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

Should you visit Aberdeen or Nantes?

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

Should I visit Aberdeen or Nantes? 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 cultural, architectural, and authentic city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Nantes

Nantes is a vibrant, welcoming, and friendly city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Aberdeen and Nantes: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Aberdeen or Nantes?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Aberdeen than Nantes. While Nantes is larger than Aberdeen, Aberdeen has more sights and attractions for tourists. Aberdeen is better known for its historical sights and big city activities, while Nantes is more popular for its food, nightlife, shopping, and impressive beauty. Aberdeen is well known for its longstanding maritime history and its many cultural sights and activities. Also, Aberdeen is famous for St Machar's Cathedral Aberdeen. Nantes is well known for its castles and historical landmarks, local wine, and beautiful parks and gardens.

How is Aberdeen different from Nantes?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Aberdeen and Nantes have very good 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 Nantes specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city is filled with historical monuments, particularly in the Bouffay District. Highlights include Cathédrale Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul, Château des Ducs de Bretagne, and the Musée d'Arts de Nantes.

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

Nantes 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, Nantes is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The region lends itself to unique flavors with a great mix of seafood from the Atlantic, freshwater fish from the Loire, and dairy from the surrounding countryside. The region is also famous for its wine. Local dishes that you should try include Filet de Sandre au Beurre Blanc (fresh fish in butter sauce), Crepes Bretonnes (breakfast crepes), and Le Canard Nantais (duck with Muscadet wine).

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 Nantes Better for Nightlife?

Nantes is a well-known place for nightlife. Also, Aberdeen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Nantes offers plenty to do in the evening. The large student population heavily influences the nightlife scene. You'll find a young vibe with a lot of bars and clubs to choose from, particularly around Île de Nantes.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Aberdeen. The nightlife scene is diverse with whisky dens, local pubs, and even trendy nightclubs to choose from.

Is Aberdeen or Nantes Better for its Old Town?

Aberdeen is a very popular place for its historic old town charm. Also, Nantes is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town.

Many visitors go to Aberdeen to see the historical old town. This city's old town is a hidden gem in Scotland. The cobblestone streets and long history make for a fascinating place to explore.

Many visitors go to Nantes to see the historical old town. The city's old town is in the Bouffay District and it is filled with half-timbered houses and a maze of streets and shops.

Is the Shopping Better in Aberdeen or Nantes?

Nantes is a well-known place for shopping. Also, Aberdeen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Nantes is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There are impressive shopping streets, boutique stores, and grand shopping malls. Make sure you check out Rue Crébillon, Passage Pommeraye, and the shops around the Bouffay District. Talensac Market is also a historical covered market that you can explore.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Aberdeen. 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.

Is Aberdeen or Nantes Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Aberdeen or Nantes.

Aberdeen is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Nantes is very family-friendly. It's filled with gardens, museums, and theme parks, making it a great combination of fascinating activities for adults and kids alike. Some of the top kid-friendly activities include a visit to Machine of the Isle of Nantes (both a theme park and a museum), seeing a show at Le Lieu Unique, or experiencing Naudières Park (a smaller theme park). Kids will also enjoy seeing Goulaine Castle or wandering around Jardin Extraordinaire or the Botanical Gardens.

Is Aberdeen or Nantes Better for Couples?

Nantes is a well-known place for romance. Also, Aberdeen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Nantes is a very popular place to visit for couples. There is a mix of both natural and historical beauty. Couples can enjoy a nice meal, stroll through one of the many parks and gardens, or even spend the day at the spa.

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 Nantes Better for Students?

Aberdeen and Nantes are both notable 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 Nantes. There's a decent sized student population and the city has a welcoming atmosphere. It's also easy to get around with public transportation.

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

Nantes is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Aberdeen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Nantes is fairly effecient and thorough. There are both trams and buses throughout the city that are operated by TAN (Transport de l'Agglomeration Nantaise).

Aberdeen has some 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.

Is Aberdeen or Nantes a more walkable city?

Aberdeen and Nantes both are very good when exploring on foot.

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

Nantes is a very walkable city. The city is very walkable. Both locals and tourists alike choose to walk in Nantes.

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

Should I spend more time in Nantes or Aberdeen?

How long in Aberdeen or Nantes?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Aberdeen and Nantes. In our opinion, Nantes has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Nantes than Aberdeen. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

One day in Aberdeen or Nantes?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Aberdeen. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The beautiful city of Nantes offers food and shopping. 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 Nantes?

Aberdeen is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Nantes is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Nantes, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Aberdeen or Nantes?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Aberdeen. 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.

Nantes 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 Nantes?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the architectural destination of Aberdeen. This 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.

Nantes is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city 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 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Aberdeen and Nantes, we can see that Aberdeen is more expensive. And not only is Nantes much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Nantes would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nantes 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 Nantes.

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

Which is Bigger, Aberdeen or Nantes?

Nantes has a larger population, and is about 51% larger than the population of Aberdeen. When comparing the sizes of Aberdeen and Nantes, 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 Nantes?

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 Nantes in the Summer?

Both Nantes and Aberdeen during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Aberdeen for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Nantes in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Aberdeen is generally cooler than Nantes. Daily temperatures in Aberdeen average around 14°C (58°F), and Nantes fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

In Nantes, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Aberdeen often gets less sunshine than Nantes. Aberdeen gets 157 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nantes receives 267 hours of full sun.

Aberdeen usually gets more rain in July than Nantes. Aberdeen gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Aberdeen or Nantes in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Aberdeen and Nantes. Many visitors come to Aberdeen in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Nantes for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Aberdeen is cooler than Nantes in the autumn. The daily temperature in Aberdeen averages around 9°C (49°F) in October, and Nantes fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

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

In October, Aberdeen usually receives around the same amount of rain as Nantes. Aberdeen gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Aberdeen or Nantes in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Aberdeen as well as Nantes. Most visitors come to Aberdeen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Nantes because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Aberdeen can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Aberdeen is much colder than Nantes. Typically, the winter temperatures in Aberdeen in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Nantes averages at about 6°C (42°F).

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

Aberdeen usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Nantes. Aberdeen gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Aberdeen or Nantes in the Spring?

Both Nantes and Aberdeen are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Aberdeen because of the activities around the city. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Nantes this time of year.

In April, Aberdeen is generally much colder than Nantes. Daily temperatures in Aberdeen average around 7°C (44°F), and Nantes fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

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

In April, Aberdeen usually receives around the same amount of rain as Nantes. Aberdeen gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Nantes and Aberdeen