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

Should you visit York or Ghent?

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

Should I visit York 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.

York

York is a historic, medieval, and fanciful city. 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.

York and Ghent: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in York or Ghent?

Visitors will generally find more to do in York than Ghent. While Ghent is larger than York, York has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. York is more popular for its food and historical sights, while Ghent is known for its nightlife, shopping, and impressive beauty. York is more touristy than Ghent and is known for its markets, old town, and its many ghost tours. It is also home to The Shambles. Ghent is popular for its medieval buildings, large squares, and weekly markets

How is York different from Ghent?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Both York and Ghent have superb landmarks and museums for visitors.

York offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Popular museums include the York Castle Museum, the National Railway Museum, Castle Howard, and JORVIK Viking Centre.

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 York or Ghent? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

York is a world-class destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Ghent is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Eat your way through York, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Meat pies, fudge, and fish and chips are just some of the culinary experiences you'll find here. The Shambles Market has vendors that sell a wide variety of cuisines. There are also food trucks throughout town that offer affordable and delicious meal options.

Ghent has a huge number of terrific 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.

Is York or Ghent Better for Nightlife?

Ghent is a world-class destination for nightlife. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city 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.

York has a large number of nightlife venues. The young population and thriving tourist scene means there's no shortage of nightlife around town. Check out a pub or music venue to experience everything that city has to offer.

Is York or Ghent Better for its Old Town?

York 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 York is revered around the world. The charming old town is filled with shops and restaurants. There are street performers, fudge shops, and all of the Harry Potter merchandise that a person could need.

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 York or Ghent?

Ghent is a well-known place for shopping. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Ghent is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting York. The old town has many great candy stores that sell fudge and other local specialties. There are also Harry Potter stores that sell potions, t-shirts, games, and more.

Is York or Ghent Better for Families?

York is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Ghent is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, York is very family-friendly. The city does an amazing job bringing history to life in a way that kids will enjoy. The JORVIK Viking Centre transports visitors back in time and introduces them to a fully immersive viking experience. The York Dungeon is great for older kids as long as they don't scare easily. Actors and special effects offer a terrifying and entertaining visit through a York dungeon. Harry Potter fans will enjoy exploring the potion shops and broomstick stores along the iconic Shambles, which is said to be an inspiration for J.K. Rowling's Diagon Alley.

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

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

York is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples can explore the history and entertainment venues that make York an enjoyable destination. There are museums, restaurants, and outdoor markets that make this a great weekend getaway.

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 York or Ghent Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

York 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 York. There are a few hostels around town as well as nightlife venues and entertainment spots that appeal to backpackers and younger travelers. For great and affordable food, grab a meal at one of the many food trucks around town.

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 York or Ghent Better for Students?

Ghent is a world-class destination for students. However, York 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.

York is not popular with students.

Is York 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, York is not as famous, but is still a good city 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.

York has some public transit options. There is a reliable and efficient bus system around town.

Is York or Ghent a more walkable city?

Ghent is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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

York is a somewhat walkable place. The old town has many pedestrian streets that are easily explored on food.

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

Should I spend more time in Ghent or York?

How long in York or Ghent?

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

Families should spend more time in York than Ghent. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in York, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

One day in York or Ghent?

In York, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this fanciful destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the food. 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Ghent. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in York or Ghent?

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

Ghent is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the nightlife. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in York or Ghent?

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

You'll find museums and nightlife around the under-rated destination of Ghent. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in York or Ghent?

You'll find food and shopping around the medieval destination of York. 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 food. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

The high energy city of Ghent offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from London, The Best 10-Day Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Belgium, and The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium.

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

Which is Bigger, York or Ghent?

Ghent has a larger population, and is about 61% larger than the population of York. When comparing the sizes of York 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 York 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 York or Ghent in the Summer?

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

York is around the same temperature as Ghent in the summer. The daily temperature in York averages around 16°C (62°F) in July, and Ghent fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Ghent. York usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ghent during summer. York gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Ghent receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, York usually receives less rain than Ghent. York gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit York or Ghent in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, York is cooler than Ghent. Typically, the autumn temperatures in York in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Ghent averages at about 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, York often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ghent. York gets 112 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ghent receives 105 hours of full sun.

York usually gets less rain in October than Ghent. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit York or Ghent in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both York and Ghent. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to York 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 York in the winter. In January, York is generally a little warmer than Ghent. Daily temperatures in York average around 4°C (39°F), and Ghent fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

York usually receives more sunshine than Ghent during winter. York gets 61 hours of sunny skies, while Ghent receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, York usually receives less rain than Ghent. York gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit York or Ghent in the Spring?

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

York is around the same temperature as Ghent in the spring. The daily temperature in York averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Ghent fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the spring, York often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ghent. York gets 151 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ghent receives 158 hours of full sun.

York usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Ghent. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Ghent and York