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

Should you visit York or Antwerp?

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

Should I visit York 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.

York

York is a medieval, fanciful, and historic city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Antwerp

Antwerp is a cultural, historical, and youthful port city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

York and Antwerp: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in York or Antwerp?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Antwerp than York. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Antwerp is very popular for its shopping and big city activities, while York attracts visitors for its food and historical sights. York is more touristy than Antwerp and is known for its markets, old town, and its many ghost tours. 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 York different from Antwerp?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Both York and Antwerp have great landmarks and museums for visitors.

York offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Popular museums include the York Castle Museum, the National Railway Museum, Castle Howard, and JORVIK Viking Centre.

Many visitors head to Antwerp specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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 York or Antwerp? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

York has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Meat pies, fudge, and fish and chips are just some of the culinary experiences you'll find here. The Shambles Market has vendors that sell a wide variety of cuisines. There are also food trucks throughout town that offer affordable and delicious meal options.

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 York or Antwerp Better for Nightlife?

Both York and Antwerp are great when it comes to partying.

York offers plenty to do in the evening. The young population and thriving tourist scene means there's no shortage of nightlife around town. Check out a pub or music venue to experience everything that city has to offer.

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.

Is York or Antwerp Better for its Old Town?

York 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, York offers plenty to see. The charming old town is filled with shops and restaurants. There are street performers, fudge shops, and all of the Harry Potter merchandise that a person could need.

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 York or Antwerp?

Antwerp is a world-class destination for shopping. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting York. The old town has many great candy stores that sell fudge and other local specialties. There are also Harry Potter stores that sell potions, t-shirts, games, and more.

Is York or Antwerp Better for Families?

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

York is one of the most popular family destinations. The city does an amazing job bringing history to life in a way that kids will enjoy. The JORVIK Viking Centre transports visitors back in time and introduces them to a fully immersive viking experience. The York Dungeon is great for older kids as long as they don't scare easily. Actors and special effects offer a terrifying and entertaining visit through a York dungeon. Harry Potter fans will enjoy exploring the potion shops and broomstick stores along the iconic Shambles, which is said to be an inspiration for J.K. Rowling's Diagon Alley.

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 York or Antwerp Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit York frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Couples can explore the history and entertainment venues that make York an enjoyable destination. There are museums, restaurants, and outdoor markets that make this a great weekend getaway.

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 York or Antwerp Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

York is a great city to visit for backpackers. There are a few hostels around town as well as nightlife venues and entertainment spots that appeal to backpackers and younger travelers. For great and affordable food, grab a meal at one of the many food trucks around town.

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 York or Antwerp Better for Students?

Antwerp is a well-known place for students. However, York is not popular with students.

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.

York is not popular with students.

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

Both York and Antwerp offer nice public transit options.

York has a few public transit options. There is a reliable and efficient bus system around town.

Antwerp has some public transit options. 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 York or Antwerp a more walkable city?

Antwerp is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit 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.

York is a somewhat walkable place. The old town has many pedestrian streets that are easily explored on food.

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

Should I spend more time in Antwerp or York?

How long in York or Antwerp?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both York and Antwerp. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in York than in Antwerp. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for York, and 1-3 days is enough time in Antwerp.

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

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

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

One day in York or Antwerp?

In York, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Antwerp. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in York or Antwerp?

In York, 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. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that York has to offer.

Antwerp is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the shopping. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in York or Antwerp?

York 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the youthful destination of Antwerp. This port city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in York or Antwerp?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in York. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting York. One reason most visitors come is for the food. 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.

The vibrant port city of Antwerp offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from London, The Best 10-Day Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Tours for Seniors to Belgium, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Brussels.

When comparing the travel costs between York and Antwerp, we can see that York is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, York or Antwerp?

Antwerp has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of York. When comparing the sizes of York 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 York 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 York or Antwerp in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both York and Antwerp. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to York this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Antwerp for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, York is around the same temperature as Antwerp. Typically, the summer temperatures in York in July average around 16°C (62°F), and Antwerp averages at about 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Antwerp this time of the year. York usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Antwerp during summer. York gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Antwerp receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, York usually receives less rain than Antwerp. York gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit York or Antwerp in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to York as well as Antwerp. Many travelers come to York for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Antwerp in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, York is generally cooler than Antwerp. Daily temperatures in York average around 11°C (52°F), and Antwerp fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, York often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Antwerp. York gets 112 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Antwerp receives 105 hours of full sun.

York usually gets less rain in October than Antwerp. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit York or Antwerp in the Winter?

Both Antwerp and York are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to York 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. York can get quite cold in the winter. York is a little warmer than Antwerp in the winter. The daily temperature in York averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Antwerp fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

York usually receives more sunshine than Antwerp during winter. York gets 61 hours of sunny skies, while Antwerp receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, York usually receives less rain than Antwerp. York gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit York or Antwerp in the Spring?

Both Antwerp and York during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Antwerp because of the activities around the city.

In the spring, York is around the same temperature as Antwerp. Typically, the spring temperatures in York in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Antwerp averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the spring, York often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Antwerp. York gets 151 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Antwerp receives 158 hours of full sun.

York usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Antwerp. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Antwerp and York