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

Should you visit Belfast or Antwerp?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Belfast or Antwerp, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Belfast

Belfast is a under-rated, authentic, and affordable 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 and shopping.

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 nightlife, food, and shopping.

Belfast and Antwerp: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Belfast or Antwerp?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Antwerp than Belfast. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Belfast is more touristy than Antwerp and is known for being the birthplace of the Titanic and the location of the era of the "Troubles". 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 Belfast different from Antwerp?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Antwerp is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Belfast does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Antwerp is a nice place to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Belfast is not a good city for its restaurants.

Antwerp offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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 Belfast. While many restaurants have moved towards more modern cuisines, there are still places that hold tight to the traditions of the area. Traditional dishes include pasties, full Irish breakfasts, and oysters.

Is Belfast or Antwerp Better for Nightlife?

Antwerp is a well-known place for nightlife. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Antwerp offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Belfast. The city has a number of bars and clubs with local DJs or musicians.

Is Belfast or Antwerp Better for its Old Town?

Antwerp is a well-known place for its historic old town. However, Belfast does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Antwerp to see the historical old town. 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.

Belfast does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Belfast or Antwerp?

Antwerp is an unbeatable place for shopping. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Antwerp is a famous shopping destination with plenty of 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Belfast. The main shopping areas in the city are Victoria Square Shopping Centre and CastleCourt.

Is Belfast or Antwerp Better for Families?

Belfast and Antwerp are both nice destinations for the whole family.

Belfast is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has several great kid-friendly museums, a zoo, and a few indoor or outdoor activity centers where you can let kids play and explore.

Antwerp is a family-friendly city. 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 Belfast or Antwerp Better for Couples?

Antwerp is a nice place to visit for romance. However, Belfast is not a good city for its romantic activities.

Antwerp is a nice destination for couples. 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.

Most people don't think of Belfast as a couple's destination. There are gardens and parks to explore, several nice hotels with spas, and an Observatory on the 23rd floor of the Grand Central Hotel.

Is Belfast or Antwerp Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Antwerp is a nice place to visit for backpackers. However, Belfast is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Belfast is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's a reasonably affordable destination with a few hostels to choose from, but most backpackers don't make their way to this city.

Is Belfast or Antwerp Better for Students?

Antwerp is a well-known place for students. Also, Belfast is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

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.

Plenty of students visit Belfast. The city's affordability has made it a popular option for international students headed to the area.

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

Antwerp is a nice place to visit for its public transit. However, Belfast is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Antwerp has a few public transit options. 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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Belfast. There is a bus service in the city.

Is Belfast or Antwerp a more walkable city?

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

Belfast is a somewhat walkable place.

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

Should I spend more time in Antwerp or Belfast?

How long in Belfast or Antwerp?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Belfast and Antwerp. In our opinion, Antwerp has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Antwerp than Belfast. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Antwerp than Belfast 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 Belfast or Antwerp?

In Belfast, you'll find nightlife and shopping. 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.

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 Belfast or Antwerp?

In Belfast, you'll find shopping and nightlife. 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 Belfast 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 Belfast or Antwerp?

Belfast 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.

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 Belfast or Antwerp?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Belfast. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Belfast. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

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 Budget Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, 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 Belfast and Antwerp, we can see that Belfast is more expensive. And not only is Antwerp much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. 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 Belfast would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Belfast 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 Belfast Expensive? and Is Antwerp Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Belfast or Antwerp?

Antwerp has a larger population, and is about 67% larger than the population of Belfast. When comparing the sizes of Belfast 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 Belfast or Antwerp?

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 Belfast or Antwerp in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Belfast is cooler than Antwerp. Typically, the summer temperatures in Belfast in July average around 15°C (59°F), and Antwerp averages at about 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Antwerp this time of the year. Belfast usually receives less sunshine than Antwerp during summer. Belfast gets 151 hours of sunny skies, while Antwerp receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Belfast usually receives around the same amount of rain as Antwerp. Belfast gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Belfast or Antwerp in the Autumn?

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

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

In the autumn, Belfast often gets less sunshine than Antwerp. Belfast gets 92 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Antwerp receives 105 hours of full sun.

Belfast usually gets more rain in October than Antwerp. Belfast gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Belfast or Antwerp in the Winter?

Both Antwerp and Belfast are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Belfast this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Antwerp for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Antwerp. It's quite cold in Belfast in the winter. Belfast is a little warmer than Antwerp in the winter. The daily temperature in Belfast averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Antwerp fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Belfast usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Antwerp during winter. Belfast gets 50 hours of sunny skies, while Antwerp receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Belfast usually receives more rain than Antwerp. Belfast gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Belfast or Antwerp in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Belfast is around the same temperature as Antwerp. Typically, the spring temperatures in Belfast in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Antwerp averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the spring, Belfast often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Antwerp. Belfast gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Antwerp receives 158 hours of full sun.

Belfast usually gets more rain in April than Antwerp. Belfast gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Antwerp and Belfast