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

Should you visit Antwerp or Cancun?

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 Cancun can help you decide which place is right for you.

Antwerp

Antwerp is a historical, youthful, and vibrant port city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums. See Antwerp travel costs.

Cancun

Cancun is a tropical, active, and adventurous city. The beauty of Cancun is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. See Cancun travel costs.

Antwerp and Cancun: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Known for its beauty
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for shopping


Is there more to do in Antwerp or Cancun?

You'll generally find more things to do in Cancun than Antwerp. Cancun is bigger than Antwerp, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Cancun is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Antwerp is more popular for its food, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities. Cancun is more touristy than Antwerp and is popular for its water sports, white sand beaches, popularity at spring break, and access to Mayan ruins. Also, Cancun is famous for . Antwerp is well known for its historic train station, festive chocolate shops, decadent waffle stands, and down-to-earth old town.



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How is Antwerp different from Cancun?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Cancun 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 Cancun?

Antwerp
Cancun

Plenty of people visit the very good sights and museums in both Antwerp and Cancun.

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 Cancun can be an interesting and educational experience. It's possible to do a day trip to visit the impressive Chichén Itzá, but closer by you'll find El Rey Maya Ruins and El Meco Archaeological Site. You can also visit the Maya Museum in town. For something truly unique, you can take a diving or snorkeling trip to the Cancun Underwater Museum.


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

Antwerp
Cancun

Antwerp is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Cancun is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Antwerp has a huge number of terrific 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!

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Cancun area. If you step away from the tourist scene, you'll find some amazing local restaurants that serve authentic and fresh Mexican cuisine. Favorite dishes in the area include tamales, sopa de lima, and tacos al pastor.

Is Antwerp or Cancun Better for Nightlife?

Antwerp
Cancun

Cancun is an unbeatable place for nightlife and partying. Also, Antwerp is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Cancun is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. It's long been known as a party destination and there are large world famous clubs as well as smaller bars where you can hang out. The party never stops here, so be prepared for all night dancing and drinking, and it will definitely live up to its reputation.

Many people head to Antwerp for the nightlife scene. 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 Antwerp or Cancun Better for Resorts?

Antwerp
Cancun

Cancun is an unbeatable place for its resorts. However, Antwerp is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Cancun is a perfect choice. You'll find most of the accommodation options in the Hotel Zone, which runs along Boulevard Kukulkan. The stretch can be divided into three areas, which each have a slightly different personality.

Antwerp is not a resort destination.


Is Antwerp or Cancun Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Antwerp
Cancun

Cancun is an unbeatable place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Antwerp is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

The scuba diving and snorkeling in Cancun is not to be missed. Beautiful reefs and world class dives make this a popular destination for those who want to explore the undersea world. You'll find plenty of snorkeling and dive excursions in the area with diverse coral and marine life.

Antwerp is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Antwerp or Cancun Better for Beaches?

Antwerp
Cancun

Cancun is an unbeatable place for the beach. However, Antwerp is not a beach destination.

With world-famous beaches, Cancun is a very popular vacation destination. There are stunning white sand beaches and turquoise blue water that make this a beautiful beach destination. There are miles of sandy coastline with many of the beaches found in the Hotel Zone.

Antwerp is not a beach destination.

Is Antwerp or Cancun Better for its Old Town?

Antwerp
Cancun

Antwerp is a very popular place for its old town. However, Cancun 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.

Cancun does not have a historic old town.


Is Antwerp or Cancun Better for Hiking?

Antwerp
Cancun

Cancun is very good for its hiking experiences. However, Antwerp is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Cancun. There are some beautiful walking paths and hiking trails that are within the area.

Antwerp is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Antwerp or Cancun?

Antwerp
Cancun

Antwerp is renowned for its shopping opportunities. Also, Cancun is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Antwerp draws large crowds to its 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.

Many visitors go to Cancun to go shopping. While most people visit for the beaches and nightlife, there are shopping malls and markets where you can enjoy some retail therapy.

Is Antwerp or Cancun More Beautiful?

Antwerp
Cancun

Cancun is well known for its scenery and beauty. However, Antwerp is not a destination known for its beauty.

The beauty of Cancun is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. White sand beaches and clear blue waters make this a beautiful vacation destination. Nearby jungle offers adventure, and the undersea world is magical.

Antwerp is not a destination known for its beauty.


Is Antwerp or Cancun Better for Families?

Antwerp
Cancun

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

Cancun is one of the most popular family destinations. Although this part of Mexico has long had a reputation for its party scene, the area also attracts many families, who come for the family-friendly resorts, world class snorkeling, and fascinating jungle tours. You can snorkel at the Garrafon Natural Reef Park or have fun on the water slides at Ventura Park. Xel-Ha Park is also worth a visit.

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 Cancun Better for Couples?

Antwerp
Cancun

Cancun 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, Cancun has plenty to offer. As a world class honeymoon destination, you'll find stunning white sand beaches, amazing snorkeling and diving, and a huge range of entertainment options. You can enjoy the nightlife scene or check out Cirque du Soleil. Sunset boat cruises and romantic horseback rides all make this an amazing honeymoon destination.

Antwerp is a good port 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 Antwerp or Cancun Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Antwerp
Cancun

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

Cancun is a great city to visit for backpackers. Mixed in between the luxury resorts are a few hostels that cater to the backpacker crowd. There are so many activities in the area, from diving to partying, that appeal to the backpacker crowd, that it won't be long before you find your people.

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 Cancun Better for Students?

Antwerp
Cancun

Antwerp is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Cancun 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.

Cancun is not popular with students.

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

Antwerp
Cancun

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

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 Cancun offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The buses are an efficient way to get around. They stop along Boulevard Kukulcán and throughout the downtown.

Is Antwerp or Cancun a more walkable city?

Antwerp
Cancun

Antwerp and Cancun both are very good 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.

Cancun is a very walkable destination. The Hotel Zone is where most tourists spend their time, and this area is very walkable.


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

Should I spend more time in Cancun or Antwerp?

How long in Antwerp or Cancun?

Both Antwerp and Cancun have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Cancun than in Antwerp. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Antwerp, and 4-7 days is enough time in Cancun.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Antwerp or Cancun? Ideal Length of Stay
    Antwerp 1-3 
    Cancun 4-7

One day in Antwerp or Cancun?

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.

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

A weekend in Antwerp or Cancun?

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.

In Cancun, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Antwerp or Cancun?

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.

Cancun 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 Cancun has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.


A week in Antwerp or Cancun?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the vibrant 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cancun. In Cancun, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.


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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Playa del Carmen, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Cancun.


Which place is cheaper, Cancun or Antwerp?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Antwerp is €152, while the average daily cost in Cancun is €130. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Antwerp and Cancun in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Antwerp 71
    Cancun 75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Antwerp 142
    Cancun 150
Compare Hotels in Antwerp and Cancun

Looking for a hotel in Antwerp or Cancun? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Antwerp


Hotels in Cancun


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Antwerp Hotel Prices and Cancun Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Antwerp 12
    Cancun 14

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Antwerp

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Antwerp:

  • Private Departure Transfer from Antwerp to Brussels By luxury car: $190
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Antwerp to Brussels By luxury car: $178
  • Antwerp Shuttle Transfer <-> Schipol Airport Amsterdam (1 to 8 Places): $191

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Cancun

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Cancun:


  • Taxi Around Town
    1.30
  • Airport Shuttle (for 2)
    11
  • Ferry to Isla de Mujeres (for 2)
    13
  • Local Bus (for 2)
    1.57

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cancun

Also for Cancun, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Cancun Private Airport Transfers From/to Cancun Hotel Zone : $40
  • Airport Private Transfer Puerto Aventuras: $96
  • Airport Transfer Cancun: $60
  • Airport Transfers to Puerto Juarez - Private van (ROUND TRIP) FLAT RATE: $167
  • Airport transfers to Isla Mujeres: $175
  • Akumal One Way Or Roundtrip Private Transfer: $139
  • Amazing ATV (single) Cenote and Ziplines with Transfer from Playa del Carmen: $80
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Cancun Airport CUN to Tulum by Minivan or Minibus: $132
  • Atv Cancun (cenote, Ziplines, Lunch And Transfer Included) : $49
  • Buggy Trip in Cozumel Island with transfer from Riviera Maya: $176
  • Cancún Airport (CUN) Cancun hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $76
  • Cancún Airport (CUN) to Akumal - Private Arrival Transfer: $106

Is it cheaper to fly into Antwerp or Cancun?

Prices for flights to both Cancun and Antwerp change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Antwerp 68
    Cancun 38

Typical Food Prices in Cancun

For Cancun, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Lunch for Two
    16

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cancun

For Cancun, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Cancun Pirate Ship Adventure : Dinner & Show at Sea 2 for 1 Deal: $50
  • Mayan Chichen Itza And Pirate Dinner Two Day Experience: $57
  • Pirate Show in Cancun! Dinner & drinks: $62
  • Cancun Street Food Tour with Food Stalls, Local Market and Murals: $64
  • Pirate Night! Dinner, Fun and Show at Cancun : $65
  • Pirate Shop & Dinner at Cancun! Drinks, Adventure and Fun: $65
  • Cancun Walking Food Tour: Local Food, Markets, and Street Art.: $77
  • Puerto Morelos Walking Food Tour: $77
  • Mexican Cooking Class with fresh Local Market ingredients selection and transpor: $79
  • Cancun Hands-On Mexican Cooking Class : $79
  • Columbus Romantic Dinner in Cancún: $79
  • Cancun Private Mural Art and Food Tour: $81

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Antwerp 8.21
    Cancun 27

Tours and Activities in Antwerp

Here are a few actual costs in Antwerp for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 2-Hour Private Walking Tour in Antwerp : $299
  • 3-Hour Antwerp Bike Tour: $43
  • A Taste of Antwerp Tasting Tour: $3.58
  • Antwerp Bike Tours: $36
  • Antwerp Private Custom Walking Tour With A Guide (Private Tour): $65
  • Antwerp Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $299
  • Antwerp Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour: $8.96
  • Antwerp Shore Excursion and Bruges Private City Tour including Chocolate Tasting: $201
  • Discover Antwerp with this Outside Escape city game tour!: $30
  • Evening Walking Tour: The Dark Side of Antwerp: $3.57
  • From Full Day Guided Holland Keukenhof & Windmills Tour: $173
  • Guided Bike Tour: 2 Hours Highlights of Antwerp: $38

Typical Entertainment Prices in Cancun

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Cancun's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Seasick Pills
    0.46
  • Whale Shark Tour (for 2)
    79

Tours and Activities in Cancun

For Cancun, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • ATV Tour, Zip Lines, Horseback Riding, Cenote and Tequila Tasting: $10
  • Tour to Kin Ha Cenotes with Craft Jewelry Workshop : $12
  • Cancun Mayan Museum Skip-the-Line Ticket: $14
  • Speedboat and Snorkeling Adventure in Cancun: $14
  • Speedboat jungle tour and snorkel: $15
  • Isla Mujeres Catamaran Adventure Snorkeling, Spinnaker and Lunch: $15
  • Tour to Isla Mujeres with Snorkeling : $15
  • Tulum and Coba Archaeological Tour with Cenote Swim: $16
  • Chichen Itza Day Tour with Cenote Swim and Valladolid Visit: $16
  • Isla Mujeres Catamaran Tour with Snorkeling, Open Bar and Buffet: $16
  • Full Day Tour to Coba and Tulum Cenote Swim and Lunch: $16
  • Speedboat Tour with Snorkeling in Cancun – Drive Your Own Boat!: $16

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Antwerp 18
    Cancun 10

Sample the Local Flavors in Antwerp

Also in Antwerp, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Antwerp Pub Crawl : $72

Sample the Local Flavors in Cancun

Also in Cancun, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Social Pub Crawl in Cancun: $35


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Antwerp and Cancun, we can see that Antwerp is more expensive. And not only is Cancun much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Antwerp is in Europe and Cancun is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Cancun would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cancun 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 Cancun.

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


Which is Bigger, Antwerp or Cancun?

Cancun has a larger population, and is about 18% larger than the population of Antwerp. When comparing the sizes of Antwerp and Cancun, 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.