AmsterdamvsGhent
Can't decide between Amsterdam and Ghent? Compare these two amazing destinations to find your perfect match.
Amsterdam
Amsterdam charms visitors with its picturesque canals, world-class museums, cycling culture, and liberal spirit. This compact city offers historic gabled houses, vibrant neighborhoods, and a rich artistic heritage from Van Gogh to Rembrandt.
Known for
Ghent
Ghent is Belgium's best-kept secret—a stunning medieval city with the charm of Bruges but fewer crowds. This university town offers magnificent Gothic architecture, vibrant street art, cutting-edge food scene, and a lively student atmosphere along beautiful canals.
Known for
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Head-to-Head Comparison
See how these destinations stack up in key categories
Culture & History
Amsterdam offers Anne Frank House, Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum
Ghent offers St. Bavo's Cathedral (Ghent Altarpiece), Gravensteen Castle, Graslei Waterfront
Food & Dining
Amsterdam is famous for its local dining scene
Ghent is famous for its local dining scene
Nightlife
Amsterdam has legendary nightlife
Ghent offers a relaxed evening atmosphere
Best Time to Visit
April to May (tulip season), June to August
April to October
Weather
Summer: 22°C, Winter: 5°C
Summer: 22°C, Winter: 5°C
Top Attractions in Amsterdam
- 1Anne Frank House
- 2Rijksmuseum
- 3Van Gogh Museum
- 4Canal Ring
- 5Vondelpark
- 6Jordaan District
Top Attractions in Ghent
- 1St. Bavo's Cathedral (Ghent Altarpiece)
- 2Gravensteen Castle
- 3Graslei Waterfront
- 4Patershol Quarter
- 5Street Art Walk
- 6Belgian Waffles & Beer
Amsterdam is Popular With
Ghent is Popular With
Hidden Gems
Discover lesser-known attractions in each city
Hidden Gems in Amsterdam
- 1
Begijnhof
A hidden medieval courtyard of 14th-century houses, once home to a lay Catholic sisterhood.
- 2
Hortus Botanicus
One of the world's oldest botanical gardens, founded in 1638 to grow medicinal herbs for the plague.
Hidden Gems in Ghent
- 1
Book Tower (Boekentoren)
A stunning 1930s modernist skyscraper designed by Henry van de Velde, housing the Ghent University Library.
- 2
Groot Begijnhof Sint-Elisabeth
A serene, secluded beguinage (a community for religious women) with white-washed houses and quiet courtyards, located near the Citadelpark.
Neighborhoods to Explore
Discover the best areas to visit in each city
Top Areas in Amsterdam
Jordaan
Once a working-class neighborhood, the Jordaan is now Amsterdam's most charming quarter.
De Pijp
Amsterdam's multicultural heart, centered on the famous Albert Cuyp Market.
Top Areas in Ghent
Historic Center (Graslei/Korenlei & Around)
The iconic postcard view of Ghent, centered on the breathtaking Graslei and Korenlei quays with their step-gabled guildhouses.
Patershol
A labyrinth of narrow, cobbled streets just north of the castle, once a leather-working district and now Ghent's premier culinary quarter.
Budget Comparison
Compare the cost of traveling in each city
Budget in Amsterdam
Budget in Ghent
Book Activities
Find tours and experiences in both cities
Book Activities in Amsterdam
Skip the line with pre-booked tours and attractions
Book Activities in Ghent
Skip the line with pre-booked tours and attractions
Getting There
Compare transport options to both destinations
Find cheap transport to Amsterdam
Compare prices for trains, buses, and flights to Amsterdam
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Find cheap transport to Ghent
Compare prices for trains, buses, and flights to Ghent
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Our Verdict
Both Amsterdam and Ghent are incredible destinations. Amsterdam excels in canals and museums, while Ghent stands out for Ghent Altarpiece and medieval architecture.
Best destination for:
nightlife
Amsterdam
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