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

Should you visit Bangkok or Antwerp?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Bangkok and Antwerp can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Bangkok

Bangkok is a cultural, alluring, and spirited capital city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. 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

Antwerp is a cultural, historical, and youthful port city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Bangkok and Antwerp: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bangkok or Antwerp?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bangkok than Antwerp. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Bangkok is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Antwerp attracts visitors for its historical sights. Bangkok is more touristy than Antwerp and is known for its colorful temples, lively markets, wild nightlife, and sprawling shopping malls. It is also well known for The Grand Palace and Wat Prakeaw. Antwerp is famous for its historic train station, festive chocolate shops, decadent waffle stands, and down-to-earth old town.

How is Bangkok different from Antwerp?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Antwerp and Bangkok. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Bangkok or Antwerp?

Bangkok 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 Bangkok are among the most recognizable in the world. The city is filled with golden temples and beautiful statues of Buddha. Famous landmarks include the Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Wat Arun, and the Temple of the Golden Buddha.

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

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

Bangkok has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The city has many colorful markets, street food vendors, and a range of restaurants from casual to high end. The aroma and beautiful flavors of local dishes are a big part of the experience in this city. Dishes that you must try include Pad Thai, Tom Yum Goong (shrimp soup), and Gaeng Daeng (red curry). Many foods are very spicy so make sure you order with "no spice" if that is your preference.

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 Bangkok or Antwerp Better for Nightlife?

Bangkok is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. Also, Antwerp is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Bangkok is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. Cheap drinks, late nights, and crazy parties make this city a favorite for backpackers and young party-goers. Head to Khao San Road for the biggest crowds and crazy parties. Nana Plaza is another option with a three story building that is filled with bars and clubs.

Many people head to Antwerp for the nightlife scene. 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.

Is Bangkok or Antwerp Better for its Old Town?

Antwerp is a great destination for its historic old town. However, Bangkok 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.

Bangkok does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Bangkok or Antwerp?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Antwerp and Bangkok.

Bangkok is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. Shopping options range from modern malls to more traditional markets. The malls offer bargain prices for technology and gadgets while the markets offer fabric, food, local goods, and a unique experience. The city also has nearby floating markets as well as night markets, which let you experience a different side to the culture.

Known for shopping, Antwerp draws large crowds to its stores. 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.

Is Bangkok or Antwerp Better for Families?

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

Bangkok is a very kid-friendly capital city. This city is full of energy and kids will love the vibrant atmosphere. There are colorful temples, spirited markets, and kid-friendly museums. It's good to choose a hotel with a pool, as temperatures can get hot during the day. Kids will also enjoy having new experiences like riding in a tuk tuk or taking a boat ride. There are also a number of amusement parks and entertainment centers around town.

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 Bangkok or Antwerp Better for Couples?

Bangkok is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. Also, Antwerp is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

For those traveling as a couple, Bangkok has plenty to offer. This is a great city for couples who enjoy culture, food, partying, and soaking up life. Wandering the grounds of the stunning temples, sampling food at the markets, or taking a boat cruise will all make memorable experiences.

Antwerp is a good capital 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 Bangkok or Antwerp Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bangkok is an unbeatable place for backpackers. Also, Antwerp is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Bangkok. This part of the world is a mecca for backpackers, and many arrive or depart from this city. It's filled with hostels and budget accommodation, as well as entertainment, bars, tours (and even scams so stay alert). The most famous backpacker area is around Khao San Road, where you'll find parties, bars, street food, and large crowds. If you're looking for a slightly more mellow vibe, you should consider a different area like Phaya Thai.

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 Bangkok or Antwerp Better for Students?

Antwerp is a great destination for students. However, Bangkok is not popular with 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.

Bangkok is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Bangkok and Antwerp.

You'll find some public transit in Bangkok, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The Skytrain and Metro are the most efficient way to get around. The city's crazy traffic can make buses and taxis a bit frustrating, but tuk tuks are also a fun option.

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 Bangkok or Antwerp a more walkable city?

Antwerp is a great destination for its walkability. However, Bangkok is a capital city with minimal options for its high level of walkability.

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

Bangkok is generally not a very walkable capital city. The crowds and size make walking a bit challenging, so it's best to plan your day in advance.

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

Should I spend more time in Antwerp or Bangkok?

How long in Bangkok or Antwerp?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Bangkok and Antwerp. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Bangkok than in Antwerp. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Bangkok, and 1-3 days is enough time in Antwerp.

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

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

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

One day in Bangkok or Antwerp?

Because Bangkok is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This capital city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Antwerp, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. This port 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 Bangkok or Antwerp?

Because Bangkok 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. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bangkok has to offer.

In Antwerp, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Antwerp has to offer.

Five days in Bangkok or Antwerp?

Bangkok 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 Bangkok has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Antwerp is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Bangkok or Antwerp?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bangkok. Because Bangkok 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Antwerp. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Antwerp. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Thailand, The Best Wildlife Tours to Thailand, The Best Tours for Seniors to Belgium, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Brussels.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Bangkok or Antwerp?

Bangkok has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Antwerp. When comparing the sizes of Bangkok and Antwerp, 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 Bangkok or Antwerp?

Antwerp has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Bangkok experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Bangkok or Antwerp in the Summer?

Both Antwerp and Bangkok are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bangkok throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Antwerp for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Bangkok is much warmer than Antwerp. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bangkok in July average around 29°C (84°F), and Antwerp averages at about 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Antwerp. Bangkok usually receives less sunshine than Antwerp during summer. Bangkok gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Antwerp receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Bangkok. In July, Bangkok usually receives more rain than Antwerp. Bangkok gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bangkok or Antwerp in the Autumn?

Both Antwerp and Bangkok during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Bangkok because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Antwerp because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Bangkok is generally much warmer than Antwerp. Daily temperatures in Bangkok average around 28°C (83°F), and Antwerp fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

It's quite sunny in Bangkok. In the autumn, Bangkok often gets more sunshine than Antwerp. Bangkok gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Antwerp receives 105 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Bangkok. Bangkok usually gets more rain in October than Antwerp. Bangkok gets 242 mm (9.5 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year. November to February is the dry season in Bangkok. May to October is the rainy season in Bangkok.

Should I visit Bangkok or Antwerp in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bangkok and Antwerp. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bangkok year-round. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Antwerp this time of year.

It's quite cold in Antwerp in the winter. Bangkok is much warmer than Antwerp in the winter. The daily temperature in Bangkok averages around 27°C (80°F) in January, and Antwerp fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In Bangkok, it's very sunny this time of the year. Bangkok usually receives more sunshine than Antwerp during winter. Bangkok gets 276 hours of sunny skies, while Antwerp receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Bangkok usually receives less rain than Antwerp. Bangkok gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter. November to February in Bangkok is the dry season.

Should I visit Bangkok or Antwerp in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Bangkok as well as Antwerp. Bangkok attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Additionally, many travelers come to Antwerp for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Bangkok is much warmer than Antwerp. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bangkok in April average around 31°C (87°F), and Antwerp averages at about 8°C (47°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bangkok this time of the year. In the spring, Bangkok often gets more sunshine than Antwerp. Bangkok gets 262 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Antwerp receives 158 hours of full sun.

Bangkok usually gets more rain in April than Antwerp. Bangkok gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year. May to October in Bangkok is the rainy season.

Typical Weather for Antwerp and Bangkok