A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Antwerp vs. Mont-Saint-Michel for Attractions, Couples, Food, and Families

Should you visit Antwerp or Mont-Saint-Michel?

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 Mont-Saint-Michel 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.

Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel is a breathtaking, inspiring, and iconic island. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the hiking, museums, and food.

Antwerp and Mont-Saint-Michel: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Antwerp or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Antwerp than Mont-Saint-Michel, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Antwerp is better known for its nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Mont-Saint-Michel is more popular for its museums, hiking, and impressive beauty. Mont-Saint-Michel is more touristy than Antwerp and is known for its Gothic-style abbey and its medieval village that stands at its base. 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel are among the most recognizable in the world. Visitors come to see the iconic Abbaye du Mont Saint-Michel which has been the inspiration for tourists and religious pilgrims for centuries. Make sure you see the Ramparts and La Grande Rue.

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 Mont-Saint-Michel? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Antwerp and Mont-Saint-Michel 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!

Mont-Saint-Michel is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are a number of local restaurants to choose from that serve authentic French cuisine including the pre-salted sheep, which is a local specialty.

Is Antwerp or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Nightlife?

Antwerp is a great destination for nightlife and partying. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is a island with minimal options for its evening party scene.

The people in Antwerp know how to have a good time. 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.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Mont-Saint-Michel Most people visit the island as a daytrip and nightlife is essentially nonexistent.

Is Antwerp or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for its Old Town?

Antwerp is a great destination for its old town. However, Mont-Saint-Michel 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.

Mont-Saint-Michel does not have a historic old town.

Is Antwerp or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Hiking?

Mont-Saint-Michel is very good for its hiking experiences. However, Antwerp is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Mont-Saint-Michel. There's a 4.2 mile out and back trail that can be walked in about 1.5 hours.

Antwerp is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Antwerp or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Antwerp is a world-class destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Mont-Saint-Michel is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Antwerp or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Families?

Antwerp is very good for its family-friendly activities. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is a island with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

For families, Mont-Saint-Michel is not always the best place to visit. Kids may enjoy a horse drawn carriage ride or exploring the grounds, but it can make for a long day for kids with short attention spans.

Is Antwerp or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Couples?

Mont-Saint-Michel 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, Mont-Saint-Michel has plenty to offer. It's a stunning setting and makes a romantic backdrop for a couples holiday, whether it's part of a longer trip to France or a short weekend away.

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 Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Antwerp and Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel. You'll find a couple of hostels an cheap hotels in the area.

Is Antwerp or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Students?

Antwerp is a great destination for students. However, Mont-Saint-Michel 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.

Mont-Saint-Michel is not popular with students.

Is Antwerp or Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel.

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 Mont-Saint-Michel offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a free shuttle bus that connects Mont-Saint-Michel to the mainland.

Is Antwerp or Mont-Saint-Michel a more walkable city?

Antwerp and Mont-Saint-Michel 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.

Mont-Saint-Michel is a very walkable destination. There are many stunning walks in the area.

For even more information, also check out Is Antwerp Worth Visiting? and Is Mont-Saint-Michel Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Mont-Saint-Michel or Antwerp?

How long in Antwerp or Mont-Saint-Michel?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Antwerp or Mont-Saint-Michel to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Antwerp than Mont-Saint-Michel because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Antwerp, and 1-2 days is enough time in Mont-Saint-Michel.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Antwerp than Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

With shopping and museums around the destination of Antwerp, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One day is often enough time to do most activities. It offers something for everyone.

In Mont-Saint-Michel, you'll find food and museums. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. This island 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

With museums and nightlife around the vibrant port city of Antwerp, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Visiting the old town is also a must. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

In Mont-Saint-Michel, you'll find museums 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 museums. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Mont-Saint-Michel has to offer.

Five days in Antwerp or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historical destination of Antwerp. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

Antwerp is a popular choice for travelers. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One of the main draws to the area is the shopping. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mont-Saint-Michel. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Mont-Saint-Michel. One reason most visitors come is for the museums. 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 River Cruises in France, and The Best Bicycle Tours in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Antwerp or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Antwerp has a larger population, and is about 5750 times larger than the population of Mont-Saint-Michel. When comparing the sizes of Antwerp and Mont-Saint-Michel, 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 Mont-Saint-Michel?

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 Mont-Saint-Michel in the Summer?

Both Mont-Saint-Michel and Antwerp are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Antwerp because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Mont-Saint-Michel this time of year.

Antwerp is around the same temperature as Mont-Saint-Michel in the summer. The daily temperature in Antwerp averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

It's quite sunny in Mont-Saint-Michel. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Antwerp. Antwerp usually receives less sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel during summer. Antwerp gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 246 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Antwerp usually receives more rain than Mont-Saint-Michel. Antwerp gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Antwerp or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Autumn?

Both Mont-Saint-Michel and Antwerp during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Antwerp this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Mont-Saint-Michel for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Antwerp is around the same temperature as Mont-Saint-Michel. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Antwerp in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Antwerp often gets less sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel. Antwerp gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 134 hours of full sun.

Antwerp usually gets more rain in October than Mont-Saint-Michel. Antwerp gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Antwerp or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Antwerp and Mont-Saint-Michel. Many travelers come to Antwerp for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Mont-Saint-Michel in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Antwerp. In January, Antwerp is generally much colder than Mont-Saint-Michel. Daily temperatures in Antwerp average around 3°C (38°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Antwerp usually receives less sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel during winter. Antwerp gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 70 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Antwerp usually receives around the same amount of rain as Mont-Saint-Michel. Antwerp gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Antwerp or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Antwerp as well as Mont-Saint-Michel. Many visitors come to Antwerp in the spring for the activities around the city. Additionally, most visitors come to Mont-Saint-Michel for the natural beauty during these months.

Antwerp is cooler than Mont-Saint-Michel in the spring. The daily temperature in Antwerp averages around 8°C (47°F) in April, and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In the spring, Antwerp often gets less sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel. Antwerp gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 180 hours of full sun.

Antwerp usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Mont-Saint-Michel. Antwerp gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Mont-Saint-Michel and Antwerp