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

Should you visit Shanghai or Antwerp?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Shanghai and Antwerp. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Shanghai

Shanghai is a trendy, modern, and cosmopolitan port city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of Shanghai is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Shanghai travel costs.

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

Shanghai and Antwerp: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Shanghai or Antwerp?

You'll generally find more things to do in Shanghai than Antwerp. Shanghai is bigger than Antwerp, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Shanghai is better known for its museums and attractions, food, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Antwerp is more popular for its nightlife and historical sights. Shanghai is more touristy than Antwerp and is known for its historical landmarks, local street food, vibrant markets, and waterfront promenade. Also, Shanghai is famous for The Bund. Antwerp is well known for its historic train station, festive chocolate shops, decadent waffle stands, and down-to-earth old town.

How is Shanghai different from Antwerp?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Shanghai is an unbeatable place for its museums and landmarks. Also, Antwerp is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Shanghai are among the most recognizable in the world. The city's sights mix culture with modern innovation. From the futuristic skyline and the iconic waterfront area known as the Bund, to the classic Yu Garden, there are a diversity of sights around the city. There are also museums like the Shanghai Museum, which educate visitors on Chinese culture.

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 Shanghai or Antwerp? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Shanghai is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, Antwerp is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Shanghai has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The city's cuisine has a long history with many distinct traditional dishes. The foods incorporate a lot of soy sauce and sugar and you'll find most dishes are rice based as opposed to using wheat products. Popular local dishes include the famous Shanghai soup dumplings, steamed crab, and braised pork. The city is also famous for its snacks, which can be purchased at one of the many snack houses or street stalls.

Antwerp has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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!

Is Shanghai or Antwerp Better for Nightlife?

Antwerp is notable for nightlife and partying. Also, Shanghai is not as famous, but is still a good port city to visit for its evening party scene.

Antwerp has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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 Shanghai. A night out can quickly become very expensive. Many of the venues are spread out so you'll likely spend at least some of the time in a taxi. The Bund is one of the most popular areas for nightlife, but this area also has the most expensive bars and clubs. They often offer impressive views of Pudong and the Huangpu River though.

Is Shanghai or Antwerp Better for its Old Town?

Antwerp is notable for its old town. However, Shanghai does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Antwerp. 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.

Shanghai does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Shanghai or Antwerp?

Both Shanghai and Antwerp are first-rate shopping destinations.

The abundance of shops in Shanghai make it a world-class shopping destination. The city has many large shopping malls with department stores, name brand fashion, and trendy shops. It is also known for its cheap electronics and tailor-made clothes.

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.

Is Shanghai or Antwerp More Beautiful?

Shanghai is well known for its scenery and beauty. However, Antwerp is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Shanghai is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Its distinct, futuristic skyline and scenic waterside strolls make this city a beautiful place to explore.

Antwerp is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Shanghai or Antwerp Better for Families?

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

Shanghai is a very kid-friendly port city. Of course there's Disneyland, but kids will also enjoy soaking up the city's culture, trying fun new snacks, and exploring the many science and kid-friendly museums. There are also parks and outdoor spaces as well as skyscrapers and towers that offer incredible views of the city.

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 Shanghai or Antwerp Better for Couples?

Shanghai 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, Shanghai has plenty to offer. With its east meets west personality, couples will be able to enjoy an amazing culinary experience, beautiful gardens, and luxury hotels and spas. There are many romantic areas around this bustling city, making it the perfect place for a romantic city getaway.

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 Shanghai or Antwerp Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Shanghai is a great port city to visit for backpackers. The city is expensive, but there are hostels and cheap eateries that make it accessible even for the budget conscious. Business travelers and local workers give the city a more professional vibe during the day, but if you find the right place to stay you'll quickly be able to meet likeminded travelers.

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 Shanghai or Antwerp Better for Students?

Shanghai and Antwerp are both high quality destinations for students and younger travelers.

Many students visit Shanghai. The city attracts international and study abroad students who enjoy its long history and fascinating culture. It's a world financial capital with many businesses headquartered here, so employment opportunities are abundant.

Antwerp is a very popular port city for students and younger travelers. 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 Shanghai or Antwerp Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Shanghai 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.

Shanghai has some very good public transit options. There is a metro system as well as buses and taxis which are relatively affordable.

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 Shanghai or Antwerp a more walkable city?

Shanghai and Antwerp both are high quality when exploring on foot.

Shanghai is a very walkable port city. It's possible to explore the major tourist areas on foot but it can be very hot and humid during the summer months.

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 Shanghai Worth Visiting? and Is Antwerp Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Antwerp or Shanghai?

How long in Shanghai or Antwerp?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Shanghai and Antwerp. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Shanghai than in Antwerp. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Shanghai, and 1-3 days is enough time in Antwerp.

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

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

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

One day in Shanghai or Antwerp?

Because Shanghai is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This port 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 Shanghai or Antwerp?

Because Shanghai is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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 Shanghai has to offer.

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 Shanghai or Antwerp?

Shanghai is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Shanghai 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 Shanghai or Antwerp?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Shanghai. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Shanghai. 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 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Belgium, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Brussels.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Shanghai or Antwerp?

Shanghai has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Antwerp. When comparing the sizes of Shanghai 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 Shanghai 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 Shanghai or Antwerp in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Shanghai and Antwerp. Many travelers come to Shanghai for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Antwerp in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Shanghai is much warmer than Antwerp in the summer. The daily temperature in Shanghai averages around 28°C (83°F) in July, and Antwerp fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Antwerp this time of the year. In Shanghai, it's very sunny this time of the year. Shanghai usually receives more sunshine than Antwerp during summer. Shanghai gets 232 hours of sunny skies, while Antwerp receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

Shanghai gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Shanghai usually receives more rain than Antwerp. Shanghai gets 128 mm (5 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Shanghai or Antwerp in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Shanghai as well as Antwerp. Many visitors come to Shanghai in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, most visitors come to Antwerp for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Shanghai is much warmer than Antwerp. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Shanghai in October average around 19°C (65°F), and Antwerp averages at about 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Shanghai often gets more sunshine than Antwerp. Shanghai gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Antwerp receives 105 hours of full sun.

Shanghai usually gets less rain in October than Antwerp. Shanghai gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Shanghai or Antwerp in the Winter?

Both Antwerp and Shanghai are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Shanghai for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Antwerp because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Antwerp can be very cold. Shanghai can be very cold during winter. In January, Shanghai is generally a little warmer than Antwerp. Daily temperatures in Shanghai average around 4°C (39°F), and Antwerp fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Shanghai usually receives more sunshine than Antwerp during winter. Shanghai gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while Antwerp receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Shanghai usually receives less rain than Antwerp. Shanghai gets 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Shanghai or Antwerp in the Spring?

Both Antwerp and Shanghai during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Shanghai because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city are the main draw to Antwerp this time of year.

Shanghai is much warmer than Antwerp in the spring. The daily temperature in Shanghai averages around 15°C (58°F) in April, and Antwerp fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the spring, Shanghai often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Antwerp. Shanghai gets 153 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Antwerp receives 158 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Shanghai. Shanghai usually gets more rain in April than Antwerp. Shanghai gets 102 mm (4 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Antwerp and Shanghai