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

Should you visit Antwerp or Bergen?

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 Bergen can help you decide which place is right for you.

Antwerp

Antwerp is a youthful, vibrant, and authentic port city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Bergen

Bergen is a laid back, nostalgic, and friendly city. 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 and Bergen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Antwerp or Bergen?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Antwerp than Bergen, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Antwerp is more popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Bergen is known for its small town charm. Bergen is more touristy than Antwerp and is known for its breathtaking fjords, classic wooden houses, and surrounding mountain beauty. Antwerp is popular for its historic train station, festive chocolate shops, decadent waffle stands, and down-to-earth old town. It is also home to Antwerpen-Centraal.

How is Antwerp different from Bergen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Bergen 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 Bergen?

Antwerp is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Antwerp offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Bergen is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are some interesting local museums such as the Hanseatic Museum, the Edvard Grieg Museum, and the KODE Museums.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Antwerp and Bergen can be an enjoyable experience.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Antwerp. 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!

Bergen is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The city's economy has long been centered around the fish trade and even today you'll find cod, shellfish, trout, and salmon on most menus. Sheep and mutton are also popular. Desserts and coffee are also a big part of the local culture.

Is Antwerp or Bergen Better for Nightlife?

Antwerp is notable for its evening party scene. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Antwerp has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Bergen. It's a small city without a huge nightlife district, but there are bars and clubs in Bryggen and Old Bulls Plass. The city has enough students to keep things lively and fun.

Is Antwerp or Bergen Better for its Old Town?

Antwerp is notable for its historic old town charm. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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.

Bergen is a good destination for visiting its old town. The wooden buildings and compact streets have a quaint and nostalgic atmosphere.

Is the Shopping Better in Antwerp or Bergen?

Antwerp is very popular for its shopping areas. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for shopping.

Antwerp is a world class destination for shoppers. 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 Bergen. The city center is filled with specialty boutiques as well as larger department stores. Shopping has long been a large part of the economy and you'll enjoy exploring the diversity of retail options.

Is Antwerp or Bergen Better for Families?

Bergen is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Antwerp is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Bergen is a very kid-friendly city. There are some interesting educational opportunities for kids including the Bergen Aquarium, VilVite Science Centre, and Experience Bryggen. Other fun activities include Vannkanten Waterworld and the Fløibanen Funicular.

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 Antwerp or Bergen Better for Couples?

Bergen is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Antwerp is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Bergen frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are many romantic activities near town like swimming in the fjords and walking through the parks. There are also spas and music concerts to enjoy.

Antwerp is a good port city for couples to visit. 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 Antwerp or Bergen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Antwerp and Bergen are good places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Antwerp is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Bergen. There are a few hostels and guesthouses around town where backpackers can meet other travelers.

Is Antwerp or Bergen Better for Students?

Antwerp is notable for students. Also, Bergen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Antwerp is a very popular port city for students and younger travelers. 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.

Plenty of students visit Bergen. It's a very student-friendly city with many activities and a laid back atmosphere. The university facilities are spread out around town and the locals are welcoming and helpful.

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

Bergen is well known for its public transit. Also, Antwerp is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Bergen has some very good public transit options. For the areas that are outside of the city center, you can take a local bus or the light rail to access them. These services are operated by Skyss.

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 Antwerp or Bergen a more walkable city?

Antwerp and Bergen both are great when exploring on foot.

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

Bergen is a very walkable destination. The city center is flat and compact enough that it's fun to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Bergen or Antwerp?

How long in Antwerp or Bergen?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Antwerp and Bergen. In our opinion, Antwerp has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Antwerp than Bergen. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Antwerp than Bergen 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 Antwerp or Bergen?

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 Bergen, you'll find nightlife and food. This 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 Antwerp or Bergen?

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 Bergen, 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 Bergen has to offer.

Five days in Antwerp or Bergen?

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.

Bergen 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 Bergen?

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 Bergen. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bergen. 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 10-Day Tours in Norway, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Norway.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Antwerp and Bergen, we can see that Antwerp is more expensive. And not only is Bergen much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bergen would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bergen 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 Antwerp would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Antwerp than you might in Bergen.

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

Which is Bigger, Antwerp or Bergen?

Antwerp has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Bergen. When comparing the sizes of Antwerp and Bergen, 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 Bergen?

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 Bergen in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Antwerp and Bergen. Most visitors come to Antwerp for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Bergen because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Antwerp is a little warmer than Bergen. Typically, the summer temperatures in Antwerp in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Bergen averages at about 15°C (58°F).

Bergen receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Antwerp usually receives less rain than Bergen. Antwerp gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Antwerp or Bergen in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Antwerp as well as Bergen. The autumn months attract visitors to Antwerp because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Bergen this time of year.

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

It's quite rainy in Bergen. Antwerp usually gets less rain in October than Bergen. Antwerp gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 271 mm (10.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Antwerp or Bergen in the Winter?

Both Bergen and Antwerp are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Antwerp this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bergen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Bergen. It's quite cold in Antwerp in the winter. Antwerp is much warmer than Bergen in the winter. The daily temperature in Antwerp averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Bergen fluctuates around 2°C (35°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bergen. In January, Antwerp usually receives less rain than Bergen. Antwerp gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 190 mm (7.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Antwerp or Bergen in the Spring?

Both Bergen and Antwerp during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Antwerp for the activities around the city. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bergen in the spring for the small town charm.

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

Bergen gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Antwerp usually gets less rain in April than Bergen. Antwerp gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bergen receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bergen and Antwerp