Bruges or Ghent? My Honest Comparison After Visiting Both

Trying to choose between Bruges or Ghent? Here’s my honest comparison after visiting both Belgian cities twice, including which one I’d choose for a first trip, a day trip, and the best recommendations for your Belgian itinerary (in my opinion…).

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Bruges or Ghent?

It’s one of the most common questions people ask when planning a Belgium trip, and I get why.

Both cities are easy to reach by train, both have beautiful old town areas, both give you canals, historic buildings, Belgian beer, good food and enough fairytale cobbled streets to make you question where you live.

But in my opinion, they do not feel the same.

Bruges is definitely the Belgian city most people picture first: stepped-gable houses, swans, chocolate shops, boat tours, Markt, the Belfry and a quite dreamy postcard view around Rozenhoedkaai.

But Ghent feels more like a real city. You still get towers, water, medieval façades and Gravensteen Castle in the city centre, but that’s paired with street art, hordes of students, book cafés, natural wine bars, jazz, restaurants and a little more everyday life.

I’ve visited Bruges twice, including once as a day trip from Brussels and once for a weekend stay in the historic centre.

I also visited Ghent on that same 2018 trip and went again recently, spending lots of time moseying around its best cafés, restaurants, bookshops, museums, bars and historic sights.

My honest answer?

Choose Bruges if you want a fairytale town (or as close as you can get to one in real life)

Choose Ghent if you want a more lived-in Belgian city.

Visit both if you have the time.

But if you’re trying to pick one, here’s how I’d decide…

Shall we?

P.S. – If the answer is both, read my complete Bruges and Ghent itinerary. For a first Bruges trip, check out my one-day Bruges itinerary and a two-day weekend in Bruges itinerary. For Ghent, use my one-day Ghent itinerary or weekend in Ghent itinerary.

About the Author

Hi, I’m Candace — a London-based travel writer and content creator who traded the East Coast of the US for the charm of the UK back in 2016. London’s been my home ever since.

On this blog, you’ll find hundreds of thoughtfully crafted London, UK, Europe and Worldwide travel guides alongside lots of insider London tips, honest hotel and restaurant reviews and advice for content creators.

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🗞️📺 As featured on the BBC, USA Today & Recipe.TV.

Quick Answer: Bruges or Ghent?

If this is your first trip to Belgium and you want a city that looks most like the “Belgian postcard”, I’d choose Bruges.

If you want a slightly bigger-feeling city with a castle, student life, cafés, wine bars, restaurants, street art and a less polished feel, I’d choose Ghent.

For most first-time visitors, Bruges is the easier choice.

If you care more about food, bars, tapping into local life when you travel and staying somewhere with more going on in the evening, Ghent may be the better fit.

If you have two or three days, I wouldn’t choose at all! Instead just visit Bruges and Ghent in one trip.

Read More: Bruges and Ghent Itinerary: How to Visit Both in One Belgium Trip

Bruges vs Ghent at a Glance

Visit Bruges If…

…you want the version of Belgium you’ve probably been picturing.

Bruges is smaller, easier to explore and very beautiful in an almost ridiculous way.

You’ll get canals, stepped-gable houses, chocolate shops, horse-drawn carriages, the Belfry, Markt, Burg Square, Rozenhoedkaai, Bonifacius Bridge, Minnewater and the Begijnhof all within a very walkable historic centre.

It’s touristy, yes.

But I don’t think that automatically makes Bruges less worth visiting.

A canal cruise in Bruges!

With that said, I’d choose Bruges if:

• It’s your first trip to Belgium
• You only have one day
• You want the prettier city
• You want canals, chocolate shops and a boat tour
• You’re planning a romantic weekend
• You want a compact historic centre that’s easy to explore on foot
• You care more about scenery than nightlife
• You’re travelling from Brussels and want a straightforward day trip
• You want your first Belgium trip to feel very polished and scenic

Read More: The Best Things to Do in Bruges: My Favourite Sights, Food Stops & Local Gems

Read More: Bruges Canal Boat Tour: My Honest Review & What to Know Before You Go

Visit Ghent If…

…you want a Belgian city that still gives you towers, water and medieval architecture, but with more of a city life to it.

Ghent has the famous St Michael’s Bridge view over Graslei and Korenlei, St Bavo’s Cathedral, the Ghent Altarpiece, the Belfry, Gravensteen Castle, Patershol, Kraanlei, Werregarenstraatje / Graffiti Street and plenty of cafés, bars, restaurants and bookshops to build a whole day around.

It feels less like a museum-piece town and more like somewhere people actually live, study, work, eat, drink and go out.

That’s not a dig at Bruges. It’s just a different kind of trip.

I’d choose Ghent if:

• You want a bigger Belgian city feel
• You care about food, bars and cafés
• You like street art, bookshops, jazz and natural wine
• You want history without everything feeling polished for tourists
• You’re staying overnight and want more evening options
• You’ve already been to Bruges
• You want a city that feels younger and more lived-in
• You’re doing a second or third Belgium trip
• You like the idea of a castle in the middle of the city centre

But Ghent is still scenic, by the way.

St Michael’s Bridge, Graslei, Korenlei and the towers are absolutely worth seeing. It just doesn’t wrap the whole city in the same fairytale-town packaging that Bruges does.

Read More: The Best Things to Do in Ghent, Belgium

Read More: My Guide to Gravensteen Castle in Ghent

Read More: The Best Boat Tours in Ghent

Which City Is Prettier: Bruges or Ghent?

Hand on heart I’d say Bruges is prettier. But Ghent is about as close a second as you could get.

If we’re talking pure visual impact, then Bruges wins. The canals, swans, chocolate shop windows, cobbled lanes, whitewashed Begijnhof houses, Markt and Rozenhoedkaai all work very hard in its favour.

It’s the city I’d choose if you want to walk around with your camera out all day!

Ghent is beautiful too, but in a different way. The view from St Michael’s Bridge is stunning, Graslei and Korenlei are gorgeous, and Gravensteen Castle gives the city a completely different focal point.

But Bruges is more consistently pretty from street to street.

Ghent has more contrast. One minute you’re looking at a medieval castle, the next you’re walking past student cafés, tram lines, street art and shopfronts that feel a bit more everyday.

So if the question is “which is prettier?” I’d say Bruges.

If the question is “which city is more interesting?” I think Ghent gives Bruges a much stronger fight.

Which City Feels More Authentic—Ghent or Bruges?

Okay this is where Ghent wins for me.

Now I’m always careful with the word “authentic” because tourists love using it when they really mean “less busy” or “less famous.”

But Ghent does feel more like a functioning Belgian city.

You’ll see visitors, of course, but you’ll also feel the student population, the local cafés, a buzzing theatre and cultural scene, restaurants, wine bars and people simply getting on with their day.

Bruges feels more shaped around visitors, especially in the busiest parts of the historic centre around Markt, Rozenhoedkaai, the canal boat queues and the main chocolate shop streets.

That doesn’t make Bruges fake. It just means you’ll need to wander a little beyond the most obvious sights if you want a more local side of the city.

Read More: Unique Things to Do in Bruges: Less Obvious Stops I Loved After Visiting Twice

Read More: Unusual Things to Do in Ghent, Belgium

In Ghent, that lived-in feeling is much easier to find without trying.

Things to Do: Is Bruges or Ghent Better?

For a first trip, Bruges is easier.

You can build a very clear and lovely day around Markt, the Belfry of Bruges, Burg Square, the Basilica of the Holy Blood, Rozenhoedkaai, Bonifacius Bridge, a canal boat tour, Minnewater, the Begijnhof and a chocolate and beer stop or two.

Ghent has a bit more variety.

In one day in Ghent, I’d start at St Michael’s Bridge, walk along Graslei and Korenlei, continue to Korenmarkt, St Nicholas’ Church, the Belfry and St Bavo’s Cathedral, then add Gravensteen Castle, Huis van Alijn, Graffiti Street, Patershol, Kraanlei and a couple of trendy cafés or bookshop wine bars before you’ve even said hoi.

Hanging out in Ghent at Le Bal Infernal!

In other words:

Choose Bruges if you want the prettiest first-trip route in Belgium.

Choose Ghent if you want more variety and more city life in Belgium.

Read More: One Day in Bruges: My Perfect Bruges Day Trip Itinerary

Read More: My One-Day Ghent Itinerary

Read More: My Bruges and Ghent Itinerary: How to Visit Both in One Belgium Trip

Food, Cafés and Bars: Bruges or Ghent?

Ghent definitely wins when it comes to cafés, bars and nightlife.

Bruges has good food, chocolate shops, beer cafés and waffle stops, but the most central areas can feel more tourist-facing.

That doesn’t mean you can’t eat well in Bruges. You absolutely can. I’d look at places like Cambrinus, De Koetse, Lion Belge for food, The Old Chocolate House, Dumon Chocolatier, The Chocolate Line or La Belgique Gourmande for something sweet, Coffeebar Adriaan or Dees Koffiebranders for a café stop and ’t Brugs Beertje or De Halve Maan Brewery for beer.

But Ghent is definitely stronger if your trip is built around cafés, bars and dinner.

I’d save names like Lloyd Coffee Eatery, Ludo Kafe, De Parkiet, Panotto, De Rechters, De Warempel, Bar Terroir, Edelrot, Hot Club Gent, Café ’t Galgenhuis, Le Bal Infernal and Bookz&Booze. My favourite spots from my trip!

In short, Ghent is the Belgian city I’d choose if your night plans matter (in other words, if you want to catch more of a vibe)

Bruges is the one I’d choose if scenery matters more to your trip!

Read More: Where to Eat in Bruges: Belgian Dishes, Chocolate, Waffles & Beer to Try

Read More: Best Cafés in Bruges: My Favourites from My Trip

Read More: Best Restaurants in Ghent, Belgium

Read More: Best Cafés in Ghent, Belgium

Hotels: Should You Stay in Bruges or Ghent?

Personally, I’d stay in Bruges if you want a prettier hotel base—especially if you want a boutique hotel, a romantic weekend or the feeling of stepping out of your hotel straight into the old town.

For my Bruges trip, I stayed at Hotel Acacia, which worked really well (plopped right in the historic city centre) with Markt, the Belfry, chocolate shops, restaurants and all the main sights within a five-minute walk.

Read More: Where to Stay in Bruges: My Favourite Areas & Hotels for a First Trip

Read More: Where to Stay in Ghent

With that said, I’d stay in Ghent if you care more about food, bars, nightlife and a city feel.

Ghent has lots of stylish hotel options too. In particular, I recommend NH Collection Gent.

NH Collection Gent (Ghent)

I’ve stayed at their partner hotel in Brussels (NH Collection Brussels) and it’ll put you within perfect walking distance of St Bavo’s Cathedral, the Belfry, the Castle of the Counts, Graslei and lots of fabulous Ghent cafés and restaurants.

Basically if you want the evening to feel prettier, stay in Bruges. If you want your evening to feel livelier, stay in Ghent.

Which Is Better for a Day Trip: Bruges or Ghent?

For most travellers, I’d say Bruges is the better day trip.

It’s compact, highly scenic and easy to enjoy in one day. You can arrive by train, walk into the historic centre, see the main sights, take a canal ride, eat something chocolate-covered and still get back to Brussels without feeling like you’ve missed out on something.

Ghent also works as a day trip, especially from Brussels, Bruges or Antwerp, but I think Ghent benefits more from an overnight stay.

The cafés, bars, jazz spots, restaurants and student-city feel here come alive once the day has loosened a little. If you only see Ghent for a few hours, you’ll still enjoy it, but you may not get the full reason people love it.

So…best day trip—Bruges. Best overnight—Ghent if you care about food and evenings.

My personal suggestion will always be to spend one day in each if your itinerary allows (here’s my Ghent & Bruges itinerary!).

Read More: How to Take a Day Trip from Brussels to Bruges

Read More: How to Travel from Brussels to Ghent by Train

Is Bruges or Ghent Easier to Visit by Train?

Both Ghent and Bruges are easy to visit by train.

From Brussels, Ghent is slightly closer than Bruges. Brussels to Ghent usually takes around 36 minutes by direct train, while Brussels to Bruges takes around 53 minutes by direct train.

Ghent to Bruges, or Bruges to Ghent, is also very straightforward by train and usually takes around 25 minutes.

Once you get to the station, Bruges station is about a 15–20 minute walk from the historic centre, and the walk via Minnewater and the Begijnhof is a very nice way to arrive (if you’re travelling light).

From Gent-Sint-Pieters, on the other hand, it’s about a 30 minute walk or around 10 minutes by tram to the city centre.

That’s one reason Bruges can feel easier for a simple day trip, but in terms of transport, both cities are very doable without a car (in fact, it’s the best way to explore them both!).

Read More: How to Visit Bruges Without a Car: Train Tips, Walking Routes & Getting Around

Read More: How to Travel from Brussels to Ghent by Train

Which Is More Touristy: Bruges or Ghent?

Bruges is definitely more touristy.

You’ll feel it most around Markt, Rozenhoedkaai, the main chocolate shop streets and the canal boat boarding points.

But I don’t think the answer is to skip Bruges.

Rather I’d plan to arrive earlier, stay overnight if you can, wander beyond the main square, and don’t try to experience the city only through its busiest viewpoint.

Read More: Unique Things to Do in Bruges: Less Obvious Stops I Loved After Visiting Twice

Ghent has tourists too, especially around St Michael’s Bridge, Graslei, Korenlei and Gravensteen Castle. But the city absorbs visitors differently. It has more of a local/student layer around the travel sights, so it doesn’t feel quite as visitor-dominated.

If crowds bother you, Ghent may be the better choice.

If you still want the prettier city and don’t mind sharing it, Bruges is absolutely worth it.

Read More: Is Bruges Worth Visiting? My Honest Review After Visiting Twice

Read More: Is Ghent Worth Visiting? My Honest Review

Which Is Cheaper: Bruges or Ghent?

I wouldn’t choose between Bruges and Ghent based on price alone.

Both can be affordable or expensive depending when you go, where you stay and how many tours, restaurants, museums and hotel extras you book.

That said, Bruges can feel more expensive in the most central tourist areas because it’s so visitor-focused.

On the other hand, Ghent may give you slightly better value if you’re eating out, drinking, staying longer or looking for more casual cafés and bars.

For hotels, I’d compare actual dates before deciding. A good hotel deal in Bruges can easily beat an expensive weekend in Ghent, and the reverse can happen too.

In short, Bruges is your dream city, don’t skip it because you assume Ghent is cheaper.

If your budget is tight and you care more about food, bars and a more local city feel, Ghent beats it by a bit.

Which Is Better at Christmas: Bruges or Ghent?

Bruges in December!

For Christmas markets and all things winter charm, I’d lean Bruges for a first festive trip.

Bruges already has the canals, cobbled streets, stepped-gable houses and chocolate-shop setting, so winter suits it very well. Add lights, hot chocolate and Markt, and the city feels very easy to enjoy in colder months (especially for Winter Glow and the Christmas Markets).

Ghent can be fantastic in winter too, especially if you want its Christmas market, more restaurants, bars and a livelier city atmosphere.

But if someone asked me where to see charming Christmas markets in Europe, I’d always say Bruges.

P.S. – Just remember winter days are shorter and canal boat schedules can be more limited in Bruges!

Read More: The Best Time to Visit Bruges: When I’d Go Again

Can You Visit Bruges and Ghent in One Day?

Ghent

You can visit Bruges and Ghent in one day, but I’d only do it as an organised tour from Brussels.

Independently, it’s a lot of moving around.

Not because the train is difficult, but because you’ll spend too much of the day switching cities and dealing with logistics and timings instead of simply enjoying them both!

Bruges

Read More: Bruges and Ghent Itinerary: How to Visit Both in One Belgium Trip

Should You Visit Bruges or Ghent from Brussels?

If you’re taking a day trip from Brussels, I’d choose Bruges for a first trip since it gives you a bigger contrast from Brussels.

Brussels has all you’d want from a capital-city feeling: Grand Place, museums like the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium, food tours, comic-strip murals, the Sablon and Matonge neighbourhoods, bars, shopping—you get the gist.

Bruges gives you the smaller fairytale-town version of Belgium: canals, cobbles, chocolate shops, the Belfry of Bruges (and the bells that come with it) and Markt.

Ghent also works very well from Brussels, especially because the train journey is shorter. But if you’re only choosing one-day trip and you’ve never been to Belgium before, Bruges would be my first pick.

Read More: How to Take a Day Trip from Brussels to Bruges

Read More: How to Travel from Brussels to Ghent by Train

Read More: The Best Day Trips from Brussels

Should You Stay in Bruges, Ghent or Brussels?

I’d say stay in Bruges if you want charm, scenery and a smaller historic base.

Stay in Ghent if you want restaurants, bars, cafés, student life and a more lived-in city feel.

Stay in Brussels if you want a little more transport convenience and plan to do several Belgian day trips without moving hotels.

Read More: Where to Stay in Bruges: My Favourite Areas & Hotels for a First Trip

Read More: Where to Stay in Ghent

Read More: The Best Hotels Near Brussels Central Station

My Final Verdict & Thoughts: Bruges or Ghent?

It’s one of the most common questions people ask when planning a Belgium trip, and I get why.

If you can only visit one, I’d choose Bruges for a first Belgium trip.

It’s the prettier city, the easier day trip and the one that delivers the strongest “I’m in Belgium” feeling quickly.

But if you’ve already been to Bruges, or you’re the kind of traveller who cares more about cafés, restaurants, bars, bookshops, street art and a more lived-in city feel, I’d choose Ghent.

In short, Bruges is more like a fairytale town, Ghent is a real city.

And if you have enough time, the best answer is not Bruges or Ghent.

It’s Bruges and Ghent!

Have a fabulous time in both…

Happy travels,

Candace x

FAQ: Bruges or Ghent?

💭 Is Bruges or Ghent better?

In my opinion, Bruges is better for a first trip, scenery, canals, chocolate shops, a boat tour and a compact historic centre. Ghent is better for food, bars, cafés, street art, nightlife and a more lived-in city feel.

💭 Which is better to visit, Bruges or Ghent?

For most first-time visitors, I’d choose Bruges. It’s prettier, easier to explore in one day and gives you the strongest postcard version of Belgium. Choose Ghent if you want a bigger-feeling Belgian city with more food, culture and nightlife.

💭 Is Ghent better than Bruges?

Ghent is better than Bruges if you want restaurants, bars, book cafés, street art, jazz, student life and a city that feels more lived-in. Bruges is better if you want canals, chocolate shops, Markt, the Belfry and a smaller fairytale town.

💭 Is Bruges prettier than Ghent?

Yes, I think Bruges is prettier overall. Ghent has beautiful views around St Michael’s Bridge, Graslei and Korenlei, but Bruges is more consistently scenic across the historic centre.

💭 Is Ghent bigger than Bruges?

Yes, Ghent feels bigger and more urban than Bruges. Bruges’ historic centre is compact and easier to explore quickly, while Ghent has way more of a city feel.

💭 Is Bruges or Ghent more touristy?

Bruges is more touristy, especially around Markt, Rozenhoedkaai, the chocolate shops and the canal boat areas. Ghent gets visitors too, but it’s definitely less dominated by tourism.

💭 Is Bruges or Ghent cheaper?

It depends on your dates and travel style. Bruges can feel more expensive in the most central tourist areas, while Ghent offers better value for food, bars and longer stays. I’d compare hotels before deciding (see my Bruges hotel recommendations and my Ghent hotel recommendation.)

💭 Is Bruges or Ghent better for a day trip?

Bruges is better for a day trip if it’s your first visit to Belgium. It’s compact, scenic and easy to enjoy in one day. Ghent also works as a day trip, but I think it benefits more from an overnight stay.

💭 Should I stay in Bruges or Ghent?

Stay in Bruges if you want a prettier, more romantic historic base. Stay in Ghent if you want more restaurants, cafés, bars and nightlife. And stay in Brussels if you want the best transport base for your day trips!

💭 Can you visit Bruges and Ghent in one day?

You can visit Bruges and Ghent in one day, but I’d only do it as a tour from Brussels. Independently, I’d give each city its own day if possible.

💭 How do you travel from Ghent to Bruges?

The easiest way to travel from Ghent to Bruges is by train. You’ll usually travel between Gent-Sint-Pieters and Brugge / Bruges station, which takes around 25 minutes. Be sure to book your train tickets before your trip.

💭 Is Bruges or Ghent closer to Brussels?

Ghent is closer to Brussels by train. Brussels to Ghent usually takes around 36 minutes, while Brussels to Bruges usually takes around 53 minutes.

💭 Is Bruges or Ghent better for Christmas markets?

For a first Christmas in Belgium trip, I’d choose Bruges. The canals, cobbles, chocolate shops, lights and historic centre make it especially atmospheric in winter (especially with Winter Glow on and the Bruges Christmas markets). Ghent is also good if you want a Christmas market mixed with more food, bars and city life.

💭 Are Bruges and Ghent worth visiting?

Yes, Bruges and Ghent are both worth visiting. Bruges gives you all you could want from a canal-filled, fairytale-like town, while Ghent gives you a more lived-in Belgian city with a castle, towers, cafés, bars and street art.

💭 Should I choose Bruges, Ghent or Brussels?

Choose Brussels if you want a capital city with museums, food, nightlife and amazing transport connections. Choose Bruges if you want canals, chocolate shops and postcard views. Choose Ghent if you want a smaller city break with history, food, bars and a more local feel.

Plan the rest of your Bruges trip

Still planning? Here’s more of my Bruges guides to help you decide where to stay, what to book and how to make the most of your trip.

Before you book

• Is Bruges Worth Visiting? My Honest Review After Visiting Twice
• Bruges or Ghent? My Honest Comparison After Visiting Both
• The Best Time to Visit Bruges: When I’d Go Again

Bruges itineraries

• One Day in Bruges: My Perfect Bruges Day Trip Itinerary
• My Bruges Weekend Itinerary: How I’d Spend 2 Days in the City
• How to Take a Day Trip from Brussels to Bruges
• Bruges and Ghent Itinerary: How to Visit Both in One Belgium Trip

Where to stay and what to book

• Where to Stay in Bruges: My Favourite Areas & Hotels for a First Trip
• Hotel Acacia Bruges Review: My Honest Stay in Bruges
• Best Tours in Bruges: Canal Cruises, Walking Tours & Food Experiences
• Bruges Canal Boat Tour: My Honest Review & What to Know Before You Go
• How to Visit Bruges Without a Car: Train Tips, Walking Routes & Getting Around

What to do and where to eat

• Unique Things to Do in Bruges: Less Obvious Stops I Loved After Visiting Twice
• Where to Eat in Bruges: Belgian Dishes, Chocolate, Waffles & Beer to Try
• Best Cafés in Bruges: My Favourites from My Trip