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

Should you visit Antwerp or Connemara?

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 Connemara 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.

Connemara

Connemara is a dramatic, breathtaking, and scenic region. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the hiking, museums, and food.

Antwerp and Connemara: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Antwerp or Connemara?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Antwerp. Although Antwerp and Connemara are both popular with visitors, Antwerp has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Antwerp is more popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Connemara is known for its food, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. 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. Connemara is popular for its bog-filled landscape and its hidden coves.

How is Antwerp different from Connemara?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Antwerp is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Connemara is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its museums and history.

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.

Connemara is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. While most people visit the region for the natural beauty, you will also find Kylemore Abbey, Ballynahinch Castle, and Clifden Castle nearby.

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

Connemara 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 Connemara. The area has been influenced by the improving food scene in nearby regions. You'll find everything from fine dining restaurants to food trucks that use local ingredients and recipes. The area has no shortage of seafood, shellfish, and even Connemara lamb.

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 Connemara Better for Nightlife?

Antwerp is a well-known place for its evening party scene. However, Connemara is not a good region for nightlife.

Antwerp offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

Connemara doesn't offer many options. You'll find some bars in the area but most people visit for the natural beauty, not the nightlife scene.

Is Antwerp or Connemara Better for Beaches?

Connemara is well known for the beache. However, Antwerp is not a beach destination.

Connemara is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. You'll find wide stretches of sandy beach as well as hidden coves that offer a peaceful retreat. Some of the best beaches in the area include Dog’s Bay Beach, Trá an Dóilín, and Glassilaun Beach.

Antwerp is not a beach destination.

Is Antwerp or Connemara Better for its Old Town?

Antwerp is a well-known place for its historic old town charm. However, Connemara 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.

Connemara does not have a historic old town.

Is Antwerp or Connemara Better for Hiking?

Connemara is an unbeatable place for its hiking experiences. However, Antwerp is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Connemara specifically for its hiking. The landscape is considered to be some of the most beautiful in all of Ireland and there are many walks and hikes that let you experience it. Some of the best hikes are The Cong and Clonbur Forest Trail, the Claddaghduff Quay to Omey Island Walk, and Mount Gable Walk.

Antwerp is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Antwerp or Connemara?

Antwerp is terrific for its shopping areas. However, Connemara is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Connemara is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Antwerp or Connemara Better for Families?

Antwerp is a popular place for its family-friendly activities. However, Connemara is not a good region for its kid-friendly activities.

Antwerp is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Connemara is not always a place people visit with their families. There are plenty of places to explore outdoors such as Connemara National Park as well as the nearby beaches. You'll also find several playgrounds in the area.

Is Antwerp or Connemara Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Connemara frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. You'll find romantic hotels and beautiful walks through hidden coves and dramatic countryside. Couples will enjoy exploring castles and getting lost in the beauty.

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 Connemara Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Antwerp is a popular place for backpackers. However, Connemara is not a good region 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.

Connemara is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While there is a hostel in the area, you really need a car to explore the area in depth. This turns off a lot of backpackers.

Is Antwerp or Connemara Better for Students?

Antwerp is a well-known place for students. However, Connemara 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.

Connemara is not popular with students.

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

Antwerp is a popular place for its public transit. However, Connemara is not a good region for times when you don't have a car.

Antwerp has a few public transit options. 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.

Public transit is quite limited in Connemara. There are a few buses in the area but you really need a private vehicle to get around to most places.

Is Antwerp or Connemara a more walkable city?

Antwerp is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. However, Connemara is not a good region for its walkability.

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

Connemara is not a very walkable port city. You really need a vehicle to experience everything that the region has to offer.

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

Should I spend more time in Connemara or Antwerp?

How long in Antwerp or Connemara?

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

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

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

You'll find shopping and museums around the port city of Antwerp. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Antwerp has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Connemara, you'll find food and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This region 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 Connemara?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the genuine destination of Antwerp. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this port city has to offer. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

In Connemara, you'll find museums and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Connemara has to offer.

Five days in Antwerp or Connemara?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the genuine port city of Antwerp. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the shopping. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Connemara is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Connemara?

Antwerp is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 will give you the chance to have new experiences.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Connemara. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Connemara. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 Ireland, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Ireland.

When comparing the travel costs between Antwerp and Connemara, 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 Connemara Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Antwerp or Connemara?

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 Connemara in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Antwerp and Connemara. Most visitors come to Antwerp for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Connemara because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Antwerp is around the same temperature as Connemara. Typically, the summer temperatures in Antwerp in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Connemara averages at about 16°C (60°F).

In Antwerp, it's very sunny this time of the year. Antwerp usually receives more sunshine than Connemara during summer. Antwerp gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Connemara receives 142 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Antwerp usually receives more rain than Connemara. Antwerp gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Connemara receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Antwerp or Connemara in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Antwerp as well as Connemara. The autumn months attract visitors to Antwerp because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Additionally, the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Connemara this time of year.

In October, Antwerp is generally around the same temperature as Connemara. Daily temperatures in Antwerp average around 12°C (54°F), and Connemara fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the autumn, Antwerp often gets more sunshine than Connemara. Antwerp gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Connemara receives 96 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Connemara. Antwerp usually gets less rain in October than Connemara. Antwerp gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Connemara receives 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Antwerp or Connemara in the Winter?

Both Connemara and Antwerp are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Antwerp this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Connemara for the museums and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Antwerp in the winter. Antwerp is much colder than Connemara in the winter. The daily temperature in Antwerp averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Connemara fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Antwerp usually receives less sunshine than Connemara during winter. Antwerp gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Connemara receives 59 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Connemara. In January, Antwerp usually receives less rain than Connemara. Antwerp gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Connemara receives 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Antwerp or Connemara in the Spring?

Both Connemara and Antwerp during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Antwerp for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Connemara in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Antwerp is around the same temperature as Connemara. Typically, the spring temperatures in Antwerp in April average around 8°C (47°F), and Connemara averages at about 9°C (48°F).

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

Antwerp usually gets less rain in April than Connemara. Antwerp gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Connemara receives 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Connemara and Antwerp