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

Should you visit Antwerp or La Rochelle?

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 La Rochelle 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.

La Rochelle

La Rochelle is a quaint, charming, and peaceful coastal town. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Antwerp and La Rochelle: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Antwerp or La Rochelle?

You'll generally find more things to do in Antwerp than La Rochelle. Antwerp is bigger than La Rochelle, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Antwerp is better known for its nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while La Rochelle is more popular for its food, beaches, historical sights, hiking, and small town charm. La Rochelle is more touristy than Antwerp and is popular for its medieval towers, maritime history, and beautiful setting. 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 La Rochelle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 La Rochelle can be an interesting and educational experience. Filled with history, the town itself is like a living museum. Within town there are many sights such as the Vieux Port, La Rochelle Aquarium, Musée d'Histoire Naturelle, and Musée du Nouveau Monde de La Rochelle.

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

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

La Rochelle has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. It may be small, but its filled with delicious cafes, bistros, and local restaurants. Seafood is the obvious choice in this coastal town and many visitors head to Vieux Port to eat, as many restaurants there offer waterfront views. If you want something a little less touristy, head to the St. Nicolas District, which was the town's former fishing district. Rue de la Fourche is also a charming road with many places to grab a bite or a drink. Or head to Rue St Jean-du-Perot, which is just off the old port.

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 La Rochelle Better for Nightlife?

Antwerp is great for nightlife and partying. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its evening party scene.

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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in La Rochelle. While it's known as a peaceful, seaside town, you'll still find wine bars, pubs, and even a club or two around town.

Is Antwerp or La Rochelle Better for Beaches?

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

Many people head to La Rochelle to enjoy the beach. There are three main beaches in town that each attract a crowd on warm summer days. Plage de la Concurrence, Plage Chef de Baie, and Plage des Minimes are the closest beaches to La Rochelle, and they are popular for sunbathing and water sports. They have a mix of sand, pebbles, and cliffside views that attract locals and tourists alike.

Antwerp is not a beach destination.

Is Antwerp or La Rochelle Better for its Old Town?

La Rochelle 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, La Rochelle offers plenty to see. The old town is filled with wandering cobblestone streets, charming squares, and cafes that spill into the street.

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 Antwerp or La Rochelle Better for Hiking?

La Rochelle is very good for its hiking experiences. However, Antwerp is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting La Rochelle. There are many coastal walks just outside of town that take you along the scenic coastline. It's beautiful to stroll through the countryside and pass through many quaint villages.

Antwerp is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Antwerp or La Rochelle?

Antwerp is very popular for its shopping opportunities. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town 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.

Many visitors go to La Rochelle to go shopping. The old town is filled with boutique shops as well as some name brands. Another fun place to visit is Les Halles, which is an indoor market with fresh produce, seafood, and many local cheeses.

Is Antwerp or La Rochelle Better for Families?

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

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.

La Rochelle offers lots of family activities. It's a coastal town with a port that you can explore. There's also an aquarium and many great seafood restaurants. A nice day trip is to go to l'Ile de Ré, which has nice beaches, some with playgrounds.

Is Antwerp or La Rochelle Better for Couples?

La Rochelle 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, La Rochelle has plenty to offer. This beautiful coastal town is seeped in history. There are beautiful squares, romantic parks, and cobblestone streets that you can wander down. It's also nice to take a coastal walk before grabbing dinner at a local seafood restaurant.

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 La Rochelle Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Antwerp and La Rochelle are notable 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 La Rochelle. There aren't a ton of hostels in the area, but there are just enough that you should be able to find a place to stay.

Is Antwerp or La Rochelle Better for Students?

Antwerp is great for its student-friendly activities. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for students.

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.

La Rochelle is a good port city to visit for students. It's a touristy city with a lot for students to see and do, but the atmosphere is generally quiet and peaceful.

Is Antwerp or La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle.

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 La Rochelle offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Public transit around town is operated by Yeló, and mostly consists of buses.

Is Antwerp or La Rochelle a more walkable city?

Antwerp and La Rochelle both are great 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.

La Rochelle is a very walkable destination. It's filled with meandering cobblestone streets that are best explored on foot. Most places around town can be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in La Rochelle or Antwerp?

How long in Antwerp or La Rochelle?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle.

One day in Antwerp or La Rochelle?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the authentic port city of Antwerp. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Most people visit for the shopping. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this port city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

La Rochelle is a small town with plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This coastal 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 La Rochelle?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the genuine destination of Antwerp. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This port city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

La Rochelle might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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. 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 La Rochelle has to offer.

Five days in Antwerp or La Rochelle?

The authentic port city of Antwerp offers shopping and museums. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

La Rochelle is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 La Rochelle?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Antwerp. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people visit for the shopping. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in La Rochelle. Since La Rochelle is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. One reason most visitors come is for the food. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Paris, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris.

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

Which is Bigger, Antwerp or La Rochelle?

Antwerp has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of La Rochelle. When comparing the sizes of Antwerp and La Rochelle, 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 La Rochelle?

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 La Rochelle in the Summer?

Both La Rochelle and Antwerp during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Antwerp for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to La Rochelle because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Antwerp is cooler than La Rochelle in the summer. The daily temperature in Antwerp averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and La Rochelle fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).

In La Rochelle, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Antwerp. In the summer, Antwerp often gets less sunshine than La Rochelle. Antwerp gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Rochelle receives 267 hours of full sun.

Antwerp usually gets more rain in July than La Rochelle. Antwerp gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Antwerp or La Rochelle in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Antwerp and La Rochelle. The autumn months attract visitors to Antwerp because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to La Rochelle this time of year.

In the autumn, Antwerp is cooler than La Rochelle. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Antwerp in October average around 12°C (54°F), and La Rochelle averages at about 15°C (59°F).

Antwerp usually receives less sunshine than La Rochelle during autumn. Antwerp gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while La Rochelle receives 141 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Antwerp usually receives more rain than La Rochelle. Antwerp gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Antwerp or La Rochelle in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Antwerp as well as La Rochelle. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Antwerp this time of year. Also, many travelers come to La Rochelle for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Antwerp in the winter. In January, Antwerp is generally much colder than La Rochelle. Daily temperatures in Antwerp average around 3°C (38°F), and La Rochelle fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Antwerp often gets less sunshine than La Rochelle. Antwerp gets 47 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Rochelle receives 72 hours of full sun.

Antwerp usually gets less rain in January than La Rochelle. Antwerp gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Antwerp or La Rochelle in the Spring?

Both La Rochelle and Antwerp are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Antwerp for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to La Rochelle in the spring for the beaches and the small town charm.

Antwerp is cooler than La Rochelle in the spring. The daily temperature in Antwerp averages around 8°C (47°F) in April, and La Rochelle fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Antwerp usually receives less sunshine than La Rochelle during spring. Antwerp gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while La Rochelle receives 187 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Antwerp usually receives around the same amount of rain as La Rochelle. Antwerp gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for La Rochelle and Antwerp