It’s a small city, and you can easily We highly recommend that you make Ghent your base, and hop over to Bruges for a day tour. Bruges and Ghent count as the historic gem cities of Belgium. The only difference is that Ghent ended up being at the heart of the industrial revolution, while Bruges remained relatively unaffected by it.Both Ghent and Bruges have an admirable collection of historical and art museums. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Next to Ghent and its prominent wild streak, upscale Bruges can come across as a bit of a goody-two-shoes – at first glance. You’ll be able to spend more time sightseeing and less time in transit that way! to choose between Ghent and Bruges… we’d pick Bruges.The absolute beauty of the historic town center, our lovely canal ride, and our many walks through the city charmed us completely.It would be a very, very close call though–we loved Ghent as well, and heartily recommend visiting both cities if possible.Luckily, Ghent and Bruges are so close together that if you’re staying in one, it’s incredibly easy to take a day trip to the other!All rights reserved. They are definitely very similar in many ways.Just by looking at your photos I think I would choose Bruges to even though it is a bit more expensive. In a perfect world, Bruges and Ghent each deserve their own day for exploring. Thanks for sharing your useful blog.This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. But if not… go with your gut. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are as essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website.
If you like street art, don’t miss Graffiti Street or Werregarenstraat, where street artists have covered the walls with their eloquent expressions. Can’t wait to see the ‘fairytale beauty’ of Bruges!Oh, I hope you love Bruges! Live music bars Next to Ghent and its prominent wild streak, upscale Bruges can come across as a bit of a goody-two-shoes – at first glance. Thanks for your interesting insight on these cities.Both is definitely the best choice of all if you’re able to swing it–we loved each of them!I’m slowly, steadily exploring Belgium, one town at a time! Loved the mix of heritage & quirkiness in Ghent. If you are trying to decide between visiting Ghent or Bruges, this is the ultimate guide to help you decide which city to visit. This was a helpful comparison.Ha, we’re both carnivores at heart, too! These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. I visited both earlier this year and would choose Ghent over Bruges. Ghent is a university town and has all the trappings of such: plenty of nightlife and plenty of town events catering to the student crowd. Bruges also has a nightlife, of course, and sees its share of young travelers and backpackers, but Ghent definitely has more of a college town feel.
This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. With clubs few and far between and its cobbled streets incredibly peaceful, the “Venice of the North” might even lead some to believe it’s … The only thing Ghent doesn’t have are the ancient windmills. If you’re traveling with a vegetarian or happen to be one yourself, Ghent sits ready to blow your socks off. I’m glad you were able to visit both destinations during this leg of the trip. Ghent is more of a city that people live in than Bruges, but doesn't approach Antwerp or Brussels in terms of options and bustling nightlife. Yet, both of them have something different to offer as well.We visited Ghent and Bruges over an extended weekend in early summer. Ghent, on the other hand, is less crowded. In the hindsight, if I had one day, I would without any doubt pick Brugge.Those are wonderful tips! If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We don’t care how famous Bruges is. It’s good to know that Ghent is known as Gent and Bruges as Brugge in Belgium.Quite honestly, there’s nothing we disliked about Ghent.