Antwerp vs Ghent: Which Belgian City is Better to Visit?
The verdict
Antwerp and Ghent finish level overall — pick by what you value most below.
Both Antwerp and Ghent offer unique and enriching experiences. Antwerp excels in cultural attractions and shopping, while Ghent stands out for its historic architecture and culinary scene. The choice between the two depends on personal interests and travel preferences.
Ghent is marginally cheaper, running about 5% below Antwerp, though the two Belgian cities are close enough that budget rarely decides it. Their weather is virtually identical—mild maritime summers near 17°C and cool winters around 3°C—so expect the same changeable, occasionally rainy conditions in either city.
Best for travelers wanting a compact walkable medieval city — Ghent's UNESCO-rich historic core edges ahead.
Overall scores are editorial ratings out of 10; category winners come from the per-category scores below. The overall scores tie and no conclusion breaks it.
Overall scores
Category by category
| Category | Antwerp | Ghent | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Historical ArchitectureComparison of historic buildings, medieval structures, and architectural styles | 8 | 9 | Ghent |
| Cultural AttractionsAnalysis of museums, art galleries, and cultural experiences | 9 | 8 | Antwerp |
| Culinary SceneEvaluation of local cuisine, restaurants, and food experiences | 8 | 9 | Ghent |
| ShoppingComparison of shopping districts, local markets, and unique stores | 9 | 7 | Antwerp |
| NightlifeOverview of evening entertainment, bars, and nightlife options | 8 | 9 | Ghent |
Historical Architecture: the details
Antwerp
- Grote Markt with stunning Guild Houses
- Cathedral of Our Lady – Gothic masterpiece
- Plantin-Moretus Museum – UNESCO World Heritage site
Ghent
- Well-preserved medieval city center
- St. Bavo's Cathedral housing the Ghent Altarpiece
- Gravensteen Castle – imposing 12th-century fortress
Cultural Attractions: the details
Antwerp
- Rubens House – home and studio of Peter Paul Rubens
- MAS Museum – striking contemporary architecture with city views
- Red Star Line Museum – chronicling the city's migration history
Ghent
- SMAK – Museum of Contemporary Art
- Design Museum Gent
- House of Alijn – museum of everyday life
Culinary Scene: the details
Antwerp
- The Jane – two-Michelin-starred restaurant
- Grote Markt cafes and restaurants
- Antwerp's famous 'Bolleke' beer
Ghent
- Vibrant vegetarian and vegan scene
- Gruut Brewery – unique herb-based beers
- Ghent Waterzooi – local specialty dish
Shopping: the details
Antwerp
- Meir – main shopping street with international brands
- Fashion District featuring Belgian designers
- Diamond District for precious gemstones
Ghent
- Veldstraat – main shopping street
- Bij Sint-Jacobs flea market
- Independent boutiques in the historic center
Nightlife: the details
Antwerp
- Trendy bars in the Zuid district
- Clubbing scene around Stadswaag
- De Koninck brewery experience
Ghent
- Vibrant student nightlife
- Overpoort street – popular for bars and clubs
- Unique 'light plan' illuminating the city at night
Who should pick which
Author’s take: Antwerp offers cosmopolitan energy as Belgium’s fashion capital and diamond center (80% of world’s uncut diamonds), with diverse museums, modern art scene, and vibrant nightlife. Larger city with more attractions. Ghent provides intimate medieval charm called “Mediaeval Manhattan” with three UNESCO sites, compact walkable center, strong student atmosphere, and leadership in vegetarian cuisine. Choose Antwerp for fashion, diamonds, urban sophistication, and longer stays; choose Ghent for picturesque canals, concentrated historic sites, and romantic atmosphere. Both excellent with 1-hour train connection.
Travel Tips
- Take the one-hour direct train between cities to easily visit both
- Stay in Ghent for cheaper accommodations while exploring Antwerp
- Visit Antwerp fashion district on Nationalestraat for designer shopping
- Book Ghent canal tours in advance during summer festival season
- Explore both cities by bike – excellent cycling infrastructure
Travel tips
- Consider purchasing the Antwerp City Card or Ghent CityCard for free public transport and museum entries.
- Both cities are easily accessible by train from Brussels, making day trips or combined visits possible.
- Rent a bike in either city to explore like a local and cover more ground.
- Try local specialties like Antwerpse Handjes in Antwerp or Cuberdons in Ghent.
Frequently asked questions
Which city is more suitable for a day trip from Brussels?
Both cities are suitable for day trips from Brussels, with train journeys of about 40 minutes to Antwerp and 30 minutes to Ghent. Ghent might be slightly more compact and easier to explore in a day, but both offer rich experiences.
Is English widely spoken in Antwerp and Ghent?
Yes, English is widely spoken in both cities, especially in tourist areas, restaurants, and hotels. However, learning a few basic Dutch phrases can enhance your experience and is appreciated by locals.
When is the best time to visit Antwerp and Ghent?
The best time to visit is from May to September when the weather is mild and outdoor activities are plentiful. However, both cities are charming year-round, with Christmas markets in December and fewer crowds in the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn.
The two side by side
Antwerp
Belgium
A vibrant port city known for its diamond trade, fashion scene, and Flemish Renaissance architecture
- Diamond District
- Rubens House
- MAS Museum
- Antwerp Fashion District
- January: 30
- February: 35
- March: 45
- April: 60
- May: 75
- June: 85
- July: 95
- August: 100
- September: 80
- October: 65
- November: 40
- December: 55
Ghent
Belgium
A medieval city with a youthful vibe, renowned for its well-preserved historic center and thriving arts scene
- Gravensteen Castle
- St. Bavo's Cathedral
- Ghent Altarpiece
- Graslei and Korenlei
- January: 40
- February: 45
- March: 55
- April: 70
- May: 80
- June: 85
- July: 100
- August: 95
- September: 75
- October: 65
- November: 50
- December: 60
