A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Alicante vs. Montpellier for Old Town, Attractions, Food, and Beaches

Should you visit Alicante or Montpellier?

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 Alicante and Montpellier can help you decide which place is right for you.

Alicante

Alicante is a colorful, authentic, and vibrant city. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and shopping.

Montpellier

Montpellier is a beautiful, friendly, and historic city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Alicante and Montpellier: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Alicante or Montpellier?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Montpellier than Alicante. While Alicante is larger than Montpellier, Montpellier has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Montpellier is more popular for its beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Alicante is known for its food. Alicante is popular for its sandy beaches, vibrant nightlife, and authentic restaurants. Montpellier is popular for its relaxed atmosphere, grand boulevards, and authentic personality. It is also home to The Place de la Comédie.

How is Alicante different from Montpellier?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Alicante or Montpellier?

Plenty of people visit the high quality sights and museums in both Alicante and Montpellier.

Many visitors head to Alicante specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. This port city has a number of cultural and historical sights that are worth checking out. Castillo de Santa Bárbara, Museo Arqueológico Provincial de Alicante, and Basilica de Santa María are among the most well known.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Montpellier can be an interesting and educational experience. With such a long history, the city has many landmarks and monuments. Also make sure you visit Musée Fabre and Saint-Pierre Cathedral.

Is the Food Better in Alicante or Montpellier? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Alicante is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Alicante is an experience not to be missed. It's by the sea, so you'll find plenty of seafood. Rice is the main staple for many dishes in town. This is also a vegetable growing region, so many recipes incorporate fresh vegetables. Popular dishes include arroz a banda, arroz con costra, and olleta alicantina.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Montpellier. The dishes are made with fresh ingredients produced in the agricultural areas just outside of town. The area is known for its seafood and fish stews.

Is Alicante or Montpellier Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Alicante and Montpellier.

Alicante has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. For the city's best nightlife, head to El Barrio Antiguo, which is the old district. This is where you'll find the highest concentration of bars and clubs, many of them having live music.

If you're looking for night time activities Montpellier has a few options to choose from. The weather is mild, making for a nice evening out. The population is also young, so you can expect a lot of activity during the evenings, particularly in the area around Place Jean Jaurés. Make sure you enjoy local wine and champagne while you're in town.

Is Alicante or Montpellier Better for Beaches?

Montpellier is well known for the beache. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beach.

Montpellier is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. The coastline near Montpellier feels pristine and beautiful. You can also visit Villeneuve-lès-Maguelone to the southwest of town, which is a protected area.

Alicante has a beach worth visiting. If you step away from the touristy areas, you'll find some nice sandy beaches with blue water. Playa la Fustera is northeast of the city and popular with families and couples. If you have a car you can drive to the town of Moraira, which is near several nice beaches as well.

Is Alicante or Montpellier Better for its Old Town?

Montpellier is terrific for its old town. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

Montpellier has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. Known as L'Écusson the town's old town dates back to the Middle Ages. It is a pedestrian area that is filled with boutiques, restaurants, and churches.

Alicante has an old town worth visiting. The old district is filled with charming streets and some interesting museums. There are also a number of good restaurants in the area.

Is the Shopping Better in Alicante or Montpellier?

Montpellier is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Montpellier is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Head to Rue de la Loge for some of the city's best shopping.

Alicante has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The city is known for its leather goods, but you'll also find international brands and shopping streets with fashion and different European names.

Is Alicante or Montpellier Better for Families?

Alicante is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Alicante is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. This seaside city has many kid-friendly resorts, long sandy beaches, and adrenaline-filled theme parks. There's the Terra Mitica Park as well as a waterpark - Aqua Natura. Tabarca Island is also well worth a visit.

Montpellier offers lots of family activities. Popular activities for kids include taking a ride on the carousel in the Comedie, visiting the playground - Jardin Champs de Mars, and visiting the botanical garden - Jardin des Plantes.

Is Alicante or Montpellier Better for Couples?

Both Alicante and Montpellier are high quality destinations to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Alicante frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Nice resorts, long sandy beaches, and nearby vineyard tours make this a wonderful place for a couple's getaway. There are good restaurants and nice places where couples can take a stroll, hand in hand.

Montpellier is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Rich in history and beautiful architecture, this city offers a romantic setting for a great couple's getaway.

Is Alicante or Montpellier Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Montpellier is a great city to visit for backpackers. With a young population and a number of hostels to choose from, Montpellier attracts its share of backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Alicante. There are hostels around town, as well as many budget-friendly hotels, so this is an affordable oceanfront destination for the budget-minded.

Is Alicante or Montpellier Better for Students?

Montpellier is terrific for students. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Students come from all over the world to visit Montpellier. Montpellier is a popular university town that is home to many trendy university students. It's also where you'll find the youngest population of any city in France.

It's common for students to visit Alicante. It's by the water and it's an affordable city, making it a good option for students. The beaches and active nightlife will keep you entertained when you take a break from your studies.

Is Alicante or Montpellier Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Montpellier is well known for its public transit. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Montpellier has some very good public transit options. There are a number of options for getting around town including the tramway, bus, and tourist train.

While Alicante offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a comprehensive bus system through the city and region.

Is Alicante or Montpellier a more walkable city?

Montpellier is well known for its high level of walkability. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Montpellier is a very walkable city. Many of the sights and attractions are easily accessible on foot and can be enjoyed as part of a self-guided walking tour.

Alicante is a somewhat walkable city. There are many parts of the city that can be explored on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Alicante Worth Visiting? and Is Montpellier Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Montpellier or Alicante?

How long in Alicante or Montpellier?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Alicante and Montpellier. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Alicante than in Montpellier. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Alicante, and 1-3 days is enough time in Montpellier.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Montpellier than Alicante 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 Montpellier.

One day in Alicante or Montpellier?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the vibrant city of Alicante. 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.

The beautiful city of Montpellier offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Alicante or Montpellier?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the vibrant destination of Alicante. 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.

Montpellier 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. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Montpellier, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Alicante or Montpellier?

The authentic city of Alicante offers shopping and museums. 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.

Montpellier is a popular choice for travelers. 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 Alicante or Montpellier?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Alicante. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Montpellier is a great place to explore. 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 city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, and The Best 2-Week Tours in France.

When comparing the travel costs between Alicante and Montpellier, we can see that Alicante is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Alicante or Montpellier?

Alicante has a larger population, and is about 27% larger than the population of Montpellier. When comparing the sizes of Alicante and Montpellier, 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 Alicante or Montpellier?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Alicante or Montpellier in the Summer?

Both Montpellier and Alicante are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Alicante in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Montpellier for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Alicante is around the same temperature as Montpellier. Typically, the summer temperatures in Alicante in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Montpellier averages at about 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Montpellier. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Alicante. Alicante usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Montpellier during summer. Alicante gets 341 hours of sunny skies, while Montpellier receives 351 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Alicante usually receives less rain than Montpellier. Alicante gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Alicante or Montpellier in the Autumn?

Both Montpellier and Alicante during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Alicante for the shopping scene during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Montpellier because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Alicante is generally a little warmer than Montpellier. Daily temperatures in Alicante average around 20°C (68°F), and Montpellier fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

It's quite sunny in Alicante. In the autumn, Alicante often gets more sunshine than Montpellier. Alicante gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montpellier receives 187 hours of full sun.

Montpellier gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Alicante usually gets less rain in October than Montpellier. Alicante gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Alicante or Montpellier in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Alicante and Montpellier. The winter months attract visitors to Alicante because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Montpellier this time of year.

Alicante is much warmer than Montpellier in the winter. The daily temperature in Alicante averages around 11°C (52°F) in January, and Montpellier fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Alicante usually receives more sunshine than Montpellier during winter. Alicante gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Montpellier receives 147 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Alicante usually receives less rain than Montpellier. Alicante gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Alicante or Montpellier in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Alicante as well as Montpellier. The beaches are the main draw to Alicante this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Montpellier for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Alicante is a little warmer than Montpellier. Typically, the spring temperatures in Alicante in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Montpellier averages at about 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montpellier. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Alicante this time of the year. In the spring, Alicante often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Montpellier. Alicante gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montpellier receives 230 hours of full sun.

Alicante usually gets less rain in April than Montpellier. Alicante gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Montpellier and Alicante