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

Should you visit Antwerp or Nantes?

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 Nantes 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.

Nantes

Nantes is a welcoming, friendly, and historical city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Antwerp and Nantes: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Antwerp or Nantes?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Antwerp than Nantes, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Antwerp is more popular for its historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Nantes is known for its food and impressive beauty. Nantes is more touristy than Antwerp and is popular for its castles and historical landmarks, local wine, and beautiful parks and gardens. 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 Nantes?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Plenty of people visit the excellent sights and museums in both Antwerp and Nantes.

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 Nantes can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is filled with historical monuments, particularly in the Bouffay District. Highlights include Cathédrale Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul, Château des Ducs de Bretagne, and the Musée d'Arts de Nantes.

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

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

Nantes has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The region lends itself to unique flavors with a great mix of seafood from the Atlantic, freshwater fish from the Loire, and dairy from the surrounding countryside. The region is also famous for its wine. Local dishes that you should try include Filet de Sandre au Beurre Blanc (fresh fish in butter sauce), Crepes Bretonnes (breakfast crepes), and Le Canard Nantais (duck with Muscadet wine).

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 Nantes Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Antwerp and Nantes.

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.

Many people head to Nantes for the nightlife scene. The large student population heavily influences the nightlife scene. You'll find a young vibe with a lot of bars and clubs to choose from, particularly around Île de Nantes.

Is Antwerp or Nantes Better for its Old Town?

Antwerp is a very popular place for its historic old town charm. Also, Nantes is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its 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.

Many visitors go to Nantes to see the historical old town. The city's old town is in the Bouffay District and it is filled with half-timbered houses and a maze of streets and shops.

Is the Shopping Better in Antwerp or Nantes?

Antwerp is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Nantes 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.

Nantes is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There are impressive shopping streets, boutique stores, and grand shopping malls. Make sure you check out Rue Crébillon, Passage Pommeraye, and the shops around the Bouffay District. Talensac Market is also a historical covered market that you can explore.

Is Antwerp or Nantes Better for Families?

Nantes is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Antwerp is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Nantes is a very kid-friendly city. It's filled with gardens, museums, and theme parks, making it a great combination of fascinating activities for adults and kids alike. Some of the top kid-friendly activities include a visit to Machine of the Isle of Nantes (both a theme park and a museum), seeing a show at Le Lieu Unique, or experiencing Naudières Park (a smaller theme park). Kids will also enjoy seeing Goulaine Castle or wandering around Jardin Extraordinaire or the Botanical Gardens.

Antwerp offers lots of family activities. 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.

Is Antwerp or Nantes Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Nantes frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There is a mix of both natural and historical beauty. Couples can enjoy a nice meal, stroll through one of the many parks and gardens, or even spend the day at the spa.

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 Nantes Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Antwerp is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Nantes is lacking in good options for backpackers.

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.

Nantes is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't as many hostels as you would expect in the area, so finding an affordable and social place to stay may be a bit challenging.

Is Antwerp or Nantes Better for Students?

Antwerp is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Nantes is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for 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.

Nantes is popular with students. There's a decent sized student population and the city has a welcoming atmosphere. It's also easy to get around with public transportation.

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

Nantes is well known for its public transit. Also, Antwerp is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Nantes has some very good public transit options. There are both trams and buses throughout the city that are operated by TAN (Transport de l'Agglomeration Nantaise).

While Antwerp offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. 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.

Is Antwerp or Nantes a more walkable city?

Antwerp and Nantes 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.

Nantes is a very walkable destination. The city is very walkable. Both locals and tourists alike choose to walk in Nantes.

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

Should I spend more time in Nantes or Antwerp?

How long in Antwerp or Nantes?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Antwerp and Nantes. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Antwerp, and 2-3 days is enough time in Nantes.

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

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

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

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Antwerp. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

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

Antwerp is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

In Nantes, you'll find food and shopping. 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 Nantes has to offer.

Five days in Antwerp or Nantes?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Antwerp. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. 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. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Nantes 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 Nantes?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the authentic destination of Antwerp. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Nantes. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Nantes. 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 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.

When comparing the travel costs between Antwerp and Nantes, 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 Nantes Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Antwerp or Nantes?

Antwerp has a larger population, and is about 66% larger than the population of Nantes. When comparing the sizes of Antwerp and Nantes, 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 Nantes?

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 Nantes in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Antwerp as well as Nantes. The city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Antwerp this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Nantes for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Antwerp is cooler than Nantes. Typically, the summer temperatures in Antwerp in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Nantes averages at about 19°C (67°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nantes. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Antwerp this time of the year. In the summer, Antwerp often gets less sunshine than Nantes. Antwerp gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nantes receives 267 hours of full sun.

Antwerp usually gets more rain in July than Nantes. Antwerp gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Antwerp or Nantes in the Autumn?

Both Nantes 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. Also, many visitors come to Nantes in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Antwerp is generally around the same temperature as Nantes. Daily temperatures in Antwerp average around 12°C (54°F), and Nantes fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

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

In October, Antwerp usually receives around the same amount of rain as Nantes. Antwerp gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Antwerp or Nantes in the Winter?

Both Nantes 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. Also, most visitors come to Nantes for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Antwerp can get quite cold in the winter. Antwerp is much colder than Nantes in the winter. The daily temperature in Antwerp averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Nantes fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

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

Antwerp usually gets less rain in January than Nantes. Antwerp gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Antwerp or Nantes in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Antwerp and Nantes. Most visitors come to Antwerp for the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Nantes because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Antwerp is cooler than Nantes. Typically, the spring temperatures in Antwerp in April average around 8°C (47°F), and Nantes averages at about 11°C (51°F).

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

In April, Antwerp usually receives less rain than Nantes. Antwerp gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Nantes and Antwerp