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

Should you visit Warsaw or Antwerp?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Warsaw and Antwerp can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Warsaw

Warsaw is a under-rated, diverse, and cultural city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. 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 vibrant, authentic, and genuine port city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Warsaw and Antwerp: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Warsaw or Antwerp?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Antwerp than Warsaw. While Warsaw is larger than Antwerp, Antwerp has more sights and attractions for tourists. Antwerp is very popular for its shopping, while Warsaw attracts visitors for its impressive beauty. Warsaw is famous for its historical position as a cultural and political center. Antwerp is famous for its historic train station, festive chocolate shops, decadent waffle stands, and down-to-earth old town. It is also well known for Antwerpen-Centraal.

How is Warsaw different from Antwerp?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Spend time exploring the superb sights and museums in either Warsaw or Antwerp.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Warsaw. There are a number of landmarks and interesting museums around town. Many of the museums focus on the area's history, including the Warsaw Rising Museum, POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews, and the Museum of Warsaw. Other notable sights include the Royal Castle, Łazienki Królewskie Park, and Wilanów Palace Museum and Park.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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 Warsaw or Antwerp? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Warsaw and Antwerp can be an enjoyable experience.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Warsaw. The city's restaurants are diverse with a combination of international flavors, Michelin Star restaurants, and Soviet era "milk bars". Traditional dishes are hearty with many soups, dumplings, and desserts to choose from. Some of the most famous dishes include pierogis (dumplings), zurek (soup), and borsch (beetroot soup).

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Antwerp. 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 Warsaw or Antwerp Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find superb options in both Warsaw and Antwerp.

The nightlife in Warsaw has something for everybody. The city has an active nightlife scene with many bars and clubs spread out in a number of different areas. Many locals dress for the occasion, so depending on your hangout spot of choice, you may want to dress to impress.

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.

Is Warsaw or Antwerp Better for its Old Town?

Both Warsaw and Antwerp have superb historic old towns worth visiting.

Warsaw is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. While many buildings have been rebuilt following World War II, there are still some historical gems to explore. St. John's Archcathedral dates back to the 14th century and Rynek Starego Miasta is the square at the heart of the 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Warsaw or Antwerp?

Antwerp is an unbeatable place for shopping. Also, Warsaw is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping opportunities.

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.

Warsaw offers some nice shopping areas. The city has malls, shopping streets, flea markets and boutiques to explore. There are both global brands and local items to choose from. For the best deals you should head to an outlet mall.

Is Warsaw or Antwerp Better for Families?

Both Warsaw and Antwerp are nice to visit with kids.

Warsaw offers lots of family activities. The city has many museums that are dedicated to the area's history. These museums may, at times, cover difficult topics for young children, but there are also science and technology museums that are perfect for young minds. Make sure you check out the Copernicus Science Center. There's also a city zoo and many parks that are fun to explore.

Antwerp is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 Warsaw or Antwerp Better for Couples?

Both Warsaw and Antwerp are nice destinations for a couple's getaway.

Warsaw is a nice destination for couples. While many of the city's historical buildings were destroyed during the war, there are a few gems that remain. Couples will enjoy visiting the Wilanów Palace and the Palace of Culture and Science. There are also many parks and gardens where you can wander or enjoy a picnic. And, of course, the old town is a beautiful way to pass the time.

Antwerp makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 Warsaw or Antwerp Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Warsaw and Antwerp are nice places to visit.

Warsaw is a good city to visit for backpackers. While it's not as popular as many other city's in the area, this city remains affordable and fascinating for those who pass through. There are a few hostels around town as well as cheap places to grab a bite to eat.

Plenty of backpackers 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 Warsaw or Antwerp Better for Students?

For students, both Warsaw and Antwerp are superb places to visit.

Students come from all over to stay in Warsaw. The city's long history and current standing as a cultural and economic hub make it appealing to international students. The prices are reasonable and the opportunities for students are abundant.

Many students visit Antwerp. 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 Warsaw or Antwerp Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Warsaw 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.

Warsaw has some very good public transit options. There are buses, trams, and a metro available.

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 Warsaw or Antwerp a more walkable city?

Antwerp is a great port city for its walkability. However, Warsaw is not known for its high level of walkability.

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

Warsaw is generally not very walkable. Many sights are spread out, so walking between attractions isn't always the best option.

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

Should I spend more time in Antwerp or Warsaw?

How long in Warsaw or Antwerp?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Warsaw and Antwerp. In our opinion, Antwerp has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Antwerp than Warsaw. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

In Warsaw, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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 Warsaw or Antwerp?

In Warsaw, you'll find food and shopping. 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 Warsaw 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 Warsaw or Antwerp?

Warsaw is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Warsaw or Antwerp?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Warsaw. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Warsaw. 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 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 Sightseeing Tours in Poland, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Krakow, 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 Warsaw and Antwerp, we can see that Antwerp is more expensive. And not only is Warsaw much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Warsaw would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Warsaw 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 Warsaw.

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

Which is Bigger, Warsaw or Antwerp?

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

The summer brings many poeple to Warsaw as well as Antwerp. Many visitors come to Warsaw in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Antwerp for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Warsaw is around the same temperature as Antwerp. Typically, the summer temperatures in Warsaw in July average around 19°C (65°F), and Antwerp averages at about 17°C (63°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Antwerp. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Warsaw this time of the year. In the summer, Warsaw often gets more sunshine than Antwerp. Warsaw gets 353 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Antwerp receives 202 hours of full sun.

Warsaw usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Antwerp. Warsaw gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Warsaw or Antwerp in the Autumn?

Both Antwerp and Warsaw are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Warsaw for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Antwerp because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Warsaw is generally cooler than Antwerp. Daily temperatures in Warsaw average around 9°C (49°F), and Antwerp fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Warsaw usually receives more sunshine than Antwerp during autumn. Warsaw gets 135 hours of sunny skies, while Antwerp receives 105 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Warsaw usually receives less rain than Antwerp. Warsaw gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Warsaw or Antwerp in the Winter?

Both Antwerp and Warsaw during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Warsaw because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Antwerp this time of year.

It's quite cold in Antwerp in the winter. The weather in Warsaw can be very cold. Warsaw is much colder than Antwerp in the winter. The daily temperature in Warsaw averages around -3°C (27°F) in January, and Antwerp fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In the winter, Warsaw often gets less sunshine than Antwerp. Warsaw gets 35 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Antwerp receives 47 hours of full sun.

Warsaw usually gets less rain in January than Antwerp. Warsaw gets 22 mm (0.9 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Warsaw or Antwerp in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Warsaw and Antwerp. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Warsaw this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Antwerp for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Warsaw is around the same temperature as Antwerp. Typically, the spring temperatures in Warsaw in April average around 9°C (47°F), and Antwerp averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In Warsaw, it's very sunny this time of the year. Warsaw usually receives more sunshine than Antwerp during spring. Warsaw gets 247 hours of sunny skies, while Antwerp receives 158 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Warsaw usually receives less rain than Antwerp. Warsaw gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Antwerp and Warsaw