A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Aberdeen vs. La Rochelle for Food, Old Town, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Aberdeen or La Rochelle?

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

Should I visit Aberdeen or La Rochelle? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Aberdeen

Aberdeen is a authentic, historic, and cultural city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

La Rochelle

La Rochelle is a laid-back, quaint, and charming coastal town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

Aberdeen and La Rochelle: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular with couples
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm


Is there more to do in Aberdeen or La Rochelle?

Both La Rochelle and Aberdeen have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Aberdeen is very popular for its big city activities, while La Rochelle attracts visitors for its food, beaches, historical sights, hiking, and small town charm. Aberdeen is famous for its longstanding maritime history and its many cultural sights and activities. La Rochelle is famous for its medieval towers, maritime history, and beautiful setting.

How is Aberdeen different from La Rochelle?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Aberdeen or La Rochelle?

Aberdeen
La Rochelle

Both Aberdeen and La Rochelle have high quality landmarks and museums for visitors.

Aberdeen offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city's long running history means that there are plenty of sights and museums worth exploring. Highlights include St. Machar's Cathedral, the University and King's College of Aberdeen, Brig o'Balgownie, and the Tolbooth Museum.

Many visitors head to La Rochelle specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Filled with history, the town itself is like a living museum. Within town there are many sights such as the Vieux Port, La Rochelle Aquarium, Musée d'Histoire Naturelle, and Musée du Nouveau Monde de La Rochelle.


Is the Food Better in Aberdeen or La Rochelle? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Aberdeen
La Rochelle

La Rochelle is an unbeatable place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Aberdeen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, La Rochelle is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. It may be small, but its filled with delicious cafes, bistros, and local restaurants. Seafood is the obvious choice in this coastal town and many visitors head to Vieux Port to eat, as many restaurants there offer waterfront views. If you want something a little less touristy, head to the St. Nicolas District, which was the town's former fishing district. Rue de la Fourche is also a charming road with many places to grab a bite or a drink. Or head to Rue St Jean-du-Perot, which is just off the old port.

Aberdeen has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Everything from brunch bistros to fine dining are available in this city. You can enjoy local specialties or international options at any of the unique restaurants around town.

Is Aberdeen or La Rochelle Better for Nightlife?

Aberdeen
La Rochelle

Both Aberdeen and La Rochelle are nice when it comes to partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Aberdeen. The nightlife scene is diverse with whisky dens, local pubs, and even trendy nightclubs to choose from.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in La Rochelle. While it's known as a peaceful, seaside town, you'll still find wine bars, pubs, and even a club or two around town.

Is Aberdeen or La Rochelle Better for Beaches?

Aberdeen
La Rochelle

La Rochelle is a popular place for its beaches. However, Aberdeen is not a beach destination.

La Rochelle is a good option for a beach vacation. There are three main beaches in town that each attract a crowd on warm summer days. Plage de la Concurrence, Plage Chef de Baie, and Plage des Minimes are the closest beaches to La Rochelle, and they are popular for sunbathing and water sports. They have a mix of sand, pebbles, and cliffside views that attract locals and tourists alike.

Aberdeen is not a beach destination.


Is Aberdeen or La Rochelle Better for its Old Town?

Aberdeen
La Rochelle

La Rochelle is an unbeatable place for its historic old town. Also, Aberdeen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its old town.

With a famous historical old-town, La Rochelle offers plenty to see. The old town is filled with wandering cobblestone streets, charming squares, and cafes that spill into the street.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Aberdeen. This city's old town is a hidden gem in Scotland. The cobblestone streets and long history make for a fascinating place to explore.

Is Aberdeen or La Rochelle Better for Hiking?

Aberdeen
La Rochelle

La Rochelle is a popular place for the nearby hiking options. However, Aberdeen is not a hiking destination.

La Rochelle is a good destination for hiking. There are many coastal walks just outside of town that take you along the scenic coastline. It's beautiful to stroll through the countryside and pass through many quaint villages.

Aberdeen is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Aberdeen or La Rochelle?

Aberdeen
La Rochelle

Both Aberdeen and La Rochelle are nice shopping destinations.

Aberdeen is a great destination for shopping. A mix of modern shopping centers, antique vendors, and local boutiques make for an interesting shopping scene. For some of the city's best shopping head to Union Square Shopping Centre, the Trinity Centre, or Bon Accord Aberdeen.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting La Rochelle. The old town is filled with boutique shops as well as some name brands. Another fun place to visit is Les Halles, which is an indoor market with fresh produce, seafood, and many local cheeses.


Is Aberdeen or La Rochelle Better for Families?

Aberdeen
La Rochelle

Aberdeen is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Aberdeen is very family-friendly. Explore the city's history or wander through one of the many museums. Some of the best museums for kids include the Aberdeen Maritime Museum, Little Treasures Toy Museum, the Aberdeen Science Center, and the Gordon Highlanders Museum. Adrenaline seekers will enjoy rock climbing and ropes courses at Transition Extreme or ziplining at Go Ape Crathes Castle. Also nearby is horseback riding and Codona’s Amusement Park.

La Rochelle is a family-friendly place to visit. It's a coastal town with a port that you can explore. There's also an aquarium and many great seafood restaurants. A nice day trip is to go to l'Ile de Ré, which has nice beaches, some with playgrounds.

Is Aberdeen or La Rochelle Better for Couples?

Aberdeen
La Rochelle

La Rochelle is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, Aberdeen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

La Rochelle makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. This beautiful coastal town is seeped in history. There are beautiful squares, romantic parks, and cobblestone streets that you can wander down. It's also nice to take a coastal walk before grabbing dinner at a local seafood restaurant.

Aberdeen makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many of the standard activities for couples such as interesting restaurants, theaters, and fun concerts.

Is Aberdeen or La Rochelle Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Aberdeen
La Rochelle

La Rochelle is a popular place for backpackers. However, Aberdeen is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Plenty of budget travelers visit La Rochelle. There aren't a ton of hostels in the area, but there are just enough that you should be able to find a place to stay.

Aberdeen is not a backpacker-friendly destination.


Is Aberdeen or La Rochelle Better for Students?

Aberdeen
La Rochelle

Aberdeen and La Rochelle are both nice destinations for students and younger travelers.

Aberdeen is a good city to visit for students. The city is a nice affordable option for students who want to study at the University of Aberdeen.

Plenty of students visit La Rochelle. It's a touristy city with a lot for students to see and do, but the atmosphere is generally quiet and peaceful.

Is Aberdeen or La Rochelle Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Aberdeen
La Rochelle

Both Aberdeen and La Rochelle offer nice public transit options.

Aberdeen has a few public transit options. There are public buses through town and it's possible to pick up a Grasshopper ticket that lets you ride on most of the bus companies.

La Rochelle has some public transit options. Public transit around town is operated by Yeló, and mostly consists of buses.

Is Aberdeen or La Rochelle a more walkable city?

Aberdeen
La Rochelle

Aberdeen and La Rochelle both are high quality when exploring on foot.

Aberdeen is very walkable. It's easy to walk to most of the city's attractions.

La Rochelle is a very walkable city. It's filled with meandering cobblestone streets that are best explored on foot. Most places around town can be explored on foot.


For even more information, also check out Is Aberdeen Worth Visiting? and Is La Rochelle Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in La Rochelle or Aberdeen?

How long in Aberdeen or La Rochelle?

It's fun to spend time in either Aberdeen or La Rochelle. Generally, people tend to spend more time in La Rochelle due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Aberdeen, and 2-4 days is enough time in La Rochelle.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in La Rochelle than Aberdeen 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 La Rochelle.


  • How many days in Aberdeen or La Rochelle? Ideal Length of Stay
    Aberdeen 2-3 
    La Rochelle 2-4

One day in Aberdeen or La Rochelle?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the authentic city of Aberdeen. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

La Rochelle is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Aberdeen or La Rochelle?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the architectural destination of Aberdeen. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

La Rochelle is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this coastal town makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in La Rochelle, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Aberdeen or La Rochelle?

The architectural city of Aberdeen offers shopping and museums. 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. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

La Rochelle is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


A week in Aberdeen or La Rochelle?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Aberdeen. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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.

La Rochelle is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This coastal town offers something for everyone.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Paris, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris.


Which place is cheaper, La Rochelle or Aberdeen?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Aberdeen is £121, while the average daily cost in La Rochelle is £97. 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 Aberdeen and La Rochelle in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Aberdeen £65
    La Rochelle £57
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Aberdeen £130
    La Rochelle £114
Compare Hotels in Aberdeen and La Rochelle

Looking for a hotel in Aberdeen or La Rochelle? 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 Aberdeen


Hotels in La Rochelle


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: Aberdeen Hotel Prices and La Rochelle Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Aberdeen £34
    La Rochelle £15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aberdeen

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aberdeen:

  • Aberdeen Dyce Airport (ABZ): Private Transfer to Aberdeen: $181
  • Aberdeen Airport to Aberdeen - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $131
  • Aberdeen Dyce Airport (ABZ) to Aberdeen - Arrival Private Transfer: $57
  • Aberdeen City to Aberdeen Dyce Airport (ABZ) - Departure Private Transfer: $57
  • Private Aberdeen Arrival Transfer - Airport to Hotel / Accommodation: $49
  • Private Aberdeen Departure Transfer - Hotel / Accommodation to Airport: $49
  • Aberdeen Dyce Airport(ABZ) to Balmedie - Arrival Private Transfer: $44

Hired Cars and Shuttles in La Rochelle

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

  • Private Transfer from La Rochelle Port to Nantes Airport (NTE): $88
  • Private Transfer from La Rochelle Cruise Port to Nantes Hotels: $88

Is it cheaper to fly into Aberdeen or La Rochelle?

Prices for flights to both La Rochelle and Aberdeen 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
    Aberdeen £35
    La Rochelle £30

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Aberdeen £19
    La Rochelle £11

Tours and Activities in Aberdeen

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Aberdeen are as follows:

  • 3 hour Gin School Experience in Aberdeen: $153
  • 500 Years of Crime and Punishment: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Aberdeen City Centre Walking Tour (2pm): $18
  • Aberdeen Historical & Turbulent Times Walking Tour: $76
  • Aberdeen Historical Walking Tour: $60
  • Aberdeen Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (1 Day Pass) UK: $19
  • Aberdeen's Ancient Heritage and Folklore Tour: $87
  • Aberdeen's Union Street: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.34
  • Daily City Centre Walking Tour (2pm): $17
  • Dark history Self-Guided Smartphone Walking Tour: $6.99
  • Private Street Art Guided Walking Tour: $144
  • Union Street App-Based Self-Guided Audio Tour: $4.99

Tours and Activities in La Rochelle

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for La Rochelle.

  • La Rochelle : Discovery Stroll and Reading Walking Tour: $2.13
  • Entry Ticket to the 3 Towers: $12
  • La Rochelle Towers Entrance Ticket: $12
  • Les Minimes and Bay Boat Tour: $18
  • Guided tour of La Rochelle The splendor of merchants in the 18th century: $22
  • Planet Exotica entrance ticket: $23
  • Coastline Sailing Cruise: $27
  • 2-Hour Sunset Sailing Cruise: $31
  • 3-Hour Sailing cruise: $37
  • La Rochelle Seaside Segway Tour - 1h: $43
  • Lighthouse at the End of the World Segway Tour - 1h: $43
  • Discover Discovery Walking Tour of La Rochelle: $44

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Aberdeen £3.57
    La Rochelle £14

Sample the Local Flavors in Aberdeen

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Aberdeen:

  • Gin Distillery Discovery Tour with Welcome Drink: $34
  • Aberdeen’s Distillery Discovery Tour: $34
  • City of Aberdeen Distillery: Gin School Experience: $150
  • Aberdeen&Shire Castle & Distillery Private Group 1 Day Tour: $401


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Aberdeen and La Rochelle, we can see that Aberdeen is more expensive. And not only is La Rochelle much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to La Rochelle would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in La Rochelle 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 Aberdeen would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Aberdeen than you might in La Rochelle.

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


Which is Bigger, Aberdeen or La Rochelle?

Aberdeen has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of La Rochelle. When comparing the sizes of Aberdeen and La Rochelle, 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 Aberdeen or La Rochelle?

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 Aberdeen or La Rochelle in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Aberdeen as well as La Rochelle. The summer months attract visitors to Aberdeen because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to La Rochelle this time of year.

In the summer, Aberdeen is cooler than La Rochelle. Typically, the summer temperatures in Aberdeen in July average around 14°C (58°F), and La Rochelle averages at about 20°C (67°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in La Rochelle. In the summer, Aberdeen often gets less sunshine than La Rochelle. Aberdeen gets 157 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Rochelle receives 267 hours of full sun.

Aberdeen usually gets more rain in July than La Rochelle. Aberdeen gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Aberdeen 14°C (58°F) 
    La Rochelle 20°C (67°F)

Should I visit Aberdeen or La Rochelle in the Autumn?

Both La Rochelle and Aberdeen are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Aberdeen this time of year. Also, many travelers come to La Rochelle for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere.

In October, Aberdeen is generally much colder than La Rochelle. Daily temperatures in Aberdeen average around 9°C (49°F), and La Rochelle fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

Aberdeen usually receives less sunshine than La Rochelle during autumn. Aberdeen gets 93 hours of sunny skies, while La Rochelle receives 141 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Aberdeen usually receives more rain than La Rochelle. Aberdeen gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Aberdeen 9°C (49°F) 
    La Rochelle 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit Aberdeen or La Rochelle in the Winter?

Both La Rochelle and Aberdeen during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Aberdeen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to La Rochelle in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Aberdeen. Aberdeen is much colder than La Rochelle in the winter. The daily temperature in Aberdeen averages around 3°C (38°F) in January, and La Rochelle fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Aberdeen often gets less sunshine than La Rochelle. Aberdeen gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while La Rochelle receives 72 hours of full sun.

Aberdeen usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as La Rochelle. Aberdeen gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Aberdeen 3°C (38°F) 
    La Rochelle 7°C (44°F)

Should I visit Aberdeen or La Rochelle in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Aberdeen and La Rochelle. Many visitors come to Aberdeen in the spring for the activities around the city. Furthermore, most visitors come to La Rochelle for the beaches and the small town charm during these months.

In the spring, Aberdeen is much colder than La Rochelle. Typically, the spring temperatures in Aberdeen in April average around 7°C (44°F), and La Rochelle averages at about 11°C (52°F).

Aberdeen usually receives less sunshine than La Rochelle during spring. Aberdeen gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while La Rochelle receives 187 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Aberdeen usually receives more rain than La Rochelle. Aberdeen gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while La Rochelle receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Aberdeen 7°C (44°F) 
    La Rochelle 11°C (52°F)

Typical Weather for La Rochelle and Aberdeen

Aberdeen La Rochelle
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 7°C (44°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 51 mm (2 in) 7°C (45°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 9°C (48°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 7°C (44°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 11°C (52°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
May 9°C (49°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 14°C (58°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 13°C (55°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Jul 14°C (58°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 20°C (67°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Aug 14°C (57°F) 75 mm (3 in) 20°C (67°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 18°C (64°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Oct 9°C (49°F) 77 mm (3 in) 15°C (59°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 5°C (42°F) 75 mm (3 in) 10°C (51°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 7°C (45°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)


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