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

Should you visit Zurich or Antwerp?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Zurich and Antwerp. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Zurich

Zurich is a beautiful, historic, and liberal city. 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 authentic, genuine, and cultural port city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Zurich and Antwerp: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Zurich or Antwerp?

You'll generally find more things to do in Antwerp than Zurich. Antwerp is bigger than Zurich, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Antwerp is better known for its big city activities, while Zurich is more popular for its food, music, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Zurich is more touristy than Antwerp and is known for its beautiful setting on Lake Zurich as well as its cafes, restaurants, and high prices. Antwerp is well known for its historic train station, festive chocolate shops, decadent waffle stands, and down-to-earth old town. Also, Antwerp is famous for Antwerpen-Centraal.

How is Zurich different from Antwerp?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the high quality sights and museums in both Zurich and Antwerp.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Zurich. Make sure you check out the Museum of Fine Arts, the Fraumünster, as well as the Swiss National Museum.

Antwerp offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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 Zurich or Antwerp? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Zurich 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 Zurich. Many restaurants have a strong German influence, but you'll also find traditional Swiss dishes such as cheese and chocolate fondue. There are also several Michelin star restaurants in town.

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 Zurich or Antwerp Better for Nightlife?

Both Zurich and Antwerp are high quality when it comes to partying.

Zurich offers plenty to do in the evening. The city has some of the best nightlife in Switzerland. There are a high concentration of bars and clubs around town, or you could check out one of the badis, which are pools that also act as bars during the summer months. They're usually located by the lake.

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 Zurich or Antwerp Better for Music?

Zurich is well known for its live music scene. However, Antwerp is not a live music destination.

Music is a popular form of entertainment in Zurich. There are many nightclubs that offer a variety of music types including electronic music, rock, and even reggae.

Antwerp is not a live music destination.

Is Zurich or Antwerp Better for its Old Town?

Zurich 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, Zurich offers plenty to see. The city has an old town that is split into two parts on each side of the Limmat River. The historic districts are filled with churches, squares, and charming areas that are fun to explore. Walking tours are the best way to explore the old town.

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 Zurich or Antwerp?

Both Zurich and Antwerp are first-rate shopping destinations.

The abundance of shops in Zurich make it a world-class shopping destination. Visitors often buy chocolate, watches, and jewelry in this city. You'll find brand names and luxury items that are of high quality. Each neighborhood has its own character with stores ranging from traditional to international.

Many people travel to Antwerp specifically to go shopping. 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 Zurich or Antwerp Better for Families?

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

Zurich is a very kid-friendly city. It's a surprisingly mellow city with a relaxing vibe that makes it easy to explore with kids. Popular family-friendly activities include swimming in the Limmat River, sailing on Lake Zurich, and visiting Josefwiese park, which has a large playground.

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 Zurich or Antwerp Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Zurich frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. One of the most romantic experiences you can have in town is visiting the Zurich Thermal Baths and Spa. There's an outdoor rooftop thermal pool as well as many ways that you can pamper yourselves.

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 Zurich or Antwerp Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Zurich and Antwerp are notable destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Zurich. The city has a number of hostels to choose from, but, like most of Switzerland, the city is expensive in general.

Plenty of budget travelers 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 Zurich or Antwerp Better for Students?

Zurich 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 Zurich. The city offers a number of unique experiences for international students. The academics are good and the university campuses are nice.

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

Zurich 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.

Zurich has some very good public transit options. The system is made up of streetcars and buses.

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 Zurich or Antwerp a more walkable city?

Zurich and Antwerp both are high quality when exploring on foot.

Zurich is a very walkable city. There are paths that lead along the rivers and the lake connecting the old town areas to other parts of the city.

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 Zurich Worth Visiting? and Is Antwerp Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Antwerp or Zurich?

How long in Zurich or Antwerp?

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

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

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

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

One day in Zurich or Antwerp?

In Zurich, you'll find shopping and museums. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the shopping. 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 Zurich or Antwerp?

In Zurich, 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. 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 Zurich 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 Zurich or Antwerp?

Zurich 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 Zurich 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 Zurich or Antwerp?

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

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 Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland, The Best Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Budget Tours to Belgium.

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

Which is Bigger, Zurich or Antwerp?

Antwerp has a larger population, and is about 35% larger than the population of Zurich. When comparing the sizes of Zurich 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 Zurich 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 Zurich or Antwerp in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Zurich and Antwerp. Many travelers come to Zurich for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Antwerp in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Zurich is a little warmer than Antwerp in the summer. The daily temperature in Zurich averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Antwerp fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Antwerp this time of the year. In Zurich, it's very sunny this time of the year. Zurich usually receives more sunshine than Antwerp during summer. Zurich gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Antwerp receives 202 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Zurich usually receives more rain than Antwerp. Zurich gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Zurich or Antwerp in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Zurich as well as Antwerp. Many visitors come to Zurich in the autumn for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Antwerp for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Zurich is around the same temperature as Antwerp. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Zurich in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Antwerp averages at about 12°C (54°F).

In the autumn, Zurich often gets more sunshine than Antwerp. Zurich gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Antwerp receives 105 hours of full sun.

Zurich usually gets less rain in October than Antwerp. Zurich gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zurich or Antwerp in the Winter?

Both Antwerp and Zurich are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Zurich for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Antwerp because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Antwerp can be very cold. Zurich can be very cold during winter. In January, Zurich is generally around the same temperature as Antwerp. Daily temperatures in Zurich average around 3°C (37°F), and Antwerp fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Zurich usually receives more sunshine than Antwerp during winter. Zurich gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Antwerp receives 47 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Zurich usually receives more rain than Antwerp. Zurich gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Zurich or Antwerp in the Spring?

Both Antwerp and Zurich during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Zurich because of the natural beauty. Furthermore, the activities around the city are the main draw to Antwerp this time of year.

Zurich is a little warmer than Antwerp in the spring. The daily temperature in Zurich averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Antwerp fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the spring, Zurich often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Antwerp. Zurich gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Antwerp receives 158 hours of full sun.

Zurich usually gets more rain in April than Antwerp. Zurich gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Antwerp receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Antwerp and Zurich