Ghent costs 70-300 EUR per day for travelers in 2026. Hotels average 80 EUR/night, meals cost 25-40 EUR, making Ghent moderately priced compared to other Western Europe destinations. Budget travelers (70 EUR/day): Stay in hostels (30 EUR/night), eat at local restaurants (25 EUR/meal), use public transport. Mid-range travelers (150 EUR/day): Comfortable hotels (80 EUR/night), varied dining (40 EUR/meal), occasional taxis. Luxury travelers (300 EUR/day): Premium hotels (200 EUR/night), fine dining (80 EUR/meal), private tours. Top money-saving tip: Use public transport or rent a bicycle. Free activities include graffiti street (werregarenstraatje) – alleyway filled with ever-changing street art. Ghent ranks as moderately priced within Western Europe, offering excellent value compared to regional averages.
Plan the practical part
Ghent Trip Cost: How Much Does It Cost to Visit in 2026?
Daily budget guide for Ghent (prices in EUR)Updated
- Budget€70–€150 / day
- Mid-range€150–€300 / day
- Luxury€300–€450 / day
What a day in Ghent costs
Budget
€70–€150 / day
≈ $81 USD
Hostels or guesthouses, street food and markets, public transport.
Mid-range
€150–€300 / day
≈ $174 USD
Comfortable hotels, sit-down restaurants, a few paid activities.
Luxury
€300–€450 / day
≈ $347 USD
Boutique or five-star stays, fine dining, private tours and transfers.
Estimates are per person, per day, in EUR. USD equivalents use open.er-api.com exchange rates from 3 Sep 2026.
Make it your trip
What could your trip cost?
Choose your pace and travel style. Start with the published daily estimate, then make room for the things you care about.
Estimated trip budget · EUR
7 days · 1 traveler · Mid-range
- Daily budget per person
- €150–€300
- Season adjustment
- ×1
An editorial estimate, not a booking quote. Daily budget × days × travelers × season adjustment. Add flights, insurance, and any costs outside the guide separately. Shared rooms and child rates may change your total.
Where the money goes
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stay | €48 | €102 | €195 |
| Eat | €25 | €40 | €80 |
| Do | €5 | €10 | €20 |
| Categories combined | €78 | €152 | €295 |
Category figures are typical daily spends; the tier totals above them include everyday extras, so the two need not match to the unit.
Everyday prices
- Prices
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- Currency
- EUR
- Exchange rate
- €1
Typical prices at the time of research, in EUR; expect variation by neighbourhood and season.
Prices through the year
- Low×0.9
- High×1.2
- Shoulder×1
Stretch your budget
Ways to save
- Stay in a hostel or budget hotel, such as Hostel Uppelink (from €30/night) vs. standard hotels (from €80+/night), saving €50+ per night.
- Utilize the free walking tours offered in Ghent, saving €15-€25 compared to paid tours while still seeing major sights.
- Purchase a CityCard Ghent for €42 (48h) or €48 (72h) which includes public transport and free/discounted access to museums and attractions, saving significant amounts if you plan to visit multiple sites.
- Eat at local 'frituurs' (chip shops) for lunch or dinner (around €5-€8) instead of restaurants (from €15-€25 per meal), saving €10-€20 per meal.
- Buy groceries at a local supermarket (e.g., Albert Heijn or Carrefour) and make your own breakfast or some meals, spending €5-€10 per day vs. €15-€25 for breakfast at cafes.
- Walk or use public transport (De Lijn tram/bus ticket around €2.50 per ride) instead of taxis (starting around €10-€15 per ride), saving on transport costs.
- Visit free attractions like Gravensteen Castle's exterior, St. Bavo's Cathedral (exterior and main hall are free), and explore the Patershol district, saving on entry fees.
- Travel during the off-season (November to March, excluding Christmas/New Year) for lower accommodation prices, potentially saving 20-40% on hotel rates compared to peak season.
- Look for daily specials ('dagmenu') at restaurants, offering a fixed-price meal that is often cheaper than ordering à la carte, saving €5-€10 per meal.
Budget tips
- {"tip": "Use public transport or rent a bicycle", "category": "Transportation", "explanation": "Ghent has an efficient tram and bus network, and cycling is popular and cost-effective."}
- {"tip": "Try local markets and student areas for affordable meals", "category": "Dining", "explanation": "Areas like Patershol offer budget-friendly local cuisine options."}
- {"tip": "Purchase a Ghent City Card", "category": "Attractions", "explanation": "Provides free entry to top attractions and unlimited use of public transport."}
Worth the splurge
- Book a private evening canal cruise with champagne for a romantic view of Ghent’s illuminated monuments.
- Dine at Michelin-starred Vrijmoed or Oak for an upscale tasting menu experience.
- Stay in a boutique heritage hotel along the Graslei with canal-side rooms and spa facilities.
- Treat yourself to a hot-air balloon ride over the Flemish countryside at sunrise.
Free things to do
- Free walking tour
- Public parks
- Local markets
Frequently asked questions
How expensive is Ghent?
Daily costs for a budget traveler typically range from €50–€80, while mid-range visitors spend around €100–€150 per day.
Best money-saving tips?
Use the Ghent CityCard for free transport and attractions, join free walking tours, cook or grab street-food snacks, rent a bike, and visit museums on their free-entry days.
Average meal cost?
Budget meal €8–€12, mid-range restaurant €15–€25, fine dining €50+ per person.
Safety?
Ghent is generally very safe. Standard caution in crowded areas will protect you from the occasional pickpocket. Nightlife districts are well-patrolled.
Planning the trip? Read the full Ghent guide.
Budget