C (43°F) 52 mm (2 in) 12°C (54°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 1°C (33°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 7°C (45°F) 75 mm (2.9 in)
Dec -4°C (25°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) 5°C (40°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)