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

Should you visit Antwerp or Honfleur?

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 Honfleur 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.

Honfleur

Honfleur is a scenic, historic, and peaceful city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, museums, and nightlife.

Antwerp and Honfleur: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Antwerp or Honfleur?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Antwerp. Although Antwerp and Honfleur are popular destinations, Antwerp has more sights and attractions for tourists. Antwerp is very popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Honfleur attracts visitors for its food, beaches, and impressive beauty. Honfleur is more touristy than Antwerp and is popular for its influence over Impressionist art, its stunning harbor, and its beautiful 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 Honfleur?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Antwerp is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. Also, Honfleur is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Honfleur offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Some of the most notable sights around the town include Saint Catherine's Church, Le Vieux Bassin, Notre-Dame de Grace, and the Normandy Bridge.

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

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

Honfleur has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Located on the coast of Normandy along the English Channel, seafood is a defining element for most dishes here. Foodies flock to this town for its Michelin starred restaurants as well as its local cafes and quaint eateries. For land-lovers, there's a popular local cider-braised pork that you must-try. And for dessert make sure you try the Tarte Tatin.

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 Honfleur Better for Nightlife?

Antwerp is an excellent place to visit for nightlife. Also, Honfleur is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Antwerp has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Honfleur has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Restaurants come to life at night when music flows out onto the streets. The town is not known for its partying, but that doesn't mean that it's a sleepy place that shuts down when the sun sets.

Is Antwerp or Honfleur Better for Beaches?

Honfleur is a city with a few options for the beache. However, Antwerp is not a beach destination.

You can check out the beach in Honfleur. The town sits by the estuary of the Seine and there are two beaches not far from town. Butin Beach is the closest to town and the most popular, but Vasouy Beach is more relaxed and natural.

Antwerp is not a beach destination.

Is Antwerp or Honfleur Better for its Old Town?

Antwerp is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town. However, Honfleur does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights 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.

Honfleur does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Antwerp or Honfleur?

Antwerp is an unbeatable place for shopping. However, Honfleur is lacking in options for its shopping opportunities.

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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Honfleur has some nice offerings. It's a charming town with boutique shops, chocolate shops, and the standard tourist places that sell souvenirs and t-shirts.

Is Antwerp or Honfleur Better for Families?

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

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.

Honfleur offers lots of family activities. Located on the coast of Normandy, the town has boat rides, quirky museums, and Vieux Bassin, which is a beautiful and lively harbor. For kids who need to stretch their legs, there are many parks and outdoor spaces to enjoy.

Is Antwerp or Honfleur Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Honfleur frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It has, arguably, one of the area's most beautiful harbors. There are also many great seafood restaurants, relaxing gardens, and spas that are perfect for couples.

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 Honfleur Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Antwerp is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Honfleur is lacking in options for backpackers.

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.

Honfleur is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. You'll likely have more luck looking for an apartment than a hostel, so if you're looking for a place to stay with a social setting, you may be out of luck.

Is Antwerp or Honfleur Better for Students?

Antwerp is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Honfleur is not popular with students.

Antwerp is very popular with students. 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.

Honfleur is not popular with students.

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

Antwerp is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Honfleur is lacking in options for its public transit.

Antwerp has some 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 generally limited in Honfleur. HO Buses travel from the outskirts or town into the center and are used mainly by locals. If you plan to head into Normandy to see the countryside, you'll want to have a car.

Is Antwerp or Honfleur a more walkable city?

Antwerp and Honfleur both are very good when exploring on foot.

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

Honfleur is a very walkable destination. The city center is compact and easy to explore on foot. There are also many coastal walks leading out of town.

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

Should I spend more time in Honfleur or Antwerp?

How long in Antwerp or Honfleur?

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

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

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

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 Honfleur, you'll find museums and nightlife. One reason most visitors come is for the 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 Honfleur?

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

Five days in Antwerp or Honfleur?

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.

Honfleur 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 Honfleur?

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 Honfleur. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Honfleur. 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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Antwerp or Honfleur?

Antwerp has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Honfleur. When comparing the sizes of Antwerp and Honfleur, 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.