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

Should you visit Canberra or Antwerp?

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

Should I visit Canberra or Antwerp? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Canberra

Canberra is a cultural, diverse, and under-rated city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Antwerp

Antwerp is a historical, youthful, and vibrant port city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Canberra and Antwerp: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Canberra or Antwerp?

You'll generally find more things to do in Antwerp than Canberra. Antwerp is bigger than Canberra, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Antwerp is better known for its nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Canberra is more popular for its food and hiking. Canberra is well known for its educational museums and the nearby nature reserves. Antwerp is well known for its historic train station, festive chocolate shops, decadent waffle stands, and down-to-earth old town. Also, Antwerp is famous for Antwerpen-Centraal.

How is Canberra different from Antwerp?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Canberra and Antwerp.

Canberra offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. As Australia's capital, there are a large number of museums around town that focus on everything from history and culture to science and nature. Some of the most interesting are the Australian War Memorial, the New Parliament House, the Museum of Australian Democracy, the National Gallery of Australia, and the National Science and Technology Centre, but there are many more.

Many visitors head to Antwerp specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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 Canberra or Antwerp? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Canberra is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Antwerp is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Canberra. There's a trendy culinary scene as well as nearby vineyards that provide great wine. You'll find everything from family-friendly and casual to upscale and fine dining.

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 Canberra or Antwerp Better for Nightlife?

Antwerp is an excellent place to visit for nightlife and partying. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Antwerp has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Canberra has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are local pubs and music venues that offer fun entertainment in the evening. You can sip wine or practice your dance moves at one of the city's clubs.

Is Canberra or Antwerp Better for its Old Town?

Antwerp is an excellent place to visit for its old town. However, Canberra does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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.

Canberra does not have a historic old town.

Is Canberra or Antwerp Better for Hiking?

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

Many people include a hike when visiting Canberra. There's one national park - Namadgi, as well as green space, rolling hills, and hiking trails just outside of town.

Antwerp is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Canberra or Antwerp?

Antwerp is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

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.

Many visitors go to Canberra to go shopping. Caberra Centre is the city's largest shopping centre and it has all of the usual international brands.

Is Canberra or Antwerp Better for Families?

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

Canberra is a very kid-friendly city. There are interactive museums and science centers such as Questacon, the National Dinosaur Museum, and the National Zoo and Aquarium. There are also cultural and historical museums such as the Australian War Memorial, the Museum of Australian Democracy, and the National Museum of Australia. The city also has plenty of outdoor space and hands on crafts that kids will enjoy.

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 Canberra or Antwerp Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Canberra and Antwerp make for a notable place to visit.

Canberra makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. As the city has plenty of date night activities like nice restaurants, interesting shows, and trendy wineries. During the day you can explore the outdoor setting, have a picnic, or visit a vineyard.

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

Antwerp is a popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Canberra is lacking in options for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers 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.

Canberra is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Despite being the capital city, few backpackers actually spend much time in town. There are some budget-friendly motels if you're stopping by.

Is Canberra or Antwerp Better for Students?

Both Canberra and Antwerp are great destinations for students.

Canberra is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. It's a welcoming city that is a fairly popular study abroad destination. Many students appreciate the friendly atmosphere, safe environment, and great economic setting.

Antwerp is very popular with students. 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 Canberra or Antwerp Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Canberra and Antwerp.

Canberra has some public transit options. There are public buses as well as a light rail system. The Red Explorer Loop bus goes by many of the city's sights.

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.

Is Canberra or Antwerp a more walkable city?

Antwerp is an excellent place to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Canberra is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

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

Canberra is a somewhat walkable city. There are parts of the city that are walkable and possible to explore on foot, but in general this is a very car-centered city.

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

Should I spend more time in Antwerp or Canberra?

How long in Canberra or Antwerp?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Antwerp than Canberra. 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 Canberra 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 Canberra or Antwerp?

In Canberra, you'll find nightlife and food. This 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 Canberra or Antwerp?

In Canberra, you'll find food and shopping. 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 Canberra 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 Canberra or Antwerp?

Canberra 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 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 Canberra or Antwerp?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Canberra. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Canberra. 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 Walking Tours in Australia, The Best Eco Tours in Australia, The Best Tours for Seniors to Belgium, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Brussels.

When comparing the travel costs between Canberra and Antwerp, we can see that Canberra 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 Canberra 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 Canberra Expensive? and Is Antwerp Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Canberra or Antwerp?

Antwerp has a larger population, and is about 40% larger than the population of Canberra. When comparing the sizes of Canberra 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 Canberra or Antwerp?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Canberra 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 Canberra or Antwerp in the Summer?

Both Antwerp and Canberra during the summer are popular places to visit. The hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Canberra this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Antwerp for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Canberra is a little warmer than Antwerp in the summer. The daily temperature in Canberra averages around 20°C (68°F) in January, and Antwerp fluctuates around 17°C (63°F)in July.

Canberra usually gets more rain in January than Antwerpin July. Canberra gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Canberra or Antwerp in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Canberra and Antwerp. Many travelers come to Canberra for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Antwerp in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Canberra is a little warmer than Antwerp. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Canberra in April average around 17°C (63°F), and Antwerp averages at about 12°C (54°F)in October.

Canberra gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Canberra usually receives more rain than Antwerpin October. Canberra gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Canberra or Antwerp in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Canberra as well as Antwerp. Many visitors come to Canberra in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Antwerp for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Antwerp can be very cold during winter. In July, Canberra is generally much warmer than Antwerpin January. Daily temperatures in Canberra average around 11°C (52°F), and Antwerp fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Canberra usually gets less rain in July than Antwerpin January. Canberra gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Canberra or Antwerp in the Spring?

Both Antwerp and Canberra are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Canberra for the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Antwerp because of the activities around the city.

Canberra is much warmer than Antwerp in the spring. The daily temperature in Canberra averages around 15°C (60°F) in October, and Antwerp fluctuates around 8°C (47°F)in April.

In October, Canberra usually receives more rain than Antwerpin April. Canberra gets 95 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 Canberra