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

Should you visit Brisbane or Antwerp?

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 Brisbane and Antwerp can help you decide which place is right for you.

Brisbane

Brisbane is a relaxed, diverse, and cultural coastal city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Antwerp

Antwerp is a genuine, cultural, and historical port city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Brisbane and Antwerp: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Brisbane or Antwerp?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Brisbane than Antwerp, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Brisbane is more popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Antwerp is known for its historical sights and shopping. Brisbane is more touristy than Antwerp and is popular for its sports culture, beautiful weather, and outdoor areas. It is also home to the Cultural Centre. Antwerp is popular for its historic train station, festive chocolate shops, decadent waffle stands, and down-to-earth old town.

How is Brisbane different from Antwerp?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

You'll find a number of very good museums and attractions in both Antwerp and Brisbane.

Many visitors head to Brisbane specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The Cultural Centre is where you'll find many of the city's museums. It sits on the banks of the Brisbane River and is home to the State Library of Queensland, the Queensland Museum and Sciencentre, and Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery of Modern Art. This is also where you'll find the Queensland Performing Arts Centre. Also popular is the Brisbane Botanic Gardens and the Wheel of Brisbane.

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 Brisbane or Antwerp? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Brisbane and Antwerp can be difficult as they are each good in their own way.

Brisbane is becoming an appealing option for foodies. You'll find all of the standard eateries around town, with casual cafes, family-friendly restaurants, and some fine dining experiences to choose from.

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!

Is Brisbane or Antwerp Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is very good in both Brisbane and Antwerp.

Many people head to Brisbane for the nightlife scene. Fortitude Valley is the entertainment district in the city, and it really comes to life at night. There are also many venues that take advantage of the beautiful weather with outdoor and rooftop bars.

Antwerp has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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 Brisbane or Antwerp Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Brisbane is very good for its diving and snorkeling. However, Antwerp is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Brisbane. There are some good snorkeling and diving spots near the city. One of the best is the Tangalooma Wrecks off Moreton Island.

Antwerp is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Brisbane or Antwerp Better for Beaches?

Brisbane is well known for the beache. However, Antwerp is not a beach destination.

Brisbane is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. For the best beaches, you'll want to take a day trip out of town, but there are also some nice beaches right by the city. About 30 minutes from town is family-friend Suttons Beach, or you can stay in the city center and check out the man-made Streets Beach. Shorncliffe Beach is another option that's less than a half hour from town.

Antwerp is not a beach destination.

Is Brisbane or Antwerp Better for its Old Town?

Antwerp is great for its historic old town charm. However, Brisbane 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.

Brisbane does not have a historic old town.

Is Brisbane or Antwerp Better for Hiking?

Brisbane is very good for its hiking experiences. However, Antwerp is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Brisbane. There are a number of hikes outside of town that you can enjoy as a day trip. Check out the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail, Keperra Bushland Reserve, or D'Aguilar National Park to the north of town. To the south is Toohey Forest Park, Springwood Conservation Park , and Venmans Bushland National Park.

Antwerp is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Brisbane or Antwerp?

Antwerp is an amazing port city to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Brisbane is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for shopping.

Many people travel to Antwerp specifically to go shopping. 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.

Brisbane is an extremely popular place for shoppers. It's one of the most popular cities for retail therapy in Queensland. Queen Street Mall is an open air shopping mall and James Street is a favorite shopping street in town.

Is Brisbane or Antwerp Better for Families?

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

Brisbane is a very kid-friendly coastal city. Kids will love a visit to the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary or White Ridge Farm. And, of course, you should take a ride on the iconic Wheel of Brisbane. If you're willing to head out of town you can visit the fun Tangalooma Island Resort. Streets Beach is also fun to visit.

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 Brisbane or Antwerp Better for Couples?

Both Brisbane and Antwerp are good destinations to visit as a couple.

Brisbane is a good coastal city for couples to visit. The waterfront setting and romantic restaurants offer a nice getaway for couples. There are many outdoor spaces that are fun to explore as well.

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.

Is Brisbane or Antwerp Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Brisbane is a great coastal city to visit for backpackers. Many backpackers breeze through Brisbane in favor of other nearby destinations, but there are actually a number of hostels in town and some interesting things to do.

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 Brisbane or Antwerp Better for Students?

For students, both Brisbane and Antwerp are very good places to visit.

Brisbane is very popular with students. Many students appreciate the local vibe, warm weather, and excellent education opportunities that the city offers.

Antwerp is a great coastal 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 Brisbane or Antwerp Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Brisbane and Antwerp both offer good public transit to get you around.

While Brisbane offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses, trains, and ferries around town, but many people prefer to have their own vehicle. Ferries are the most fun and scenic way to get around.

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.

Is Brisbane or Antwerp a more walkable city?

Brisbane and Antwerp are very good when it comes to walkability.

Brisbane is a very walkable destination. There's a good network of paths that make parts of the city walkable.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Antwerp or Brisbane?

How long in Brisbane or Antwerp?

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

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

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

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

One day in Brisbane or Antwerp?

In Brisbane, you'll find shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This coastal city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

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.

A weekend in Brisbane or Antwerp?

In Brisbane, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Brisbane has to offer.

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.

Five days in Brisbane or Antwerp?

Brisbane is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the 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.

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.

A week in Brisbane or Antwerp?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Brisbane. Many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting Brisbane. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Australia, The Best Adventure Tours to Australia, The Best Tours for Seniors to Belgium, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Brussels.

When comparing the travel costs between Brisbane and Antwerp, we can see that Brisbane 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. Even though Brisbane is in Pacific and Antwerp is in Europe, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Brisbane or Antwerp?

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

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Brisbane is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Antwerp has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Brisbane or Antwerp in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Brisbane as well as Antwerp. The summer months attract visitors to Brisbane because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Antwerp this time of year.

In January, Brisbane is generally a little warmer than Antwerpin July. Daily temperatures in Brisbane average around 25°C (77°F), and Antwerp fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Antwerp. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Brisbane this time of the year. In the summer, Brisbane often gets more sunshine than Antwerpin July. Brisbane gets 256 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Antwerp receives 202 hours of full sun.

Brisbane receives a lot of rain in the summer. Brisbane usually gets more rain in January than Antwerpin July. Brisbane gets 169 mm (6.7 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Brisbane or Antwerp in the Autumn?

Both Antwerp and Brisbane are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene are the main draw to Brisbane this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Antwerp for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Brisbane is much warmer than Antwerp in the autumn. The daily temperature in Brisbane averages around 22°C (71°F) in April, and Antwerp fluctuates around 12°C (54°F)in October.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Brisbane. Brisbane usually receives more sunshine than Antwerp during autumn. Brisbane gets 214 hours of sunny skies, while Antwerp receives 105 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Brisbane. In April, Brisbane usually receives more rain than Antwerpin October. Brisbane gets 112 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Brisbane or Antwerp in the Winter?

Both Antwerp and Brisbane during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Brisbane for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Antwerp in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Antwerp can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Brisbane is much warmer than Antwerp. Typically, the winter temperatures in Brisbane in July average around 15°C (59°F), and Antwerp averages at about 3°C (38°F)in January.

It's quite sunny in Brisbane. In the winter, Brisbane often gets more sunshine than Antwerpin January. Brisbane gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Antwerp receives 47 hours of full sun.

Brisbane usually gets more rain in July than Antwerpin January. Brisbane gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Brisbane or Antwerp in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Brisbane and Antwerp. Many visitors come to Brisbane in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Antwerp for the activities around the city during these months.

In October, Brisbane is generally much warmer than Antwerpin April. Daily temperatures in Brisbane average around 21°C (69°F), and Antwerp fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In Brisbane, it's very sunny this time of the year. Brisbane usually receives more sunshine than Antwerp during spring. Brisbane gets 259 hours of sunny skies, while Antwerp receives 158 hours of full sun in the spring.

In October, Brisbane usually receives more rain than Antwerpin April. Brisbane gets 93 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Antwerp and Brisbane