A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers The Hague vs. Ghent for Nightlife, Food, Couples, and Families

Should you visit The Hague 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 The Hague and Ghent can help you decide which place is right for you.

The Hague

The Hague is a global, international, and bustling city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Ghent

Ghent is a high energy, cultural, and historic city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

The Hague and Ghent: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Big city activities
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in The Hague or Ghent?

Travelers will usually find more to do in The Hague than Ghent, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. The Hague is more popular for its music and big city activities, while Ghent is known for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Ghent is more touristy than The Hague and is popular for its medieval buildings, large squares, and weekly markets The Hague is popular for its large international population and its roll in international politics and diplomacy. It is also home to The Peace Palace.

How is The Hague different from Ghent?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in The Hague or Ghent?

The Hague
Ghent

Ghent is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, The Hague does not have 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.

The Hague does not have museums and landmarks.


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

The Hague
Ghent

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between The Hague and Ghent can be difficult as they are each high quality in their own way.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in The Hague. The city has a diverse population and the large number of ethnic restaurants reflects that.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit 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 The Hague or Ghent Better for Nightlife?

The Hague
Ghent

Ghent is an amazing city to visit for nightlife. Also, The Hague is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

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.

The people in The Hague know how to have a good time. Many of the city's restaurants turn into clubs at night. Head to The Grote Markt for some of the most energetic nightlife.

Is The Hague or Ghent Better for Music?

The Hague
Ghent

The Hague is a well-known place for live music. However, Ghent is not a live music destination.

The music scene in The Hague is very popular with diverse venues. There's an active music scene here and the city actually played an active role in the development and popularity of electronic music.

Ghent is not a live music destination.


Is The Hague or Ghent Better for its Old Town?

The Hague
Ghent

Ghent is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town. However, The Hague does not have a historic old town.

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.

The Hague does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in The Hague or Ghent?

The Hague
Ghent

Shoppers can find a variety of high quality stores in both The Hague and Ghent.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting The Hague. There's a dynamic shopping scene with indoor malls, outdoor markets, and a number of neighborhoods that have shops that sell eclectic items.

Ghent is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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 The Hague or Ghent Better for Families?

The Hague
Ghent

You'll find good kid-friendly activities in either The Hague or Ghent.

The Hague is a family-friendly city. This city has a bit more of a family-friendly vibe than nearby Amsterdam. Kids enjoy exploring by bike or heading to the Scheveningen Beach Resort.

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 The Hague or Ghent Better for Couples?

The Hague
Ghent

Ghent is an excellent place to visit for romance. Also, The Hague is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

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.

The Hague makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples can enjoy the diverse restaurants and the busting atmosphere that the city offers.

Is The Hague or Ghent Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

The Hague
Ghent

The Hague and Ghent are both good destinations for backpackers.

The Hague is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. While most backpackers head to the more popular city of Amsterdam, The Hague has a fun atmosphere with a diversity of activities and restaurants.

It's common for backpackers to 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 The Hague or Ghent Better for Students?

The Hague
Ghent

Both The Hague and Ghent are first-rate destinations for students.

Students come from all over the world to visit The Hague. This is a very popular study abroad destination so you'll find plenty of international students living here. It's an internationally oriented city so everyone feels right at home.

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.


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

The Hague
Ghent

Ghent is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, The Hague is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

The Hague has some very good public transit options. There are bus and tram lines throughout the city.

Is The Hague or Ghent a more walkable city?

The Hague
Ghent

Ghent is an excellent place to visit for its walkability. Also, The Hague is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

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

The Hague is a somewhat walkable place. There are a number of walk tours through the city center.

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

Should I spend more time in Ghent or The Hague?

How long in The Hague or Ghent?

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

Families should spend more time in Ghent than The Hague. 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 The Hague. 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 The Hague 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 The Hague or Ghent? Ideal Length of Stay
    The Hague 1-3 
    Ghent 1-3

One day in The Hague or Ghent?

Each neighborhood in The Hague has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Ghent. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Ghent has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


A weekend in The Hague or Ghent?

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

You'll find museums and nightlife around the youthful destination of Ghent. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in The Hague or Ghent?

The Hague is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the big city destination of The Hague. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the under-rated city of Ghent. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the nightlife. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in The Hague or Ghent?

You'll find live music and food around the diverse big city of The Hague. 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 popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Netherlands, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Netherlands, The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium.


Which place is cheaper, Ghent or The Hague?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in The Hague is €178, while the average daily cost in Ghent is €118. 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 The Hague and Ghent in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    The Hague 104
    Ghent 72
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    The Hague 208
    Ghent 144
Compare Hotels in The Hague and Ghent

Looking for a hotel in The Hague 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 The Hague


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: The Hague Hotel Prices and Ghent Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    The Hague 19
    Ghent 19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in The Hague

Also for The Hague, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Den Haag: Train Transfer Den Haag from/to Rotterdam: $8.36
  • Amsterdam: Train Transfer Schiphol Airport from/to Den Haag: $12
  • Utrecht: Train Transfer Utrecht from/to Den Haag: $16
  • Amsterdam: Train Transfer Amsterdam from/to Den Haag: $17
  • Eindhoven: Train Transfer Eindhoven from/to Den Haag: $28
  • Taxi Transfer from The Hague to Amsterdam Schiphol Airport: $127
  • Private Transfer from The Hague City to Schiphol Airport : $138
  • Private Transfer from The Hague to Amsterdam: $138
  • From One-Way Private Transfer to Schiphol Airport: $261
  • Amsterdam: Private Transfer to/from The Hague: $282

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ghent

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ghent:

  • Transfer from ruges Airport OST to Bruges City by Luxury Sedan: $115
  • Ostend Airport (OST) to Bruges hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $32
  • Ghent <-> Amsterdam Shuttle Transfer (1 to 8 Seats): $231
  • Departure Private Transfer from Ghent City to Brussels Airport by Luxury Van: $165

Is it cheaper to fly into The Hague or Ghent?

Prices for flights to both Ghent and The Hague 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
    The Hague 55
    Ghent 35

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in The Hague

For The Hague, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • WALKING DINNER DELFT | 3 courses incl. 3 drinks and a lot of fun: $88
  • WALKING DINNER ZOETERMEER | 3 courses + 3 drinks and a lot of fun: $88

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: $94
  • Walking food tour: Introduction to Ghent through food: $103
  • Small-Group Food Tour in Ghent by Bike: $160

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    The Hague 34
    Ghent 8.64

Tours and Activities in The Hague

For The Hague, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Tip-Based 2 Hour Walking Tour in The Hague: $3.26
  • 2 Hours Walking Tour in The Hague: $3.29
  • 2 Hours Walking Tour in Delft: $3.29
  • The Historical Heart of A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $7.06
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt and Tour: $8.14
  • City walking tour (in German) - Gilde Den Haag: $8.69
  • City walking tour (in English) - Gilde Den Haag: $8.69
  • Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $9.50
  • Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $11
  • Delft: Walking Tour with Audio Guide on App: $11
  • The Hague Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11

Tours and Activities in Ghent

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

  • Bicycle tour in historic Ghent: $50
  • Christmas Experience in Ghent - Walking Tour: $498
  • Evening Tour of the Dark Side of Gent: $3.29
  • Exquisite Sites of Ghent - Family Tour: $390
  • From Brussels: Private Tour of Bruges, Ghent and Flanders: $542
  • Gastronomic Walking Tour of Gent - Tasters included: $3.29
  • Gent: 1 hour Immersive free-roam Virtual Reality experience: $31
  • Ghent Beer Guided Walking Tour: $50
  • Ghent Beer and Sightseeing Adventure: $98
  • Ghent Bike Tour Off-the-beaten-track: $53
  • Ghent City Highlights Walking Tour with Light Meal: $83
  • Ghent Highlights Private Historical Tour: $91

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    The Hague 30
    Ghent 18

Sample the Local Flavors in The Hague

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in The Hague:

  • The Hague Pub Trail: Pub crawl with interactive online game: $16

Sample the Local Flavors in Ghent

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Ghent:

  • Ghent Pub Trail : Pub crawl with interactive online game: $16
  • Private Ghent Beer & Brewery Tour by a young local: $193


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


Which is Bigger, The Hague or Ghent?

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

The summer brings many poeple to The Hague as well as Ghent. Many visitors come to The Hague in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Ghent for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

The Hague is around the same temperature as Ghent in the summer. The daily temperature in The Hague averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, 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 The Hague this time of the year. In the summer, The Hague often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ghent. The Hague gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ghent receives 202 hours of full sun.

The Hague usually gets more rain in July than Ghent. The Hague gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


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

Should I visit The Hague or Ghent in the Autumn?

Both Ghent and The Hague are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to The Hague for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Ghent because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, The Hague is cooler than Ghent. Typically, the autumn temperatures in The Hague in October average around 11°C (51°F), and Ghent averages at about 12°C (54°F).

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

In October, The Hague usually receives less rain than Ghent. The Hague gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    The Hague 11°C (51°F) 
    Ghent 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit The Hague or Ghent in the Winter?

Both Ghent and The Hague during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to The Hague because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, 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 The Hague can be very cold. In January, The Hague is generally much colder than Ghent. Daily temperatures in The Hague average around 2°C (36°F), and Ghent fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, The Hague often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ghent. The Hague gets 47 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ghent receives 47 hours of full sun.

The Hague usually gets more rain in January than Ghent. The Hague gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    The Hague 2°C (36°F) 
    Ghent 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit The Hague or Ghent in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both The Hague and Ghent. The activities around the city are the main draw to The Hague this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Ghent for the natural beauty.

The Hague is cooler than Ghent in the spring. The daily temperature in The Hague averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Ghent fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

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

In April, The Hague usually receives more rain than Ghent. The Hague gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    The Hague 8°C (46°F) 
    Ghent 8°C (47°F)

Typical Weather for Ghent and The Hague

The Hague Ghent
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 2°C (36°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 3°C (38°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 3°C (37°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 3°C (38°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 6°C (42°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 52 mm (2 in) 8°C (47°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
May 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 15°C (59°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 17°C (62°F) 75 mm (3 in) 17°C (63°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Aug 17°C (62°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 18°C (64°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 16°C (60°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 11°C (51°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 12°C (54°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 6°C (43°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 7°C (45°F) 75 mm (2.9 in)
Dec 3°C (38°F) 80 mm (3.1 in) 5°C (40°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)