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

Should you visit Antwerp or Washington?

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 Washington 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 museums, nightlife, and food.

Washington

Washington is a active, monument-filled, and international city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. And you can't forget about the museums, theater, and nightlife.

Antwerp and Washington: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Antwerp or Washington?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Washington than Antwerp. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Washington is very popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, music, hiking, big city activities, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Antwerp attracts visitors for its historical sights and shopping. Washington is more touristy than Antwerp and is popular for its reputation as the capital of the United States, but it's also known for its many monuments, memorials, and museums. It is also well known for The Washington Monument and the White House. Antwerp is famous for its historic train station, festive chocolate shops, decadent waffle stands, and down-to-earth old town.

How is Antwerp different from Washington?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Washington 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 Washington are among the most recognizable in the world. The city has world class museums that are often free. The Smithsonian Museums are arguably some of the most impressive museums in the United States. The city also has a large collection of monuments that are dedicated to past presidents or historical events. Many are best experienced at night when the sun sets and the lights come on.

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 Antwerp or Washington Better for Theater?

Washington is well known for its theatre productions. However, Antwerp is not a theatre destination.

Washington has a number of performance venues where you can see a variety of shows. Theater is popular in the city. From major theaters like the Kennedy Center and Ford's Theater, to lesser known smaller venues, there are options for everyone.

Antwerp is not a theatre destination.

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

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

Washington has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. This city is among the most diverse in the country, so you can find restaurants from almost any cuisine here. It's worth exploring and stepping out of your comfort zone. There are popular neighborhoods for Ethiopian, Korean, Thai, Japanese, and Chinese food, among many others.

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 Washington Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Washington for the nightlife scene. Many visitors head straight to the museums and the National Mall, and don't realize what a livable and fun city this is. Some of the best nightlife is found in Dupont Circle, U Street, and even Arlington, VA. The city's young population ensures that there's never a dull moment.

Is Antwerp or Washington Better for Music?

Washington 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 Washington. Notable live music venues include the 9:30 Club, the Anthem, and Union Stage.

Antwerp is not a live music destination.

Is Antwerp or Washington Better for its Old Town?

Antwerp is great for its historic old town. However, Washington 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.

Washington does not have a historic old town.

Is Antwerp or Washington Better for Hiking?

Washington is a city with a few options for its hiking experiences. However, Antwerp is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors include a hike while visiting Washington. Just outside of Washington DC you'll find plenty of places to go hiking. There's also an elaborate bike and walking trail system in the city. To enjoy a bit of nature, head to Teddy Roosevelt Island.

Antwerp is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Antwerp or Washington?

Antwerp is a world-class destination for shopping. Also, Washington is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Washington is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Head to Georgetown and Dupont Circle for some of the city's best local shopping. There are name brand chains mixed in with local boutiques. You'll also find plenty of souvenir shops in the more touristy areas if you're looking to pick up some trinkets.

Is Antwerp or Washington Better for Christmas?

Washington is an unbeatable place for its Christmas activities. However, Antwerp does not offer Christmas activities.

During Christmas, Washington is not to be missed. With it's beautiful lights and holiday shows, Christmas is beautiful in the capital of the United States.

Antwerp does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Antwerp or Washington Better for Families?

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

Washington is a very kid-friendly city. It is a fun and educational destination where kids can explore world class museums and try unique foods from all around the world. The city has nationally recognized landmarks, monuments, and memorials and it's also home to some of the best (free) museums in the United States including the world class Smithsonian Institutions. Many schools visit Washington DC as a field trip, particularly during the Spring months, so you'll kids groups in colorful t-shirts running around the National Mall.

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 Washington Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Washington frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The city lights up at night, so couples will enjoy wandering by the monuments in the evening or taking in a dinner and show. During the Spring months you'll find couples wandering through the Cherry Blossoms or along the waterfront.

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 Washington Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Antwerp is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Washington is not a good destination for backpackers.

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.

Washington is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it is an international travel destination, the city often isn't at the top of most backpacker's lists. There are some affordable accommodation options available though if you know where to look.

Is Antwerp or Washington Better for Students?

Washington is an unbeatable place for students. Also, Antwerp is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Students come from all over the world to visit Washington. International students come from around the world to study, learn, intern, and work in the capital of the United States. There are many internships available through the federal government as well as NGOs and nonprofits.

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.

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

Washington is an unbeatable place for its public transit. Also, Antwerp is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors in Washington can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The metro system and the bus system are reliable and efficient ways to explore the city.

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 Washington a more walkable city?

Washington is an unbeatable place for its high level of walkability. Also, Antwerp is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Getting around Washington on foot is easy. Many neighborhoods around the city are easy to explore on foot. Most tourists spend a lot of time in the Mall area, which is very pedestrian friendly.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Washington or Antwerp?

How long in Antwerp or Washington?

Both Antwerp and Washington have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Washington than in Antwerp. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Antwerp, and 3-7 days is enough time in Washington.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Washington 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 Washington.

One day in Antwerp or Washington?

With museums and nightlife around the youthful port city of Antwerp, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the shopping. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Antwerp, one day is sufficent for most.

Because Washington is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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 Washington?

With nightlife and food around the destination of Antwerp, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the shopping. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this port city.

Because Washington is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Antwerp or Washington?

Antwerp, a popular port city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Washington is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Washington has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Antwerp or Washington?

Antwerp is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the shopping. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Washington. Because Washington is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

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 Washington, we can see that Washington 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 Washington 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 Washington would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Washington 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 Washington Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Antwerp or Washington?

Washington has a larger population, and is about 20% larger than the population of Antwerp. When comparing the sizes of Antwerp and Washington, 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 Washington?

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 Washington in the Summer?

Both Washington and Antwerp during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Antwerp because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Washington this time of year.

In July, Antwerp is generally much colder than Washington. Daily temperatures in Antwerp average around 17°C (63°F), and Washington fluctuates around 79°F (26°C).

In Washington, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Antwerp. In the summer, Antwerp often gets less sunshine than Washington. Antwerp gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Washington receives 278 hours of full sun.

Antwerp usually gets less rain in July than Washington. Antwerp gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Washington receives 3.5 inches (88 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Antwerp or Washington in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Antwerp and Washington. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Antwerp this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Washington for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Antwerp is cooler than Washington in the autumn. The daily temperature in Antwerp averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Washington fluctuates around 60°F (15°C).

Antwerp usually receives less sunshine than Washington during autumn. Antwerp gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Washington receives 197 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Antwerp usually receives around the same amount of rain as Washington. Antwerp gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Washington receives 2.9 inches (73 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Antwerp or Washington in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Antwerp as well as Washington. Many travelers come to Antwerp for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Washington in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Washington can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Antwerp. In the winter, Antwerp is much warmer than Washington. Typically, the winter temperatures in Antwerp in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Washington averages at about 35°F (1°C).

In the winter, Antwerp often gets less sunshine than Washington. Antwerp gets 47 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Washington receives 139 hours of full sun.

Antwerp usually gets less rain in January than Washington. Antwerp gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Washington receives 2.7 inches (68 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Antwerp or Washington in the Spring?

Both Washington and Antwerp are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Antwerp in the spring for the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Washington for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Antwerp is generally much colder than Washington. Daily temperatures in Antwerp average around 8°C (47°F), and Washington fluctuates around 56°F (14°C).

It's quite sunny in Washington. Antwerp usually receives less sunshine than Washington during spring. Antwerp gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Washington receives 228 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Antwerp usually receives less rain than Washington. Antwerp gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Washington receives 2.8 inches (72 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Washington and Antwerp