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

Should you visit Antwerp or Austin?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Antwerp and Austin can help you decide which place is right for you.

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.

Austin

Austin is a lively, entrepreneurial, and eccentric city. It's a big city with many activities to entertain visitors, too. This is a very beautiful destination, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Antwerp and Austin: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Antwerp or Austin?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Austin than Antwerp. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Austin is very popular for its food, nightlife, music, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Antwerp attracts visitors for its historical sights, shopping, and big city activities. Austin is more touristy than Antwerp and is known for its live music scene, excellent Texas barbecue, authentic Mexican food, and vibrant student population. It is also well known for The Texas Capital. Antwerp is famous for its historic train station, festive chocolate shops, decadent waffle stands, and down-to-earth old town.

How is Antwerp different from Austin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the excellent sights and museums in both Antwerp and Austin.

Many visitors head to Antwerp specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Austin can be an interesting and educational experience. Austin has a number of great museums and sights including the Blanton Museum of Art, the Mexic-Arte Museum, and the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum. There's also a huge supply of local art galleries. Perhaps the most notable landmark in town is the beautiful Texas Capital Building

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

Austin is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, Antwerp is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Austin has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. It is credited with being the original food truck city and you'll find many diverse food truck options around town. There is also amazing Mexican food, world renowned Texas barbecue, and many modern restaurants that reflect the city's culinary influence.

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 Antwerp or Austin Better for Nightlife?

Austin is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. Also, Antwerp is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Austin is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. It's nightlife is centered around its thriving live music scene. Head for Sixth Street for some of the most popular bars and clubs. There are also many music festivals and outdoor concerts, particularly during the summer months. Popular bars and clubs around town include the White Horse, the Rose Room, and Antone's Nightclub.

Many people head to Antwerp for the nightlife scene. 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 Antwerp or Austin Better for Music?

Austin is an unbeatable place for its live music scene. However, Antwerp is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Austin Music is what gives this city its character. There are many live music venues, concerts, and music festivals to experience. Austin has influenced many music genres such as rock, blues, jazz, hip hop, punk, and country.

Antwerp is not a live music destination.

Is Antwerp or Austin Better for its Old Town?

Antwerp is a great destination for its historic old town. However, Austin does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Antwerp to see the historical old town. 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.

Austin does not have a historic old town.

Is Antwerp or Austin Better for Hiking?

Austin is a city with a few options for its hiking experiences. However, Antwerp is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors include a hike while visiting Austin. Head just outside of town to explore a few great hiking spots right near town.

Antwerp is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Antwerp or Austin?

Antwerp is a world-class destination for shopping. Also, Austin 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 Austin. There are a number of local boutiques around town where you can enjoy shopping.

Is Antwerp or Austin Better for Families?

You'll find nice kid-friendly activities in either Antwerp or Austin.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Antwerp. 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.

Austin offers lots of family activities. The city is a popular destination for young travelers, but there are also some family-friendly activities like Barton Springs, Zilker Park, and several natural swimming holes. There's a number of nice parks around town that are great for kids of all ages.

Is Antwerp or Austin Better for Couples?

Both Antwerp and Austin are nice destinations to visit as a couple.

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.

Austin is a good port city for couples to visit. Young couples will enjoy the city for its lively nightlife, fun music scene, and youthful vibe. There are also many outdoor areas where you can hike or explore. The restaurant scene is among the best as well.

Is Antwerp or Austin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Austin is well known for backpackers. Also, Antwerp is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Austin is a great city to visit for backpackers. Although the city is relatively small, it does see a disproportionate number of backpackers. There are a couple of hostels in town as well.

It's common for backpackers to 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 Antwerp or Austin Better for Students?

Antwerp and Austin are excellent places to visit for students.

Antwerp is very popular with students. 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.

Austin is a great port city to visit as a student. The city has a huge university, the University of Texas at Austin, and it is a young city with tons for international students. There is a great nightlife scene and plenty for students to see and do.

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

Antwerp is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Austin is a city with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Antwerp, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. 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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Austin. There are city buses and a very limited lightrail system, but you really need a car to explore the city.

Is Antwerp or Austin a more walkable city?

Antwerp is a great destination for its walkability. However, Austin is a city with minimal options 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.

Austin is generally not a very walkable port city. The city, like most southern cities, isn't very walkable and it's important to have a car to get around. There are some downtown areas that are pedestrian-friendly.

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

Should I spend more time in Austin or Antwerp?

How long in Antwerp or Austin?

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

Families should spend more time in Antwerp than Austin. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Austin than Antwerp 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 Austin.

One day in Antwerp or Austin?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Antwerp. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Austin, you'll find shopping and museums. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Antwerp or Austin?

Antwerp is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

In Austin, you'll find museums and nightlife. 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 Austin has to offer.

Five days in Antwerp or Austin?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Antwerp. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Austin 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.

A week in Antwerp or Austin?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the authentic destination of Antwerp. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Austin. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Austin. 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 Tours for Seniors to Belgium, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Brussels, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, and The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Antwerp and Austin, we can see that Austin is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Even though Antwerp is in Europe and Austin is in North America, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Antwerp or Austin?

Austin has a larger population, and is about 48% larger than the population of Antwerp. When comparing the sizes of Antwerp and Austin, 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 Antwerp or Austin?

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 Antwerp or Austin in the Summer?

Both Austin and Antwerp are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Antwerp this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Austin for the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Antwerp is generally much colder than Austin. Daily temperatures in Antwerp average around 17°C (63°F), and Austin fluctuates around 87°F (30°C).

It's quite sunny in Austin. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Antwerp. Antwerp usually receives less sunshine than Austin during summer. Antwerp gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 318 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Antwerp usually receives more rain than Austin. Antwerp gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Antwerp or Austin in the Autumn?

Both Austin and Antwerp during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Antwerp for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Austin in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Antwerp is much colder than Austin in the autumn. The daily temperature in Antwerp averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Austin fluctuates around 73°F (23°C).

In Austin, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the autumn, Antwerp often gets less sunshine than Austin. Antwerp gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 214 hours of full sun.

Antwerp usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Austin. Antwerp gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Austin receives 3 inches (77 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Antwerp or Austin in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Antwerp and Austin. Many visitors come to Antwerp in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Austin for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Antwerp can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Antwerp is much colder than Austin. Typically, the winter temperatures in Antwerp in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Austin averages at about 51°F (11°C).

Antwerp usually receives less sunshine than Austin during winter. Antwerp gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Austin receives 163 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Antwerp usually receives more rain than Austin. Antwerp gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Austin receives 1.9 inches (48 mm) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Antwerp or Austin in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Antwerp as well as Austin. Most visitors come to Antwerp for the activities around the city during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Austin because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Antwerp is generally much colder than Austin. Daily temperatures in Antwerp average around 8°C (47°F), and Austin fluctuates around 71°F (22°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Austin. In the spring, Antwerp often gets less sunshine than Austin. Antwerp gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Austin receives 209 hours of full sun.

Antwerp usually gets less rain in April than Austin. Antwerp gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Austin receives 3.5 inches (89 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Austin and Antwerp