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

Should you visit Utrecht or Ghent?

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

Should I visit Utrecht 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.

Utrecht

This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Ghent

Ghent is a youthful, high energy, and cultural city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Utrecht and Ghent: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Utrecht or Ghent?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Ghent than Utrecht. While Utrecht is larger than Ghent, Ghent has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Ghent is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, and impressive beauty, while Utrecht is known for its historical sights and quaint atmosphere. Utrecht is more touristy than Ghent and is known for its beautiful canals, huge number of bikes, and charming old town. Ghent is popular for its medieval buildings, large squares, and weekly markets It is also home to The Fortress of Gravensteen.

How is Utrecht different from Ghent?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Ghent is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Utrecht is not as famous, but is still a good to visit for its museums and history.

Ghent offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Utrecht offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The Dom Tower and St. Martin's Cathedral is a highlight of the city, but you'll also find smaller, more local museums and several beautiful churches. If you're up for heading out of town, you can visit De Haar Castle, which is most accessible if you have a private vehicle.

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

Ghent is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Utrecht is not as famous, but is still a good to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Ghent makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Utrecht has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are a number of interesting international restaurants around town including Greek, Italian, and Spanish tapas. It's particularly fun to dine canal-side and sip wine as the boats pass by.

Is Utrecht or Ghent Better for Nightlife?

Ghent is a world-class destination for nightlife. Also, Utrecht is not as famous, but is still a good to visit for nightlife and partying.

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.

Utrecht has a large number of nightlife venues. The student population keeps the nightlife scene fun and lively. There are plenty of bars in the old town and you'll find tourists and locals hanging out at the same spots.

Is Utrecht or Ghent Better for its Old Town?

Utrecht 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 Utrecht is revered around the world. The old town is large, charming, and filled with locals. There are canals that that see a frequent stream of boats and kayakers. There are also historic buildings and cobblestone streets. The city is unique because many cafes offer seating directly next to the canals.

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 Utrecht or Ghent?

Both Utrecht and Ghent are superb shopping destinations.

Utrecht is an extremely popular place for shoppers. You'll find both local shops and European chains throughout the old town. There's also a large mall right next to the main tourist area.

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.

Is Utrecht or Ghent Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Utrecht or Ghent.

Utrecht is a family-friendly place to visit. There are a few museums around town that are fun for kids. Make sure you check out the Miffy Museum, which is great for younger kids. The Museum Speelklok is fun for kids and adults alike. Families will also enjoy renting bikes for the day or taking a canal boat tour. Also make sure you try some local pancakes.

Ghent is a family-friendly . 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 Utrecht or Ghent Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Utrecht and Ghent make for a superb place to visit.

Utrecht is a very popular place to visit for couples. The charming old town and cozy cafes make for a wonderful date day. You can take a canal boat tour, sip coffee at a cafe by a canal, or explore the city as it lights up at night.

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.

Is Utrecht or Ghent Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Utrecht 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 Utrecht. It's a university city with a young population and plenty to do in the evening. There are also a decent number of hostels to choose from and a lively atmosphere with fun activities and festivals.

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 Utrecht or Ghent Better for Students?

Ghent is a world-class destination for students. Also, Utrecht is not as famous, but is still a good to visit for its student-friendly activities.

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.

Utrecht is very popular with students. This is a great university city. The population is young, but housing can be challenging to find and very expensive.

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

Ghent is a world-class destination for its public transit. Also, Utrecht is not as famous, but is still a good to visit for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit in Utrecht can get you to some places easily. There are buses around town and two tram lines that travel to the suburbs.

Is Utrecht or Ghent a more walkable city?

Utrecht 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 Utrecht on foot. The old town is easy to explore on foot, but don't walk in a bike lane or you'll likely receive a firm scolding from a local. Utrecht is regularly ranked as one of the world's most bike-friendly cities.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Ghent or Utrecht?

How long in Utrecht or Ghent?

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

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

One day in Utrecht or Ghent?

In Utrecht, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this quaint destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

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 Utrecht or Ghent?

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

Utrecht is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the quaint destination of Utrecht. 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 Utrecht or Ghent?

You'll find food and shopping around the vibrant destination of Utrecht. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Netherlands, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Netherlands, The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium.

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

Which is Bigger, Utrecht or Ghent?

Utrecht has a larger population, and is about 26% larger than the population of Ghent. When comparing the sizes of Utrecht 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 Utrecht or Ghent?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Utrecht or Ghent in the Summer?

Both Ghent and Utrecht are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Utrecht for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Ghent because of the family-friendly experiences.

Utrecht is around the same temperature as Ghent in the summer. The daily temperature in Utrecht averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Ghent fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Ghent. Utrecht usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ghent during summer. Utrecht gets 194 hours of sunny skies, while Ghent receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Utrecht usually receives more rain than Ghent. Utrecht gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Utrecht or Ghent in the Autumn?

Both Ghent and Utrecht during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Utrecht because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Ghent this time of year.

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

In the autumn, Utrecht often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ghent. Utrecht gets 100 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ghent receives 105 hours of full sun.

Utrecht usually gets less rain in October than Ghent. Utrecht gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Utrecht or Ghent in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Utrecht and Ghent. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Utrecht this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Ghent for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Ghent. It's quite cold in Utrecht in the winter. In January, Utrecht is generally much colder than Ghent. Daily temperatures in Utrecht average around 2°C (36°F), and Ghent fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Utrecht usually receives less sunshine than Ghent during winter. Utrecht gets 38 hours of sunny skies, while Ghent receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Utrecht usually receives more rain than Ghent. Utrecht gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Utrecht or Ghent in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Utrecht as well as Ghent. Many travelers come to Utrecht for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Ghent in the spring for the natural beauty.

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

In the spring, Utrecht often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ghent. Utrecht gets 156 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ghent receives 158 hours of full sun.

Utrecht usually gets more rain in April than Ghent. Utrecht gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Ghent and Utrecht