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

Should you visit Istanbul or Antwerp?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Istanbul or Antwerp, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Istanbul

Istanbul is a beautiful, high-energy, and historic city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. 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 nightlife, food, and shopping.

Istanbul and Antwerp: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Istanbul or Antwerp?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Istanbul than Antwerp. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Istanbul is very popular for its museums, food, historical sights, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Antwerp attracts visitors for its shopping. Istanbul is more touristy than Antwerp and is known for its world class historical sights, stunning mosques, and dynamic energy. It is also well known for The Blue Mosque. Antwerp is famous for its historic train station, festive chocolate shops, decadent waffle stands, and down-to-earth old town.

How is Istanbul different from Antwerp?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Istanbul is an unbeatable place for its museums and landmarks. Also, Antwerp is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Istanbul are among the most recognizable in the world. With such a long and diverse religious and political history, it has many museums, mosques, churches, and archeological sites that you can visit. Some of the most famous sights include the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Sarayi, and the Blue Mosque.

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 Istanbul or Antwerp? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Istanbul is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, Antwerp is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Istanbul has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. From Turkish classics to sweet desserts, the city has it all. Popular dishes include Turkish style pizza, kebabs, and doner, which you'll find everywhere for affordable prices. You'll also find many tourist-centered restaurants in the touristy areas but if you get away from the main sights, you'll find more local options that let you sample high quality food for affordable prices.

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 Istanbul or Antwerp Better for Nightlife?

Evening events are excellent in both Istanbul and Antwerp.

Istanbul has plenty to do after the sun goes down. Dancing, dining, and partying have all become part of Istanbul's culture. Top nightclubs in the city include Reina, Sortie, and Supperclub. If you're looking for dance clubs and alcohol, your best bet is to head to the Beyoglu district.

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.

Is Istanbul or Antwerp Better for its Old Town?

Istanbul 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, Istanbul offers plenty to see. The Old City in Istanbul is the most historic part of the city. It's where you'll find most of the city's historic sights. The area around Sultanahmet Square is the most popular tourist area 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 Istanbul or Antwerp?

Antwerp is an amazing port city to visit for shopping. Also, Istanbul is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Antwerp is a famous shopping destination with plenty of 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.

Istanbul is well-known for its shopping. It is the capital of culture and fashion in Turkey, and there are many shopping areas that carry all kinds of brands. For a more traditional, but touristy experience head to the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Market. For modern brands, Istiklal Caddesi is the most popular area for shopping.

Is Istanbul or Antwerp Better for Families?

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

Istanbul is a very kid-friendly city. The city has several kid-friendly museums, a couple of aquariums, and fun theme parks. If the kids need a break from the city, you can spend a day at Vialand Theme Park or LEGOLAND Discovery Center Istanbul. Food in Istanbul is also very kid-friendly with many affordable dishes that young ones 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 Istanbul or Antwerp Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Istanbul frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples who enjoy history, culture, and vibrant neighborhoods will enjoy a romantic stay here. The city lights up at night and there are many rooftop dessert cafes where you can take in the view. The waterfront setting is the perfect place to watch the sunset and there are many places to walk and soak up the atmosphere.

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 Istanbul or Antwerp Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Istanbul is an unbeatable place for backpackers. Also, Antwerp is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Istanbul. There are plenty of hostels and budget accommodation options, and there's also plenty of ways to meet other travelers. You'll find plenty of hostels concentrated in the Sultanahmet area.

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 Istanbul or Antwerp Better for Students?

Istanbul and Antwerp are both excellent destinations for students and younger travelers.

Istanbul is a great city to visit as a student. Students appreciate the city's vibrant neighborhoods, constant activity, and diverse population.

Students come from all over to stay in Antwerp. 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 Istanbul or Antwerp Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Istanbul 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 Istanbul can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. It has a comprehensive and diverse public transit system that includes buses, trams, minibuses, ferries, funicular, and more.

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 Istanbul or Antwerp a more walkable city?

Istanbul and Antwerp both are excellent when exploring on foot.

Istanbul is very walkable. Although it is huge, most of the neighborhoods that tourists visit are incredibly walkable and pedestrian-friendly.

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 Istanbul Worth Visiting? and Is Antwerp Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Antwerp or Istanbul?

How long in Istanbul or Antwerp?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Istanbul and Antwerp. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Istanbul than in Antwerp. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Istanbul, and 1-3 days is enough time in Antwerp.

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

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

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

One day in Istanbul or Antwerp?

Because Istanbul is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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.

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 Istanbul or Antwerp?

Because Istanbul 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. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

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 Istanbul or Antwerp?

Istanbul is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Istanbul has to offer. 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 Istanbul or Antwerp?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Istanbul. Because Istanbul is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

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 2-Week Tours in Turkey, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Turkey, The Best Tours for Seniors to Belgium, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Brussels.

When comparing the travel costs between Istanbul 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 Istanbul Expensive? and Is Antwerp Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Istanbul or Antwerp?

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

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Istanbul and Antwerp. Most visitors come to Istanbul for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Antwerp because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Istanbul is a little warmer than Antwerp. Typically, the summer temperatures in Istanbul in July average around 24°C (74°F), and Antwerp averages at about 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Antwerp this time of the year. In Istanbul, it's very sunny this time of the year. Istanbul usually receives more sunshine than Antwerp during summer. Istanbul gets 333 hours of sunny skies, while Antwerp receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Istanbul usually receives less rain than Antwerp. Istanbul gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Istanbul or Antwerp in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Istanbul as well as Antwerp. The autumn months attract visitors to Istanbul because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Antwerp this time of year.

In October, Istanbul is generally a little warmer than Antwerp. Daily temperatures in Istanbul average around 16°C (61°F), and Antwerp fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Istanbul often gets more sunshine than Antwerp. Istanbul gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Antwerp receives 105 hours of full sun.

Istanbul usually gets less rain in October than Antwerp. Istanbul gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Istanbul or Antwerp in the Winter?

Both Antwerp and Istanbul are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Istanbul this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Antwerp for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Antwerp. Istanbul is much warmer than Antwerp in the winter. The daily temperature in Istanbul averages around 6°C (43°F) in January, and Antwerp fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Istanbul usually receives more sunshine than Antwerp during winter. Istanbul gets 75 hours of sunny skies, while Antwerp receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Istanbul usually receives more rain than Antwerp. Istanbul gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Istanbul or Antwerp in the Spring?

Both Antwerp and Istanbul during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Istanbul for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Antwerp in the spring for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Istanbul is a little warmer than Antwerp. Typically, the spring temperatures in Istanbul in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Antwerp averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the spring, Istanbul often gets more sunshine than Antwerp. Istanbul gets 180 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Antwerp receives 158 hours of full sun.

Istanbul usually gets more rain in April than Antwerp. Istanbul gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Antwerp and Istanbul