Comparison · Antwerp vs Cologne · Belgium / Germany
Antwerp vs Cologne
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 Cologne for Cologne Cathedral and Kölsch beer. Cologne is generally less expensive, and the two are about 181 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 181 km
- Less expensive
- Cologne
- Best time for Antwerp
- May–September
- Best time for Cologne
- May–September and December
Side by side
| Antwerp | Cologne | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Belgium | Germany |
| Known for | Rubens, Diamonds and Fashion | Cologne Cathedral, Kölsch beer and Carnival |
| Best time to visit | May–September | May–September and December |
| Ideal stay | 3 days | 2 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $170–$300 | $150–$260 |
| 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, 5°C (41°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 8 | 7 |
| Day trips in our guide | 7 | 7 |
| Beaches | — | — |
| Airports | BRU, ANR, CRL | CGN, DUS |
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 Cologne for…
Cologne Cathedral and Kölsch beer. Cologne's twin-spired Gothic cathedral stands right next to the main station, so most visitors step out of the train and straight into the city's defining sight. Around it lie two thousand years of history, from Roman foundations and twelve Romanesque…
Top sights compared
| # | Antwerp | Cologne |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cathedral of Our Lady | Cologne Cathedral |
| 2 | Grote Markt and City Hall | Cathedral south tower climb |
| 3 | Antwerp Central Station | Hohenzollern Bridge |
| 4 | Museum Plantin-Moretus | Museum Ludwig |
| 5 | MAS (Museum aan de Stroom) | Wallraf-Richartz Museum |
Food compared
| Antwerp | Cologne |
|---|---|
| Belgian fries | Kölsch |
| Moules-frites | Halve Hahn |
| Stoofvlees | Heaven and earth |
| Eel in green sauce | Rhineland sauerbraten |
Which is cheaper?
Cologne is usually the less expensive of the two: a mid-range day costs about $150–$260 per person there, against $170–$300 in Antwerp (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Cologne on a budget.
Can you visit both?
Yes. Antwerp and Cologne are about 181 km apart, so they combine well in one trip: allow 3 days in Antwerp and 2 in Cologne.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Antwerp or Cologne cheaper?
Cologne is usually less expensive: about $150–$260 a day mid-range against $170–$300 (estimates).
+Is Antwerp or Cologne better for a first trip?
Pick Antwerp for Rubens and Diamonds, or Cologne for Cologne Cathedral and Kölsch beer.
+How far is Antwerp from Cologne?
About 181 km in a straight line.