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

Should you visit Antwerp or Bonn?

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

Antwerp

Antwerp is a vibrant, authentic, and genuine port city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Bonn

Bonn is a beautiful, outdoorsy, and lively city. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Antwerp and Bonn: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Antwerp or Bonn?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Antwerp than Bonn. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Antwerp is very popular for its nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Bonn attracts visitors for its quaint atmosphere. Bonn is more touristy than Antwerp and is popular for its many museums, cultural venues, and university atmosphere, as well as being the birthplace of Beethoven. 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 Antwerp different from Bonn?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Plenty of people visit the great sights and museums in both Antwerp and Bonn.

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 Bonn can be an interesting and educational experience. Some of the most popular museums include Haus der Geschichte (history), Beethoven's House, and Kunstmuseum Bonn (art). For architecture check out the Old Town Hall and Bonn Minster. Other landmarks include Poppelsdorf Palace and Schloss Drachenburg.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Antwerp and Bonn 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!

Bonn is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Like much of the food in Germany, you'll find local dishes are hearty and filling. Potatoes and meats are popular ingredients, as are milk, butter, and vegetables. For local flavors try the Rhenish Sauerbraten (veal stew), Reibekuchen (German pancakes), or Christmas Sausages.

Is Antwerp or Bonn Better for Nightlife?

Antwerp is a great port city for nightlife. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Bonn. There are bars and nightclubs around town but even more popular are the cultural events that the city hosts. If nightlife is important to you, try to visit during one of the festivals around town.

Is Antwerp or Bonn Better for its Old Town?

Antwerp and Bonn are both popular destinations with charming historical areas.

There is a nice variety of sights 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.

Many visitors go to Bonn to see the historical old town. The old town is filled with cobblestone streets and charming shops. There are also cafes and restaurants where you can grab a bite to eat.

Is the Shopping Better in Antwerp or Bonn?

Antwerp is very popular for shopping. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Antwerp. 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.

Bonn is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. A mix of local shops and major chains make shopping fun and easy. Whether you're interested in souvenir gifts or a new outfit, there are countless stores around town.

Is Antwerp or Bonn Better for Families?

Bonn is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Antwerp is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Bonn is one of the most popular family destinations. Just outside of the town is the Haribo factory outlet store where you can pick up a number of sweet treats and spend some time exploring with the kids. Another favorite activity for the whole family is a trip to nearby Phantasialand. This is one of the best amusement parks in Germany and it has many rides for teens and younger kids alike. In town, you'll find playgrounds and kid-friendly museums. Kids will also love a visit to Schloss Drachenburg Castle.

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 Bonn Better for Couples?

Both Antwerp and Bonn 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.

Bonn is a good port city for couples to visit. Churches, architecture, and botanical gardens all make this a great couples destination. You can take a cruise down the Rhein or enjoy a meal at one of the best restaurants.

Is Antwerp or Bonn Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Antwerp and Bonn are nice 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 Bonn. Many backpackers skip this town, so its a good option for travelers who want to get off the beaten backpacker trail. There are affordable hotels and hostels around town as well as restaurants where you can pick up something cheap to eat.

Is Antwerp or Bonn Better for Students?

Antwerp and Bonn are great 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.

Bonn is a great port city to visit as a student. The city has a very international vibe and you'll likely run into people speaking English around town. Job opportunities in the area are good and there are schools that attract students from around the globe.

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

Bonn 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.

Bonn has some very good public transit options. There is a light rail system that includes 9 lines and 64 stations. There are also buses around town. Bonn is connected to the region by convenient commuter trains so it's possible to visit as a day trip.

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 Bonn a more walkable city?

Antwerp and Bonn 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.

Bonn is a very walkable destination. The compact old town is easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Bonn or Antwerp?

How long in Antwerp or Bonn?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Antwerp and Bonn. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Antwerp. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Bonn, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Bonn?

Antwerp is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the shopping. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Bonn, 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. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bonn has to offer.

Five days in Antwerp or Bonn?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the authentic destination of Antwerp. This port city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Bonn 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 Antwerp or Bonn?

The authentic port city of Antwerp offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bonn. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bonn. 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 Tours for Seniors to Belgium, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Brussels, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Antwerp and Bonn, we can see that Bonn 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 Bonn would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bonn 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 Antwerp Expensive? and Is Bonn Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Antwerp or Bonn?

Antwerp has a larger population, and is about 47% larger than the population of Bonn. When comparing the sizes of Antwerp and Bonn, 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 Bonn?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Antwerp or Bonn in the Summer?

Both Bonn and Antwerp during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Antwerp for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Bonn because of the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Antwerp is generally around the same temperature as Bonn. Daily temperatures in Antwerp average around 17°C (63°F), and Bonn fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

It's quite sunny in Antwerp. In the summer, Antwerp often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bonn. Antwerp gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bonn receives 191 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Antwerp or Bonn in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Antwerp and Bonn. The autumn months attract visitors to Antwerp because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, the shopping scene are the main draw to Bonn this time of year.

Antwerp is around the same temperature as Bonn in the autumn. The daily temperature in Antwerp averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Bonn fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Antwerp usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bonn during autumn. Antwerp gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Bonn receives 109 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Antwerp usually receives more rain than Bonn. Antwerp gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Antwerp or Bonn in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Antwerp as well as Bonn. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Antwerp this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Bonn for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Bonn. It's quite cold in Antwerp in the winter. In the winter, Antwerp is a little warmer than Bonn. Typically, the winter temperatures in Antwerp in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Bonn averages at about 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Antwerp often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bonn. Antwerp gets 47 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bonn receives 45 hours of full sun.

Antwerp usually gets more rain in January than Bonn. Antwerp gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Antwerp or Bonn in the Spring?

Both Bonn and Antwerp are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Antwerp for the activities around the city.

In April, Antwerp is generally cooler than Bonn. Daily temperatures in Antwerp average around 8°C (47°F), and Bonn fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

Antwerp usually receives more sunshine than Bonn during spring. Antwerp gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Bonn receives 145 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Antwerp usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bonn. Antwerp gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bonn receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bonn and Antwerp