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

Should you visit Tokyo or Antwerp?

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

Should I visit Tokyo or Antwerp? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Tokyo

Tokyo is a iconic, eclectic, and cutting edge city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. 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 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 museums, nightlife, and food.

Tokyo and Antwerp: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tokyo or Antwerp?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Tokyo than Antwerp, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Tokyo is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Antwerp is known for its historical sights. Tokyo is more touristy than Antwerp and is popular for its ultramodern skyscrapers, neon lights, historic temples, lively karaoke bars, and peaceful parks. It is also home to The Sensō-ji Temple. Antwerp is popular for its historic train station, festive chocolate shops, decadent waffle stands, and down-to-earth old town.

How is Tokyo different from Antwerp?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Tokyo 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 Tokyo are among the most recognizable in the world. This iconic city is filled with recognizable landmarks and world class museums including the Meiji Shrine, the Sensō-ji Temple, and the Tokyo Skytree.

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 Tokyo or Antwerp? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Tokyo has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. With an astonishing number of Michelin star restaurants, this is one of the most interesting and impressive food destinations in the world. Not all restaurants are high end though. You'll find plenty of cheap eateries that offer their own rewarding culinary experience. Must try local dishes include okonomiyaki, ramen, and of course, sushi.

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 Tokyo or Antwerp Better for Nightlife?

Tokyo is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. Also, Antwerp is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Tokyo is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The professional urgency that you feel during the day morphs into a vibrant, laid back city at night. The neon lights turn on and locals head out to destress. There are karaoke bars, casual pubs, high energy nightclubs, and more. Popular areas for nightlife include Roppongi, Shibuya and Shinjuku.

Many people head to Antwerp for the nightlife scene. 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 Tokyo or Antwerp Better for Music?

Tokyo 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 Tokyo The music scene features both national and international artists and the music style is as eclectic as the city itself. You'll find many underground venues, vintage record stores, and local bars that have each created their own niche.

Antwerp is not a live music destination.

Is Tokyo or Antwerp Better for its Old Town?

Antwerp is great for its historic old town charm. However, Tokyo does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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.

Tokyo does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Tokyo or Antwerp?

If you're looking to go shopping, Tokyo and Antwerp both offer plenty of world-class spots.

Many people travel to Tokyo specifically to go shopping. The city is known for its electronics, anime products, and trendy fashion brands. Many neighborhoods are also shopping districts with malls or markets throughout. Prices can be steep, but products are generally high quality. For some of the city's best shopping, head to Shinjuku, Shibuya, or Ginza.

Antwerp is a famous shopping destination with plenty of 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.

Is Tokyo or Antwerp Better for Families?

Tokyo is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Antwerp is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Tokyo is one of the most popular family destinations. This is an incredibly kid-friendly city. There's Disneyland, but there are also many other entertainment centers, amusement areas, a zoo, aquarium, and more. Kids will also enjoy experiencing the city's fascinating culture. They can visit temples, museums, and the Tokyo Tower. Another fun local experience is to go to a baseball game.

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 Tokyo or Antwerp Better for Couples?

Tokyo is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Antwerp is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Tokyo frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. This high tech city offers luxury hotels and spas, award winning restaurants, and unique date night opportunities like karaoke or sushi making classes. The city has many parks and gardens as well as malls, dynamic neighborhoods, and interesting museums.

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 Tokyo or Antwerp Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Tokyo and Antwerp are good places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Tokyo. Known for it's high prices, it can be a bit difficult to visit this city on a budget. There are dorm rooms available but they still come with a high price tag. Food is a bit easier as the eateries are diverse with many options on the cheaper side.

Antwerp is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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 Tokyo or Antwerp Better for Students?

Tokyo 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 Tokyo. The city attracts many international students and there are a number of prestigious universities to choose from. Perhaps the biggest challenge is navigating the language difference, but that is all part of the experience when studying abroad.

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

Tokyo is an unbeatable place for its public transit. Also, Antwerp is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors in Tokyo can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. Trains, subways, and buses make up the complex transportation system and, while it may seem overwhelming at first, the system is actually very clean, efficient, and reliable.

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 Tokyo or Antwerp a more walkable city?

Tokyo 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 Tokyo on foot is easy. Many neighborhoods are very easy to explore on foot, so it's fun to just wander without a plan, seeing where you end up.

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 Tokyo Worth Visiting? and Is Antwerp Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Antwerp or Tokyo?

How long in Tokyo or Antwerp?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Tokyo and Antwerp. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Tokyo than in Antwerp. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Tokyo, and 1-3 days is enough time in Antwerp.

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

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

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

One day in Tokyo or Antwerp?

Because Tokyo is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This 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 shopping and museums that this vibrant destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the shopping. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Tokyo or Antwerp?

Because Tokyo 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. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Antwerp. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Tokyo or Antwerp?

Tokyo 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 Tokyo has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Antwerp is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Antwerp. Lots of people come for the shopping. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Tokyo or Antwerp?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Tokyo. Because Tokyo is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

You'll find food and shopping around the historical destination of Antwerp. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the shopping. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan, The Best Bicycle 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 Tokyo and Antwerp, we can see that Tokyo is more expensive. And not only is Antwerp much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Tokyo 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 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 Tokyo would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Tokyo 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 Tokyo Expensive? and Is Antwerp Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Tokyo or Antwerp?

Tokyo has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Antwerp. When comparing the sizes of Tokyo 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 Tokyo 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 Tokyo or Antwerp in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Tokyo as well as Antwerp. The city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Tokyo this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Antwerp for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Tokyo is generally a little warmer than Antwerp. Daily temperatures in Tokyo average around 26°C (78°F), and Antwerp fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Antwerp. In the summer, Tokyo often gets less sunshine than Antwerp. Tokyo gets 137 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Antwerp receives 202 hours of full sun.

Tokyo receives a lot of rain in the summer. Tokyo usually gets more rain in July than Antwerp. Tokyo gets 127 mm (5 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tokyo or Antwerp in the Autumn?

Both Antwerp and Tokyo are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Tokyo for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Antwerp in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Tokyo is a little warmer than Antwerp in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tokyo averages around 18°C (64°F) in October, and Antwerp fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Tokyo usually receives more sunshine than Antwerp during autumn. Tokyo gets 129 hours of sunny skies, while Antwerp receives 105 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Tokyo. In October, Tokyo usually receives more rain than Antwerp. Tokyo gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Tokyo or Antwerp in the Winter?

Both Antwerp and Tokyo during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Tokyo in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Antwerp for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Antwerp can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Tokyo is much warmer than Antwerp. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tokyo in January average around 5°C (42°F), and Antwerp averages at about 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Tokyo often gets more sunshine than Antwerp. Tokyo gets 175 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Antwerp receives 47 hours of full sun.

Tokyo usually gets less rain in January than Antwerp. Tokyo gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tokyo or Antwerp in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Tokyo and Antwerp. Most visitors come to Tokyo for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Antwerp because of the activities around the city.

In April, Tokyo is generally much warmer than Antwerp. Daily temperatures in Tokyo average around 14°C (58°F), and Antwerp fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Tokyo usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Antwerp during spring. Tokyo gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Antwerp receives 158 hours of full sun in the spring.

Tokyo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Tokyo usually receives more rain than Antwerp. Tokyo gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Antwerp and Tokyo