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

Should you visit Antwerp or Bordeaux?

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

Antwerp

Antwerp is a authentic, genuine, and cultural port city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Bordeaux

Bordeaux is a romantic, historical, and elegant city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Antwerp and Bordeaux: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Antwerp or Bordeaux?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Bordeaux than Antwerp. While Antwerp is larger than Bordeaux, Bordeaux has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Bordeaux is better known for its food and impressive beauty, while Antwerp is more popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping. Bordeaux is more touristy than Antwerp and is known for its world-renowned wine and the many nearby vineyards. Also, Bordeaux is famous for Cathédrale Saint-André. Antwerp is well known for its historic train station, festive chocolate shops, decadent waffle stands, and down-to-earth old town.

How is Antwerp different from Bordeaux?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Bordeaux. The city has many historical landmarks and museums to explore. Cathédrale Saint-André, Tour Le Grand-Théâtre, and Basilique Saint-Seurin are all notable monuments that are worth visiting.

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

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

Bordeaux has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Both food and wine are a major draw to this culinary city, which is known for its pastries and rich flavors. Popular local dishes include grilled duck, duck foie gras, and canelés.

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 Bordeaux Better for Nightlife?

Antwerp is a great destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

The people in Antwerp know how to have a good time. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Bordeaux has a few options to choose from. The city comes to life at night with dance clubs, wine bars, student pubs, and more.

Is Antwerp or Bordeaux Better for its Old Town?

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

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.

Bordeaux has an old town worth visiting. The old town is between Cours de l'Intendance and rue Peyronnet. The area has many distinct neighborhoods, monuments, and historical buildings.

Is the Shopping Better in Antwerp or Bordeaux?

Antwerp is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Antwerp make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Bordeaux. The city has a mix of luxury fashion brands, jewelry shops, perfume suppliers, and leather goods. There are department stores, local boutiques, and pedestrian shopping areas that you can explore.

Is Antwerp or Bordeaux Better for Families?

You'll find notable kid-friendly activities in either Antwerp or Bordeaux.

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.

Bordeaux offers lots of family activities. The city has a number of parks and playgrounds as well as museums, including a kid's science museum. Kids also enjoy splashing around in the Miroir d’eau, which is the world's largest water mirror.

Is Antwerp or Bordeaux Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Bordeaux frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Wine lovers will enjoy an amazing weekend in this beautiful city. Some of the most romantic activities include wine walks, river cruises, and exploring scenic gardens.

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 Bordeaux Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Antwerp and Bordeaux are notable 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 Bordeaux. There are a handful of hostels and a diversity of activities that backpackers can enjoy.

Is Antwerp or Bordeaux Better for Students?

Antwerp and Bordeaux 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.

Bordeaux is a great port city to visit as a student. The city has a great student atmosphere and a unique culture with a diversity of activities. It's grown in popularity with students, and the prices have climbed a bit over the past few years.

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

Bordeaux 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.

Bordeaux has some very good public transit options. There are buses, trams and a ferry that runs along the river.

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 Bordeaux a more walkable city?

Antwerp and Bordeaux 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.

Bordeaux is a very walkable destination. The city has many pedestrian areas and large squares to explore.

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

Should I spend more time in Bordeaux or Antwerp?

How long in Antwerp or Bordeaux?

In either Antwerp or Bordeaux, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Bordeaux than Antwerp because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Antwerp, and 2-5 days is enough time in Bordeaux.

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

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

The port city of Antwerp offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Bordeaux, you'll find nightlife and food. One reason most visitors come is for the food. 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 Bordeaux?

Antwerp is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this port city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Antwerp, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

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

Five days in Antwerp or Bordeaux?

Antwerp is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that shopping is why people visit. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Bordeaux is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bordeaux has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Antwerp or Bordeaux?

Antwerp is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that shopping is why people visit. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This port city offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bordeaux. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bordeaux. One reason most visitors come is for the food. 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 from Paris, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris.

When comparing the travel costs between Antwerp and Bordeaux, we can see that Antwerp 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. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Antwerp or Bordeaux?

Antwerp has a larger population, and is about 53% larger than the population of Bordeaux. When comparing the sizes of Antwerp and Bordeaux, 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 Bordeaux?

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 Bordeaux in the Summer?

Both Bordeaux and Antwerp are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Antwerp for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Bordeaux because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Antwerp is cooler than Bordeaux in the summer. The daily temperature in Antwerp averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Bordeaux fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

It's quite sunny in Bordeaux. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Antwerp. Antwerp usually receives less sunshine than Bordeaux during summer. Antwerp gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Bordeaux receives 276 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Antwerp usually receives more rain than Bordeaux. Antwerp gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Antwerp or Bordeaux in the Autumn?

Both Bordeaux and Antwerp during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Antwerp because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Bordeaux this time of year.

In the autumn, Antwerp is cooler than Bordeaux. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Antwerp in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Bordeaux averages at about 14°C (58°F).

In the autumn, Antwerp often gets less sunshine than Bordeaux. Antwerp gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bordeaux receives 165 hours of full sun.

Antwerp usually gets less rain in October than Bordeaux. Antwerp gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Antwerp or Bordeaux in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Antwerp and Bordeaux. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Antwerp this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bordeaux for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Antwerp in the winter. In January, Antwerp is generally much colder than Bordeaux. Daily temperatures in Antwerp average around 3°C (38°F), and Bordeaux fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

Antwerp usually receives less sunshine than Bordeaux during winter. Antwerp gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Bordeaux receives 86 hours of full sun in the winter.

Bordeaux receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Antwerp usually receives less rain than Bordeaux. Antwerp gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Antwerp or Bordeaux in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Antwerp as well as Bordeaux. Many travelers come to Antwerp for the activities around the city. Additionally, many visitors come to Bordeaux in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Antwerp is cooler than Bordeaux in the spring. The daily temperature in Antwerp averages around 8°C (47°F) in April, and Bordeaux fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the spring, Antwerp often gets less sunshine than Bordeaux. Antwerp gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bordeaux receives 190 hours of full sun.

Antwerp usually gets less rain in April than Bordeaux. Antwerp gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bordeaux and Antwerp