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

Should you visit Liverpool or Antwerp?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Liverpool and Antwerp can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Liverpool

Liverpool is a fun-filled, diverse, and historic port city. And you can't forget about the museums, theater, and nightlife.

Antwerp

Antwerp is a authentic, genuine, and cultural port city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Liverpool and Antwerp: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Liverpool or Antwerp?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Antwerp than Liverpool, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Antwerp is better known for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Liverpool is more popular for its theatre productions and music. Liverpool is more touristy than Antwerp and is known for its many museums and art galleries, as well as being the hometown of "The Beatles." 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 Liverpool different from Antwerp?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Antwerp is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Liverpool is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Antwerp. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Liverpool. Popular museums around town include Merseyside Maritime Museum, Victoria Gallery and Museum, and Walker Art Gallery.

Is Liverpool or Antwerp Better for Theater?

Liverpool is well known for its theatre productions. However, Antwerp is not a theatre destination.

Liverpool has a number of performance venues where you can see a variety of shows. The city has a diverse theater scene with major venues showing world renowned productions as well as cozy, local venues with small shows.

Antwerp is not a theatre destination.

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

Antwerp is a port city with good options for its restaurant scene. However, Liverpool is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in 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!

Liverpool may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. There are a diversity of flavors that are influenced by the city's international population. There are also several famous local dishes including scouse (a meat stew), toad in the hole (a giant yorkie stuffed with British sausages) and wet nelly (a dessert).

Is Liverpool or Antwerp Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Liverpool and Antwerp.

Liverpool is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The nightlife is fun and diverse Head to the waterfront for comedy clubs or the Ropewalks and Seel Street if you want a swanky experience. Cavern Quarter is the place to go for an all night party.

Many people head to Antwerp for the nightlife scene. 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 Liverpool or Antwerp Better for Music?

Liverpool is an unbeatable place for its live music scene. However, Antwerp is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Liverpool Known as the birthplace of the Beatles, the city has been established as a rock and pop capital since the 1950s.

Antwerp is not a live music destination.

Is Liverpool or Antwerp Better for its Old Town?

Antwerp is well known for its old town. However, Liverpool does not have a historic old town.

Antwerp is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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.

Liverpool does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Liverpool or Antwerp?

Antwerp is an unbeatable place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Liverpool is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Antwerp make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Liverpool. Head to Liverpool ONE for the area's best shopping. This is the largest open-air shopping center in the UK and it's filled with a mix of name brands and independent vendors.

Is Liverpool or Antwerp Better for Families?

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

Liverpool is a very kid-friendly port city. One of the most popular activities for families is Pleasureland, an amuseument park with rides that are fun for young kids. The city also has many museums and play spaces that are great for families.

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 Liverpool or Antwerp Better for Couples?

Both Liverpool and Antwerp are notable destinations for a couple's getaway.

Liverpool makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city is fun, and the best way to enjoy a romantic getaway is to find a fun or unique activity that you can enjoy together. Going dancing, dining out, or seeing a show are all fun activities in the area.

Antwerp is a good port 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 Liverpool or Antwerp Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Liverpool and Antwerp are notable places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Liverpool is a good port city to visit for backpackers. The city has some fun hostels where you can stay and meet other 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.

Is Liverpool or Antwerp Better for Students?

Liverpool and Antwerp are superb places to visit for students.

Students come from all over to stay in Liverpool. The city is diverse, affordable, and offers an excellent academic environment. International students will fill welcomed and enjoy a fun city with a lot to offer.

Many students visit 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 Liverpool or Antwerp Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Liverpool and Antwerp.

You'll find some public transit in Liverpool, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are trains, buses, and ferries around the area.

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 Liverpool or Antwerp a more walkable city?

Liverpool and Antwerp both are superb when exploring on foot.

Liverpool is a very walkable port city.

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 Liverpool Worth Visiting? and Is Antwerp Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Antwerp or Liverpool?

How long in Liverpool or Antwerp?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Antwerp than Liverpool. 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 Liverpool 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 Liverpool or Antwerp?

In Liverpool, you'll find museums and theater. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. This port city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find shopping and museums around the port city of Antwerp. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Antwerp has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Liverpool or Antwerp?

In Liverpool, you'll find theater and nightlife. 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 live music. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Liverpool has to offer.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the genuine destination of Antwerp. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this port city has to offer. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Liverpool or Antwerp?

Liverpool 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural port city of Antwerp. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the shopping. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Liverpool or Antwerp?

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

Antwerp is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

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

Which is Bigger, Liverpool or Antwerp?

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

Both Antwerp and Liverpool are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Liverpool in the summer for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Antwerp for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Liverpool is cooler than Antwerp in the summer. The daily temperature in Liverpool averages around 15°C (60°F) in July, and Antwerp fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Antwerp. Liverpool usually receives less sunshine than Antwerp during summer. Liverpool gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Antwerp receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Liverpool usually receives around the same amount of rain as Antwerp. Liverpool gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Liverpool or Antwerp in the Autumn?

Both Antwerp and Liverpool during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Liverpool for the shopping scene and the music scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Antwerp because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Liverpool is around the same temperature as Antwerp. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Liverpool in October average around 12°C (53°F), and Antwerp averages at about 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Liverpool often gets less sunshine than Antwerp. Liverpool gets 97 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Antwerp receives 105 hours of full sun.

Liverpool usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Antwerp. Liverpool 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 Liverpool or Antwerp in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Liverpool and Antwerp. The winter months attract visitors to Liverpool because of the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Antwerp this time of year.

It's quite cold in Antwerp in the winter. In January, Liverpool is generally much warmer than Antwerp. Daily temperatures in Liverpool average around 5°C (42°F), and Antwerp fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Liverpool usually receives more sunshine than Antwerp during winter. Liverpool gets 53 hours of sunny skies, while Antwerp receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Liverpool usually receives more rain than Antwerp. Liverpool gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Liverpool or Antwerp in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Liverpool as well as Antwerp. Also, many travelers come to Antwerp for the activities around the city.

Liverpool is around the same temperature as Antwerp in the spring. The daily temperature in Liverpool averages around 8°C (47°F) in April, and Antwerp fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the spring, Liverpool often gets less sunshine than Antwerp. Liverpool gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Antwerp receives 158 hours of full sun.

Liverpool usually gets more rain in April than Antwerp. Liverpool gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Antwerp and Liverpool