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

Should you visit Vienna or Antwerp?

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

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

Vienna

Vienna is a artistic, musical, and ritzy city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

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.

Vienna and Antwerp: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Vienna or Antwerp?

Both Antwerp and Vienna have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Vienna is better known for its food, music, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Antwerp is more popular for its nightlife and big city activities. Vienna is more touristy than Antwerp and is popular for its strong classical music roots including being home to both Mozart and Beethoven. Antwerp is well known for its historic train station, festive chocolate shops, decadent waffle stands, and down-to-earth old town.

How is Vienna different from Antwerp?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Vienna can be an interesting and educational experience. Filled with palaces, museums, and parks, there are many things to see around town. Make sure you check out the Schönbrunn Palace, Hofburg, and Kunsthistorisches Museum.

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 Vienna or Antwerp? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Vienna 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 Vienna. The city's cuisine has been influenced by many different flavors. Pastries are ubiquitous so make sure you try the apfelstrudel and kaiserschmarrn. Other common dishes include wiener schnitzel and goulash.

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 Vienna or Antwerp Better for Nightlife?

Antwerp is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. Also, Vienna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Antwerp has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Vienna has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The music and dance scene is diverse and fun. There are clubs that cater to different crowds and personalities.

Is Vienna or Antwerp Better for Music?

Vienna 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 Vienna On the surface, the city seems locked in the past, with ballet dancing and classical concerts filling the evenings. But the city also has a famous jazz scene, as well as techno, hip-hop, and rock all having a strong presence.

Antwerp is not a live music destination.

Is Vienna or Antwerp Better for its Old Town?

Vienna 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, Vienna offers plenty to see. Innere Stadt, as it is known, is encircled by Ringstrasse and filled with many shops and cafes. Head to Kärntner Strasse and Graben for popular pedestrian streets.

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 Vienna or Antwerp?

Shoppers can find a variety of terrific stores in both Vienna and Antwerp.

Known for shopping, Vienna draws large crowds to its stores. The city is filled with pedestrian streets that are lined with designer shops, jewelry stores, and art galleries.

Antwerp is a world class destination for shoppers. 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 Vienna or Antwerp Better for Families?

Vienna and Antwerp are both notable destinations for the whole family.

Vienna is a family-friendly city. Families enjoy taking carriage rides or dressing up in costumes at Schönbrunn Palace. The city also has children's museums, parks, and playgrounds where you can let little legs run around.

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 Vienna or Antwerp Better for Couples?

Vienna 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, Vienna has plenty to offer. With it's Baroque architecture and classical concerts, this city is filled with romance. Explore the palaces, take a carriage ride, or enjoy a meal at a nice restaurant.

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 Vienna or Antwerp Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Vienna and Antwerp are both notable destinations for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Vienna. The city flies under the radar for many backpackers, but those who visit will be rewarded with beautiful buildings, charming cafes, and fun hostels.

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 Vienna or Antwerp Better for Students?

Vienna 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 Vienna. The city is a popular destination for international students who are interested in art, architecture, and music.

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

Vienna 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 Vienna can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The system includes buses, trains, trams and underground lines.

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 Vienna or Antwerp a more walkable city?

Vienna 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 Vienna on foot is easy. The city center is particularly walkable with pedestrian areas and low traffic zones.

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 Vienna Worth Visiting? and Is Antwerp Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Antwerp or Vienna?

How long in Vienna or Antwerp?

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

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

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

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

One day in Vienna or Antwerp?

In Vienna, 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.

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 Vienna or Antwerp?

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

Vienna 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 Vienna has to offer. 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 Vienna or Antwerp?

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

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the authentic 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 Christmas Market Tours in Austria, The Best Bicycle Tours in Austria, The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Belgium.

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

Which is Bigger, Vienna or Antwerp?

Vienna has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Antwerp. When comparing the sizes of Vienna 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 Vienna 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 Vienna or Antwerp in the Summer?

Both Antwerp and Vienna during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Vienna 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.

Vienna is a little warmer than Antwerp in the summer. The daily temperature in Vienna 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. It's quite sunny in Vienna. In the summer, Vienna often gets more sunshine than Antwerp. Vienna gets 255 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Antwerp receives 202 hours of full sun.

Vienna usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Antwerp. Vienna gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Vienna or Antwerp in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Vienna and Antwerp. The autumn months attract visitors to Vienna 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.

In the autumn, Vienna is around the same temperature as Antwerp. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Vienna in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Antwerp averages at about 12°C (54°F).

Vienna usually receives more sunshine than Antwerp during autumn. Vienna gets 140 hours of sunny skies, while Antwerp receives 105 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Vienna usually receives less rain than Antwerp. Vienna gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Vienna or Antwerp in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Vienna as well as Antwerp. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Vienna 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 Vienna in the winter. In January, Vienna is generally much colder than Antwerp. Daily temperatures in Vienna average around 2°C (36°F), and Antwerp fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Vienna often gets more sunshine than Antwerp. Vienna gets 65 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Antwerp receives 47 hours of full sun.

Vienna usually gets less rain in January than Antwerp. Vienna gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Vienna or Antwerp in the Spring?

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

Vienna is a little warmer than Antwerp in the spring. The daily temperature in Vienna averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Antwerp fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Vienna. Vienna usually receives more sunshine than Antwerp during spring. Vienna gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Antwerp receives 158 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Vienna usually receives more rain than Antwerp. Vienna gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Antwerp and Vienna