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

Should you visit Antwerp or Caen?

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 Caen 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 food, shopping, and museums.

Caen

Caen is a park-filled, important, and historic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the food, museums, and nightlife.

Antwerp and Caen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Antwerp or Caen?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Antwerp than Caen. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Antwerp is very popular for its nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Caen attracts visitors for its food. Caen is more touristy than Antwerp and is popular for its role in World War II and its memorials and historical buildings. 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 Caen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Plenty of people visit the high quality sights and museums in both Antwerp and Caen.

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 Caen can be an interesting and educational experience. There are many monuments around town commemorating the city's long history. You'll want to see Château de Caen, Pegasus Bridge, Mémorial de Caen, Musée de Normandie, and Musée des beaux-arts de Caen.

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

Caen is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Antwerp is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Caen. There's a market that's at its best on Sundays where you'll find fresh produce and other local ingredients. There are also Michelin starred restaurants, seafood restaurants, and other traditional dishes. Head to the Vaugueux Quarter for traditional dishes.

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 Caen Better for Nightlife?

Antwerp is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Antwerp has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Caen has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene stays active thanks to the 30,000 students living in town. Head to the Rue Ecuyère for a pub crawl or hit up any of the other bars around town.

Is Antwerp or Caen Better for its Old Town?

Antwerp is a very popular place for its historic old town. However, Caen does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see 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.

Caen does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Antwerp or Caen?

Antwerp is renowned for shopping. However, Caen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Caen is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Antwerp or Caen Better for Families?

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

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.

Caen offers lots of family activities. There are museums, parks, monasteries, and castles that kids and adults alike with enjoy visiting.

Is Antwerp or Caen Better for Couples?

Both Antwerp and Caen 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.

Caen is a good port city for couples to visit. Couples that are fascinated by history will enjoy a visit to this town in Normandy. There are also abbeys, castles and parks.

Is Antwerp or Caen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Antwerp and Caen 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 Caen. You'll find more apartments and bed and breakfasts than hostels in town, but backpackers still make their way here.

Is Antwerp or Caen Better for Students?

Antwerp is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Caen is not popular with students.

Many students visit Antwerp. 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.

Caen is not popular with students.

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

Caen 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.

Caen has some very good public transit options. There are buses and trams that travel throughout the city.

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 Caen a more walkable city?

Antwerp is a very popular place for its walkability. Also, Caen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Caen is a somewhat walkable place. The city center is best explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Caen or Antwerp?

How long in Antwerp or Caen?

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

Families should spend more time in Antwerp than Caen. 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 Antwerp than Caen. 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 Caen 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 Caen?

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 Caen, you'll find museums and nightlife. 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 Caen?

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 Caen, you'll find nightlife and food. 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 Caen has to offer.

Five days in Antwerp or Caen?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the youthful 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.

Caen 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 Caen?

The cultural 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 Caen. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Caen. 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 France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.

When comparing the travel costs between Antwerp and Caen, we can see that Caen 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 Caen Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Antwerp or Caen?

Antwerp has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Caen. When comparing the sizes of Antwerp and Caen, 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 Caen?

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 Caen in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Antwerp as well as Caen. Many visitors come to Antwerp in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Caen for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Antwerp is generally around the same temperature as Caen. Daily temperatures in Antwerp average around 17°C (63°F), and Caen fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Caen. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Antwerp this time of the year. In the summer, Antwerp often gets less sunshine than Caen. Antwerp gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Caen receives 227 hours of full sun.

Antwerp usually gets more rain in July than Caen. Antwerp gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Caen receives 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Antwerp or Caen in the Autumn?

Both Caen and Antwerp are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Antwerp for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Caen because of the city's sights and attractions.

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

Antwerp usually receives less sunshine than Caen during autumn. Antwerp gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Caen receives 128 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Antwerp usually receives more rain than Caen. Antwerp gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Caen receives 68 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Antwerp or Caen in the Winter?

Both Caen and Antwerp during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Antwerp because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Caen this time of year.

It's quite cold in Caen in the winter. The weather in Antwerp can be very cold. In the winter, Antwerp is much colder than Caen. Typically, the winter temperatures in Antwerp in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Caen averages at about 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Antwerp often gets less sunshine than Caen. Antwerp gets 47 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Caen receives 70 hours of full sun.

Antwerp usually gets less rain in January than Caen. Antwerp gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Caen receives 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Antwerp or Caen in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Antwerp and Caen. The activities around the city are the main draw to Antwerp this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Caen for the activities around the city.

In April, Antwerp is generally cooler than Caen. Daily temperatures in Antwerp average around 8°C (47°F), and Caen fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

Antwerp usually receives less sunshine than Caen during spring. Antwerp gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Caen receives 171 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Antwerp usually receives around the same amount of rain as Caen. Antwerp gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Caen receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Caen and Antwerp