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

Should you visit Antwerp or Dijon?

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

Antwerp

Antwerp is a cultural, historical, and youthful port city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Dijon

Dijon is a historical, cultural, and laid-back city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Antwerp and Dijon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Antwerp or Dijon?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Antwerp than Dijon. 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 Dijon attracts visitors for its food and impressive beauty. Dijon is more touristy than Antwerp and is known for its cuisine, wine, and nearby vineyards. 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 Dijon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Plenty of people visit the great sights and museums in both Antwerp and Dijon.

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 Dijon can be an interesting and educational experience. This historic city is filled with sights worth checking. Palais des Ducs and the Musée des Beaux-Arts, Cathédrale Saint-Bénigne, and Eglise Notre-Dame are among the favorites.

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

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

Dijon has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. It is one of the top foodie destinations in France, and you'll find amazing local markets, award winning restaurants, and world class cuisine. Make sure you check out Les Halles Market to try local flavors. In addition to its famous mustard, the city is also popular for gingerbread, truffles, escargot, and, of course, wine.

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 Dijon Better for Nightlife?

Antwerp is notable for nightlife. Also, Dijon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Antwerp has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Dijon. While it's not a active as the larger European cities, there's still an fun nightlife scene that is driven mostly by the large student population.

Is Antwerp or Dijon Better for its Old Town?

Antwerp is notable for its historic old town. However, Dijon 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.

Dijon does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Antwerp or Dijon?

Antwerp is terrific for shopping. Also, Dijon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Antwerp is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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 Dijon. For the best shopping in town, head to the main shopping street - Rue de la Liberté. It's lined with everything from clothing stores to wine shops and larger department stores. You'll even be able to pick up some of the famed mustard while you're in town.

Is Antwerp or Dijon Better for Families?

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

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.

Dijon offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy the open space that the city offers. There are parks where they can run around, like The Parc de la Colombieres which has a carousel and a ropes course. There are also many museums including two favorites for young ones - Musee de la Vie Bourguignonne and Musee d'Histoire Naturelle.

Is Antwerp or Dijon Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Dijon frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Art, palaces, gardens, and fine wine make it a perfect couple's getaway. There is some of the best food in France, as well as a welcoming culture and many beautiful sights to explore.

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 Dijon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Antwerp and Dijon 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 Dijon. It's a beautiful city with a touristy vibe, so you'll likely meet other travelers while you're in town.

Is Antwerp or Dijon Better for Students?

Antwerp is notable for students. Also, Dijon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

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.

Plenty of students visit Dijon. While it's quieter than the bigger cities, you'll find a young vibe and enough of a nightlife scene to keep it interesting.

Is Antwerp or Dijon 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 Dijon.

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 Dijon offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Tram and buses offer access to many parts of the city.

Is Antwerp or Dijon a more walkable city?

Antwerp is notable for its walkability. Also, Dijon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Dijon is a somewhat walkable place. Most of the inner city is walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Dijon or Antwerp?

How long in Antwerp or Dijon?

It's fun to spend time in either Antwerp or Dijon. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Dijon 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 Dijon.

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

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

In Antwerp, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this authentic destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the shopping. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

In Dijon, 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 Dijon?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Antwerp. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

In Dijon, 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 Dijon has to offer.

Five days in Antwerp or Dijon?

Antwerp is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Antwerp. Lots of people come for the shopping. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Dijon 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 Dijon?

You'll find food and shopping around the historical destination of Antwerp. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the shopping. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dijon. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Dijon. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to France, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Antwerp or Dijon?

Antwerp has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Dijon. When comparing the sizes of Antwerp and Dijon, 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 Dijon?

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 Dijon in the Summer?

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

In July, Antwerp is generally cooler than Dijon. Daily temperatures in Antwerp average around 17°C (63°F), and Dijon fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Dijon this time of the year. In Antwerp, it's very sunny this time of the year. Antwerp usually receives less sunshine than Dijon during summer. Antwerp gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Dijon receives 266 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Antwerp usually receives more rain than Dijon. Antwerp gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Dijon receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Antwerp or Dijon in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Antwerp as well as Dijon. 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, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Dijon this time of year.

Antwerp is around the same temperature as Dijon in the autumn. The daily temperature in Antwerp averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Dijon fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Antwerp often gets less sunshine than Dijon. Antwerp gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dijon receives 121 hours of full sun.

Antwerp usually gets more rain in October than Dijon. Antwerp gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Dijon receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Antwerp or Dijon in the Winter?

Both Dijon 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 Dijon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Dijon. It's quite cold in Antwerp in the winter. In the winter, Antwerp is around the same temperature as Dijon. Typically, the winter temperatures in Antwerp in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Dijon averages at about 3°C (38°F).

Antwerp usually receives less sunshine than Dijon during winter. Antwerp gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Dijon receives 53 hours of full sun in the winter.

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

Should I visit Antwerp or Dijon in the Spring?

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

In April, Antwerp is generally cooler than Dijon. Daily temperatures in Antwerp average around 8°C (47°F), and Dijon fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

In the spring, Antwerp often gets less sunshine than Dijon. Antwerp gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dijon receives 178 hours of full sun.

Antwerp usually gets less rain in April than Dijon. Antwerp gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Dijon receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Dijon and Antwerp