A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Alicante vs. Paris for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Alicante or Paris?

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

Alicante

Alicante is a authentic, vibrant, and cultural city. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Paris

Paris is a beautiful, iconic, and bustling city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the museums, theater, and nightlife.

Alicante and Paris: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Alicante or Paris?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Paris than Alicante. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Paris is very popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Alicante attracts visitors for its beaches and historical sights. Paris is more touristy than Alicante and is popular for its world-renowned cuisine, iconic landmarks, trendsetting fashion, and dynamic markets. It is also well known for The Eiffel Tower. Alicante is famous for its sandy beaches, vibrant nightlife, and authentic restaurants.

The Eiffel Tower

How is Alicante different from Paris?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Paris is terrific for its museums and landmarks. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Paris are among the most recognizable in the world. One of the most world famous landmarks is the Eiffel Tower. The city is also home to the world renowned Louvre, Notre-Dame, and Palais Garnier Opera House. In addition to the many iconic sights, there are beautiful buildings and hidden gems throughout the city.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Alicante can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Is Alicante or Paris Better for Theater?

Paris is terrific for its theatre productions. However, Alicante is not a theatre destination.

The theater scene in Paris is world-class. There are world class theaters as well as smaller local venues where you can enjoy a show.

Alicante is not a theatre destination.

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

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

Paris has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. There are countless local restaurants, markets, and patisseries to explore. Make sure you try the steak tartare, pate, and macarons.

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 Paris Better for Nightlife?

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

Paris is a must-see party destination. Head to Pigalle or the Latin Quarter for some of the city's best nightlife. There are all-night parties, cabarets, and exclusive night clubs that you can experience.

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 Paris Better for Music?

Paris is terrific for its live music scene. However, Alicante is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Paris Some of the most famous music venues include Le Pop In, La Mécanique Ondulatoire, and Les Disquaires. You'll also find many small bars where you can enjoy live music in a quaint setting.

Alicante is not a live music destination.

Is Alicante or Paris Better for Beaches?

Alicante is a popular place for its beaches. However, Paris is not a beach destination.

Alicante is a good option for a beach vacation. 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.

Paris is not a beach destination.

Is Alicante or Paris Better for its Old Town?

Alicante is a popular place for its historic old town. However, Paris does not have a historic old town.

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

Paris does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Alicante or Paris?

Paris is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Paris make it a world-class shopping destination. Some of the best areas for shopping are Boulevard Haussmann and the Grands Boulevards, the Marais, and Avenue Montaigne and the Champs-Elysées. The city is iconic for its fashion scene and world class shopping venues.

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 Paris Better for Christmas?

Paris is terrific for its Christmas activities. However, Alicante does not offer Christmas activities.

During Christmas, Paris is not to be missed. The city of lights really proves itself around the holiday season. In addition to checking out the Christmas lights, it's fun to go window shopping or check out one of the city's Christmas markets.

Alicante does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Alicante or Paris Better for Families?

Paris is terrific for its family-friendly activities. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Paris is one of the most popular family destinations. Check out Jardin du Luxembourg, or one of the city's many playgrounds. Also grab a treat at one of the city's many patisseries. And of course, there's Disneyland Paris.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Alicante. 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.

Is Alicante or Paris Better for Couples?

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

For those traveling as a couple, Paris has plenty to offer. A city filled with romance, you really can't find a more ideal destination for a European honeymoon or a couple's getaway.

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 Paris Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Paris is terrific for backpackers. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Paris. It's a big city, so it's easy to get lost in the chaos, but there are many hostels and other backpacker hangouts around town.

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 Paris Better for Students?

Paris 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 Paris. The city is one of the most popular destinations for international and study abroad students.

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 Paris Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

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

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Paris can take you anywhere. The city's metro system is very comprehensive. There's also a bus system that you can use to get around.

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 Paris a more walkable city?

Paris 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.

Paris is a very walkable city. Some streets can feel a bit overwhelming, but there are many parts of the city that are easily explored on foot.

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 Paris Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Paris or Alicante?

How long in Alicante or Paris?

Both Alicante and Paris have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Paris than in Alicante. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Alicante, and 3-7 days is enough time in Paris.

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

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

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

One day in Alicante or Paris?

In Alicante, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this vibrant destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Paris is a big city with plenty to do. 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 Paris?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Alicante. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Paris is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. 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 Paris?

Alicante is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Alicante. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Paris is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Paris, 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 Paris?

You'll find food and shopping around the cultural destination of Alicante. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Paris is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Paris has to offer. 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 Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Alicante or Paris?

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

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 Alicante or Paris in the Summer?

Both Paris and Alicante during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Alicante for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Paris because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Alicante is generally a little warmer than Paris. Daily temperatures in Alicante average around 25°C (77°F), and Paris fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In Paris, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Alicante. In the summer, Alicante often gets more sunshine than Paris. Alicante gets 341 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Paris receives 241 hours of full sun.

Alicante usually gets less rain in July than Paris. Alicante gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Paris receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Alicante or Paris in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Alicante and Paris. The autumn months attract visitors to Alicante because of the shopping scene. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Paris this time of year.

Alicante is much warmer than Paris in the autumn. The daily temperature in Alicante averages around 20°C (68°F) in October, and Paris fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In Alicante, it's very sunny this time of the year. Alicante usually receives more sunshine than Paris during autumn. Alicante gets 225 hours of sunny skies, while Paris receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Alicante usually receives more rain than Paris. Alicante gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Paris receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Alicante or Paris in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Alicante as well as Paris. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Alicante this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Paris for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Paris. In the winter, Alicante is much warmer than Paris. Typically, the winter temperatures in Alicante in January average around 11°C (52°F), and Paris averages at about 5°C (40°F).

In the winter, Alicante often gets more sunshine than Paris. Alicante gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Paris receives 62 hours of full sun.

Alicante usually gets less rain in January than Paris. Alicante gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Paris receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Alicante or Paris in the Spring?

Both Paris and Alicante are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Alicante for the beaches. Also, many visitors come to Paris in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Alicante is generally a little warmer than Paris. Daily temperatures in Alicante average around 16°C (60°F), and Paris fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Alicante. Alicante usually receives more sunshine than Paris during spring. Alicante gets 243 hours of sunny skies, while Paris receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Alicante usually receives less rain than Paris. Alicante gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Paris receives 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Paris and Alicante