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

Should you visit Dover 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 Dover and Antwerp can help you decide which place is right for you.

Dover

Dover is a breathtaking, iconic, and rustic town. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the hiking, museums, and food.

Antwerp

Antwerp is a youthful, vibrant, and authentic port city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Dover and Antwerp: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dover or Antwerp?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Antwerp. Although Dover and Antwerp are both popular with visitors, Antwerp has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Antwerp is more popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Dover is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Dover is more touristy than Antwerp and is known for the famous White Cliffs of Dover as well as the ferry connection to mainland Europe. Antwerp is popular for its historic train station, festive chocolate shops, decadent waffle stands, and down-to-earth old town. It is also home to Antwerpen-Centraal.

How is Dover different from Antwerp?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Antwerp is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Dover is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

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.

Dover is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Aside from the iconic White Cliffs of Dover, there is the Dover Castle, the South Foreland Lighthouse, and the Grand Shaft.

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

Foodies will find both Dover and Antwerp both to be good destinations.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Dover area. The town has a growing food scene that includes waterfront restaurants and local dishes. Find a restaurant with a view to make sure you take full advantage of the setting.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Antwerp. 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 Dover or Antwerp Better for Nightlife?

Antwerp is a well-known place for its evening party scene. However, Dover is not a good town for nightlife.

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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Dover. The nightlife has a relaxed atmosphere with wine bars and microbreweries.

Is Dover or Antwerp Better for its Old Town?

Antwerp is a well-known place for its historic old town charm. However, Dover 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.

Dover does not have a historic old town.

Is Dover or Antwerp Better for Hiking?

Dover is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Antwerp is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Dover. There are many beautiful countryside walks that take you through the rolling hills and along the iconic white cliffs. Some of the best hikes in the area include The England Coast Path, The North Downs Way Saxon Shore Way.

Antwerp is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Dover or Antwerp?

Antwerp is a world-class destination for its shopping areas. However, Dover is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Antwerp is a world class destination for shoppers. 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.

Dover is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Dover or Antwerp Better for Families?

You'll find good kid-friendly activities in either Dover or Antwerp.

Dover is a family-friendly place to visit. There are a few kid-friendly museums like the Dover Transport Museum and the Dover Castle. Also make sure you check out the South Foreland Lighthouse.

Antwerp is a family-friendly town. 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 Dover or Antwerp Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Dover frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The White Cliffs of Dover are an iconic sight and perfect for a romantic trip away. Also make sure you check out St. Margaret's Bay Beach and the Kearsney Abbey Gardens.

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

Both Dover and Antwerp are good destinations for backpackers.

Dover is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. You'll find several nice hostels to choose from in the town.

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 Dover or Antwerp Better for Students?

Antwerp is a well-known place for students. However, Dover is not popular with students.

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.

Dover is not popular with students.

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

Antwerp is very good for its public transit. However, Dover is not a good town 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 Dover. There are public buses through the district.

Is Dover or Antwerp a more walkable city?

Antwerp is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. Also, Dover is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its walkability.

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

Dover is somewhat walkable. You can wander around the countryside, but prepare for rolling hills and great views.

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

Should I spend more time in Antwerp or Dover?

How long in Dover or Antwerp?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Dover and Antwerp. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Dover than in Antwerp. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Dover, and 1-3 days is enough time in Antwerp.

Families should spend more time in Antwerp than Dover. 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 Dover. 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 Dover 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 Dover or Antwerp?

In Dover, you'll find food and museums. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Antwerp, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this vibrant destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the shopping. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Dover or Antwerp?

In Dover, you'll find museums and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Dover has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Antwerp. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Dover or Antwerp?

Dover is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this 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 fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Antwerp. Lots of people come for the shopping. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Dover or Antwerp?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dover. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Dover. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

You'll find food and shopping around the historical destination of Antwerp. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the shopping. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Bicycle Tours in 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 Dover and Antwerp, we can see that Dover 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 Dover would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dover 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 Dover Expensive? and Is Antwerp Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Dover or Antwerp?

Antwerp has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Dover. When comparing the sizes of Dover 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 Dover 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 Dover or Antwerp in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Dover and Antwerp. The summer months attract visitors to Dover because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Antwerp this time of year.

In July, Dover is generally around the same temperature as Antwerp. Daily temperatures in Dover average around 17°C (63°F), and Antwerp fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Antwerp this time of the year. In Dover, it's very sunny this time of the year. Dover usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Antwerp during summer. Dover gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Antwerp receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Dover usually receives less rain than Antwerp. Dover gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Dover or Antwerp in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Dover as well as Antwerp. The hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Dover this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Antwerp for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Dover is around the same temperature as Antwerp in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dover averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Antwerp fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Dover often gets more sunshine than Antwerp. Dover gets 119 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Antwerp receives 105 hours of full sun.

Dover usually gets less rain in October than Antwerp. Dover gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dover or Antwerp in the Winter?

Both Antwerp and Dover are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Dover for the museums 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. Be prepared for some very cold days in Dover. In the winter, Dover is a little warmer than Antwerp. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dover in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Antwerp averages at about 3°C (38°F).

Dover usually receives more sunshine than Antwerp during winter. Dover gets 57 hours of sunny skies, while Antwerp receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Dover usually receives less rain than Antwerp. Dover gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Dover or Antwerp in the Spring?

Both Antwerp and Dover during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Dover in the spring for the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Antwerp for the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Dover is generally around the same temperature as Antwerp. Daily temperatures in Dover average around 9°C (47°F), and Antwerp fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the spring, Dover often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Antwerp. Dover gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Antwerp receives 158 hours of full sun.

Dover usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Antwerp. Dover gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Antwerp and Dover