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

Should you visit Porto 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 Porto and Ghent can help you decide which place is right for you.

Porto

Porto is a historic, cultural, and cosmopolitan port city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Porto is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping. See Porto travel costs.

Ghent

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

Porto and Ghent: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Porto or Ghent?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Porto. Although Porto and Ghent are roughly the same size, Porto has more sights and attractions for tourists. Porto is more popular for its food and big city activities, while Ghent is known for its nightlife, shopping, and impressive beauty. Porto is more touristy than Ghent and is popular for its authentic old town and the local port wine. It is also home to Cais da Ribeira. Ghent is popular for its medieval buildings, large squares, and weekly markets

How is Porto different from Ghent?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Spend time exploring the high quality sights and museums in either Porto or Ghent.

Many visitors head to Porto specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. With such a long history, there are many landmarks and sights in the city. Popular attractions include the Clérigos Tower, Palácio da Bolsa, and Igreja de São Francisco.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Ghent can be an interesting and educational experience. 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 Porto or Ghent? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Porto 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 Porto, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The area's cuisine combines the ocean setting with the agriculture of the surrounding area, so you'll enjoy both seafood dishes as well as fresh meats and vegetables. The area is also famous for its Port wines and red wines. There are plenty of cellar tours as well was waterfront seafood restaurants to choose from.

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 Porto or Ghent Better for Nightlife?

Ghent is very popular for nightlife. Also, Porto is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for nightlife and partying.

Ghent is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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.

Porto offers plenty to do in the evening. This city comes to life in the evening, particularly on weekends when locals and tourists alike flock to the many bars, restaurants, and nightclubs.

Is Porto or Ghent Better for its Old Town?

Porto and Ghent are both popular destinations with charming historical areas.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Porto. Known as Porto Ribeira, the city's historic district is the most visited part of the town. It begins on the banks of the River Douro and climbs into the hills behind it.

Many visitors go to Ghent to see the historical old town. The medieval old town follows along the canal and offers great architecture and a unique atmosphere.

Is the Shopping Better in Porto or Ghent?

Ghent is a great city for shopping. Also, Porto is not as popular, but is still a nice port city 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.

Porto offers some nice shopping areas. The city has both your standard shopping mall stores as well as local vendors and boutique shops.

Is Porto or Ghent More Beautiful?

Ghent is very popular for its scenery and beauty. Also, Porto is not as popular, but is still a nice port city 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.

The beauty of Porto is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The city sits beautifully on the water and it has a charming atmosphere.

Is Porto or Ghent Better for Families?

Porto 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.

Porto is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has several cool museums including the interactive museum - The World of Discoveries. There are also parks, playgrounds, zoos, and aquariums that you can explore. For families that enjoy being outside, this is a great city. Kids will enjoy spotting street art, riding the funicular, and taking a cellar tour. If the kids need a break from the city, head to the beach for the day.

Ghent is a family-friendly port 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 Porto or Ghent Better for Couples?

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

Porto is a great port city if you're traveling as a couple. You can visit the palaces, enjoy shopping, or dine in a nice Portuguese restaurant. Take a cellar tour and sample port then catch a ride on the funicular. This city has plenty for couples to do on a romantic getaway.

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 Porto or Ghent Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Porto is a world-class destination for backpackers. Also, Ghent is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Porto is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. By combining world-class activities with affordability, this city has become a popular stop off for backpackers in the area.

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 Porto or Ghent Better for Students?

Ghent is very popular for its student-friendly activities. Also, Porto is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for 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.

Porto is a great port city to visit as a student. The city has a number of good research programs and study abroad opportunities that attract international students from around the world.

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

Ghent is very popular for times when you don't have a car. Also, Porto is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its public transit.

Ghent has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. Buses and trams travel to most parts of the city and are convenient and efficient.

Porto has some very good public transit options. There is a metro system as well as a bus system. While the metro system does have six lines, most stations aren't close to the tourist attractions, so it likely won't be that helpful to visitors.

Is Porto or Ghent a more walkable city?

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

Porto is very walkable. The city center is very compact with most of the sights within a short walk of each other. The area is also very hilly, so getting from place to place can require a bit of effort.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Ghent or Porto?

How long in Porto or Ghent?

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

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

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

One day in Porto or Ghent?

Each neighborhood in Porto has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the food. This port 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.

In Ghent, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this cultural 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 Porto or Ghent?

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

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 Porto or Ghent?

Porto is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Porto has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Lots of people come for the food. 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.

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 Porto or Ghent?

You'll find food and shopping around the dynamic big city of Porto. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the high energy 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Portugal, The Best 10-Day Tours in Portugal, The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Budget Tours to Belgium.

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

Which is Bigger, Porto or Ghent?

Porto has a larger population, and is about 8% larger than the population of Ghent. When comparing the sizes of Porto 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 Porto 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 Porto or Ghent in the Summer?

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

Porto is a little warmer than Ghent in the summer. The daily temperature in Porto averages around 21°C (69°F) in July, and Ghent fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In Ghent, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Porto. In the summer, Porto often gets more sunshine than Ghent. Porto gets 308 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ghent receives 202 hours of full sun.

Porto usually gets less rain in July than Ghent. Porto gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Porto or Ghent in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Porto and Ghent. Most visitors come to Porto for the city's sights and attractions, 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 the autumn, Porto is a little warmer than Ghent. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Porto in October average around 17°C (62°F), and Ghent averages at about 12°C (54°F).

Porto usually receives more sunshine than Ghent during autumn. Porto gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Ghent receives 105 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Porto gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Porto usually receives more rain than Ghent. Porto gets 131 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Porto or Ghent in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Porto as well as Ghent. The winter months attract visitors to Porto 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. In January, Porto is generally much warmer than Ghent. Daily temperatures in Porto average around 10°C (50°F), and Ghent fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Porto often gets more sunshine than Ghent. Porto gets 124 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ghent receives 47 hours of full sun.

Porto receives a lot of rain in the winter. Porto usually gets more rain in January than Ghent. Porto gets 171 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Porto or Ghent in the Spring?

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

Porto is much warmer than Ghent in the spring. The daily temperature in Porto averages around 14°C (56°F) in April, and Ghent fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Porto. Porto usually receives more sunshine than Ghent during spring. Porto gets 217 hours of sunny skies, while Ghent receives 158 hours of full sun in the spring.

It's quite rainy in Porto. In April, Porto usually receives more rain than Ghent. Porto gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Ghent receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Ghent and Porto