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

Should you visit Zermatt or Antwerp?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Zermatt and Antwerp can help you decide which place is right for you.

Zermatt

Zermatt is a stunning, iconic, and breathtaking town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and skiing.

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.

Zermatt and Antwerp: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Zermatt or Antwerp?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Zermatt. Although Zermatt and Antwerp are popular destinations, Zermatt has more sights and attractions for tourists. Zermatt is very popular for its skiing, food, resorts, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Antwerp attracts visitors for its museums, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities. Zermatt is more touristy than Antwerp and is known for its skiing, hiking, winter sports, and stunning views of Matterhorn. It is also well known for The Matterhorn. Antwerp is famous for its historic train station, festive chocolate shops, decadent waffle stands, and down-to-earth old town.

The Matterhorn

How is Zermatt different from Antwerp?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Zermatt or Antwerp Better for Skiing?

Zermatt is an unbeatable place for winter skiing. However, Antwerp is not a skiing destination.

Zermatt is among the world's best ski destinations. This is Europe's highest ski resort and it is one of the most famous and beautiful, at the base of the world renowned Matterhown. The slopes attract professional skiers from around the world who come for the challenging skiing and spectacular setting.

Antwerp is not a skiing destination.

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

Antwerp is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Zermatt is not a good town for its museums and history.

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.

While most people don't head to Zermatt specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. You don't visit Zermatt for the museums, but it is worth checking out the Matterhorn Museum while you're in town.

Is the Food Better in Zermatt or Antwerp? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Zermatt 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 Zermatt. There are actually many great restaurants right on the slopes, so you don't have to head into town to enjoy a meal. In town, you'll find many cozy restaurants that have terraces that offer spectacular views.

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 Zermatt or Antwerp Better for Nightlife?

Both Zermatt and Antwerp are very good when it comes to partying.

Zermatt offers plenty to do in the evening. The town cuts loose in the evening with locals and visitors intermingling at the many bars and live music venues around town. Elegant fun is a great way to describe the nightlife scene and whether you're looking for a mellow night out or a more vibrant party, there's something for everyone.

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 Zermatt or Antwerp Better for Resorts?

Zermatt is well known for its resorts. However, Antwerp is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Zermatt. There are a number of upscale inns and hotels in town. Many have pools or hot tubs with views of the mountains.

Antwerp is not a resort destination.

Is Zermatt or Antwerp Better for its Old Town?

Antwerp is a well-known place for its historic old town. However, Zermatt does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights 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.

Zermatt does not have a historic old town.

Is Zermatt or Antwerp Better for Hiking?

Zermatt is an unbeatable place for its hiking experiences. However, Antwerp is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Zermatt specifically for its hiking. There are countless hiking trails in the area that cater to all levels of fitness. Almost all trails offer some sort of view of Matterhorn, and it's possible to enjoy a great view without much effort. It's also possible to do a multi-day trek while staying in mountain huts which will get you well into the amazing scenery.

Antwerp is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Zermatt or Antwerp?

Antwerp is very popular for shopping. Also, Zermatt is not as famous, but is still a good town 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.

Zermatt is well-known for its shopping. Luxury boutiques that sell jewelry, watches, and clothing are found all around town. You'll also find sporting equipment or anything that you may have forgotten. For the best shopping in town head to Bahnhofstrasse.

Is Zermatt or Antwerp Better for Families?

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

Zermatt is a very kid-friendly town. From world class hiking to countless outdoor adventures, this is a great place to explore with kids. There are a number of kid-friendly ways to view Matterhorn as well as cable cars and Glacier Palace.

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 Zermatt or Antwerp Better for Couples?

Zermatt 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, Zermatt has plenty to offer. Couples who seek an adrenaline filled adventure will be in heaven in this iconic alpine destination. There are breathtaking views of Matterhorn, stunning hikes, impressive skiing, and a charming town where you can enjoy a great meal after a day filled with adventure.

Antwerp is a good town 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 Zermatt or Antwerp Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Zermatt is a great town to visit for backpackers. There are a couple of hostels in town that cater to the backpacker and budget crowd. It's an expensive place to visit, with food and entertainment costing a lot, but if you can swing it, it's well worth a visit.

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 Zermatt or Antwerp Better for Students?

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

Antwerp is very popular with students. 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.

Zermatt is not popular with students.

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

Both Zermatt and Antwerp offer nice public transit options.

Zermatt has a few public transit options. There are ebuses in town, but the town itself is car free and walking is your best option.

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 Zermatt or Antwerp a more walkable city?

Zermatt 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 Zermatt on foot is easy. There aren't any cars in town so this is a very pedestrian-friendly town with charming streets and walking paths.

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 Zermatt Worth Visiting? and Is Antwerp Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Antwerp or Zermatt?

How long in Zermatt or Antwerp?

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

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

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

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

One day in Zermatt or Antwerp?

In Zermatt, you'll find skiing and nightlife. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Antwerp, 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 shopping. This port city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Zermatt or Antwerp?

In Zermatt, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Zermatt has to offer.

In Antwerp, 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 shopping. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Antwerp has to offer.

Five days in Zermatt or Antwerp?

Zermatt is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Zermatt has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Antwerp 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.

A week in Zermatt or Antwerp?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Zermatt. Many people enjoy the shopping and skiing when visiting Zermatt. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

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

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland, 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 Zermatt and Antwerp, we can see that Zermatt 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 Zermatt would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Zermatt 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 Zermatt Expensive? and Is Antwerp Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Zermatt or Antwerp?

Antwerp has a larger population, and is about 70 times larger than the population of Zermatt. When comparing the sizes of Zermatt 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 Zermatt 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 Zermatt or Antwerp in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Zermatt and Antwerp. The summer months attract visitors to Zermatt because of the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Antwerp this time of year.

In the summer, Zermatt is a little warmer than Antwerp. Typically, the summer temperatures in Zermatt in July average around 23°C (73°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. In Zermatt, it's very sunny this time of the year. Zermatt usually receives more sunshine than Antwerp during summer. Zermatt gets 250 hours of sunny skies, while Antwerp receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

Zermatt gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Zermatt usually receives more rain than Antwerp. Zermatt gets 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Zermatt or Antwerp in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Zermatt as well as Antwerp. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Zermatt this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Antwerp for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Zermatt is generally a little warmer than Antwerp. Daily temperatures in Zermatt average around 15°C (58°F), and Antwerp fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Zermatt often gets more sunshine than Antwerp. Zermatt gets 152 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Antwerp receives 105 hours of full sun.

Zermatt receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Zermatt usually gets more rain in October than Antwerp. Zermatt gets 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zermatt or Antwerp in the Winter?

Both Antwerp and Zermatt are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Zermatt for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Antwerp in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Antwerp can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Zermatt. Zermatt is a little warmer than Antwerp in the winter. The daily temperature in Zermatt averages around 5°C (41°F) in January, and Antwerp fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Zermatt usually receives more sunshine than Antwerp during winter. Zermatt gets 119 hours of sunny skies, while Antwerp receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Zermatt usually receives more rain than Antwerp. Zermatt gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Zermatt or Antwerp in the Spring?

Both Antwerp and Zermatt during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Zermatt in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Antwerp for the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Zermatt is much warmer than Antwerp. Typically, the spring temperatures in Zermatt in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Antwerp averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the spring, Zermatt often gets more sunshine than Antwerp. Zermatt gets 176 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 Zermatt. Zermatt usually gets more rain in April than Antwerp. Zermatt gets 152 mm (6 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Antwerp and Zermatt