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

Should you visit Salzburg or Antwerp?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Salzburg 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.

Salzburg

Salzburg is a cultural, recognizable, and historic city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Antwerp

Antwerp is a youthful, vibrant, and authentic port city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Salzburg and Antwerp: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Salzburg or Antwerp?

Both Antwerp and Salzburg have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Salzburg is more popular for its food, music, historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Antwerp is known for its nightlife and big city activities. Salzburg is more touristy than Antwerp and is known for its elegant breakfasts, its classical music scene, and its role in the Sound of Music. Antwerp is popular for its historic train station, festive chocolate shops, decadent waffle stands, and down-to-earth old town.

How is Salzburg different from Antwerp?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Salzburg or Antwerp.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Salzburg can be an interesting and educational experience. There are many historic sights to explore including Mozart's birthplace, the Mozart Residence, the Salzburg Museum, and the many stunning churches and concert halls.

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.

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

Salzburg 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 Salzburg. The old town is filled with charming restaurants that serve local specialties including schnitzel, tafelspitz, and strudel. The city is also known for it's impressive breakfast spread that is often served on a three tiered cake stand and includes cheeses, salami, fresh fruit, pastries, olives, jams and more.

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 Salzburg or Antwerp Better for Nightlife?

Antwerp is a well-known place for its evening party scene. Also, Salzburg is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Salzburg. The city has a number of trendy bars, pubs, and clubs where you can enjoy music and a lively atmosphere.

Is Salzburg or Antwerp Better for Music?

Salzburg 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 Salzburg Although most people think of Mozart and the Sound of Music when they think of this city, there are also many music festivals, including the famous Salzburg Music Festival, as well as concert venues and an independent music scene that is excellent.

Antwerp is not a live music destination.

Is Salzburg or Antwerp Better for its Old Town?

Salzburg 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, Salzburg offers plenty to see. This beautiful old town is filled with cafes, restaurants, and churches. You can enjoy local music performed by street performers as you soak in the atmosphere and the regular chime of the church bells really gives the city personality. There are also frequent markets and shops 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 Salzburg or Antwerp?

Both Salzburg and Antwerp are terrific shopping destinations.

Salzburg is a world class destination for shoppers. The city's historic heart is filled with boutique shops, chocolate markets, and charming local vendors. It's fun to peruse the many shops that line the streets while you shop for local souvenirs.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Antwerp. 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.

Is Salzburg or Antwerp Better for Families?

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

Salzburg is a very kid-friendly city. Kids who know the Sound of Music will enjoy visiting the setting of a number of scenes from the movie. There are even popular Sound of Music tours that take you to the gardens where they sang "Do Re Mi" and out of town to the church where Maria married the Captain. The city also offers Marionette Puppet shows, cooking classes, castles and more around town that everyone can 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 Salzburg or Antwerp Better for Couples?

Salzburg is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. Also, Antwerp is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

For those traveling as a couple, Salzburg has plenty to offer. The town offers a romantic setting with elaborate breakfasts, beautiful architecture, live shows, and plenty that couples can enjoy. You can simply wander around old town or explore the many gardens around town. Couples will also enjoy the concerts and music that the city is so famous for.

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 Salzburg or Antwerp Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Salzburg is well known for backpackers. Also, Antwerp is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Salzburg is a great city to visit for backpackers. This is a popular city to visit, so there are plenty of amenities for backpackers. If you want to save a little money, you can stay and eat outside of old town where the prices are a little less.

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 Salzburg or Antwerp Better for Students?

Salzburg is an unbeatable place for students. Also, Antwerp is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Students come from all over the world to visit Salzburg. International students appreciate the high quality of life, excellent educational opportunities and unique European setting that makes this city special. There are also a number of beautiful places just outside of town that you can explore, as well as many travel connections to other popular cities in Europe.

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

Salzburg 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.

Salzburg has some very good public transit options. Trolleys and buses make it easy to get around town.

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 Salzburg or Antwerp a more walkable city?

Salzburg and Antwerp both are excellent when exploring on foot.

Salzburg is a very walkable destination. The old town is very walkable, but if you stay outside of the main tourist areas, you'll likely want to take a bus.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Antwerp or Salzburg?

How long in Salzburg or Antwerp?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Salzburg and Antwerp. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Salzburg than in Antwerp. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Salzburg, and 1-3 days is enough time in Antwerp.

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

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

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

One day in Salzburg or Antwerp?

In Salzburg, you'll find shopping and museums. 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 Salzburg or Antwerp?

In Salzburg, you'll find museums and nightlife. 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 Salzburg or Antwerp?

Salzburg 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 Salzburg 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 Salzburg or Antwerp?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Salzburg. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Salzburg. 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.

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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Vienna, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Salzburg, The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Belgium.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Salzburg and Antwerp, we can see that Salzburg 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 Salzburg would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Salzburg 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 Salzburg Expensive? and Is Antwerp Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Salzburg or Antwerp?

Antwerp has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Salzburg. When comparing the sizes of Salzburg 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 Salzburg 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 Salzburg or Antwerp in the Summer?

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

In July, Salzburg is generally a little warmer than Antwerp. Daily temperatures in Salzburg average around 20°C (68°F), and Antwerp fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Antwerp this time of the year. In Salzburg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Salzburg usually receives more sunshine than Antwerp during summer. Salzburg gets 227 hours of sunny skies, while Antwerp receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Salzburg usually receives more rain than Antwerp. Salzburg gets 91 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Salzburg or Antwerp in the Autumn?

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

Salzburg is around the same temperature as Antwerp in the autumn. The daily temperature in Salzburg averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Antwerp fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Salzburg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Antwerp. Salzburg gets 108 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Antwerp receives 105 hours of full sun.

Salzburg usually gets less rain in October than Antwerp. Salzburg gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Salzburg or Antwerp in the Winter?

Both Antwerp and Salzburg 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 Salzburg 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. It's quite cold in Salzburg in the winter. In the winter, Salzburg is much colder than Antwerp. Typically, the winter temperatures in Salzburg in January average around -0°C (31°F), and Antwerp averages at about 3°C (38°F).

Salzburg usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Antwerp during winter. Salzburg gets 44 hours of sunny skies, while Antwerp receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Salzburg usually receives around the same amount of rain as Antwerp. Salzburg gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Salzburg or Antwerp in the Spring?

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

In April, Salzburg is generally a little warmer than Antwerp. Daily temperatures in Salzburg average around 11°C (51°F), and Antwerp fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the spring, Salzburg often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Antwerp. Salzburg gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Antwerp receives 158 hours of full sun.

Salzburg usually gets more rain in April than Antwerp. Salzburg gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Antwerp and Salzburg