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

Should you visit Pamukkale or Ghent?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Pamukkale and Ghent can help you decide which place is right for you.

Pamukkale

Pamukkale is a striking, unique, and iconic town. Pamukkale is a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for food, hiking, and shopping. See Pamukkale travel costs.

Ghent

Ghent is a high energy, cultural, and historic city. Many visitors also come to Ghent because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Ghent travel costs.

Pamukkale and Ghent: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less charming
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Pamukkale or Ghent?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Ghent than Pamukkale, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Ghent is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Pamukkale is more popular for its hiking. Pamukkale is more touristy than Ghent and is popular for its natural travertine terraces, thermal springs, and ancient ruins. Ghent is well known for its medieval buildings, large squares, and weekly markets Also, Ghent is famous for The Fortress of Gravensteen.

How is Pamukkale different from Ghent?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Pamukkale
Ghent

Ghent is a great city for its historical sights. However, Pamukkale is not known for its sights and museums.

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.

Pamukkale offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. The Hierapolis Archaeology Museum is located within the ancient city of Hierapolis. It's housed in a former Roman bathhouse and displays an impressive collection of artifacts, including statues, sarcophagi, and other relics from Hierapolis, Laodicea, and other nearby ancient cities.


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

Pamukkale
Ghent

Ghent is a great city for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Pamukkale is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Pamukkale offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The town has a number of restaurants and cafes that serve dishes like kebabs, meze platters, and pide (Turkish flatbread). Gözleme (a savory stuffed pancake) is a popular street food in the area, but there are also many of the most popular Turkish dishes available.

Is Pamukkale or Ghent Better for Nightlife?

Pamukkale
Ghent

Ghent is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. However, Pamukkale is not known for nightlife.

Ghent has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.

Most people don't head to Pamukkale specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. It's a quiet town in the evening. Some hotels host small social gatherings or cultural evenings which lets you connect with other travelers. For a more lively experience, nearby Denizli has a broader range of bars and clubs, but it requires a short trip.

Is Pamukkale or Ghent Better for its Old Town?

Pamukkale
Ghent

Ghent is a great city for its historic old town charm. However, Pamukkale does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Ghent. The medieval old town follows along the canal and offers great architecture and a unique atmosphere.

Pamukkale does not have a historic old town.


Is Pamukkale or Ghent Better for Hiking?

Pamukkale
Ghent

Pamukkale is a good destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Ghent is not a hiking destination.

Pamukkale offers some nice hiking trails. The most popular trail leads through the travertine terraces, where visitors can walk barefoot across the warm, calcium-rich pools. You can also explore the ancient ruins of Hierapolis, which has pathways winding through the theater, necropolis, and other historical sites. For something a little more challenging, the surrounding countryside has trails through the hills that lead to impressive viewpoints.

Ghent is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Pamukkale or Ghent?

Pamukkale
Ghent

Ghent is a great city for its shopping areas. Also, Pamukkale is not as popular, but is still a nice town for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in 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.

Pamukkale is a great destination for shopping. There are a number of souvenir shops around town where you can buy local crafts or trinkets. You'll find Turkish towels and carpets, dried spices, herbs, and teas. Many shops also sell Diorama stones and miniature travertine sculptures.

Is Pamukkale or Ghent More Beautiful?

Pamukkale
Ghent

Ghent is an amazing city to visit for its scenery and beauty. Also, Pamukkale is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its scenery and beauty.

Many visitors also come to Ghent because of it's amazing beauty. With its medieval architecture and beautiful waterfront areas, the city has a lot to offer.

Pamukkale is a gorgeous place to visit. It is considered to be one of Turkey's most unique natural wonders. The white travertine terraces, which are filled with turquoise thermal waters, create an other-worldly landscape.


Is Pamukkale or Ghent Better for Families?

Pamukkale
Ghent

Pamukkale 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.

Pamukkale is a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids and adults alike will enjoy visiting the unique Travertine Terraces. Taking a dip in Cleopatra's Pool, with its sunken Roman columns, is also a highlight, and fans of the Percy Jackson series will appreciate visiting the ancient ruins at Hierapolis.

Ghent is a family-friendly town. 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 Pamukkale or Ghent Better for Couples?

Pamukkale
Ghent

Both Pamukkale and Ghent are high quality destinations to visit as a couple.

Pamukkale is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Couples can enjoy many romantic settings, such as wandering through the impressive white travertine terraces, swimming in Cleopatra's Pool surrounded by ancient Roman columns, and exploring the ancient city of Hierapolis.

Ghent is a very popular place to visit for couples. It makes a great weekend getaway with a diverse restaurant scene, nice hotels, and plenty of historic attractions that you can explore.

Is Pamukkale or Ghent Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Pamukkale
Ghent

Pamukkale 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 Pamukkale. Food and activities are convenient and accessible around town. There are also many affordable hostels and plenty of opportunities to meet other travelers.

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 Pamukkale or Ghent Better for Students?

Pamukkale
Ghent

Ghent is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Pamukkale is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Ghent. The city is very popular with international students so it has a young and energetic vibe with plenty to do throughout the year.

Pamukkale is not popular with students.

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

Pamukkale
Ghent

Ghent is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Pamukkale is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its public transit.

Public transit in Ghent is top-notch. Buses and trams travel to most parts of the city and are convenient and efficient.

Pamukkale has a few public transit options. Minibuses (dolmuş) are the primary mode of local transportation, connecting Pamukkale to nearby towns like Denizli, where the main bus and train stations are located. From Denizli, frequent minibuses run to Pamukkale.

Is Pamukkale or Ghent a more walkable city?

Pamukkale
Ghent

Pamukkale and Ghent are high quality when it comes to walkability.

Pamukkale is a very walkable destination. The town is compact and very walkable, especially within the main tourist areas. The travertine terraces and the adjacent ancient city of Hierapolis are easy to explore on foot as well.

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


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

Should I spend more time in Ghent or Pamukkale?

How long in Pamukkale or Ghent?

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

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

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


  • How many days in Pamukkale or Ghent? Ideal Length of Stay
    Pamukkale 1-2 
    Ghent 1-3

One day in Pamukkale or Ghent?

In Pamukkale, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this striking destination offers. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Ghent. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Ghent has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Pamukkale or Ghent?

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

You'll find museums and nightlife around the high energy destination of Ghent. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Pamukkale or Ghent?

Pamukkale is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Pamukkale. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the youthful city of Ghent. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the nightlife. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


A week in Pamukkale or Ghent?

You'll find shopping and food around the striking destination of Pamukkale. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Ghent is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Turkey, The Best G Adventures Tours to Turkey, The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Budget Tours to Belgium.


Which place is cheaper, Ghent or Pamukkale?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Pamukkale is $162, while the average daily cost in Ghent is $168. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Pamukkale and Ghent in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Pamukkale $44
    Ghent $84
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Pamukkale $88
    Ghent $168
Compare Hotels in Pamukkale and Ghent

Looking for a hotel in Pamukkale or Ghent? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Pamukkale


Hotels in Ghent


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Pamukkale Hotel Prices and Ghent Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Pamukkale $28
    Ghent $22

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pamukkale

Also for Pamukkale, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Antalya/Belek/Lara: Land Of legends Night Show Transfer: $20
  • Gumbet Turkish Bath with hotel transfer and Oil massage: $38
  • Paragliding Tour w/ Scenic Views & Hotel Transfer: $73
  • Pamukkale - Karahayit Transfer from Denizli Cardak Airport: $78
  • Private Denizli Pamukkale Airport Transfer Service: $108
  • Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers to Pamukkale Saraykoy Hotels: $114
  • Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers to Denizli City Hotels: $114
  • Pamukkale Saraykoy Hotels to Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers: $119
  • Pamukkale Hot Air Balloon w/Flight Certificates,Champagne Toast & Hotel Transfer: $121
  • Denizli Airport Transfer to Pamukkale (Private): $141
  • Denizli City Hotels to Denizli Cardak Airport Transfers: $149
  • City of Pamukkale/Denizli: Antalya Center Private Transfer: $244

Is it cheaper to fly into Pamukkale or Ghent?

Prices for flights to both Ghent and Pamukkale change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Pamukkale $94
    Ghent $70

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ghent

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Ghent.

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

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Pamukkale $42
    Ghent $10
Typical Entertainment Prices in Pamukkale

For Pamukkale, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Entrance fees Travertines & Pool
    $1.57

Tours and Activities in Pamukkale

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Pamukkale.

  • From Antalya or Kemer: Full-Day Pamukkale & Hierapolis Tour: $41
  • Full Day Pamukkale City Tour From Pamukkale And Karahayit Hotels: $45
  • From Antalya: Pamukkale and Hierapolis Tour with Lunch: $47
  • Pamukkale&Hierapolis Small Group Tour (Entrance Tickets Extra): $50
  • Pamukkale and Hierapolis Skip-the-Line Tickets and Audio Guide: $51
  • Pamukkale Hot Air Balloon Experience Including Pickup: $59
  • Pamukkale Paragliding Experience By Local Expert Pilots: $64
  • Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $66
  • Pamukkale Paragliding Tour : $70
  • Pamukkale & Hierapolis Ancient City Tour from Antalya: $80
  • Natural Pamukkale Tour From Pamukkale - Small Group : $82
  • Izmir: Ephesus, House of Mary Tour w/Entry Tickets & Lunch: $84

Tours and Activities in Ghent

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Ghent are as follows:

  • Explore History and Family Walking Tour in Mons: $245
  • Bicycle tour in historic Ghent: $54
  • Charlie's Private Beer Tour (Ghent) : $179
  • Charlie's Private Chocolate Tour (Ghent): $198
  • Charlie's Private Highlights Tour (Ghent): $149
  • Charlie's Private Off The Beaten Path Tour (Ghent): $209
  • Charlie's Private Tasting Tour (Ghent): $239
  • Charlie's famous Chocolate Tour (Ghent): $56
  • Charlie's famous Tasting Tour (Ghent): $70
  • Discover Ghent with a self-guided Outside Escape city game tour!: $30
  • Escape Tour Gent -selfguided citygame- and find the secret exit!: $24
  • Evening Tour of the Dark Side of Gent: $3.57

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Pamukkale $11
    Ghent $21


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


Which is Bigger, Pamukkale or Ghent?

Ghent has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Pamukkale. When comparing the sizes of Pamukkale 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 Pamukkale 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 Pamukkale or Ghent in the Summer?

Both Ghent and Pamukkale during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Pamukkale in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Ghent for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Pamukkale is much warmer than Ghent. Typically, the summer temperatures in Pamukkale in July average around 28°C (82°F), and Ghent averages at about 17°C (63°F).

In Ghent, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Pamukkale. In the summer, Pamukkale often gets more sunshine than Ghent. Pamukkale gets 356 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ghent receives 202 hours of full sun.

Pamukkale usually gets less rain in July than Ghent. Pamukkale gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Pamukkale 28°C (82°F) 
    Ghent 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Pamukkale or Ghent in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Pamukkale and Ghent. Most visitors come to Pamukkale for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Ghent because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Pamukkale is generally much warmer than Ghent. Daily temperatures in Pamukkale average around 19°C (67°F), and Ghent fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In Pamukkale, it's very sunny this time of the year. Pamukkale usually receives more sunshine than Ghent during autumn. Pamukkale gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Ghent receives 105 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Pamukkale usually receives less rain than Ghent. Pamukkale gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Pamukkale 19°C (67°F) 
    Ghent 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Pamukkale or Ghent in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Pamukkale as well as Ghent. The winter months attract visitors to Pamukkale because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Ghent this time of year.

It's quite cold in Ghent in the winter. Pamukkale is much warmer than Ghent in the winter. The daily temperature in Pamukkale averages around 9°C (48°F) in January, and Ghent fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Pamukkale often gets more sunshine than Ghent. Pamukkale gets 137 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ghent receives 47 hours of full sun.

Pamukkale receives a lot of rain in the winter. Pamukkale usually gets more rain in January than Ghent. Pamukkale gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Pamukkale 9°C (48°F) 
    Ghent 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Pamukkale or Ghent in the Spring?

Both Ghent and Pamukkale are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The natural beauty are the main draw to Pamukkale this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Ghent for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Pamukkale is much warmer than Ghent. Typically, the spring temperatures in Pamukkale in April average around 17°C (62°F), and Ghent averages at about 8°C (47°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pamukkale. Pamukkale usually receives more sunshine than Ghent during spring. Pamukkale gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Ghent receives 158 hours of full sun in the spring.

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


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Pamukkale 17°C (62°F) 
    Ghent 8°C (47°F)

Typical Weather for Ghent and Pamukkale

Pamukkale Ghent
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 9°C (48°F) 111 mm (4.4 in) 3°C (38°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Feb 10°C (50°F) 96 mm (3.8 in) 3°C (38°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Mar 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 6°C (42°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 17°C (62°F) 52 mm (2 in) 8°C (47°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
May 21°C (70°F) 27 mm (1.1 in) 12°C (54°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jun 26°C (78°F) 17 mm (0.7 in) 15°C (59°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 28°C (82°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 2 mm (0.1 in) 18°C (64°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 12 mm (0.5 in) 16°C (60°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 19°C (67°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 12°C (54°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 14°C (58°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 7°C (45°F) 75 mm (2.9 in)
Dec 10°C (51°F) 129 mm (5.1 in) 5°C (40°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)