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

Should you visit Antwerp or Jaco?

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

Antwerp

Antwerp is a genuine, cultural, and historical port city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Antwerp travel costs.

Jaco

Jaco is a popular, touristy, and laid back town. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and nightlife. See Jaco travel costs.

Antwerp and Jaco: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Antwerp or Jaco?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Antwerp. Although Antwerp and Jaco are both popular with visitors, Antwerp has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Antwerp is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Jaco is known for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, and beaches. Jaco is more touristy than Antwerp and is popular for its surfing, nightlife, and 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.

How is Antwerp different from Jaco?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Antwerp is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Jaco is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

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.

Jaco offers a few options for museum-goers. Most people spend their time outside or partying while they're in town.

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

Antwerp is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Jaco is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Antwerp has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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!

Jaco offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There's a range of restaurants around town that include hamburger joints, pizza shops, and other casual favorites. You'll find a variety of options along the main strip as well.

Is Antwerp or Jaco Better for Nightlife?

Jaco is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. Also, Antwerp is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Jaco is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. What was once a quiet surfing town is now one of the most famous party destinations in Costa Rica. There are a constantly growing number of bars and clubs around town and you'll find tons of young tourists and backpackers looking for a party.

Many people head to Antwerp for the nightlife scene. 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.

Is Antwerp or Jaco Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Jaco is very good for its diving and snorkeling. However, Antwerp is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Jaco. You can't really snorkel at Jaco Beach because of the waves and water conditions, but there are a number of snorkeling tours that leave from town and take you to better spots.

Antwerp is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Antwerp or Jaco Better for Beaches?

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

Many people head to Jaco to enjoy the beach. Jaco Beach is a great spot for swimming and surfing. It's lost some of its original charm, but there's still golden sand and nearby horseback riding.

Antwerp is not a beach destination.

Is Antwerp or Jaco Better for its Old Town?

Antwerp is a very popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Jaco does not have a historic old town.

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.

Jaco does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Antwerp or Jaco?

Antwerp is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. Also, Jaco is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many people travel to Antwerp specifically to go shopping. 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.

Jaco is a great destination for shopping. Many of the shops are found along the main street. There are a number of souvenir stores and a few art galleries that are worth checking out.

Is Antwerp or Jaco Better for Families?

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

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.

Jaco offers lots of family activities. Nearby you'll find horseback riding, monkey tours, and other fun kid-friendly activities. Kids will enjoy the beaches in the area as well.

Is Antwerp or Jaco Better for Couples?

Both Antwerp and Jaco 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.

Jaco is a good port city for couples to visit. It's one of the more touristy parts of Costa Rica, but if you enjoy surfing and beach life, then you'll find a lot to do in the area.

Is Antwerp or Jaco Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Jaco is well known for backpackers. Also, Antwerp is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Jaco is a great town to visit for backpackers. It's a touristy town with a bit of a party reputation. There are plenty of hostels and other backpackers around so you shouldn't have trouble meeting people.

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 Jaco Better for Students?

Antwerp is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Jaco is not popular with students.

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.

Jaco is not popular with students.

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

Antwerp is a nice place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Jaco is lacking in good 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 Jaco. Most people walk or get around by bicycle.

Is Antwerp or Jaco a more walkable city?

Antwerp and Jaco both are excellent 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.

Jaco is a very walkable destination. The town is compact and walkable. You'll find many of the restaurants and shops along the main street, and it's easy to reach the beach on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Jaco or Antwerp?

How long in Antwerp or Jaco?

It's fun to spend time in either Antwerp or Jaco. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Jaco due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Antwerp, and 3-4 days is enough time in Jaco.

Families should spend more time in Antwerp than Jaco. 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 Jaco. 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 Jaco 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 Jaco.

One day in Antwerp or Jaco?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Antwerp. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Jaco, you'll find nightlife and food. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. This town 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 Jaco?

Antwerp is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the shopping. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Jaco, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Antwerp or Jaco?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the vibrant destination of Antwerp. This port city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Jaco 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 Jaco?

The historical port city of Antwerp offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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's hard to know how much time to spend in Jaco. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Jaco. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. 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 Coach Bus Tours in Belgium, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Belgium, The Best Budget Tours to Costa Rica, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Costa Rica.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Antwerp and Jaco, we can see that Antwerp is more expensive. And not only is Jaco much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Antwerp is in Europe and Jaco is in Central America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Jaco would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Jaco 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 Antwerp would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Antwerp than you might in Jaco.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Antwerp Expensive? and Is Jaco Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Antwerp or Jaco?

Antwerp has a larger population, and is about 110 times larger than the population of Jaco. When comparing the sizes of Antwerp and Jaco, 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 Jaco?

Antwerp has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Jaco experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Antwerp or Jaco in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Antwerp as well as Jaco. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Antwerp this time of year. The warm climate attracts visitors to Jaco throughout the year.

In the summer, Antwerp is much colder than Jaco. Typically, the summer temperatures in Antwerp in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Jaco averages at about 28°C (82°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Antwerp this time of the year. In the summer, Antwerp often gets more sunshine than Jaco. Antwerp gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Jaco receives 164 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Jaco. Antwerp usually gets less rain in July than Jaco. Antwerp gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Jaco receives 164 mm (6.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Antwerp or Jaco in the Autumn?

Both Jaco and Antwerp are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Antwerp for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Plenty of visitors come to Jaco because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year.

In October, Antwerp is generally much colder than Jaco. Daily temperatures in Antwerp average around 12°C (54°F), and Jaco fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

Antwerp usually receives less sunshine than Jaco during autumn. Antwerp gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Jaco receives 169 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Jaco. In October, Antwerp usually receives less rain than Jaco. Antwerp gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Jaco receives 254 mm (10 in) of rain each month for the autumn. The dry season in Jaco is November to May. June to October is the hurricane season in Jaco.

Should I visit Antwerp or Jaco in the Winter?

Both Jaco and Antwerp during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Antwerp in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Jaco year-round.

Antwerp can get quite cold in the winter. Antwerp is much colder than Jaco in the winter. The daily temperature in Antwerp averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Jaco fluctuates around 27°C (81°F).

In Jaco, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the winter, Antwerp often gets less sunshine than Jaco. Antwerp gets 47 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Jaco receives 264 hours of full sun.

Antwerp usually gets more rain in January than Jaco. Antwerp gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Jaco receives 8 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Antwerp or Jaco in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Antwerp and Jaco. Most visitors come to Antwerp for the activities around the city during these months. Jaco attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate.

In the spring, Antwerp is much colder than Jaco. Typically, the spring temperatures in Antwerp in April average around 8°C (47°F), and Jaco averages at about 29°C (85°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Jaco this time of the year. Antwerp usually receives less sunshine than Jaco during spring. Antwerp gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Jaco receives 255 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Antwerp usually receives more rain than Jaco. Antwerp gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Jaco receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the spring. November to May in Jaco is the dry season. June to October in Jaco is the hurricane season.

Typical Weather for Jaco and Antwerp