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

Should you visit Sendai or Antwerp?

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

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

Sendai

Sendai is a high energy, vibrant, and cosmopolitan 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. See Sendai travel costs.

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 food, shopping, and museums. See Antwerp travel costs.

Sendai and Antwerp: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sendai or Antwerp?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Antwerp than Sendai. While Sendai is larger than Antwerp, Antwerp has more sights and attractions for tourists. Antwerp is better known for its food, historical sights, and shopping, while Sendai is more popular for its beaches. Sendai is more touristy than Antwerp and is popular for the Tanabata Festival, which is the largest of its kind and held every August. 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 Sendai different from Antwerp?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Sendai can be an interesting and educational experience. The city grew up as a castle town, and today the castle ruins are a popular tourist destination. A park surrounds the area, Aobayama Park, and while only the stonewalls remain, you can visit the Sendai City Museum in the park as well. Zuihoden Temple is another landmark worth visiting, as is the AER observation terrace.

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 Sendai or Antwerp? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Antwerp is an excellent place to visit for its restaurants. Also, Sendai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Antwerp has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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!

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Sendai area. There are a number of local specialties in the area and if you're an adventurous eater, then this is your place. Many of the dishes are influenced by the city's proximity to the ocean. Make sure you try the harako-meshi (rice with fish eggs), sea squirts, and sashimi. Another local favorite is beef tongue.

Is Sendai or Antwerp Better for Nightlife?

Both Sendai and Antwerp have excellent vibes after the sun sets.

Sendai has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. Head to Kokubuncho for the best nightlife scene in the area. This downtown neighborhood is filled with bars, clubs, and karaoke that come alive in the evening. For live music, check out Rensa, which is one of the city's largest live music venues.

The people in Antwerp know how to have a good time. 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 Sendai or Antwerp Better for Beaches?

Sendai is very good for the beach. However, Antwerp is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Sendai to enjoy the beach. There are a number of beaches in the area, but for the best options you'll want to head a bit out of town.

Antwerp is not a beach destination.

Is Sendai or Antwerp Better for its Old Town?

Antwerp is an excellent place to visit for its old town. However, Sendai does not have a historic old town.

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.

Sendai does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Sendai or Antwerp?

Antwerp is renowned for its shopping opportunities. Also, Sendai is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Sendai. You'll find shopping arcades in the downtown area like Ichibancho, which is one of the most popular shopping districts in the city. If you head out of town towards the suburbs, you'll find malls and other outlet stores.

Is Sendai or Antwerp Better for Families?

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

Sendai is a very kid-friendly city. The city has a number of green spaces that kids will enjoy including parks and playgrounds. There are also kid-focused museums like the Anpanman Children's Museum and the 3M Sendai City Science Museum. If the young ones really need a break from the history, you can check out Yagiyama Beny Land.

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 Sendai or Antwerp Better for Couples?

Sendai and Antwerp are both notable to visit as a couple.

Sendai makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city boasts beautiful temples as well as nice natural areas, parks, and gardens. If you have time to get out of town, Okama is a volcanic lake that is one of the most beautiful spots in the region, and well worth the excursion.

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 Sendai or Antwerp Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sendai and Antwerp are both notable destinations for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Sendai. There are a couple of hostels around the town and many of the activities are free as they involve strolling through parks or wandering down shopping streets.

Antwerp is a good city to visit for backpackers. 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 Sendai or Antwerp Better for Students?

Antwerp is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Sendai is not popular with students.

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.

Sendai is not popular with students.

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

Sendai 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.

Sendai has some very good public transit options. There are two subway lines the north-south Namboku Line and the east-west Tozai Line. These lines cross at Sendai Station.

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 Sendai or Antwerp a more walkable city?

Sendai and Antwerp are excellent when it comes to walkability.

Sendai is a very walkable city. There are many parts of the city that are walkable, especially around Sendai Station as well as in the Chuo-dori arcade and the the Kokubuncho neighborhood.

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 Sendai Worth Visiting? and Is Antwerp Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Antwerp or Sendai?

How long in Sendai or Antwerp?

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

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

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

In Sendai, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

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 Sendai or Antwerp?

In Sendai, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Sendai 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 Sendai or Antwerp?

Sendai 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.

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 Sendai or Antwerp?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sendai. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Sendai. 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 cultural 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 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Belgium, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Belgium.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Sendai and Antwerp, we can see that Antwerp is more expensive. And not only is Sendai much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Sendai 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 Sendai would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sendai 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 Sendai.

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

Which is Bigger, Sendai or Antwerp?

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

Both Antwerp and Sendai during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Sendai for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Antwerp because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Sendai is a little warmer than Antwerp in the summer. The daily temperature in Sendai averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Antwerp fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In Antwerp, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Sendai often gets less sunshine than Antwerp. Sendai gets 124 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Antwerp receives 202 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sendai. Sendai usually gets more rain in July than Antwerp. Sendai gets 151 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sendai or Antwerp in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Sendai and Antwerp. The autumn months attract visitors to Sendai because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Antwerp this time of year.

In the autumn, Sendai is a little warmer than Antwerp. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Sendai in October average around 15°C (59°F), and Antwerp averages at about 12°C (54°F).

Sendai usually receives more sunshine than Antwerp during autumn. Sendai gets 149 hours of sunny skies, while Antwerp receives 105 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Sendai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Sendai usually receives more rain than Antwerp. Sendai gets 103 mm (4.1 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Sendai or Antwerp in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Sendai as well as Antwerp. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Sendai this time of year. Additionally, 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 Sendai in the winter. In January, Sendai is generally much colder than Antwerp. Daily temperatures in Sendai average around 2°C (35°F), and Antwerp fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Sendai often gets more sunshine than Antwerp. Sendai gets 149 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Antwerp receives 47 hours of full sun.

Sendai usually gets less rain in January than Antwerp. Sendai gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sendai or Antwerp in the Spring?

Both Antwerp and Sendai are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Sendai for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Antwerp in the spring for the activities around the city.

Sendai is a little warmer than Antwerp in the spring. The daily temperature in Sendai averages around 10°C (51°F) in April, and Antwerp fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Sendai usually receives more sunshine than Antwerp during spring. Sendai gets 188 hours of sunny skies, while Antwerp receives 158 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Sendai usually receives more rain than Antwerp. Sendai 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 Sendai