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

Should you visit Antwerp or Ottawa?

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 Ottawa 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.

Ottawa

Ottawa is a friendly, welcoming, and cultural city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and food. See Ottawa travel costs.

Antwerp and Ottawa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Antwerp or Ottawa?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Antwerp than Ottawa. While Ottawa is larger than Antwerp, Antwerp has more sights and attractions for tourists. 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. Ottawa is popular for its history, politics, and green space.

How is Antwerp different from Ottawa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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 Ottawa can be an interesting and educational experience. As the country's capital, there are a large number of museums to explore. There are summer national museums in town which include the National Gallery of Canada, the Museum of History, the Science and Technology Museum, the Aviation and Space Museum, the Agriculture and Food Museum, the Museum of Nature, and the War Museum.

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

Antwerp is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Ottawa 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!

Ottawa offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The culinary scene highlights many Canadian classics like poutine and maple donuts (and, of course, the classic Tim Horton's), but you'll also find plenty of international options like shawarma.

Is Antwerp or Ottawa Better for Nightlife?

Antwerp is a very popular place for its evening party scene. However, Ottawa is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Antwerp has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Ottawa is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. It's not the first place that comes to mind when you think about partying, but there are live music venues and a some great bars around town.

Is Antwerp or Ottawa Better for its Old Town?

Antwerp is a very popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Ottawa 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.

Ottawa does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Antwerp or Ottawa?

Antwerp is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. Also, Ottawa 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.

Ottawa is a great destination for shopping. You'll find large malls, outlets, and shopping streets that are fun to browse. Some of the favorite shopping areas include ByWard Market, Sparks Street, and CF Rideau Centre.

Is Antwerp or Ottawa Better for Families?

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

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.

Ottawa offers lots of family activities. As the country's capital, you'll find a number of museums that will keep a kid's attention. In particular, check out the aviation, science, and nature museums. If you have a car, you can head out to Calypso Water Park, which is fun as well.

Is Antwerp or Ottawa Better for Couples?

Both Antwerp and Ottawa 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.

Ottawa is a good port city for couples to visit. The city is filled with parks and green spaces where you can enjoy flowers or peaceful walks. Commissioners Park is particularly nice and known for its tulips during the spring season. Dow's Lake is a nice place for ice skating in the winter or kayaking in the summer. The city also offers a number of romantic restaurants and charming hotels.

Is Antwerp or Ottawa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Antwerp and Ottawa are good 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 Ottawa. Although the city is often overlooked by tourists, there are a surprising number of hostels around town.

Is Antwerp or Ottawa Better for Students?

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

Ottawa is popular with students. It appeals to international and Canadian students alike. It's known for its livability and diverse cultural scene.

Is Antwerp or Ottawa 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 Ottawa.

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 Ottawa offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is both a public bus and light rail system.

Is Antwerp or Ottawa a more walkable city?

Antwerp is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. Also, Ottawa is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

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

Ottawa is somewhat walkable. Many of the urban neighborhoods are very walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Ottawa or Antwerp?

How long in Antwerp or Ottawa?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Antwerp and Ottawa. In our opinion, Antwerp has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Antwerp than Ottawa. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Antwerp, and 2-3 days is enough time in Ottawa.

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

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 Ottawa, you'll find museums and 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 Ottawa?

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 Ottawa, 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 Ottawa has to offer.

Five days in Antwerp or Ottawa?

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.

Ottawa 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 Ottawa?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historical 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 Ottawa. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Ottawa. 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 from Brussels, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Canada, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Canada.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Antwerp and Ottawa, we can see that Antwerp is more expensive. And not only is Ottawa much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Antwerp is in Europe and Ottawa is in North 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 Ottawa would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Ottawa 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 Ottawa.

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

Which is Bigger, Antwerp or Ottawa?

Ottawa has a larger population, and is about 77% larger than the population of Antwerp. When comparing the sizes of Antwerp and Ottawa, 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 Ottawa?

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 Ottawa in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Antwerp as well as Ottawa. Most visitors come to Antwerp for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Ottawa because of the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Antwerp is cooler than Ottawa. Typically, the summer temperatures in Antwerp in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Ottawa averages at about 21°C (71°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Ottawa. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Antwerp this time of the year. In the summer, Antwerp often gets less sunshine than Ottawa. Antwerp gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 268 hours of full sun.

Antwerp usually gets less rain in July than Ottawa. Antwerp gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Antwerp or Ottawa in the Autumn?

Both Ottawa and Antwerp are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Antwerp because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, the shopping scene are the main draw to Ottawa this time of year.

In October, Antwerp is generally a little warmer than Ottawa. Daily temperatures in Antwerp average around 12°C (54°F), and Ottawa fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Antwerp usually receives less sunshine than Ottawa during autumn. Antwerp gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 116 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Antwerp usually receives around the same amount of rain as Ottawa. Antwerp gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Antwerp or Ottawa in the Winter?

Both Ottawa and Antwerp during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Antwerp this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Ottawa for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Ottawa. It's quite cold in Antwerp in the winter. Antwerp is much warmer than Ottawa in the winter. The daily temperature in Antwerp averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Ottawa fluctuates around -10°C (14°F).

In the winter, Antwerp often gets less sunshine than Ottawa. Antwerp gets 47 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Ottawa receives 93 hours of full sun.

Antwerp usually gets more rain in January than Ottawa. Antwerp gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Antwerp or Ottawa in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Antwerp and Ottawa. Many travelers come to Antwerp for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Antwerp is a little warmer than Ottawa. Typically, the spring temperatures in Antwerp in April average around 8°C (47°F), and Ottawa averages at about 6°C (44°F).

Antwerp usually receives less sunshine than Ottawa during spring. Antwerp gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Ottawa receives 180 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Antwerp usually receives less rain than Ottawa. Antwerp gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Ottawa receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Ottawa and Antwerp