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

Should you visit Antwerp or Bari?

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 Antwerp and Bari can help you decide which place is right for you.

Antwerp

Antwerp is a genuine, cultural, and historical port city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food. See Antwerp travel costs.

Bari

Bari is a local, cultural, and authentic 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Bari travel costs.

Antwerp and Bari: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Antwerp or Bari?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Bari than Antwerp. While Antwerp is larger than Bari, Bari has more sights and attractions for tourists. Bari is more popular for its food and beaches, while Antwerp is known for its shopping. Antwerp is popular for its historic train station, festive chocolate shops, decadent waffle stands, and down-to-earth old town. Bari is popular for its authentic old town and its role as a ferry port for travelers headed across the Adriatic. It is also home to San Nicola.

How is Antwerp different from Bari?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Bari can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is filled with historical sights and archeological ruins. San Nicola is the main basilica in town and a popular tourist sight. The Castello is also a highlight, as is San Sabino.

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

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

Bari has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. It's off-the-beaten-path vibe means that you won't find the overpriced tourist restaurants that have taken over more touristy cities. Instead you'll find locally owned pasta shops that cater to the town's residents. You can taste authentic Pugliese cuisine, which is centered around wheat and olive oil. Orecchiette is the local pasta and seafood is one of the most common staples.

Antwerp has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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 Antwerp or Bari Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Antwerp and Bari.

Antwerp is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

Many people head to Bari for the nightlife scene. The city really comes to life at night with many dance clubs, bars, and other fun venues. There's plenty of live music as well as jazz clubs and other local bars.

Is Antwerp or Bari Better for Beaches?

Bari is very good for the beach. However, Antwerp is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Bari to enjoy the beach. There's a sandy beach that you can reach by bus outside of the city center. There are also many great beaches around Puglia if you're willing to take a day trip or travel a bit farther.

Antwerp is not a beach destination.

Is Antwerp or Bari Better for its Old Town?

Antwerp and Bari are both popular destinations with charming historical areas.

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.

Many visitors go to Bari to see the historical old town. The old town is filled with historic sights, mazelike streets, and great food. It's pedestrian-only and, because Bari is not as popular with tourists, it holds on to its authentic charm.

Is the Shopping Better in Antwerp or Bari?

Antwerp is terrific for its shopping areas. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for shopping.

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.

Bari is a great destination for shopping. You won't find the souvenir shops that you find in more touristy cities, so if you take the time to do some shopping while you're in town, you can enjoy a truly authentic and cultural experience.

Is Antwerp or Bari Better for Families?

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

Bari is a very kid-friendly port city. There are historical sites and castles to explore as well as the fun-filled Miragica amusement park. There's also an impressive underground city that will spark the kid's imagination. Other fun activities include visiting the nearby beaches, taking a kayak tour, or wandering around the old town.

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 Antwerp or Bari Better for Couples?

Both Antwerp and Bari are good destinations to visit as a couple.

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.

Bari is a good port city for couples to visit. The old town is filled with mazelike streets and the city has many unique activities that appeal to history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Is Antwerp or Bari Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Bari is a great port city to visit for backpackers. There's plenty of hostels around town and the prices are usually very reasonable. Many backpackers pass through this port city on their way to Greece or other Adriatic destinations.

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 Antwerp or Bari Better for Students?

Antwerp and Bari are high quality places to visit for 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.

Bari is a great port city to visit as a student. It's a great student city that offers access to many nearby Mediterranean destinations. There are also a number of historical sights within town that students can visit.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Antwerp and Bari.

You'll find some public transit in Antwerp, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. 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.

While Bari offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses around town that are operated by the AMTAB.

Is Antwerp or Bari a more walkable city?

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

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

Bari is a very walkable destination. The old town is pedestrian-only and best explored on foot. It's also about a 20 minute walk from the central train station.

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

Should I spend more time in Bari or Antwerp?

How long in Antwerp or Bari?

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

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

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

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

One day in Antwerp or Bari?

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.

In Bari, 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 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 Antwerp or Bari?

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.

In Bari, 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 Bari has to offer.

Five days in Antwerp or Bari?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the vibrant 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.

Bari 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 Antwerp or Bari?

The cultural 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bari. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bari. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in Belgium, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Belgium, The Best Historical Tours in Italy, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Antwerp and Bari, we can see that Antwerp 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 Antwerp Expensive? and Is Bari Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Antwerp or Bari?

Antwerp has a larger population, and is about 45% larger than the population of Bari. When comparing the sizes of Antwerp and Bari, 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 Antwerp or Bari?

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 Antwerp or Bari in the Summer?

Both Bari and Antwerp during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Antwerp in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Bari for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Antwerp is cooler than Bari. Typically, the summer temperatures in Antwerp in July average around 17°C (63°F), and Bari averages at about 25°C (76°F).

In Bari, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Antwerp. In the summer, Antwerp often gets less sunshine than Bari. Antwerp gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bari receives 336 hours of full sun.

Antwerp usually gets more rain in July than Bari. Antwerp gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Bari receives 9 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Antwerp or Bari in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Antwerp and Bari. Most visitors come to Antwerp for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Bari because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Antwerp is generally much colder than Bari. Daily temperatures in Antwerp average around 12°C (54°F), and Bari fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

Antwerp usually receives less sunshine than Bari during autumn. Antwerp gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Bari receives 178 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Antwerp usually receives more rain than Bari. Antwerp gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bari receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Antwerp or Bari in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Antwerp as well as Bari. The winter months attract visitors to Antwerp because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bari this time of year.

The weather in Antwerp can be very cold. Antwerp is much colder than Bari in the winter. The daily temperature in Antwerp averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and Bari fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

In the winter, Antwerp often gets less sunshine than Bari. Antwerp gets 47 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bari receives 110 hours of full sun.

Antwerp usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Bari. Antwerp gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Bari receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Antwerp or Bari in the Spring?

Both Bari and Antwerp are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city are the main draw to Antwerp this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bari for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Antwerp is much colder than Bari. Typically, the spring temperatures in Antwerp in April average around 8°C (47°F), and Bari averages at about 14°C (58°F).

It's quite sunny in Bari. Antwerp usually receives less sunshine than Bari during spring. Antwerp gets 158 hours of sunny skies, while Bari receives 203 hours of full sun in the spring.

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

Typical Weather for Bari and Antwerp