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

Should you visit Antwerp or Pamplona?

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 Pamplona 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 nightlife, food, and shopping.

Pamplona

Pamplona is a historic, elegant, and laid-back 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 Pamplona: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Antwerp or Pamplona?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Pamplona than Antwerp. While Antwerp is larger than Pamplona, Pamplona has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Pamplona is better known for its food and hiking, while Antwerp is more popular for its museums, historical sights, and shopping. Pamplona is more touristy than Antwerp and is known for being the home of the Running of the Bulls Festival. Also, Pamplona is famous for The Running of the Bulls Festival. Antwerp is well known for its historic train station, festive chocolate shops, decadent waffle stands, and down-to-earth old town.

How is Antwerp different from Pamplona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Antwerp is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

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 Pamplona. Although most people visit in July for the Running of the Bulls, throughout the year there are some interesting museums and sights around town. You can check out the Cathedral of Pamplona, the Museo de Navarra, and the main plaza in town, Plaza del Castillo.

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

Pamplona is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Antwerp is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Pamplona. Local cuisine includes lots of fresh vegetables like mushrooms, artichokes, asparagus, and onion. You'll find many unique dishes in the area, and you shouldn't leave without trying the txistorra (sausage), revuelto de setas (eggs and mushrooms), and ajoarriero (cod).

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 Pamplona Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Pamplona for the nightlife scene. There's a good sized university population that keeps the nightlife active around town. The Old Quarter is likely where you'll find the most going on, particularly around Calle San Nicolás and Calle Estafeta. Earlier in the evening the crowd is pretty young, but as the evening passes you'll find the crowd matures a bit.

Is Antwerp or Pamplona Better for its Old Town?

Antwerp is a well-known place for its old town. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic old town charm.

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.

Pamplona has an old town worth visiting. You'll find elegant buildings and grand plazas around the Old Quarter.

Is Antwerp or Pamplona Better for Hiking?

Pamplona is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Antwerp is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Pamplona. It's a stop off on the famed Camino de Santiago, so if you want to walk part of the route, this is a nice place to explore.

Antwerp is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Antwerp or Pamplona?

Antwerp is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Pamplona has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find some good markets around town. It's also fun to shop for local handicrafts or souvenirs to remember your trip by.

Is Antwerp or Pamplona Better for Families?

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

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.

Pamplona offers lots of family activities. The city is very green, with many parks and gardens where kids can stretch their legs. There's also the Pamplona Planetarium and several museums that relate to environmental education.

Is Antwerp or Pamplona Better for Couples?

Both Antwerp and Pamplona 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.

Pamplona is a good port city for couples to visit. Although it's most known for the Running of the Bulls in July, the city also has some interesting sights at other times of the year. Couples can walk around the city walls, or explore the many parks in town. There are also some interesting museums.

Is Antwerp or Pamplona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Pamplona is well known for backpackers. Also, Antwerp is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Pamplona is a great city to visit for backpackers. Backpackers are drawn to this city during July for the Running of the Bulls festival. It's also a stop along the Camino de Santiago, which brings in a young, budget-oriented crowd.

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.

Is Antwerp or Pamplona Better for Students?

Antwerp is a well-known place for students. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

Plenty of students visit Pamplona. This is a quiet city, which appeals to some students. The laid back atmosphere makes it a nice place to relax and learn.

Is Antwerp or Pamplona 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 Pamplona.

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 Pamplona offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a comprehensive bus system around town.

Is Antwerp or Pamplona a more walkable city?

Antwerp and Pamplona 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.

Pamplona is a very walkable destination. It's a stop off on the Camino de Santiago, so many people arrive on foot. It's also an easy city to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Pamplona or Antwerp?

How long in Antwerp or Pamplona?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Antwerp or Pamplona to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Antwerp than Pamplona 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 Pamplona.

Families should spend more time in Antwerp than Pamplona. 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 Pamplona. 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 Pamplona 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 Pamplona.

One day in Antwerp or Pamplona?

The port city of Antwerp offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Pamplona, you'll find nightlife and food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Pamplona?

Antwerp is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this port city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Antwerp, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

In Pamplona, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Pamplona has to offer.

Five days in Antwerp or Pamplona?

Antwerp is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that shopping is why people visit. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Pamplona is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Pamplona?

Antwerp is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that shopping is why people visit. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This port city offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Pamplona. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Pamplona. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 3-Week Tours in Spain, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain.

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

Which is Bigger, Antwerp or Pamplona?

Antwerp has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Pamplona. When comparing the sizes of Antwerp and Pamplona, 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 Pamplona?

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 Pamplona in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Antwerp and Pamplona. Most visitors come to Antwerp for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Pamplona because of the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Antwerp is cooler than Pamplona in the summer. The daily temperature in Antwerp averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Pamplona fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pamplona this time of the year. In Antwerp, it's very sunny this time of the year. Antwerp usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Pamplona during summer. Antwerp gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Pamplona receives 209 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Antwerp usually receives less rain than Pamplona. Antwerp gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Antwerp or Pamplona in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Antwerp as well as Pamplona. The autumn months attract visitors to Antwerp because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Additionally, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene are the main draw to Pamplona this time of year.

In the autumn, Antwerp is cooler than Pamplona. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Antwerp in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Pamplona averages at about 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Antwerp often gets less sunshine than Pamplona. Antwerp gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pamplona receives 144 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Pamplona. Antwerp usually gets less rain in October than Pamplona. Antwerp gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Antwerp or Pamplona in the Winter?

Both Pamplona and Antwerp are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Antwerp this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Pamplona 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 Pamplona. Daily temperatures in Antwerp average around 3°C (38°F), and Pamplona fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Antwerp usually receives less sunshine than Pamplona during winter. Antwerp gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Pamplona receives 85 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pamplona. In January, Antwerp usually receives less rain than Pamplona. Antwerp gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Antwerp or Pamplona in the Spring?

Both Pamplona and Antwerp during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Antwerp for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Pamplona in the spring for the activities around the city.

Antwerp is cooler than Pamplona in the spring. The daily temperature in Antwerp averages around 8°C (47°F) in April, and Pamplona fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the spring, Antwerp often gets more sunshine than Pamplona. Antwerp gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pamplona receives 141 hours of full sun.

Pamplona gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Antwerp usually gets less rain in April than Pamplona. Antwerp gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Pamplona and Antwerp