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

Should you visit Antwerp or Calais?

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 Calais 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Calais

Calais is a undiscovered, coastal, and authentic 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.

Antwerp and Calais: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Antwerp or Calais?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Antwerp than Calais, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Antwerp is more popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Calais is known for its beaches. 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. Calais is popular for being a gateway for travelers to France.

How is Antwerp different from Calais?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Antwerp is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Calais 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.

Calais is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. It's a port city with a few good museums and landmarks to see. Check out the Town Hall, Burghers of Calais, La Cité de la Dentelle et de la Mode, and Musée de la Guerre de Calais, as well as the Calais Lighthouse.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Antwerp and Calais 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!

Calais is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The region is known for its mackerel, andouillette sausage, and endive and ham gratin. If you're passing through, this is also a good place to stock up on wine and cheese.

Is Antwerp or Calais Better for Nightlife?

Antwerp is well known for its evening party scene. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

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.

If you're looking for night time activities Calais has a few options to choose from. You'll find bars and pubs around town as well as a few clubs. Places range from trendy and high end to local dive bars.

Is Antwerp or Calais Better for Beaches?

Calais is very good for the beache. However, Antwerp is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Calais to enjoy the beach. There are some sandy beaches near town that have nice stretches of sand and plenty of sand dunes. Many locals enjoy sunbathing at the beaches.

Antwerp is not a beach destination.

Is Antwerp or Calais Better for its Old Town?

Antwerp is well known for its historic old town charm. However, Calais does not have a 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.

Calais does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Antwerp or Calais?

Antwerp is a must-visit destination for its shopping areas. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Calais. Many visitors stock up on wine and cheese when they're passing through. It's common to head straight to Auchan or Carrefour to stock up on some items.

Is Antwerp or Calais Better for Families?

You'll find good kid-friendly activities in either Antwerp or Calais.

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.

Calais offers lots of family activities. There's the Nausicaa Aquarium, the Museum of the Atlantic Wall, and the Second World War Museum. There are also beaches and parks to explore as well as some nice playgrounds.

Is Antwerp or Calais Better for Couples?

Both Antwerp and Calais 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.

Calais is a good port city for couples to visit. Couples can picnic with wine and cheese or eat their way through the town's great restaurants. There are also some nice beaches where people enjoy sunbathing or relaxing.

Is Antwerp or Calais Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Antwerp is a popular place for backpackers. However, Calais is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Antwerp. 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.

Calais is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. This part of France is often overlooked by tourists so you won't find many backpackers or hostels in the area. It does offer a glimpse into an authentic side of France.

Is Antwerp or Calais Better for Students?

Antwerp is well known for students. However, Calais is not popular with students.

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.

Calais is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Antwerp and Calais.

You'll find some public transit in Antwerp, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. 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.

While Calais offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The city has 13 bus lines that run through town and into the surrounding areas. If you're arriving by ferry from the UK, there are shuttle buses that connect the ferry terminal to the train station.

Is Antwerp or Calais a more walkable city?

Antwerp is well known for its ease of walking around. Also, Calais is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

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

Calais is somewhat walkable. Parts of the town are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Calais or Antwerp?

How long in Antwerp or Calais?

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

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

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 Calais, 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 Calais?

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 Calais, 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 Calais has to offer.

Five days in Antwerp or Calais?

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.

Calais 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 Calais?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the vibrant 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 Calais. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Calais. 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 Budget Tours to France, and The Best Tours for Seniors to France.

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

Which is Bigger, Antwerp or Calais?

Antwerp has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Calais. When comparing the sizes of Antwerp and Calais, 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 Calais?

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 Calais in the Summer?

Both Calais 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 Calais because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

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

It's quite sunny in Calais. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Antwerp. Antwerp usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Calais during summer. Antwerp gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Calais receives 212 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Antwerp usually receives more rain than Calais. Antwerp gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Calais receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Antwerp or Calais in the Autumn?

Both Calais 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. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Calais this time of year.

In October, Antwerp is generally around the same temperature as Calais. Daily temperatures in Antwerp average around 12°C (54°F), and Calais fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Antwerp often gets less sunshine than Calais. Antwerp gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Calais receives 119 hours of full sun.

Antwerp usually gets more rain in October than Calais. Antwerp gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Calais receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Antwerp or Calais in the Winter?

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

Be prepared for some very cold days in Calais. It's quite cold in Antwerp in the winter. Antwerp is cooler than Calais in the winter. The daily temperature in Antwerp averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Calais fluctuates around 4°C (40°F).

Antwerp usually receives less sunshine than Calais during winter. Antwerp gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Calais receives 57 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Antwerp usually receives more rain than Calais. Antwerp gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Calais receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Antwerp or Calais in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Antwerp as well as Calais. Many travelers come to Antwerp for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Calais in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Antwerp is around the same temperature as Calais. Typically, the spring temperatures in Antwerp in April average around 8°C (47°F), and Calais averages at about 9°C (47°F).

In the spring, Antwerp often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Calais. Antwerp gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Calais receives 162 hours of full sun.

Antwerp usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Calais. Antwerp gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Calais receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Calais and Antwerp