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

Should you visit Newcastle upon Tyne or Antwerp?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Newcastle upon Tyne and Antwerp can help you decide which place is right for you.

Newcastle upon Tyne

Newcastle upon Tyne is a high energy, livable, and cultural port city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Antwerp

Antwerp is a genuine, cultural, and historical port city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Newcastle upon Tyne and Antwerp: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Newcastle upon Tyne or Antwerp?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Antwerp than Newcastle upon Tyne, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Antwerp is more popular for its shopping and big city activities, while Newcastle upon Tyne is known for its food. Newcastle upon Tyne is more touristy than Antwerp and is popular for its compact and livable atmosphere as well as its active nightlife scene. Antwerp is popular for its historic train station, festive chocolate shops, decadent waffle stands, and down-to-earth old town. It is also home to Antwerpen-Centraal.

How is Newcastle upon Tyne different from Antwerp?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Newcastle upon Tyne or Antwerp?

You'll find a number of very good museums and attractions in both Antwerp and Newcastle upon Tyne.

Many visitors head to Newcastle upon Tyne specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are many historic and cultural sights around town. Some of the most interesting include the Historic Tyne Bridges, the Millennium Bridge, the Castle, Newcastle Cathedral, and the Great North Museum: Hancock.

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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Antwerp? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne. The city is known for its food and there are some interesting local flavors that you should try. For something unique, try the singing hinny (sweet bread), pan haggerty (similar to potato gratin), stottie cake (bread) or craster kippers (smoked herring). You'll also find a diversity of cosmopolitan restaurants around town.

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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Antwerp Better for Nightlife?

The very good nightlife scene is relatively similar in Newcastle upon Tyne and Antwerp.

Newcastle upon Tyne has a large number of nightlife venues. Because of the large student population, you'll find a very active nightlife scene. There are several party districts in the city that you should check out including Quayside, the Gate, the Diamond Strip, Bigg Market, and Dean Street.

Antwerp is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Antwerp Better for its Old Town?

Newcastle upon Tyne and Antwerp are both popular destinations with charming historical areas.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Newcastle upon Tyne. Known as Grainger Town, the city's historic commercial center is famous for its Georgian and Victorian buildings.

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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Antwerp?

Antwerp is an amazing port city to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Newcastle upon Tyne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many people travel to Antwerp specifically to go shopping. 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.

Newcastle upon Tyne is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city has boutique shops as well as major shopping malls. Some of the best shopping areas include the pedestrian shopping street of Northumberland Street, the historic Grey Street, and Grainger Market.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Antwerp Better for Families?

You'll find good kid-friendly activities in either Newcastle upon Tyne or Antwerp.

Newcastle upon Tyne is a family-friendly port city. Kids will love visiting the Newcastle Castle, but there are also ropes courses and the Victoria Tunnel Tours. Museum lovers will enjoy a visit to Discovery Museum, the Life Science Center, or Beamish, the Living Museum of the North.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Antwerp. 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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Antwerp Better for Couples?

Both Newcastle upon Tyne and Antwerp are good destinations to visit as a couple.

Newcastle upon Tyne is a good port city for couples to visit. The city boasts many romantic walks as well as fine dining restaurants and interesting entertainment options. It's not hard to enjoy a fun date night out on the town.

Antwerp is a nice destination for couples. 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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Antwerp Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Newcastle upon Tyne and Antwerp are both good destinations for backpackers.

Newcastle upon Tyne is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are a number of hostels to choose from and plenty of entertainment choices so you shouldn't have much trouble meeting other people.

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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Antwerp Better for Students?

Both Newcastle upon Tyne and Antwerp are very good destinations for students.

Newcastle upon Tyne is very popular with students. The city has a large student population and a lively nightlife scene, so it's a fun place for students to spend a semester or more.

Antwerp is a great port city to visit as a student. 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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Antwerp Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Newcastle upon Tyne 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.

Newcastle upon Tyne has some very good public transit options. There are bus, ferry, and light rail services in the city.

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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Antwerp a more walkable city?

Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne on foot is easy. The city is one of the most walkable in the UK.

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 Newcastle upon Tyne Worth Visiting? and Is Antwerp Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Antwerp or Newcastle upon Tyne?

How long in Newcastle upon Tyne or Antwerp?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne.

One day in Newcastle upon Tyne or Antwerp?

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

In Antwerp, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Lots of people come for the shopping. 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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Antwerp?

In Newcastle upon Tyne, 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 Newcastle upon Tyne has to offer.

Many people visit Antwerp for a weekend. Lots of people come for the shopping. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Antwerp?

Newcastle upon Tyne 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.

The destination of Antwerp offers shopping and museums. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. 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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Antwerp?

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

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Antwerp. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This port city offers something for everyone. 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Historical 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 Newcastle upon Tyne and Antwerp, we can see that Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne Expensive? and Is Antwerp Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Newcastle upon Tyne or Antwerp?

Antwerp has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Newcastle upon Tyne. When comparing the sizes of Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Antwerp in the Summer?

Both Antwerp and Newcastle upon Tyne during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Newcastle upon Tyne because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Antwerp this time of year.

In July, Newcastle upon Tyne is generally cooler than Antwerp. Daily temperatures in Newcastle upon Tyne average around 15°C (59°F), and Antwerp fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In Antwerp, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Newcastle upon Tyne often gets less sunshine than Antwerp. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Antwerp receives 202 hours of full sun.

Newcastle upon Tyne usually gets more rain in July than Antwerp. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Newcastle upon Tyne or Antwerp in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Newcastle upon Tyne and Antwerp. The shopping scene are the main draw to Newcastle upon Tyne this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Antwerp for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Newcastle upon Tyne is cooler than Antwerp in the autumn. The daily temperature in Newcastle upon Tyne averages around 10°C (49°F) in October, and Antwerp fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Newcastle upon Tyne usually receives less sunshine than Antwerp during autumn. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 69 hours of sunny skies, while Antwerp receives 105 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Newcastle upon Tyne gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Newcastle upon Tyne usually receives more rain than Antwerp. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Newcastle upon Tyne or Antwerp in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Newcastle upon Tyne as well as Antwerp. Many travelers come to Newcastle upon Tyne for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Antwerp in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Antwerp can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Newcastle upon Tyne. In the winter, Newcastle upon Tyne is around the same temperature as Antwerp. Typically, the winter temperatures in Newcastle upon Tyne in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Antwerp averages at about 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Newcastle upon Tyne often gets less sunshine than Antwerp. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 40 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Antwerp receives 47 hours of full sun.

Newcastle upon Tyne receives a lot of rain in the winter. Newcastle upon Tyne usually gets more rain in January than Antwerp. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Newcastle upon Tyne or Antwerp in the Spring?

Both Antwerp and Newcastle upon Tyne are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Also, most visitors come to Antwerp for the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Newcastle upon Tyne is generally cooler than Antwerp. Daily temperatures in Newcastle upon Tyne average around 7°C (45°F), and Antwerp fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Newcastle upon Tyne usually receives less sunshine than Antwerp during spring. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 134 hours of sunny skies, while Antwerp receives 158 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Newcastle upon Tyne usually receives more rain than Antwerp. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Antwerp and Newcastle upon Tyne