A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Aalborg vs. Antwerp for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Old Town

Should you visit Aalborg or Antwerp?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Aalborg and Antwerp. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Aalborg

Aalborg is a charming, local, and historic town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Antwerp

Antwerp is a cultural, historical, and youthful port city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Aalborg and Antwerp: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Aalborg or Antwerp?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Antwerp than Aalborg. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Antwerp is very popular for its museums, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Aalborg attracts visitors for its food and small town charm. Aalborg is more touristy than Antwerp and is known for its half-timbered homes and waterfront setting. Antwerp is famous for its historic train station, festive chocolate shops, decadent waffle stands, and down-to-earth old town. It is also well known for Antwerpen-Centraal.

How is Aalborg different from Antwerp?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Antwerp and Aalborg. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Aalborg or Antwerp?

Antwerp is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Aalborg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Antwerp. The city has a number of cathedrals, museums, and art galleries that are fun to explore. The history and culture of the town is best experienced by wandering the streets and soaking up the architecture.

Aalborg offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are some interesting museums around town such as the House of Music and the Kunsten Museum of Modern Art.

Is the Food Better in Aalborg or Antwerp? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Aalborg is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Antwerp is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Aalborg. You'll find an eclectic mix of trendy restaurants and local finds. There are also international options and modern street food.

Antwerp is becoming an appealing option for foodies. People with a sweet tooth will enjoy the chocolates and biscuits that make this city famous. You'll also find plenty of fries and casual dining options to choose from. Local favorites include mussels and fish and chips, and of course, you must try the beer!

Is Aalborg or Antwerp Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Aalborg or Antwerp has a better nightlife scene.

The people in Aalborg know how to have a good time. Despite its small town vibe and relatively unknown status, Aalborg has a great nightlife scene. It's home to the longest continuous string of bars and clubs in all of Scandinavia. You'll find about 30 bars along the pedestrian street of Jomfru Ane Gade and in the early hours, drinks are also surprisingly cheap.

The nightlife in Antwerp has something for everybody. With its large student population and young vibe, you'll find an active nightlife scene around town. Many of the the clubs and bars are concentrated in the docklands, but you'll also find places to hang out everywhere around town.

Is Aalborg or Antwerp Better for its Old Town?

Antwerp is a great destination for its historic old town. Also, Aalborg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Antwerp. The old city has a long running history and many unique spots to explore. At the heart of the old town is Grote Markt, which is surrounded by beautiful buildings and cobblestone streets. There are a diversity of restaurants including local cuisines, Italian restaurants, and a number of different ethnic food. You'll also find local chocolate shops, waffle vendors, and ice cream.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Aalborg. The charming streets of the old town are filled with cafes that come to life during the warm summer months.

Is the Shopping Better in Aalborg or Antwerp?

Antwerp is renowned for shopping. Also, Aalborg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Antwerp is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has become known for its fashion scene. The main shopping street is Meir, which is where you'll find a variety of European fashion chains. It's also fun to buy chocolates, art, or other souvenirs around town. You'll find both locals and tourists perusing the main shopping areas around town.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Aalborg. There are a number of shopping malls, shopping centers, and local boutiques around town.

Is Aalborg or Antwerp Better for Families?

Both Aalborg and Antwerp are nice family-friendly destinations.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Aalborg. There is plenty of outdoor space, some kid-friendly museums, a zoo, and fascinating street art. Not far from town there's also Fårup Sommerland, which is a great amusement park.

Antwerp offers lots of family activities. Favorite kid-friendly activities around town include taking a ride on the Ferris Wheel, going to the local zoo, or exploring the indoor play area Plopsa Station. Kids will also enjoy exploring the underground canals or taking a boat ride. Chocolate lovers will have fun checking out the many chocolate shops around town.

Is Aalborg or Antwerp Better for Couples?

Aalborg and Antwerp both nice destinations for a couple.

Aalborg is a nice destination for couples. Art museums, parks, and interesting restaurants make this a nice town for a weekend trip.

Antwerp makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city has a wonderful café culture with great restaurants and beautiful neighborhoods to explore. There are many great restaurants as well as plenty of shopping opportunities.

Is Aalborg or Antwerp Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Aalborg and Antwerp are nice places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Aalborg. There are a couple of hostels in town that offer accommodation for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Antwerp. With a handful of hostels and a variety of free activities, this is an affordable place to visit. It's often overlooked by backpackers so those that visit will be rewarded. It has a vibe of authenticity which is great for backpacker's who are a bit jaded from the tourism scene.

Is Aalborg or Antwerp Better for Students?

Antwerp is a great destination for students. Also, Aalborg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Many students visit Antwerp. There's a good student culture and a lot of activities that give the city a fun and youthful vibe. It's a relatively big city with a lot of transportation connections, so it makes a great base for exploring other areas.

It's common for students to visit Aalborg. The town feels quiet during the rainy winter months but when the sun makes an appearance, it comes to life and people head outdoors and into the cafes.

Is Aalborg or Antwerp Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Aalborg and Antwerp.

You'll find some public transit in Aalborg, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a decent bus system around town.

While Antwerp offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are both tram and bus lines around town. The city also has a large and impressive train station with many connections, making it a good base for exploring other areas.

Is Aalborg or Antwerp a more walkable city?

Antwerp is a great destination for its walkability. Also, Aalborg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Antwerp is very walkable. The old town can be comfortably explored on foot, particularly the area around Grote Markt.

Aalborg is a somewhat walkable place. It's a walkable town, but it does get a lot of rain so some seasons are more pedestrian-friendly than others.

For even more information, also check out Is Aalborg Worth Visiting? and Is Antwerp Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Antwerp or Aalborg?

How long in Aalborg or Antwerp?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Aalborg and Antwerp. In our opinion, Antwerp has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Antwerp than Aalborg. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Aalborg, and 1-3 days is enough time in Antwerp.

Families should spend more time in Antwerp than Aalborg. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Antwerp, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Antwerp than Aalborg. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Antwerp that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Antwerp than Aalborg if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Antwerp.

One day in Aalborg or Antwerp?

In Aalborg, you'll find nightlife and food. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Antwerp, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. This port city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Aalborg or Antwerp?

In Aalborg, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Aalborg has to offer.

In Antwerp, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Antwerp has to offer.

Five days in Aalborg or Antwerp?

Aalborg is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Antwerp is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Aalborg or Antwerp?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Aalborg. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Aalborg. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Antwerp. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Antwerp. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Denmark, The Best Adventure Tours to Denmark, The Best Tours for Seniors to Belgium, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Brussels.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Aalborg and Antwerp, we can see that Aalborg is more expensive. And not only is Antwerp much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Antwerp would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Antwerp and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Aalborg would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Aalborg than you might in Antwerp.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Aalborg Expensive? and Is Antwerp Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Aalborg or Antwerp?

Antwerp has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Aalborg. When comparing the sizes of Aalborg and Antwerp, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Aalborg or Antwerp?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Aalborg or Antwerp in the Summer?

Both Antwerp and Aalborg are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Aalborg for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Antwerp in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Aalborg is around the same temperature as Antwerp. Typically, the summer temperatures in Aalborg in July average around 16°C (61°F), and Antwerp averages at about 17°C (63°F).

In July, Aalborg usually receives around the same amount of rain as Antwerp. Aalborg gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Aalborg or Antwerp in the Autumn?

Both Antwerp and Aalborg during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Aalborg in the autumn for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Furthermore, most visitors come to Antwerp for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Aalborg is generally cooler than Antwerp. Daily temperatures in Aalborg average around 9°C (48°F), and Antwerp fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Aalborg usually gets less rain in October than Antwerp. Aalborg gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Aalborg or Antwerp in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Aalborg and Antwerp. Most visitors come to Aalborg for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Antwerp because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Antwerp can be very cold. Aalborg can be very cold during winter. Aalborg is much colder than Antwerp in the winter. The daily temperature in Aalborg averages around -1°C (31°F) in January, and Antwerp fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In January, Aalborg usually receives less rain than Antwerp. Aalborg gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Aalborg or Antwerp in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Aalborg as well as Antwerp. The spring months attract visitors to Aalborg because of the small town charm. Additionally, the activities around the city are the main draw to Antwerp this time of year.

In the spring, Aalborg is cooler than Antwerp. Typically, the spring temperatures in Aalborg in April average around 6°C (43°F), and Antwerp averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Aalborg usually gets less rain in April than Antwerp. Aalborg gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Antwerp and Aalborg