Travel Budget for Ghent Visit Ghent on a Budget or Travel in Style

Ghent, Flanders, Belgium
Europe / Belgium / Flanders /
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Ghent is a high energy city known for its medieval buildings, large squares, and weekly markets. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. So, whether you're exploring the museums, eating the delicious cuisine, or enjoying the nightlife, you'll be able to plan your perfect trip to Ghent, all while staying within budget.

How much does it cost to travel to Ghent?

A typical traveler spends $169 (€144) per day on a trip to Ghent. This is the average daily price for a vacation in Ghent based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $70 (€60) on meals
  • $22 (€19) on local transportation
  • $168 (€143) on hotels

A one-week trip to Ghent for two people costs, on average, $2,365 (€2,016). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    $169
    €144
  • One Week Per person
    $1,183
    €1,008
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $2,365
    €2,016
  • One Month Per person
    $5,068
    €4,320
  • One Week For a couple
    $2,365
    €2,016
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $4,730
    €4,032
  • One Month For a couple
    $10,136
    €8,640
This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. Put these numbers on your website.


How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Ghent cost?

A one week trip to Ghent usually costs around $1,183 (€1,008) for one person and $2,365 (€2,016) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Ghent on average costs around $2,365 (€2,016) for one person and $4,730 (€4,032) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Ghent will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Ghent on average costs around $5,068 (€4,320) for one person and $10,136 (€8,640) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




Is Ghent expensive to visit?

In Ghent, budget travelers spend $73 (€62) per day on average, mid-range travelers spend $168 (€144) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $337 (€287) per day. These costs are calculated from the reported expenses of previous travelers to Ghent.

Ghent is a smaller destination that draws visitors with a range of travel styles, spending habits, and budget preferences. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.

While Ghent can be quite expensive if you let it be, there are ways to lower your spending, such as eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit.

Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Ghent is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Lagos or Koblenz.

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Ghent Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Ghent?

The average Ghent trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Ghent travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Ghent cost?

Ghent on a Budget
Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy 		$35
(€30) 		$84
(€72) 		$182
(€155)
Local Transportation1 $10
(€8.37) 		$22
(€19) 		$42
(€36)
Food2 $31
(€26) 		$70
(€60) 		$128
(€110)
Entertainment1 $4
(€3.77) 		$10
(€8.64) 		$19
(€17)
Alcohol2 $5-14
(€4-12) 		$10-31
(€9-27) 		$20-60
(€17-51)

Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget

Setting realistic expectations for your travel budget is important. While some think they can visit Ghent with minimal expenses, most people don't enjoy traveling that frugally. Consider what you prioritize on vacation. Do you prefer luxury hotels or budget stays? Hostels or hotels or vacation rentals? Are fun activities and dining out important to you? Your overall budget will depend on all of these questions.

The Truth on Budget Travel

Although you may consider yourself a budget traveler, unless you're ready to cut out many creature comforts, you'll likely spend much more than the $73 per day that young budget travelers often get by on.

For backpackers, this tight budget typically involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest eateries or fast food joints, using public transportation, and sticking to free attractions.

The city also great public transit, which helps budget travelers avoid expensive taxi or Uber rides. While food is a highlight for many in Ghent, budget travelers often resort to street food or self-catering in hostels, which can lead to missed opportunities for savoring the local cuisine.

Do You Identify as an Average Traveler?

Couples and families traveling for leisure often prefer mid-range hotels, dine at popular eateries, and visit key museums and attractions that require an entry fee. Many visitors to Ghent are keen to visit the prominent attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. It's important to remember that most activities will cost you money. Consequently, you should anticipate your daily budget to be closer to $168 per person, per day.

Ghent offers a fantastic variety of hotels and vacation rentals. When traveling with others, you can share your hotel with a partner, friend, or your children, which can help save money. Families should focus on hotels and restaurants that cater to kids. B&B Villa Emma is an excellent choice, while Hotel The Boatel is also a great option. To find more accommodations that are family and couple-friendly, check our hotel guide for Ghent.

What Luxury Travel Looks Like

If you're looking for an all encompassing trip with every amenity and a higher level of service, then prepare yourself for a price tag closer to $337 per day. To stay in a nicer hotel, eat at award winning restaurants, splurge on extravagant excursions, and take taxis or private drivers to get around the city, you'll need to be prepared for a more "luxury" set of prices. Many high-end visitors also prefer unique experiences such as Charlie's Private Highlights Tour - offered by Viator.



Accommodation Budget in Ghent

In Ghent, hotel prices can swing drastically. Higher-end hotels offer more luxury, but come at a cost, especially in peak summer season when prices are higher. Off-season prices are more reasonable, averaging $120, but during peak season they jump to an average of $224. You can find budget options starting at $89 up to luxury rates at $351. Hostels are typically cheaper, especially dorms. Book early and avoid peak season to save money.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid in Ghent for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $168 (€143). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $84 (€72) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.

  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $84
    €72
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $168
    €143

Hotels in Ghent

Looking for a hotel in Ghent? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.



Actual Hotel Prices in Ghent

The average hotel room price in Ghent based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $120 in the low season and $224 in the peak season. Below are the average prices for each budget category. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

The most affordable highest rated hotels in Ghent include:

  • B&B Villa Emma starting at $121
  • B&B The Verhaegen starting at $224
  • Pillows Grand Hotel Reylof starting at $144
  • BNB Nest starting at $135
  • Hotel Harmony Ghent starting at $148
Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in Ghent

Ghent has an excellent public transit system, which means you could stay outside the city and commute in, but you'll have to balance cheaper accommodation with higher transport costs.

Visiting in the low or shoulder season, rather than summer, will allow you to find cheaper accommodation and fewer tourists.

Many enjoy discovering Ghent by walking, so it's beneficial to stay in a central spot. However, this convenience could lead to increased costs.

The city's historic old town is a major draw for travelers. While hotels in this area can be priced high, they frequently feature a lot of character and are well-placed for easy access to attractions.


Recommended Properties


Transportation Budget in Ghent

With an efficient public transit system, Ghent is easy to navigate. Buses and trams travel to most parts of the city and are convenient and efficient. Public transportation is the best way to get around on a budget, but taxis and rideshares are always around if needed.

Explorers who prefer to walk will have a fantastic time here. The area's with the most tourist attractions are generally walkable.

Public Transit:  starstarstarstarstar (excellent)
Walkability:      starstarstarstarstar (great)

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • On average, past travelers have spent $22 (€19) per person, per day, on local transportation in Ghent. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Ghent is significantly more than public transportation.

  • Transportation1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    $22
    €19

Ghent is a very accessible city. It is a thirty-minute train ride from Brussels, where there is an international airport. It is on the line between Brussels and Bruges making it an easy stop if you are travelling throughout Belgium. You can also get to Ghent by bus. Eurolines have routes to Ghent from other major cities all over Europe like London, Paris, and Amsterdam.

Once in the city, you can get around on foot, bicycle, or via public transportation. Be sure to have some experience on a bicycle if you choose this as your mode of transportation. There are many uneven, cobblestone streets in the city that can be tricky to navigate on a bike. Also, be sure to lock your bike, as there is a high rate of bike theft in the city. The bus and tram system are very easy to figure out and pretty reliable. A single ticket costs three euro on board but you can get a ticket for less if you buy them at the ticket machines prior to riding.



Flights to Ghent
How much does it cost to go to Ghent? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.

Rental Cars in Ghent
The price of renting a car in Ghent will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.



Food Budget in Ghent

Food in Ghent is outstanding, and it's essential to make time to indulge in all the unique local flavors. 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.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • While restaurant and meal prices in Ghent can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Ghent is $70 (€60) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.

  • Food2 Meals for one day
    $70
    €60

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Ghent is around $70 (€60) per person, with previous travelers spending from $31 to $128. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.

Typical meal prices in Ghent are as follows:

  • Breakfast: $7 to $21
  • Lunch: $11 to $28
  • Dinner: $21 to $49
  • Coffee: $6
  • Fast Food or Street Food: $11

Food in Ghent

Food & Dining Tips

Several hotels include breakfast with your stay, while others charge separately for it. The cost and quality can vary significantly depending on the hotel. Knowing this in advance can guide your budget decisions. It could be worth it for the tasty buffet available at the hotel, or you may wish to find a cheaper option at a local bakery or cafe.

Enjoy the scenery while saving money by planning a picnic. Find a nearby grocery store or market, grab some fresh food, and choose a lovely park or picturesque spot for your meal.

Having a water bottle can help you save on drinks and do your part for the environment.

If you're considering a tour, double-check which meals are included in the package. There may be instances where you'll have to pay for your own meals, potentially stretching your budget.

If you're looking to experience the culinary culture in Ghent, taking a food tour or cooking class is a terrific way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. Some of the best food-related activities here include:

  • Small-Group Food Tour in Ghent by Bike for $178 details
  • Walking Food Tour in Ghent for $93 details
  • Walking food tour: Introduction to Ghent through food for $109 details

Recommended


Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Ghent

It's not surprising that visitors come to Ghent, as it offers nightlife, museums and attractions, food, and historical sights.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Ghent typically cost an average of $10 (€8.64) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

  • Entertainment1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    $10
    €8.64

Visit Sint Niklaaskerk (St. Nicholas's Church) in Korenmarkt. This church was paid for by wealthy medieval merchants and guilds during the 13th century. It was built in a Schelde Gothic style, which is historically Flemish. Another cathedral to see is Sint-Baafskathedraal (St. Bavo's Cathedral). The exterior portrays Gothic, Romanesque, and baroque architecture. Inside you can find the famous altarpiece, "The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb".

The Belfry and Cloth Hall (Belfort en Lakenhalle) in Emile Braunplein are other symbolic sights in Ghent. The Belfry was completed in 1380 and you can take an elevator all the way up (66 meters) to see the bells, as well as beautiful views of the city. The Cloth Hall was a place where wool and cloth merchants gathered and it dates back to the 1400's. For a history of the story of Ghent, visit STAM, the Ghent City Museum. Within the museum are over three hundred historical objects as well as interactive multimedia that help illustrate the story of Ghent. The city also has two art museums, The Museum of Fine Arts (MSK) and the City Museum For Contemporary Art (SMAK). They are situated across from each other in Citadelpark. The former holds collections dating back to the Middle Ages, while the latter is known for its permanent collections of famous works by Francis Bacon, Andy Warhol, and much more.



The ten day long Gentse Feesten (Ghent Festival) is one of the largest cultural festivals in all of Europe. It happens around mid-July and brings in over a million visitors each year. The festival is free and includes music, comedy, theater, and many more outdoor and indoor activities. Another great activity in Ghent is to take a canal tour around the city. Rederij Dewaele offers cruises for seven euro that last about forty minutes and take you around to many of the cities highlights.

If you are someone who enjoys running, you can take a jogging tour of the city. The company is called Jog-Tours and they aim to keep tourists active. The runs are usually five kilometers or more.

A great activity if you happen to be in the city on a weekend is the Vridagmarkt. It is a lively market that happens every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Each day specializes in something different so be sure to check it out!

Sightseeing Tips

Museums and Attractions:
Attractions in GhentThe museums and landmarks in Ghent are some of the most famous in the world. 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.

Historical Sights:
Old Town in GhentThe historic old town area brings in many visitors. The medieval old town follows along the canal and offers great architecture and a unique atmosphere.

Shopping:
Shopping in GhentDon't pass up the chance to shop here, as it's fun and enjoyable. 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.

A nice way to explore destinations in Ghent is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:

  • Charlie's Private Off The Beaten Path Tour (Ghent) for $209 details
  • Hidden A Self-Guided Audio Tour Of The Flemish City for $15 details
  • TV like Ultimate Quiz Experience in Ghent for $30 details

Recommended Activities


Nightlife Budget in Ghent

The nightlife scene in Ghent is world-class, and visitors come from around the world to experience it. 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.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $21 (€18) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Ghent per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

  • Alcohol2 Drinks for one day
    $21
    €18
Nightlife Tips

Nights out are fun, but limiting your alcohol consumption can help keep your travel costs in check.

Nighttime outings can be fun, but make sure to stay aware of your environment, especially if you've been drinking. Pickpockets or worse could take advantage, so stick to trusted company.



Travel cost data last updated: Aug 14, 2025

Budgeting and Travel Tips for Ghent

  • During peak summer season, prices are generally much higher and the city is more crowded. You can save money and avoid the crowds by visiting during the shoulder seasons or low season instead.
  • Taking your time while traveling can save you some cash, allowing you to soak in the area's beauty at a leisurely pace. If you cram every day full of activities, you'll likely spend a fortune. But by slowing down and savoring your experience, you often find that your expenses decrease.

Budgeting Challenges

  • If you have young kids in tow, you'll probably want to arrange for a private vehicle or taxi. Sometimes it's just more convenient to avoid the hassles of public transport, though it does come at a higher price.
  • Ghent isn't exactly teeming with hostels, so if you were hoping to find a low-cost dorm, you might want to rethink that. Finding a budget hotel or renting an apartment could be your best bet.
Expert Advice from Local Travelers

We're asking our community members and registered users to contribute their experiences about Ghent.

What makes Ghent a budget-friendly destination? Or not?

I found the restaurants and shops to be fairly pricey. Also, most of the museums and sights have an entrance fee. But generally they are worth the price, as it's a terrific city with plenty of things to see. Don't miss the castle tour! And wandering around the historic areas of the city are free and full of beautiful buildings.

roaming_chris
-
Jan 20 2024

How can you save money during your time in Ghent?

There are plenty of cheap hotels and hostels around town, as well as affdable restaurants that cater to the students.

budget_traveler186
-
Dec 24 2023
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Traveling in Ghent
Ghent Ghent, Belgium

Ghent is a large city in the northern part of Belgium (the Flanders region) with a population of about 250,000. This city was one of the most powerful cities in Europe during the Middle Ages, which is portrayed today, mostly through architecture. There is a large university in Ghent with over 60,000 students, and a large portion of the population are young students. However, among the natives and students, there are also many foreigners and artists that you will find walking the streets of the city. Ghent is also Belgium's second largest port city.



Neighborhoods & Around

Ghent is part of the Flanders region of Belgium. It is west of both Brussels and Antwerp, two other large cities in this region. Brussels is home to the European Union headquarters and its official language is French. Antwerp is the largest municipality of Belgium and is known for its history in diamonds and fashion. Dutch is the official language of the region as a whole, although many people can speak fluent English as well. Another city in this region is Bruges, which is west of Ghent. Here, the quiet cobblestone roads run along beautiful canals and old medieval buildings.

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We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.



1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.


Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
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