Ghent
Belgium
Prague
Czech Republic
Ghent
Prague
💰 Budget
🛡️ Safety
Ghent
Ghent is a very safe city with a strong community feel. The large student population means the city is lively but not rough. Violent crime is extremely rare, and petty theft is less common than in Brussels or Antwerp. The city feels safe to walk at all hours.
Prague
Prague is one of the safest major cities in Europe. Violent crime is very rare. The main risks are petty theft and tourist-targeted scams, particularly in Old Town Square, on Charles Bridge, and in crowded areas around Wenceslas Square.
⭐ Ratings
🌤️ Weather
Ghent
Ghent shares Bruges' maritime climate — mild year-round but frequently wet. Summers are pleasantly warm without extreme heat, winters are damp and cool. Rain is possible in every season, making layers and waterproofs essential. The city is beautiful in every weather.
Prague
Prague has a continental climate with warm summers and cold, sometimes snowy winters. Spring and autumn are pleasant but changeable. The city looks magical in every season — sun-drenched summer evenings and snow-dusted spires both have their charm.
🚇 Getting Around
Ghent
Ghent's historic center is very walkable, and the city has an excellent tram and bus network operated by De Lijn. Cycling is deeply embedded in Ghent's culture — it's the most common way locals get around. The car-free zone in the city center makes walking and cycling even more pleasant.
Walkability: Ghent's center has one of Belgium's largest car-free zones, making it exceptionally walkable. Sint-Baafsplein to Gravensteen is a 10-minute stroll. The entire medieval core is compact and easily covered on foot. Cobblestones are charming but tough on thin-soled shoes.
Prague
Prague has excellent public transit operated by DPP (Dopravni podnik Prahy). The metro, trams, and buses all use the same ticket. A 30-minute ticket costs 30 CZK and a 24-hour pass costs 120 CZK. Buy tickets from machines at metro stations or use the PID Litacka app.
Walkability: Prague's historic center is very walkable and best explored on foot. The core (Old Town, Mala Strana, Josefov) is compact — you can walk from Old Town Square to Prague Castle in about 25 minutes. Cobblestones are everywhere so wear comfortable shoes.
The Verdict
Choose Ghent if...
you want medieval canals and castles with a student-city vibe, plus all of Belgium's beer and chocolate without Bruges crowds
Choose Prague if...
you want a fairy-tale old town, cheap beer, Gothic architecture, and one of Europe's best-preserved medieval cities