Should you visit Leuven or Antwerp?
Should I visit Leuven or Antwerp? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the data, which all comes from actual travelers.
Leuven
Lying just east of Brussels, Leuven is a Belgian city and capital of the Province of Flemish Brabant known for its breweries, historic architecture, and university. Because of the university, the town is at its busiest during the academic year (September through June), but there is plenty to see and do during all seasons.
Antwerp
Antwerp is a very popular tourist destination in Belgium. It's a lovely city in the region of Flanders and its people are known for their friendly, open and welcoming personalities. It's a very relaxed and low stress city, making it an excellent place to spend a few days in the midst of a hectic trip. The city itself is known to have a very high standard of living and a great quality of life. Antwerp is also an economic center in Belgium, because of its importance in the diamond trade. It is known as the "world's leading diamond city" with about seventy percent of all diamonds traded through Antwerp.
Which city is cheaper, Antwerp or Leuven?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
The average daily cost (per person) in Leuven is €142, while the average daily cost in Antwerp is €98. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each city. Below is a breakdown of travel costs for Leuven and Antwerp in more detail.
Accommodation
If you're traveling alone, you may be able to find a budget hotel or hostel for around €74. But for two people in a standard two-person hotel room in Leuven the cost is €148 on average.
Antwerp's average price for two people sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room is €114. A typical place to stay for one person, per day is €57.
Local Transportation
The average price of local transportation around Leuven is €49 per person, per day. As this average includes both taxis and public transport, keep in mind that the prices of private drivers and taxis are significantly more expensive than public transportation.
The average price of local transportation around Antwerp is €9.71 per person, per day. As this average includes both taxis and public transport, keep in mind that the prices of private drivers and taxis are significantly more expensive than public transportation.
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Antwerp
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Antwerp:
-
Antwerp Shuttle Transfer London (1 to 8 Places):
$491
-
Departure Private Transfer Antwerp to Antwerp Airport ANR by Business Car:
$66
-
Departure Private Transfer Antwerp to Antwerp Airport ANR by Luxury Vehicle:
$77
-
Low Cost Private Transfer From Amsterdam Schiphol Airport to Antwerp City - One Way:
$597
-
Low Cost Private Transfer From Antwerp International Airport to Antwerp City - One Way:
$39
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Low Cost Private Transfer From Brussels South Charleroi Airport to Antwerp City - One Way:
$326
-
Low Cost Private Transfer From Eindhoven Airport to Antwerp City - One Way:
$271
-
Low Cost Private Transfer From Ostend-Bruges International Airport to Antwerp City - One Way:
$323
-
Low Cost Private Transfer From Rotterdam Airport to Antwerp City - One Way:
$333
-
Private Airport Transfer: from Antwerp to Antwerp Airport (ANR):
$28
-
Private Airport Transfer: from Antwerp to Brussels Airport (BRU):
$45
-
Private Arrival Transfer from Antwerp to Brussels By luxury car:
$98
Is it cheaper to fly into Leuven or Antwerp?
Prices for flights to both Antwerp and Leuven change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
While meal prices in Leuven can vary, the average travelers spends about €39 per day on food. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out, an average meal in Leuven should cost around €16 per person. Breakfast prices are usually a little cheaper than lunch or dinner. The price of food in sit-down restaurants in Leuven is often higher than fast food prices or street food prices.
In Antwerp travelers spend around €31 a day on food. You can save money by choosing casual restaurants or food stalls, or you can spend plenty more by dining in nicer restaurants at every meal.
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Food
Meals for one day
Leuven €39
Antwerp €31
Entertainment
Leuven's costs for entertainment, tickets, attractions, and tours will often cost around €18 per person, per day. This cost can vary widely by the type of activity, however, as this includes admission tickets, day tours, museums, and other things to do.
Antwerp's costs for entertainment, tickets, attractions, and tours will often cost around €6.57 per person, per day. This cost can vary widely by the type of activity, however, as this includes admission tickets, day tours, museums, and other things to do.
Tours and Activities in Leuven
Here are a few actual costs in Leuven for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
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Leuven walking city tour:
$7.46
-
Superleuke gegidste Biketour Leuven:
$30
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From Brussels: Medieval Leuven Walking Tour:
$43
-
The best of Leuven walking tour:
$498
-
Romantic tour in Leuven:
$498
Tours and Activities in Antwerp
Here are a few actual costs in Antwerp for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
-
2 hour Highlights Walking Tour:
$16
-
Antwerp Highlights: 2-Hour Bike Tour:
$25
-
Private Walking Tour with a Local:
$34
-
Antwerp Tour From Brussels:
$45
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Combination Tour: Experience Brussels and Antwerp:
$74
-
Antwerp Beer Tasting Tour:
$96
-
2 Hour Segway City Tours Antwerp Belgium:
$110
-
2-Hour Dark Side of Antwerp Private Evening Tour:
$164
-
2-Hour Guided Walking Tour of Historic Center:
$266
-
Antwerp City Tour:
$639
Alcohol
While the amount that someone spends on alcohol while visiting Leuven may vary from person to person, on average a person spends €20 per day on alcoholic beverages.
While the amount that someone spends on alcohol while visiting Antwerp may vary from person to person, on average a person spends €14 per day on alcoholic beverages.
Sample the Local Flavors in Antwerp
Also in Antwerp, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
-
De Koninck Antwerp City Brewery Admission Ticket:
$17
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Leuven and Antwerp, we can see that Leuven 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 Leuven would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Leuven than you might in Antwerp.
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