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

Should you visit Antwerp or Kiel?

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

Antwerp

Antwerp is a authentic, genuine, and cultural port city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Kiel

Kiel is a authentic, off-the-beaten-path, and waterfront city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Antwerp and Kiel: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Antwerp or Kiel?

You'll generally find more things to do in Antwerp than Kiel. Antwerp is bigger than Kiel, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Antwerp is better known for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Kiel is more popular for its beaches. Kiel is more touristy than Antwerp and is known for its maritime history and its role as the host of the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival. Antwerp is well known for its historic train station, festive chocolate shops, decadent waffle stands, and down-to-earth old town. Also, Antwerp is famous for Antwerpen-Centraal.

How is Antwerp different from Kiel?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Antwerp is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Kiel. You'll find museums and landmarks that focus on the city's maritime past. These include Submarine U-995, the Naval Memorial, Schifffahrtsmuseum Kiel, and Leuchtturm Bülk.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Antwerp and Kiel can be an enjoyable experience.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Antwerp. 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!

Kiel is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The local cuisine, Schleswig-Holstein cuisine, is similar to much of Germany in that the dishes are hearty and filling. There are many British and Scandenavian influences. Local dishes that you should try include Kieler Sprotte (herring-like fish), Schnüüsch (veggie stew), and Mehlbüdel (bread dumpling with pork belly)

Is Antwerp or Kiel Better for Nightlife?

Antwerp is well known for nightlife and partying. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Antwerp is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Kiel has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is low key and relaxing. You can sip a cocktail at a trendy bar or enjoy a beer on a floating beach bar.

Is Antwerp or Kiel Better for Beaches?

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

Many people head to Kiel to enjoy the beach. The city has several sandy beaches with coastal dunes and a family-friendly atmosphere.

Antwerp is not a beach destination.

Is Antwerp or Kiel Better for its Old Town?

Antwerp is well known for its old town. However, Kiel 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.

Kiel does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Antwerp or Kiel?

Antwerp is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Antwerp make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.

Kiel has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There's a mix of retail shopping centers and pedestrian shopping streets like Holstenstrasse and Dänische Strasse.

Is Antwerp or Kiel Better for Families?

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

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.

Kiel offers lots of family activities. The U-Boot U 995 is a museum on an actual submarine. Kids will love exploring this unique setting. The Kiel Botanical Gardens is another beautiful and fun place to explore. Also make sure you check out the city's aquarium, the Zoologisches Museum, and Computermuseum der Fachhochschule Kiel.

Is Antwerp or Kiel Better for Couples?

Both Antwerp and Kiel are notable 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.

Kiel is a good port city for couples to visit. The old port city sits along Germany’s Baltic Sea and couples can enjoy learning about the city's maritime past and shopping along the shopping streets of Holstenstrasse and Dänische Strasse.

Is Antwerp or Kiel Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Antwerp is a popular place for backpackers. However, Kiel is not particularly known 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.

Kiel is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it's not on the main backpacker circuit, there is a hostel or two in town.

Is Antwerp or Kiel Better for Students?

Antwerp is well known for students. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

It's common for students to visit Kiel. Students can enjoy the city's beaches and lively nightlife scene.

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

Antwerp is a popular place for its public transit. However, Kiel is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Kiel. There is a bus system around town.

Is Antwerp or Kiel a more walkable city?

Antwerp is well known for its high level of walkability. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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

Kiel is a somewhat walkable port city. Some parts of Kiel are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Kiel or Antwerp?

How long in Antwerp or Kiel?

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

Families should spend more time in Antwerp than Kiel. 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 Kiel. 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 Antwerp than Kiel 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 Kiel?

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 Kiel, you'll find nightlife and 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 Kiel?

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 Kiel, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Kiel has to offer.

Five days in Antwerp or Kiel?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the youthful 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.

Kiel 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 Kiel?

The genuine 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 Kiel. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Kiel. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin.

When comparing the travel costs between Antwerp and Kiel, we can see that Kiel 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 Kiel Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Antwerp or Kiel?

Antwerp has a larger population, and is about 98% larger than the population of Kiel. When comparing the sizes of Antwerp and Kiel, 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 Kiel?

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 Kiel in the Summer?

Both Kiel and Antwerp are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Antwerp for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Kiel because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Antwerp is around the same temperature as Kiel in the summer. The daily temperature in Antwerp averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Kiel fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

It's quite sunny in Kiel. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Antwerp. Antwerp usually receives less sunshine than Kiel during summer. Antwerp gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Kiel receives 219 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Antwerp usually receives less rain than Kiel. Antwerp gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 88 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Antwerp or Kiel in the Autumn?

Both Kiel and Antwerp during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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 and the shopping scene are the main draw to Kiel this time of year.

In the autumn, Antwerp is a little warmer than Kiel. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Antwerp in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Kiel averages at about 10°C (50°F).

In the autumn, Antwerp often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kiel. Antwerp gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kiel receives 102 hours of full sun.

Antwerp usually gets more rain in October than Kiel. Antwerp gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Antwerp or Kiel in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Antwerp and Kiel. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Antwerp this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Kiel for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Kiel. It's quite cold in Antwerp in the winter. In January, Antwerp is generally much warmer than Kiel. Daily temperatures in Antwerp average around 3°C (38°F), and Kiel fluctuates around 0°C (33°F).

Antwerp usually receives more sunshine than Kiel during winter. Antwerp gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Kiel receives 39 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Antwerp usually receives around the same amount of rain as Kiel. Antwerp gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Antwerp or Kiel in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Antwerp as well as Kiel. Many travelers come to Antwerp for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Kiel in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

Antwerp is a little warmer than Kiel in the spring. The daily temperature in Antwerp averages around 8°C (47°F) in April, and Kiel fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the spring, Antwerp often gets less sunshine than Kiel. Antwerp gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kiel receives 171 hours of full sun.

Antwerp usually gets less rain in April than Kiel. Antwerp gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kiel and Antwerp