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

Should you visit Geneva or Antwerp?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Geneva and Antwerp. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Geneva

Geneva is a professional, classy, and diverse city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. 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.

Geneva and Antwerp: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Geneva or Antwerp?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Geneva than Antwerp. While Antwerp is larger than Geneva, Geneva has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Geneva is very popular for its food, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Antwerp attracts visitors for its nightlife and historical sights. Geneva is more touristy than Antwerp and is known for its role as a global hub for the United Nations, the Red Cross, and the World Health Organization. It is also well known for The Geneva Water Fountain (The Jet d'Eau). Antwerp is famous for its historic train station, festive chocolate shops, decadent waffle stands, and down-to-earth old town.

How is Geneva different from Antwerp?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Both Geneva and Antwerp have high quality landmarks and museums for visitors.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Geneva. Famous sights and landmarks include the spectacular Water Jet, St Pierre Cathedral, and the Palais des Nations. There are also impressive art and history museums in the city.

Antwerp offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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 Geneva or Antwerp? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Geneva 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 Geneva. The city has an amazing mix of traditional Swiss restaurants as well as diverse ethnic options. Traditional dishes include fondue and raclette, both of which involve the decadent Swiss cheese.

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 Geneva or Antwerp Better for Nightlife?

Antwerp is a great destination for nightlife. Also, Geneva is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

The people in Antwerp know how to have a good time. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Geneva has a few options to choose from. During the day the city is all business, but at night the professionals, interns, students, and NGO workers all come together to enjoy a drink at a bar or dance at one of the city's diverse clubs.

Is Geneva or Antwerp Better for its Old Town?

Antwerp is a great destination for its historic old town. Also, Geneva is still popular, but not quite as popular for its old town.

There are many historical things to see 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Geneva. The Old Town offers a number of charming streets where you can wander as well as historical buildings including St. Pierre Cathedral.

Is the Shopping Better in Geneva or Antwerp?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Antwerp and Geneva.

Geneva is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. Famous for its posh shops and luxury brands, this city is a popular shopping destination. From chic boutiques to deluxe toy stores, you'll find something for everyone. In particular, the city is known for its Swiss watches, Swiss Army knives, chocolate, and wine.

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 Geneva or Antwerp Better for Families?

Both Geneva and Antwerp are nice family-friendly destinations.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Geneva. This diverse city has a number of chocolate shops, toy stores, and parks where kids can play. They'll be impressed by the Water Jet and there are few places where you can swim in the lake when the weather is warm.

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 Geneva or Antwerp Better for Couples?

Geneva and Antwerp both nice destinations for a couple.

Geneva is a nice destination for couples. Wandering Old Town, sampling Swiss chocolate, and enjoying one of the many ethnic restaurants around town all make for great date activities. Fondue in a traditional restaurant is also a not to be missed experience.

Antwerp makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 Geneva or Antwerp Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Antwerp is a good destination for backpackers. However, Geneva is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers 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.

Geneva is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. The city is often overlooked by backpackers as it is pretty expensive. Many hotels cater to the business traveler crowd, but there are a few hostels to choose from.

Is Geneva or Antwerp Better for Students?

Geneva and Antwerp are high quality places to visit for students.

Many students visit Geneva. The University of Geneva attracts many international students and the city is quite diverse. It feels like a mixing bowl of cultures, so students will feel very welcomed and comfortable here.

Antwerp is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. 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 Geneva or Antwerp Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Geneva is an unbeatable place for its public transit. Also, Antwerp is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors in Geneva can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The very comprehensive system includes trams, buses, and boats.

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 Geneva or Antwerp a more walkable city?

Geneva and Antwerp both are high quality when exploring on foot.

Geneva is very walkable. Most areas where visitors spend their time can be easily explored on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Antwerp or Geneva?

How long in Geneva or Antwerp?

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

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

Because Geneva is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. One reason most visitors come is for the 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Antwerp. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Geneva or Antwerp?

Because Geneva 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. 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 Geneva has to offer.

Antwerp is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Geneva or Antwerp?

Geneva 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Antwerp. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Geneva or Antwerp?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Geneva. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Geneva. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the authentic destination of Antwerp. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Switzerland, The Best Adventure Tours to Switzerland, 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 Geneva and Antwerp, we can see that Geneva 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 Geneva would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Geneva 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 Geneva Expensive? and Is Antwerp Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Geneva or Antwerp?

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

Both Antwerp and Geneva are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Geneva for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Antwerp in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Geneva is a little warmer than Antwerp. Typically, the summer temperatures in Geneva in July average around 22°C (71°F), and Antwerp averages at about 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Antwerp. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Geneva. Geneva usually receives more sunshine than Antwerp during summer. Geneva gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Antwerp receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Geneva usually receives less rain than Antwerp. Geneva gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Geneva or Antwerp in the Autumn?

Both Antwerp and Geneva during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Geneva in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Antwerp for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Geneva is generally a little warmer than Antwerp. Daily temperatures in Geneva average around 14°C (56°F), and Antwerp fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Geneva often gets more sunshine than Antwerp. Geneva gets 127 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Antwerp receives 105 hours of full sun.

Geneva usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Antwerp. Geneva gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Geneva or Antwerp in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Geneva and Antwerp. Most visitors come to Geneva for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Antwerp because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Antwerp can be very cold. Geneva can be very cold during winter. Geneva is a little warmer than Antwerp in the winter. The daily temperature in Geneva averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Antwerp fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Geneva usually receives more sunshine than Antwerp during winter. Geneva gets 62 hours of sunny skies, while Antwerp receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Geneva usually receives less rain than Antwerp. Geneva gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Geneva or Antwerp in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Geneva as well as Antwerp. The spring months attract visitors to Geneva because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Additionally, the activities around the city are the main draw to Antwerp this time of year.

In the spring, Geneva is a little warmer than Antwerp. Typically, the spring temperatures in Geneva in April average around 11°C (53°F), and Antwerp averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the spring, Geneva often gets more sunshine than Antwerp. Geneva gets 174 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Antwerp receives 158 hours of full sun.

Geneva usually gets more rain in April than Antwerp. Geneva gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Antwerp and Geneva