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

Should you visit Delft or Ghent?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Delft and Ghent can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Delft

Delft is a charming, historic, and quaint town. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums. See Delft travel costs.

Ghent

Ghent is a historic, under-rated, and youthful city. Ghent is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Ghent travel costs.

Delft and Ghent: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Delft or Ghent?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Ghent than Delft, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Delft is popular for its charming canals, cobblestone streets, and blue and white ceramic pottery. Ghent is popular for its medieval buildings, large squares, and weekly markets It is also home to The Fortress of Gravensteen.

How is Delft different from Ghent?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Ghent is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Delft is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Ghent. 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.

Delft offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several museums that highlight the culture and history of the area. The Vermeer Center offers an immersive experience into the life and work of the famous Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer, who was born in the city. The Royal Delft Factory teaches visitors about the city's iconic blue-and-white pottery. The Delft Museum of Technology and the Old Church also provide insight into the city's engineering, cultural, and religious history.

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

Ghent is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Delft is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Delft. There are several local dishes like stamppot (mashed potatoes with vegetables) or a frikandel (a Dutch snack). The town has countless casual eateries and cozy cafes where you can enjoy pastries, coffee, and Dutch pancakes (pannenkoeken). There's also a selection of international restaurants around town that serve Italian, Asian, and Middle Eastern cuisines. Local markets and street food stalls provide affordable options, such as fresh herring or delicious Dutch cheese.

Is Delft or Ghent Better for Nightlife?

Ghent is a must-visit destination for nightlife. However, Delft is lacking in good options for nightlife and partying.

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.

Delft is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. It has a low-key and relaxed nightlife scene with a variety of cozy pubs, bars, and cafes, many of which are located along the scenic canals.

Is Delft or Ghent Better for its Old Town?

Both Delft and Ghent have very good historic old towns worth visiting.

Delft is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The city's old town is known for its picturesque canals, historic buildings, and cobblestone streets. The heart of the old town is centered around the Market Square, where you'll find iconic landmarks such as the New Church (Nieuwe Kerk) and the City Hall.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Ghent. The medieval old town follows along the canal and offers great architecture and a unique atmosphere.

Is the Shopping Better in Delft or Ghent?

Ghent is a very popular place for shopping. Also, Delft is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Ghent. 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.

Delft offers some nice shopping areas. The city center is home to many unique shops selling local crafts, Dutch design, and traditional Delftware pottery, making it a great place for souvenirs. You'll also find popular international brands and stores along the main shopping streets. For a more local shopping experience, visit the weekly market in the Market Square, where you can buy fresh produce, flowers, and regional goods.

Is Delft or Ghent More Beautiful?

Ghent is a must-visit destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Delft is not a destination known for its beauty.

Ghent is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. With its medieval architecture and beautiful waterfront areas, the city has a lot to offer.

Delft is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Delft or Ghent Better for Families?

Both Delft and Ghent are good to visit with kids.

Delft is a family-friendly town. There are boat tours on the canals. There's also the Vermeer Center which has an interactive experience where you can learn about the famous artist, Johannes Vermeer, in a way that's engaging and educational. The Royal Delft Factory is another great stop, where children can see traditional blue-and-white pottery being made and even try painting their own ceramics. If your kids need to stretch their legs, there's the Delftse Hout park which has a large playground, nature trails, and even a petting zoo.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Ghent. 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 Delft or Ghent Better for Couples?

Ghent is a very popular place for romance. Also, Delft is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

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.

Delft makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many romantic activities for couples like walking through the picturesque canals and cobblestone streets. There are also quaint cafes and romantic restaurants. You can also take a boat ride along the canals or enjoy a peaceful walk through Delftse Hout park.

Is Delft or Ghent Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Ghent is a city with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Delft is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Ghent is a good city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Delft is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are some affordable accommodation options, but many backpackers head to Delft as a day trip from the nearby city of The Hague.

Is Delft or Ghent Better for Students?

Ghent is a must-visit destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Delft is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Ghent is a very popular city for students. The city is very popular with international students so it has a young and energetic vibe with plenty to do throughout the year.

Many students visit Delft. It is home to Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), which is a well respected technical university. The city has a vibrant student atmosphere, with plenty of student-friendly cafes, bars, and activities.

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

Ghent is a must-visit destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Delft is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

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.

Delft has some very good public transit options. There's a bus network that is reliable and convenient. The city's train station is centrally located and offers direct connections to major cities in the Netherlands, making it a great hub for exploring the region.

Is Delft or Ghent a more walkable city?

Delft 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 Delft on foot. The town's compact size and charming layout mean that most of the main attractions, such as the Old Church, New Church, and Market Square, are within walking distance of each other.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Ghent or Delft?

How long in Delft or Ghent?

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

Families should spend more time in Ghent than Delft. 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 Delft. 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 Delft 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 Delft or Ghent?

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

A weekend in Delft or Ghent?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Delft. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that a weekend is more than enough time to see everything. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

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

Five days in Delft or Ghent?

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

A week in Delft or Ghent?

You'll find food and shopping around the charming destination of Delft. 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.

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

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

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

Which is Bigger, Delft or Ghent?

Ghent has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Delft. When comparing the sizes of Delft 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 Delft or Ghent?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Delft or Ghent in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Delft as well as Ghent. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Delft this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Ghent for the family-friendly experiences.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ghent. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Delft this time of the year. In the summer, Delft often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ghent. Delft gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ghent receives 202 hours of full sun.

Delft usually gets more rain in July than Ghent. Delft gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Delft or Ghent in the Autumn?

Both Ghent and Delft are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Delft for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Ghent in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

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

Delft usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ghent during autumn. Delft gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Ghent receives 105 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Delft usually receives less rain than Ghent. Delft gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Delft or Ghent in the Winter?

Both Ghent and Delft during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Delft in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Ghent for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Ghent can be very cold during winter. Delft can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Delft is generally much colder than Ghent. Daily temperatures in Delft average around 2°C (36°F), and Ghent fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Delft often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Ghent. Delft gets 47 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ghent receives 47 hours of full sun.

Delft usually gets more rain in January than Ghent. Delft gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Delft or Ghent in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Delft and Ghent. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Ghent because of the natural beauty.

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

Delft usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Ghent during spring. Delft gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Ghent receives 158 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Delft usually receives more rain than Ghent. Delft gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Ghent and Delft