Comparison · Antwerp vs Brussels · Belgium
Antwerp vs Brussels
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: LBM1948, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
Choose Antwerp for Rubens and Diamonds; choose Brussels for Grand-Place and Manneken Pis. Day-to-day costs are similar, and the two are about 41 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 41 km
- Less expensive
- About the same
- Best time for Antwerp
- May–September
- Best time for Brussels
- May–June and September
Side by side
| Antwerp | Brussels | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Belgium | Belgium |
| Known for | Rubens, Diamonds and Fashion | Grand-Place, Manneken Pis and Atomium |
| Best time to visit | May–September | May–June and September |
| Ideal stay | 3 days | 3 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $170–$300 | $170–$300 |
| Cost level | Moderately priced | Moderately priced |
| Warmest month | July, 24°C (75°F) | July, 24°C (75°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 6°C (43°F) | January, 6°C (43°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 8 | 10 |
| Day trips in our guide | 7 | 7 |
| Beaches | — | — |
| Airports | BRU, ANR, CRL | BRU, CRL |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Antwerp for…
Rubens and Diamonds. Antwerp, Flanders' largest city, grew rich in the 16th century as one of Europe's great trading ports, and its old centre around the Grote Markt and the Cathedral of Our Lady still shows that wealth. It is the city of Peter Paul Rubens, whose altarpieces…
Choose Brussels for…
Grand-Place and Manneken Pis. Belgium's capital pairs one of Europe's grandest squares, the Grand-Place, with the Art Nouveau townhouses of Victor Horta, the Magritte Museum and the Atomium. The compact Lower Town around the Grand-Place and Sainte-Catherine is walkable, while the Upper…
Top sights compared
| # | Antwerp | Brussels |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cathedral of Our Lady | Grand-Place |
| 2 | Grote Markt and City Hall | Manneken Pis |
| 3 | Antwerp Central Station | Atomium |
| 4 | Museum Plantin-Moretus | Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium |
| 5 | MAS (Museum aan de Stroom) | Magritte Museum |
Food compared
| Antwerp | Brussels |
|---|---|
| Belgian fries | Moules-frites |
| Moules-frites | Belgian frites |
| Stoofvlees | Brussels and Liège waffles |
| Eel in green sauce | Flemish beef stew |
Which is cheaper?
Antwerp and Brussels cost about the same: a mid-range day is roughly $170–$300 in Antwerp and $170–$300 in Brussels (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Antwerp on a budget.
Can you visit both?
Yes. Antwerp and Brussels are about 41 km apart, so they combine well in one trip: allow 3 days in Antwerp and 3 in Brussels.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Antwerp or Brussels cheaper?
Neither is clearly cheaper: a mid-range day costs about $170–$300 in Antwerp and $170–$300 in Brussels (estimates).
+Is Antwerp or Brussels better for a first trip?
Pick Antwerp for Rubens and Diamonds, or Brussels for Grand-Place and Manneken Pis.
+How far is Antwerp from Brussels?
About 41 km in a straight line.