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

Should you visit Windsor or Ghent?

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

Should I visit Windsor 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.

Windsor

Windsor is a beautiful, royal, and traditional town. This is also a fantastic small town with plenty of charm and local activities. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for nightlife, food, and museums.

Ghent

Ghent is a youthful, high energy, and cultural city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Windsor and Ghent: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Windsor or Ghent?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Ghent. Although Windsor and Ghent are popular destinations, Ghent has more sights and attractions for tourists. Ghent is very popular for its food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Windsor attracts visitors for its small town charm. Windsor is more touristy than Ghent and is known for being home to the largest and oldest operating castle in the world. Ghent is famous for its medieval buildings, large squares, and weekly markets It is also well known for The Fortress of Gravensteen.

How is Windsor different from Ghent?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the superb sights and museums in both Windsor and Ghent.

Windsor offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The main draw is the Windsor Castle, which many people explore in a few hours. Then you can pass some time wandering around the town.

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 Windsor or Ghent? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Ghent is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

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.

Windsor is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are cafes, pubs, and local restaurants that let you sample regional dishes. There are also chain restaurants and international options including Japanese and Thai food.

Is Windsor or Ghent Better for Nightlife?

Ghent is a world-class destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Windsor has a few options to choose from. There's a low key nightlife scene with local pubs and a theater. Dinner cruises are also a fun activity.

Is Windsor or Ghent Better for its Old Town?

Ghent is well known for its old town. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town 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.

Windsor has an old town worth visiting. The old town is opposite the castle and caters specifically to tourists with its restaurants, pubs, and a few shops.

Is the Shopping Better in Windsor or Ghent?

Ghent is well known for its shopping opportunities. However, Windsor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Windsor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Windsor or Ghent Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Windsor or Ghent.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Windsor. Kids will enjoy seeing a working castle when they visit Windsor Castle. While a visit to Windsor Castle is the obvious draw to the town, there are also river cruises, parks, and even the Royal Windsor Maze at the Goswells Park that the whole family will enjoy. There is also a Legoland in the area for those who have more time.

Ghent offers lots of family activities. 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 Windsor or Ghent Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Windsor frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Exploring the Windsor Castle, taking a river cruise, and wandering the parks and gardens hand in hand make this a great place for a couples retreat.

Ghent is a great town 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.

Is Windsor or Ghent Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ghent is a popular place for backpackers. However, Windsor is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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.

Windsor is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Windsor or Ghent Better for Students?

Ghent is a world-class destination for students. However, Windsor is not popular with 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.

Windsor is not popular with students.

Is Windsor 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, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

While Windsor offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a bus system around town.

Is Windsor or Ghent a more walkable city?

Windsor and Ghent both are superb when exploring on foot.

Windsor is a very walkable town. The town is compact and relatively easy to walk around. There are also several walking routes in the area.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Ghent or Windsor?

How long in Windsor or Ghent?

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

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

One day in Windsor or Ghent?

Even though Windsor is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. This town 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 Windsor or Ghent?

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

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 Windsor or Ghent?

Windsor is a fun place to experience. Windsor is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. 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 Windsor or Ghent?

Windsor is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. 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 Historical Tours in United Kingdom, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium.

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

Which is Bigger, Windsor or Ghent?

Ghent has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Windsor. When comparing the sizes of Windsor 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 Windsor 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 Windsor or Ghent in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Windsor and Ghent. Most visitors come to Windsor for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Ghent because of the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Windsor is generally around the same temperature as Ghent. Daily temperatures in Windsor average around 18°C (64°F), and Ghent fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Ghent this time of the year. Windsor usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ghent during summer. Windsor gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Ghent receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Windsor usually receives less rain than Ghent. Windsor gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Windsor or Ghent in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Windsor as well as Ghent. The autumn months attract visitors to Windsor because of the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Ghent this time of year.

Windsor is around the same temperature as Ghent in the autumn. The daily temperature in Windsor averages around 12°C (53°F) in October, and Ghent fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Windsor often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ghent. Windsor gets 107 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ghent receives 105 hours of full sun.

Windsor usually gets less rain in October than Ghent. Windsor gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Windsor or Ghent in the Winter?

Both Ghent and Windsor are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Windsor 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 Windsor in the winter. In the winter, Windsor is a little warmer than Ghent. Typically, the winter temperatures in Windsor in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Ghent averages at about 3°C (38°F).

Windsor usually receives more sunshine than Ghent during winter. Windsor gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Ghent receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Windsor usually receives less rain than Ghent. Windsor gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Windsor or Ghent in the Spring?

Both Ghent and Windsor during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Windsor for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Ghent in the spring for the natural beauty.

In April, Windsor is generally around the same temperature as Ghent. Daily temperatures in Windsor average around 9°C (48°F), and Ghent fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the spring, Windsor often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ghent. Windsor gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ghent receives 158 hours of full sun.

Windsor usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Ghent. Windsor gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Ghent and Windsor