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

Should you visit Antwerp or Portland?

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 Portland can help you decide which place is right for you.

Antwerp

Antwerp is a vibrant, authentic, and genuine port city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Portland

Portland is a tree-lined, nature-filled, and scenic city. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Antwerp and Portland: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Antwerp or Portland?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Antwerp. Although Antwerp and Portland are popular destinations, Antwerp has more sights and attractions for tourists. Antwerp is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Portland attracts visitors for its music, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Portland is more touristy than Antwerp and is popular for its independent and vintage shops, thriving art scene, lush parks and gardens, progressive and quirky personality, and easy access to amazing natural beauty. Antwerp is famous for its historic train station, festive chocolate shops, decadent waffle stands, and down-to-earth old town. It is also well known for Antwerpen-Centraal.

How is Antwerp different from Portland?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Antwerp is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Portland is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Antwerp. 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.

Portland offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Visitors usually come for the city's outdoor recreation and eclectic personality more than the landmarks and museums. There are a few places to visit on a rainy day though including Pittock Mansion, the Portland Art Museum, and the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry.

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

Antwerp is a port city with good options for its restaurants. However, Portland is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around 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!

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Portland. The town is more famous for it's craft beer than it's food, but there are still a number of local restaurants that offer unique Oregon dishes. You'll find no shortage of vegetarian and vegan options on most menus. There is also a big farm-to-table scene with many farmers markets around town as well.

Is Antwerp or Portland Better for Nightlife?

Antwerp is a very popular place for nightlife. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

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.

Portland has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Famously, this town's nightlife is all about the craft beer and local breweries. Make sure you check out Bailey's Taproom, The Big Legrowlski, and The Commons Brewery.

Is Antwerp or Portland Better for Music?

Portland is very good for its live music scene. However, Antwerp is not a live music destination.

Music lovers will find a few good venues in Portland. The town has a thriving live music and international folk dancing scene.

Antwerp is not a live music destination.

Is Antwerp or Portland Better for its Old Town?

Antwerp is a very popular place for its historic old town. However, Portland does not have a historic old town.

Antwerp is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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.

Portland does not have a historic old town.

Is Antwerp or Portland Better for Hiking?

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

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Portland. Just outside of town you'll find amazing hikes and stunning natural beauty. In town there are many urban hikes through parks and gardens, but in just a short drive you also have access to Mount Hood and many of the region's most beautiful hikes around the Columbia River Gorge.

Antwerp is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Antwerp or Portland?

Antwerp is very popular for shopping. Also, Portland is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Antwerp. 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.

Portland offers some nice shopping areas. To fully experience shopping in town, head to the local vendors and thrift shops. There are many vintage clothing shops, book stores, and independent sellers around town. The city is also full of farmers markets. For some of the most interesting shopping, check out the Pearl District, Pioneer Place, Union Way, and Downtown neighborhoods.

Is Antwerp or Portland Better for Families?

You'll find nice kid-friendly activities in either Antwerp or Portland.

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.

Portland offers lots of family activities. This is an outdoor city by nature, so families will appreciate the many parks and outdoor recreational activities around town. It's easy to fill a couple of days exploring and having fun with the kids. Kid-friendly activities include the zoo, the aerial tram, and several great museums.

Is Antwerp or Portland Better for Couples?

Both Antwerp and Portland are nice 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.

Portland is a good port city for couples to visit. The laid-back, alternative vibe is fun to explore as a couple. There are independent bookstores, nice parks, and plenty of outdoor activities to choose from. Couples who enjoy an eclectic city, breweries, and nature, will find a lot to do in town.

Is Antwerp or Portland Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Portland is a great city to visit for backpackers. The town has drawn young explorers for years, and backpackers who like to step away from the mainstream will feel right at home here.

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 Portland Better for Students?

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

Students come from all over to stay in Antwerp. 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.

Portland is popular with students. It's a young and relaxed city that attracts independent thinkers. There are many bookstores and breweries around town. The cost of living can be a bit high though.

Is Antwerp or Portland 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 Portland.

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 Portland offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The town has a bus and light rail system as well the Aerial tram.

Is Antwerp or Portland a more walkable city?

Antwerp and Portland both are superb 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.

Portland is a very walkable destination. It is quite walkable, particularly in the tourist areas such as Downtown, Pearl, and Old Town Chinatown.

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

Should I spend more time in Portland or Antwerp?

How long in Antwerp or Portland?

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

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

One day in Antwerp or Portland?

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

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 Portland, you'll find nightlife and live music. 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 Portland has to offer.

Five days in Antwerp or Portland?

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.

Portland 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 Portland?

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 Portland. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Portland. 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 Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Antwerp and Portland, we can see that Portland is more expensive. And not only is Antwerp much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Antwerp is in Europe and Portland 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 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 Portland would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Portland 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 Portland Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Antwerp or Portland?

Portland has a larger population, and is about 18% larger than the population of Antwerp. When comparing the sizes of Antwerp and Portland, 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 Portland?

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 Portland in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Antwerp as well as Portland. Many travelers come to Antwerp for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Portland in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Antwerp is generally cooler than Portland. Daily temperatures in Antwerp average around 17°C (63°F), and Portland fluctuates around 68°F (20°C).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Portland. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Antwerp this time of the year. In the summer, Antwerp often gets less sunshine than Portland. Antwerp gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 338 hours of full sun.

Antwerp usually gets more rain in July than Portland. Antwerp gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Portland receives 0.7 inches (18 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Antwerp or Portland in the Autumn?

Both Portland and Antwerp are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Antwerp in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Portland for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the music scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Antwerp is around the same temperature as Portland in the autumn. The daily temperature in Antwerp averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Portland fluctuates around 55°F (13°C).

Antwerp usually receives less sunshine than Portland during autumn. Antwerp gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 155 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Antwerp usually receives more rain than Portland. Antwerp gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Portland receives 2.6 inches (67 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Antwerp or Portland in the Winter?

Both Portland and Antwerp during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Antwerp for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Portland because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Portland can be very cold. Antwerp can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Antwerp is cooler than Portland. Typically, the winter temperatures in Antwerp in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Portland averages at about 40°F (4°C).

In the winter, Antwerp often gets less sunshine than Portland. Antwerp gets 47 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Portland receives 86 hours of full sun.

Portland gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Antwerp usually gets less rain in January than Portland. Antwerp gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Portland receives 5.2 inches (132 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Antwerp or Portland in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Antwerp and Portland. The spring months attract visitors to Antwerp because of the activities around the city. Also, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Portland this time of year.

In April, Antwerp is generally cooler than Portland. Daily temperatures in Antwerp average around 8°C (47°F), and Portland fluctuates around 51°F (11°C).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Portland this time of the year. Antwerp usually receives less sunshine than Portland during spring. Antwerp gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Portland receives 231 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Antwerp usually receives less rain than Portland. Antwerp gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Portland receives 2.4 inches (61 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Portland and Antwerp