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

Should you visit Graz or Antwerp?

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

Should I visit Graz 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.

Graz

Graz is a beautiful, medieval, and cultural city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. 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 museums, nightlife, and food.

Graz and Antwerp: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Graz or Antwerp?

You'll generally find more things to do in Antwerp than Graz. Antwerp is bigger than Graz, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Antwerp is better known for its shopping and big city activities, while Graz is more popular for its food, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Graz is more touristy than Antwerp and is popular for its many cultural activities, its impressive old town, and its beautiful Baroque architecture. 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 Graz different from Antwerp?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

Graz offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The old town is among the largest in Europe and it's filled with sights and museums. The Schlossberg and the Clock Tower are among the most iconic sights but other highlights include the GrazMuseum, the Mohren Apotheke's Theriak Museum, a Gothic Franciscan Church, and the Robert Stolz Museum.

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 Graz or Antwerp? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Graz 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 Graz. There's a huge focus on sustainable dining in town, so you'll find many restaurants that use a farm to table approach. Local ingredients are heavily valued and it's fun to sample the many local flavors. Backhendl is a classic fried chicken dish that you must try.

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 Graz or Antwerp Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is great in both Graz and Antwerp.

Many people head to Graz for the nightlife scene. The large student population means that there's an active nightlife scene that is diverse and fun. There's a wide variety of bars and pubs with almost any music genre you could want. There are also dance clubs for those who are looking for a party.

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 Graz or Antwerp Better for its Old Town?

Graz is an unbeatable place for its old town. Also, Antwerp is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

With a famous historical old-town, Graz offers plenty to see. The medieval city center is very well preserved and one of the largest in Europe. The city has a lot of hidden charm and quaint streets to explore.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Graz or Antwerp?

Antwerp is renowned for its shopping opportunities. Also, Graz is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Graz. You'll find a lot of shopping around both Jakominiplatz and Hauptplatz Squares. There are also a number of shopping streets in town including Herrengasse which is filled with shops, restaurants, and more.

Is Graz or Antwerp Better for Families?

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

Graz is a very kid-friendly city. Kids will love the fairytale train and there's also a 4D cinema that is fun for the whole family. In Schlossberg Hill, families should check out The Slide, which is the largest underground slide in the world. Other highlights include a Children's Museum, a Folklife Museum, and a Natural History Museum.

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 Graz or Antwerp Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Graz frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's filled with culture, history, and amazing food. Couples will appreciate the romantic old town and the many world class sights around town.

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 Graz or Antwerp Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Graz and Antwerp are notable places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Graz. There are hostels and budget-friendly hotels around town that make this a nice town to explore as a backpacker.

Antwerp is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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 Graz or Antwerp Better for Students?

For students, both Graz and Antwerp are great places to visit.

Graz is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. It's long been an education center in Austria and students make up a significant portion of the population. It's also a chill city with a relaxed and student-friendly vibe.

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

Graz is well known for its public transit. Also, Antwerp is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Graz has some very good public transit options. There are buses and trams that travel around the town.

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 Graz or Antwerp a more walkable city?

Graz is an unbeatable place for its high level of walkability. Also, Antwerp is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Getting around Graz on foot is easy. You'll find everything you'd want to see in the old town, which is large, but still compact enough to explore on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Antwerp or Graz?

How long in Graz or Antwerp?

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

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

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

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

One day in Graz or Antwerp?

In Graz, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Antwerp. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Graz or Antwerp?

In Graz, 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. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Graz has to offer.

Antwerp is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the shopping. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Graz or Antwerp?

Graz 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the genuine destination of Antwerp. This port city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Graz or Antwerp?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Graz. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Graz. 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.

The authentic port city of Antwerp offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Christmas Market Tours in Austria, The Best Bicycle Tours in Austria, The Best Tours for Seniors to Belgium, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Brussels.

When comparing the travel costs between Graz and Antwerp, we can see that Antwerp 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. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Graz or Antwerp?

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

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Graz or Antwerp in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Graz as well as Antwerp. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Graz this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Antwerp for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Graz is a little warmer than Antwerp in the summer. The daily temperature in Graz averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, 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 Graz this time of the year. In the summer, Graz often gets more sunshine than Antwerp. Graz gets 236 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Antwerp receives 202 hours of full sun.

Graz receives a lot of rain in the summer. Graz usually gets more rain in July than Antwerp. Graz gets 126 mm (5 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Graz or Antwerp in the Autumn?

Both Antwerp and Graz are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Graz for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Antwerp in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Graz is around the same temperature as Antwerp. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Graz in October average around 13°C (55°F), and Antwerp averages at about 12°C (54°F).

Graz usually receives more sunshine than Antwerp during autumn. Graz gets 139 hours of sunny skies, while Antwerp receives 105 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Graz usually receives less rain than Antwerp. Graz gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Graz or Antwerp in the Winter?

Both Antwerp and Graz during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Graz in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Antwerp for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Antwerp can be very cold during winter. Graz can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Graz is generally much colder than Antwerp. Daily temperatures in Graz average around 1°C (34°F), and Antwerp fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Graz often gets more sunshine than Antwerp. Graz gets 95 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Antwerp receives 47 hours of full sun.

Graz usually gets less rain in January than Antwerp. Graz gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Graz or Antwerp in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Graz and Antwerp. Most visitors come to Graz for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Antwerp because of the activities around the city.

Graz is much warmer than Antwerp in the spring. The daily temperature in Graz averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Antwerp fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Graz usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Antwerp during spring. Graz gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Antwerp receives 158 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Graz usually receives more rain than Antwerp. Graz gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Antwerp and Graz