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

Should you visit Zurich or Ghent?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Zurich and Ghent. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Zurich

Zurich is a liberal, beautiful, and historic city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for live music, food, and shopping.

Ghent

Ghent is a under-rated, youthful, and high energy city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Zurich and Ghent: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Zurich or Ghent?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Zurich than Ghent. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Zurich is very popular for its music, historical sights, and shopping, while Ghent attracts visitors for its nightlife and impressive beauty. Zurich is more touristy than Ghent and is known for its beautiful setting on Lake Zurich as well as its cafes, restaurants, and high prices. It is also well known for The Grossmünster. Ghent is famous for its medieval buildings, large squares, and weekly markets

How is Zurich different from Ghent?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the excellent sights and museums in both Zurich and Ghent.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Zurich. Make sure you check out the Museum of Fine Arts, the Fraumünster, as well as the Swiss National Museum.

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.

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

Both Zurich and Ghent offer a number of excellent restaurants to choose from.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Zurich. Many restaurants have a strong German influence, but you'll also find traditional Swiss dishes such as cheese and chocolate fondue. There are also several Michelin star restaurants in town.

Ghent has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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 Zurich or Ghent Better for Nightlife?

Ghent is a must-visit destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Zurich is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Ghent is a world class party destination. 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.

Zurich has a large number of nightlife venues. The city has some of the best nightlife in Switzerland. There are a high concentration of bars and clubs around town, or you could check out one of the badis, which are pools that also act as bars during the summer months. They're usually located by the lake.

Is Zurich or Ghent Better for Music?

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

The music scene in Zurich is very popular with diverse venues. There are many nightclubs that offer a variety of music types including electronic music, rock, and even reggae.

Ghent is not a live music destination.

Is Zurich or Ghent Better for its Old Town?

Zurich 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 Zurich is revered around the world. The city has an old town that is split into two parts on each side of the Limmat River. The historic districts are filled with churches, squares, and charming areas that are fun to explore. Walking tours are the best way to explore the 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Zurich or Ghent?

Zurich is a world-class destination for shopping. Also, Ghent is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Zurich is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. Visitors often buy chocolate, watches, and jewelry in this city. You'll find brand names and luxury items that are of high quality. Each neighborhood has its own character with stores ranging from traditional to international.

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 Zurich or Ghent Better for Families?

Zurich is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Ghent is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Zurich is a very family-friendly place to visit. It's a surprisingly mellow city with a relaxing vibe that makes it easy to explore with kids. Popular family-friendly activities include swimming in the Limmat River, sailing on Lake Zurich, and visiting Josefwiese park, which has a large playground.

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 Zurich or Ghent Better for Couples?

Zurich and Ghent both excellent destinations for a couple.

Zurich is a very popular place to visit for couples. One of the most romantic experiences you can have in town is visiting the Zurich Thermal Baths and Spa. There's an outdoor rooftop thermal pool as well as many ways that you can pamper yourselves.

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 Zurich or Ghent Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Zurich and Ghent are nice destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Zurich. The city has a number of hostels to choose from, but, like most of Switzerland, the city is expensive in general.

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 Zurich or Ghent Better for Students?

Zurich and Ghent are both terrific destinations for students and younger travelers.

Zurich is a very popular place to visit for students. The city offers a number of unique experiences for international students. The academics are good and the university campuses are nice.

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.

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

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

Ghent has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. Buses and trams travel to most parts of the city and are convenient and efficient.

The public transit in Zurich can get you to most places easily. The system is made up of streetcars and buses.

Is Zurich or Ghent a more walkable city?

Zurich and Ghent both are excellent when exploring on foot.

Zurich is a very walkable city. There are paths that lead along the rivers and the lake connecting the old town areas to other parts of the city.

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 Zurich Worth Visiting? and Is Ghent Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Ghent or Zurich?

How long in Zurich or Ghent?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Zurich and Ghent. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Zurich than in Ghent. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Zurich, and 1-3 days is enough time in Ghent.

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

Couples should spend more time in Zurich than Ghent. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Zurich that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Zurich 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 Zurich.

One day in Zurich or Ghent?

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

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Ghent. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Zurich or Ghent?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Zurich. 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 great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Zurich or Ghent?

Zurich is a fun place to experience. In Zurich, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the shopping. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Ghent. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Zurich or Ghent?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Zurich. 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 shopping. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the high energy destination of Ghent. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Zurich or Ghent?

Zurich has a larger population, and is about 48% larger than the population of Ghent. When comparing the sizes of Zurich 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 Zurich 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 Zurich or Ghent in the Summer?

Both Ghent and Zurich are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Zurich because of the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Ghent this time of year.

In July, Zurich is generally a little warmer than Ghent. Daily temperatures in Zurich average around 21°C (70°F), and Ghent fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Ghent. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Zurich. Zurich usually receives more sunshine than Ghent during summer. Zurich gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Ghent receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Zurich usually receives more rain than Ghent. Zurich gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Zurich or Ghent in the Autumn?

Both Ghent and Zurich during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Zurich this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Ghent for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Zurich is around the same temperature as Ghent in the autumn. The daily temperature in Zurich averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Ghent fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Zurich often gets more sunshine than Ghent. Zurich gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ghent receives 105 hours of full sun.

Zurich usually gets less rain in October than Ghent. Zurich gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zurich or Ghent in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Zurich and Ghent. Many travelers come to Zurich for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Ghent in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Ghent can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Zurich. In the winter, Zurich is around the same temperature as Ghent. Typically, the winter temperatures in Zurich in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Ghent averages at about 3°C (38°F).

Zurich usually receives more sunshine than Ghent during winter. Zurich gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Ghent receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Zurich usually receives more rain than Ghent. Zurich gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Zurich or Ghent in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Zurich as well as Ghent. Many visitors come to Zurich in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Ghent for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Zurich is generally a little warmer than Ghent. Daily temperatures in Zurich average around 12°C (53°F), and Ghent fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the spring, Zurich often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ghent. Zurich gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ghent receives 158 hours of full sun.

Zurich usually gets more rain in April than Ghent. Zurich gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Ghent and Zurich