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

Should you visit Antwerp or Florence?

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

Antwerp

Antwerp is a historical, youthful, and vibrant port city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Florence

Florence is a artistic, iconic, and alluring city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Antwerp and Florence: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Antwerp or Florence?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Florence than Antwerp. While Antwerp is larger than Florence, Florence has more sights and attractions for tourists. Florence is better known for its museums, food, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Antwerp is more popular for its nightlife, shopping, and big city activities. Florence is more touristy than Antwerp and is popular for its iconic beauty, world-renowned Renaissance art and architecture, and beautifully maintained gardens. Also, Florence is famous for The Duomo (Santa Maria del Fiore). Antwerp is well known for its historic train station, festive chocolate shops, decadent waffle stands, and down-to-earth old town.

How is Antwerp different from Florence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Florence is an unbeatable place for its museums and landmarks. Also, Antwerp is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Florence are among the most recognizable in the world. Because of it's important role in the Renaissance, the city has many world-renowned museums that you can visit. Famous sights and landmarks include the Uffizi Gallery, the Duomo, and the Academy Gallery.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Antwerp can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

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

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

Florence has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Once you've worked up an appetite exploring museums and churches, you'll find many amazing local restaurants around town. Local dishes incorporate a lot of hearty vegetables and meats. Famous dishes include a Florentine steak dish, rabbit, and a bean bed and cabbage soup.

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 Florence Better for Nightlife?

Antwerp is a great port city for nightlife and partying. Also, Florence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Antwerp has something for everybody. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Florence. You'll find the most active nightlife in the Santa Croce neighborhood. The area attracts study abroad students as well as tourists who party late into the night.

Is Antwerp or Florence Better for its Old Town?

Florence 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, Florence offers plenty to see. The historic center of the city is where you'll find many of the most beautiful buildings, art works, and quaint streets. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it was at the heart of the Renaissance period.

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 Florence?

Antwerp is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Florence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Antwerp draws large crowds to its 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.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Florence. There are many shops in the tourist heart of the city. Most are geared specifically to tourists so you may have to search to find a more authentic shopping experience. Famous items available in the city include gold jewelry, ceramics, leather, and perfume.

Is Antwerp or Florence Better for Families?

You'll find notable kid-friendly activities in either Antwerp or Florence.

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.

Florence offers lots of family activities. Most famous for its art and history, the city also has a number of activities that kids will enjoy. There's a carousel and a park that are perfect to let the little ones run around. There are a few kid-friendly museums, as well as a historic city center that will mesmerize the old and young alike.

Is Antwerp or Florence Better for Couples?

Florence is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. Also, Antwerp is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

For those traveling as a couple, Florence has plenty to offer. Art and history lovers will enjoy a visit to this truly beautiful city. Couples who enjoy museums, historic buildings, and world-renowned art, will find plenty to do in this city.

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 Florence Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Florence is an unbeatable place for backpackers. Also, Antwerp is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Florence. The city is part of a popular route through Italy, and you'll find many backpackers and students in town. There are also many hostels, so you should have no trouble meeting other young travelers.

It's common for backpackers to 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.

Is Antwerp or Florence Better for Students?

Florence is an unbeatable place for students. Also, Antwerp is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Students come from all over the world to visit Florence. Many students visit this city as part of a short term study abroad program, or for the entire length of their studies. The city is beautiful, and whether your focus is art, history, or culture, this city will not disappoint.

Antwerp is a great port city to visit as a student. 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.

Is Antwerp or Florence 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 Florence.

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 Florence offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a comprehensive bus system.

Is Antwerp or Florence a more walkable city?

Florence 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 Florence on foot is easy. Most people explore the city on foot.

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 Florence Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Florence or Antwerp?

How long in Antwerp or Florence?

Both Antwerp and Florence have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Florence than in Antwerp. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Antwerp, and 2-7 days is enough time in Florence.

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

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

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

One day in Antwerp or Florence?

The port city of Antwerp offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Florence, 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 Florence?

Antwerp is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this port city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Antwerp, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

In Florence, 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 Florence has to offer.

Five days in Antwerp or Florence?

Antwerp is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that shopping is why people visit. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Florence is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Florence has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Antwerp or Florence?

Antwerp is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that shopping is why people visit. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This port city offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Florence. In Florence, you'll find museums and nightlife. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

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 Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Antwerp or Florence?

Antwerp has a larger population, and is about 24% larger than the population of Florence. When comparing the sizes of Antwerp and Florence, 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 Florence?

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 Florence in the Summer?

Both Florence and Antwerp during the summer are popular places to visit. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Antwerp this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Florence for the family-friendly experiences.

Antwerp is cooler than Florence in the summer. The daily temperature in Antwerp averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Florence fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

In Florence, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Antwerp. In the summer, Antwerp often gets less sunshine than Florence. Antwerp gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 316 hours of full sun.

Antwerp usually gets more rain in July than Florence. Antwerp gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Florence receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Antwerp or Florence in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Antwerp and Florence. Many travelers come to Antwerp for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Florence in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Antwerp is cooler than Florence. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Antwerp in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Florence averages at about 16°C (61°F).

Antwerp usually receives less sunshine than Florence during autumn. Antwerp gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Antwerp usually receives less rain than Florence. Antwerp gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Florence receives 96 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Antwerp or Florence in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Antwerp as well as Florence. Many visitors come to Antwerp in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Florence for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Antwerp can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Antwerp is generally much colder than Florence. Daily temperatures in Antwerp average around 3°C (38°F), and Florence fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In the winter, Antwerp often gets less sunshine than Florence. Antwerp gets 47 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 105 hours of full sun.

Antwerp usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Florence. Antwerp gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Florence receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Antwerp or Florence in the Spring?

Both Florence and Antwerp are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Antwerp for the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Florence because of the natural beauty.

Antwerp is much colder than Florence in the spring. The daily temperature in Antwerp averages around 8°C (47°F) in April, and Florence fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

Antwerp usually receives less sunshine than Florence during spring. Antwerp gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Antwerp usually receives less rain than Florence. Antwerp gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Florence receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Florence and Antwerp