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

Should you visit Nagano 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 Nagano 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.

Nagano

Nagano is a historic, traditional, and alpine city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. 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 skiing.

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.

Nagano and Antwerp: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nagano or Antwerp?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Nagano than Antwerp. While Antwerp is larger than Nagano, Nagano has more sights and attractions for tourists. Nagano is better known for its skiing, food, resorts, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Antwerp is more popular for its historical sights and shopping. Nagano is more touristy than Antwerp and is popular for its historic temples, beautiful mountain setting, and being the host of the 1998 Winter Olympic Games. Also, Nagano is famous for Zenko-ji Temple. Antwerp is well known for its historic train station, festive chocolate shops, decadent waffle stands, and down-to-earth old town.

How is Nagano different from Antwerp?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Nagano or Antwerp Better for Skiing?

Nagano is well known for winter skiing. However, Antwerp is not a skiing destination.

People head to Nagano specifically to take advantage of the area's skiing and winter sports. The city hosted the 1998 Winter Olympics and many of the skiing events were held at ski resorts in the area. In the Nagano Prefecture you'll find several ski resorts with some of the most popular being the Hakuba ski areas, Shiga Kogen, Nozawa Onsen, and Myoko Kogen.

Antwerp is not a skiing destination.

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

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

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Nagano. The area is filled with history and there are many places to explore. Matsumoto Castle, the Matsumoto City Museum of Art, Zenko-ji Temple, and Togakushi Shrine are just some of the highlights.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.

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

Nagano 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 Nagano. You'll find many of Japan's culinary favorites here like ramen, udon, sushi, and sashimi. There are also regional dishes and some comfort food like Tonkatsu and Oyaki Dumplings.

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 Nagano or Antwerp Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find superb options in both Nagano and Antwerp.

The nightlife in Nagano has something for everybody. The nightlife scene is varied, from local and intimate venues, to wild and crazy clubs. You'll find all styles and activities such that whatever you're looking for, the city likely won't disappoint.

Antwerp offers plenty to do in the evening. 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 Nagano or Antwerp Better for Resorts?

Nagano is very good for its resorts. However, Antwerp is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Nagano makes a nice vacation spot. You'll find wonderful mountain resorts throughout the entire prefecture.

Antwerp is not a resort destination.

Is Nagano or Antwerp Better for its Old Town?

Antwerp is a great port city for its old town. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its historic old town charm.

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.

Nagano offers a nice historic old town area. Throughout the prefecture there is a lot of history and charming towns. If you're willing to get out of Nagano City, you can enjoy an area filled with tradition and culture. In particular, Tsumago-juku was the first preserved old town in Japan.

Is Nagano or Antwerp Better for Hiking?

Nagano is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Antwerp is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Nagano. The surrounding area is filled with stunning scenery, natural beauty, and beautiful hikes. You'll find shrines and temples, historic villages, nice views, and peaceful walks throughout the region. One of the most unique walks is along the highest road in Japan, the Norikura Echo Line. The route is at 8,800 feet and is lined with ten meter high snow walls. It's open from from late April to the end of June every year.

Antwerp is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nagano or Antwerp?

Antwerp is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Nagano 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.

Many visitors go to Nagano to go shopping. There are a number of shopping streets that are fun to explore including the historic street of Naka-mise. This street is lined with tea shops, cafes, traditional stores, and more. While there aren't a huge number of shopping centers around town, Midori Nagano is one of the biggest.

Is Nagano or Antwerp Better for Families?

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

Nagano is a very kid-friendly city. Chibikko Ninja Village is a great place for kids with climbing walls, indoor playgrounds, and more. There are also a number of sports facilities around town, and you can keep the sport theme going with a visit to the Nagano Olympic Museum. Animal lovers will enjoy a visit to the Nagano Chausuyama Zoo and for little kids, the Nagano City Joyama Zoo is nice.

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 Nagano or Antwerp Better for Couples?

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

Nagano makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city has a lot of history and beauty, making it a romantic destination for couples. There are also outdoor activities as well as a number of sports that you can enjoy.

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 Nagano or Antwerp Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Nagano is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are several good hostels in the area, as well as some great activities for young travelers, backpackers, and sports enthusiasts.

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 Nagano or Antwerp Better for Students?

Antwerp is a great port city for its student-friendly activities. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

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.

Nagano is a good city to visit for students. It's relative affordability combined with its close proximity to Tokyo and laid back populations make this a nice place to study.

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

Nagano and Antwerp both offer notable public transit to get you around.

While Nagano offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The main station in town is Nagano Station. There's a bus and train system through the area, including buses that run to Zenkoji Temple. There's also a bus that goes to the Togakushi area and takes about an hour. However, renting a car will give you more freedom and efficiency. .

Antwerp has a few public transit options. 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 Nagano or Antwerp a more walkable city?

Antwerp is a great port city for its high level of walkability. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its ease of walking around.

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

Nagano is a somewhat walkable city. Parts of the city are walkable and there are hiking trails around the Togakushi area, where you'll find many shrines and other attractions.

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

Should I spend more time in Antwerp or Nagano?

How long in Nagano or Antwerp?

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

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

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

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

In Nagano, you'll find shopping and museums. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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 Nagano or Antwerp?

In Nagano, you'll find museums and skiing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Nagano 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 Nagano or Antwerp?

Nagano is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Nagano or Antwerp?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nagano. Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting Nagano. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 youthful 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 The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Japan, The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan, 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 Nagano and Antwerp, we can see that Antwerp is more expensive. And not only is Nagano much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Nagano is in Asia and Antwerp is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Nagano would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nagano 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 Antwerp would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Antwerp than you might in Nagano.

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

Which is Bigger, Nagano or Antwerp?

Antwerp has a larger population, and is about 28% larger than the population of Nagano. When comparing the sizes of Nagano 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 Nagano 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 Nagano or Antwerp in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Nagano as well as Antwerp. Many visitors come to Nagano in the summer for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Antwerp for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Nagano is a little warmer than Antwerp in the summer. The daily temperature in Nagano averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Antwerp fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Antwerp. In the summer, Nagano often gets less sunshine than Antwerp. Nagano gets 136 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Antwerp receives 202 hours of full sun.

Nagano receives a lot of rain in the summer. Nagano usually gets more rain in July than Antwerp. Nagano gets 222 mm (8.8 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nagano or Antwerp in the Autumn?

Both Antwerp and Nagano are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Nagano for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area 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, Nagano is a little warmer than Antwerp. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nagano in October average around 16°C (60°F), and Antwerp averages at about 12°C (54°F).

Nagano usually receives more sunshine than Antwerp during autumn. Nagano gets 167 hours of sunny skies, while Antwerp receives 105 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Nagano. In October, Nagano usually receives more rain than Antwerp. Nagano gets 227 mm (9 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Nagano or Antwerp in the Winter?

Both Antwerp and Nagano during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Nagano because of the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, 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. The weather in Nagano can be very cold. In January, Nagano is generally cooler than Antwerp. Daily temperatures in Nagano average around 2°C (36°F), and Antwerp fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

It's quite sunny in Nagano. In the winter, Nagano often gets more sunshine than Antwerp. Nagano gets 212 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Antwerp receives 47 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nagano. Nagano usually gets more rain in January than Antwerp. Nagano gets 446 mm (17.5 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nagano or Antwerp in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Nagano and Antwerp. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Nagano this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Antwerp for the activities around the city.

Nagano is a little warmer than Antwerp in the spring. The daily temperature in Nagano averages around 11°C (52°F) in April, and Antwerp fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Nagano usually receives more sunshine than Antwerp during spring. Nagano gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Antwerp receives 158 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Nagano usually receives more rain than Antwerp. Nagano gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Antwerp and Nagano