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

Should you visit Thessaloniki or Ghent?

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

Should I visit Thessaloniki 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.

Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki is a vibrant, high energy, and bustling city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Ghent

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

Thessaloniki and Ghent: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Thessaloniki or Ghent?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Thessaloniki than Ghent. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Thessaloniki is very popular for its beaches and big city activities, while Ghent attracts visitors for its nightlife, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Thessaloniki is more touristy than Ghent and is popular for its many archeological sights, its large young population, and its great transportation connections. It is also well known for The Monument of Rotonda. Ghent is famous for its medieval buildings, large squares, and weekly markets

How is Thessaloniki different from Ghent?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Thessaloniki offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. There are a huge number of historic and archeological sights in the city. These include the Rotunda of Galerius, the White Tower, the Church of Agios Dimitrios, and the Arch of Galerius.

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.

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

Foodies will find both Thessaloniki and Ghent both to be superb destinations.

Thessaloniki has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There's a huge culinary scene in the city, and you'll find everything from fun street food options to traditional tavernas and even some great international restaurants.

Dining out in Ghent is an experience not to be missed. 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 Thessaloniki or Ghent Better for Nightlife?

Ghent is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

People head to Ghent just to party. 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 Thessaloniki know how to have a good time. It's the second largest city in Greece, and it has large student and tourist populations, so the nightlife scene is among the best in Greece. There are clubs, bars, and lounges that stay busy late into the night.

Is Thessaloniki or Ghent Better for Beaches?

Thessaloniki is a moderate city for its beaches. However, Ghent is not a beach destination.

Thessaloniki is a good spot to see the beach. Although the city's not known for its beaches, there are some places where you can relax by the water, particularly if you're willing to get a bit out of town.

Ghent is not a beach destination.

Is Thessaloniki or Ghent Better for its Old Town?

Ghent is an excellent place to visit for its old town. However, Thessaloniki 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.

Thessaloniki does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Thessaloniki or Ghent?

Shoppers can find a variety of superb stores in both Thessaloniki and Ghent.

Thessaloniki is well-known for its shopping. There are shopping streets as well as large malls and shopping centers. You'll find everything from fashion, jewelry, and handicrafts to most European and international brands.

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 Thessaloniki or Ghent Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Thessaloniki or Ghent.

Thessaloniki is a family-friendly city. The port city has a number of museums and attractions for kids including Dinosaur Park, the Noesis Science and Technology Museum, and the water park known as Waterland. There's also the fascinating Kapani Market that is fun to explore.

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 Thessaloniki or Ghent Better for Couples?

Ghent is an excellent place to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Thessaloniki 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.

Thessaloniki is a good city for couples to visit. It's a bustling city that is filled with history and excellent restaurants. Couples who enjoy history and fun cities will appreciate a visit here.

Is Thessaloniki or Ghent Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki. There's no shortage of hostels in this city, and you'll find plenty of backpackers to hang out with.

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 Thessaloniki or Ghent Better for Students?

Ghent is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Thessaloniki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for 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.

Thessaloniki is very popular with students. There's a large student population in the city and you'll find a vibrant nightlife scene, easy transportation options, and a reasonable cost of living.

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

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

With a huge network, the transit system in Ghent can get you around easily. Buses and trams travel to most parts of the city and are convenient and efficient.

You'll find some public transit in Thessaloniki, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a comprehensive bus system that connects most of the city and its suburbs.

Is Thessaloniki or Ghent a more walkable city?

Ghent is an excellent place to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Thessaloniki 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.

Thessaloniki is a somewhat walkable city. You can explore much of the city center on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Ghent or Thessaloniki?

How long in Thessaloniki or Ghent?

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

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

One day in Thessaloniki or Ghent?

In Thessaloniki, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this high energy destination offers. 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, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this cultural city offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this city.

A weekend in Thessaloniki or Ghent?

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

Ghent is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the nightlife. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Thessaloniki or Ghent?

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

You'll find museums and nightlife 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. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Thessaloniki or Ghent?

You'll find food and shopping around the historic destination of Thessaloniki. 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 place to visit. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Greece, The Best Contiki Tours to Greece, The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium.

When comparing the travel costs between Thessaloniki and Ghent, we can see that Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki Expensive? and Is Ghent Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Thessaloniki or Ghent?

Thessaloniki has a larger population, and is about 53% larger than the population of Ghent. When comparing the sizes of Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki or Ghent in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Thessaloniki as well as Ghent. Most visitors come to Thessaloniki for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Ghent because of the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Thessaloniki is generally a little warmer than Ghent. Daily temperatures in Thessaloniki average around 25°C (77°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 Thessaloniki this time of the year. In the summer, Thessaloniki often gets more sunshine than Ghent. Thessaloniki gets 327 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ghent receives 202 hours of full sun.

Thessaloniki usually gets less rain in July than Ghent. Thessaloniki gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Ghent in the Autumn?

Both Ghent and Thessaloniki are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Thessaloniki because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Ghent this time of year.

Thessaloniki is a little warmer than Ghent in the autumn. The daily temperature in Thessaloniki averages around 16°C (61°F) in October, and Ghent fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Thessaloniki usually receives more sunshine than Ghent during autumn. Thessaloniki gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Ghent receives 105 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Thessaloniki usually receives less rain than Ghent. Thessaloniki gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Ghent in the Winter?

Both Ghent and Thessaloniki during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Thessaloniki this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Ghent for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Ghent. In the winter, Thessaloniki is much warmer than Ghent. Typically, the winter temperatures in Thessaloniki in January average around 5°C (41°F), and Ghent averages at about 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Thessaloniki often gets more sunshine than Ghent. Thessaloniki gets 101 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ghent receives 47 hours of full sun.

Thessaloniki usually gets less rain in January than Ghent. Thessaloniki gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Thessaloniki or Ghent in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Thessaloniki and Ghent. Many travelers come to Thessaloniki for the beaches and the activities around the city. Furthermore, many visitors come to Ghent in the spring for the natural beauty.

In April, Thessaloniki is generally much warmer than Ghent. Daily temperatures in Thessaloniki average around 13°C (56°F), and Ghent fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Thessaloniki usually receives more sunshine than Ghent during spring. Thessaloniki gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Ghent receives 158 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Thessaloniki usually receives less rain than Ghent. Thessaloniki 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 Thessaloniki