A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Alicante vs. Nice for Food, Nightlife, Couples, and Beaches

Should you visit Alicante or Nice?

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 Nice can help you decide which place is right for you.

Alicante

Alicante is a vibrant, cultural, and colorful city. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Nice

Nice is a opulent, trendy, and chic seaside destination. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Alicante and Nice: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Alicante or Nice?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Nice. Although Alicante and Nice are about the same size, Nice has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Nice is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Alicante is more popular for its museums & sights. Nice is more touristy than Alicante and is known for its beachfront setting in the French Riviera as well as its popularity with A-list celebrities. Also, Nice is famous for The Promenade des Anglais. Alicante is well known for its sandy beaches, vibrant nightlife, and authentic restaurants.

How is Alicante different from Nice?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Alicante is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Nice does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Alicante. 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.

Nice does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Nice is terrific for its restaurant scene. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Nice has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The cuisine brings together fresh regional ingredients and mixes Provençal and Niçoise flavors. You'll find a lot of Italian influence as well. Fresh seafood is the thing to try while you're in town, but other local favorites include socca, Ratatouille, and Salade niçoise.

Alicante has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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.

Is Alicante or Nice Better for Nightlife?

Nice is terrific for nightlife and partying. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Nice is a must-see party destination. The city has some of the best nightlife on the Cote d'Azur. You'll find a number of nightclubs along the seaside as well a bars and pubs in the Old Town. Some of the best clubs are along Promenade des Anglais.

If you're looking for night time activities Alicante has a few options to choose from. 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.

Is Alicante or Nice Better for Resorts?

Nice is terrific for its resorts. However, Alicante is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Nice is a perfect choice. The city has boutique hotels as well high end luxury resorts. Popular options include Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée, Hôtel Suisse, and AC Hotel by Marriott.

Alicante is not a resort destination.

Is Alicante or Nice Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Nice is very good for its diving and snorkeling. However, Alicante is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Nice. There are some places where you can arrange a snorkeling or dive trip to explore the underwater setting.

Alicante is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Alicante or Nice Better for Beaches?

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

Nice is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. The city has about 4 miles of beach along its coastline and there are both public and private beaches available. La Réserve is a public beach with a laid back and fun vibe. Plage Beau Rivage is a private beach with many amenities, making it a favorite for visitors. Blue Beach is another private beach that is very family-friendly.

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 Nice Better for its Old Town?

Nice is well known for its old town. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Nice. Wandering around the charming old town is a quintessential part of visiting this city. There are many historic churches and squares, as well as great restaurants and shops that you can pop in.

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 Nice?

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

Nice is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has long been a favorite for the rich and famous, so you'll find plenty of shopping opportunities around town. The boutique shops are chic, trendy, and fashionable, but for those on a budget, you can sometimes find a unique local purchase in your budget.

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 Nice Better for Families?

Alicante is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Nice is not as famous, but is still a good seaside destination to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Alicante is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

Nice is a family-friendly city. The town has many fun playgrounds, kid-friendly beaches, and unique cultural opportunities that kids can enjoy. It also makes a great base for exploring the French Riviera and everything that it has to offer.

Is Alicante or Nice Better for Couples?

Nice is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

For those traveling as a couple, Nice has plenty to offer. The old town is filled with romance and charm. You can also take a walk along the Promenade Des Anglais or soak up the romantic countryside that surrounds the town.

Alicante is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

Is Alicante or Nice Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Alicante and Nice are notable places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Alicante is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are hostels around town, as well as many budget-friendly hotels, so this is an affordable oceanfront destination for the budget-minded.

It's common for backpackers to visit Nice. Because it's one of the most popular tourist destinations in France, many backpackers make their way here. Nice is known for its high end vibe, so it can be challenging to find affordable options, but if you know where to look, they are around.

Is Alicante or Nice Better for Students?

Alicante is a city with good options for students. However, Nice is not popular with students.

Alicante is a good city to visit for students. 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.

Nice is not popular with students.

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

Nice 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.

Nice has some very good public transit options. There are both buses and trams.

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 Nice a more walkable city?

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

Getting around Nice on foot is easy. You should definitely spend some time exploring the 7 kilometer long Promenade des Anglais.

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 Nice Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nice or Alicante?

How long in Alicante or Nice?

In either Alicante or Nice, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Nice than Alicante because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Alicante, and 3-5 days is enough time in Nice.

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

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

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

One day in Alicante or Nice?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Alicante. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

The beautiful seaside destination of Nice offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. 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 Alicante or Nice?

Alicante is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Nice is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Alicante or Nice?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of Alicante. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Nice is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Nice, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Alicante or Nice?

The authentic city of Alicante offers nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

Nice 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 seaside destination 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 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.

When comparing the travel costs between Alicante and Nice, we can see that Nice 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 Nice Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Alicante or Nice?

Nice has a larger population, and is about 7% larger than the population of Alicante. When comparing the sizes of Alicante and Nice, 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 Nice?

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 Nice in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Alicante and Nice. Many travelers come to Alicante for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Nice in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

Alicante is around the same temperature as Nice in the summer. The daily temperature in Alicante averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Nice fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In July, Alicante usually receives less rain than Nice. Alicante gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Nice receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Alicante or Nice in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Alicante as well as Nice. Many visitors come to Alicante in the autumn for the shopping scene. Additionally, most visitors come to Nice for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Alicante is a little warmer than Nice. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Alicante in October average around 20°C (68°F), and Nice averages at about 17°C (63°F).

It's quite rainy in Nice. Alicante usually gets less rain in October than Nice. Alicante gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Nice receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Alicante or Nice in the Winter?

Both Nice and Alicante are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Alicante for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Nice because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In January, Alicante is generally a little warmer than Nice. Daily temperatures in Alicante average around 11°C (52°F), and Nice fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In January, Alicante usually receives less rain than Nice. Alicante gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Nice receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Alicante or Nice in the Spring?

Both Nice and Alicante during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Alicante because of the beaches. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Nice this time of year.

Alicante is a little warmer than Nice in the spring. The daily temperature in Alicante averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Nice fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Alicante usually gets less rain in April than Nice. Alicante gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Nice receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Nice and Alicante