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

Should you visit Antwerp or Bremen?

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 Bremen 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.

Bremen

Bremen is a colorful, lively, and historic city. 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 Bremen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Antwerp or Bremen?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Antwerp. Although Antwerp and Bremen are both popular with visitors, Antwerp has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Antwerp is more popular for its shopping and big city activities, while Bremen is known for its historical sights and impressive beauty. Bremen is more touristy than Antwerp and is known for its beautiful historic center and its role as a cultural hub in Germany. 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 Bremen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Plenty of people visit the very good sights and museums in both Antwerp and Bremen.

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 Bremen can be an interesting and educational experience. Many of the city's landmarks are located around the famous Marktplatz. You can tour the Bremen Town Hall or wander around the Medieval Schnoor Quarter. Also make sure you check out the Cathedral of St. Peter.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Antwerp and Bremen 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!

Bremen is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The food is hearty and filling with many meat heavy dishes. Vegetarians may struggle to find local options. Traditional regional dishes include Kohl und Pinkel (kale and sausage), Labskaus (meat and stew), and fried smelt.

Is Antwerp or Bremen Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Antwerp and Bremen.

Antwerp is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

Many people head to Bremen for the nightlife scene. There's a variety of evening activities including cocktail bars, trendy clubs, and fine dining restaurants. Head to the Viertel District for some of the most lively clubs.

Is Antwerp or Bremen Better for its Old Town?

Bremen is an unbeatable place for its old town. Also, Antwerp is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

With a famous historical old-town, Bremen offers plenty to see. The old town is beautiful with its charming streets and beautiful buildings. There's a main market square which is filled with many landmarks and tourist sights.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Antwerp or Bremen?

Antwerp is an amazing port city to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Bremen 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 Bremen. The city offers a mix of historic shopping areas and large shopping malls. Some of the biggest shopping malls include Karstadt Bremen, Lloyd Passage, and Weserpark.

Is Antwerp or Bremen Better for Families?

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

Bremen is a very kid-friendly city. Kids will appreciate a Sunday visit to the Bremen Town Musicians play which performs popular fairy tales. If the season isn't right, there are many other kid-friendly activities around town including Bürgerpark, the puppet theater, or visiting the beach at Café Sand. Popular museums in town for kids include Universum and Bremer Geschichtenhaus.

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 Bremen Better for Couples?

Both Antwerp and Bremen are good 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.

Bremen is a good port city for couples to visit. From its beautiful old town to its many great restaurants and shopping streets, couples will enjoy a romantic trip away in this beautiful city.

Is Antwerp or Bremen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Antwerp and Bremen 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 Bremen. Backpackers love the old town and lively atmosphere. There are enough tourists around that you'll find a decent social scene and the atmosphere makes for a great visit.

Is Antwerp or Bremen Better for Students?

Antwerp is notable for students. However, Bremen is not popular with 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.

Bremen is not popular with students.

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

Bremen 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.

Bremen has some very good public transit options. The city has both trams and buses that offer easy accessibility to most of the tourist areas.

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 Bremen a more walkable city?

Bremen is an unbeatable place for its high level of walkability. Also, Antwerp is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Getting around Bremen on foot is easy. It's one of the most walkable cities in Europe.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Bremen or Antwerp?

How long in Antwerp or Bremen?

It's fun to spend time in either Antwerp or Bremen. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Bremen due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Antwerp, and 2-4 days is enough time in Bremen.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bremen 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 Bremen.

One day in Antwerp or Bremen?

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

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 Bremen, 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 Bremen has to offer.

Five days in Antwerp or Bremen?

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.

Bremen 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 Bremen?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the youthful 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 Bremen. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bremen. 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 Music Tours in Germany, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Germany.

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

Which is Bigger, Antwerp or Bremen?

Bremen has a larger population, and is about 19% larger than the population of Antwerp. When comparing the sizes of Antwerp and Bremen, 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 Bremen?

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 Bremen in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Antwerp and Bremen. The summer months attract visitors to Antwerp because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bremen this time of year.

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

In Antwerp, it's very sunny this time of the year. Antwerp usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bremen during summer. Antwerp gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Bremen receives 191 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Antwerp usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bremen. Antwerp gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Bremen receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Antwerp or Bremen in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Antwerp as well as Bremen. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Antwerp this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bremen for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Antwerp is generally a little warmer than Bremen. Daily temperatures in Antwerp average around 12°C (54°F), and Bremen fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In the autumn, Antwerp often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bremen. Antwerp gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bremen receives 100 hours of full sun.

Antwerp usually gets more rain in October than Bremen. Antwerp gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bremen receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Antwerp or Bremen in the Winter?

Both Bremen and Antwerp are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Antwerp for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Bremen in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Bremen can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Antwerp. Antwerp is much warmer than Bremen in the winter. The daily temperature in Antwerp averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Bremen fluctuates around 1°C (33°F).

Antwerp usually receives more sunshine than Bremen during winter. Antwerp gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Bremen receives 41 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Antwerp usually receives around the same amount of rain as Bremen. Antwerp gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Bremen receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Antwerp or Bremen in the Spring?

Both Bremen and Antwerp during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Antwerp in the spring for the activities around the city. Furthermore, most visitors come to Bremen for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Antwerp is around the same temperature as Bremen. Typically, the spring temperatures in Antwerp in April average around 8°C (47°F), and Bremen averages at about 8°C (46°F).

In the spring, Antwerp often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bremen. Antwerp gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bremen receives 153 hours of full sun.

Antwerp usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Bremen. Antwerp gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bremen receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bremen and Antwerp