A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Baden-Baden vs. Montpellier for Food, Attractions, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Baden-Baden or Montpellier?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Baden-Baden or Montpellier, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Baden-Baden

Baden-Baden is a historic, relaxing, and nature-oriented spa town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include food, hiking, and shopping.

Montpellier

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

Baden-Baden and Montpellier: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food


Is there more to do in Baden-Baden or Montpellier?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Montpellier than Baden-Baden, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Montpellier is more popular for its museums, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Baden-Baden is known for its food and hiking. Baden-Baden is popular for its many thermal baths, spas and wellness centers, as well as its cultural venues and festivals. Montpellier is popular for its relaxed atmosphere, grand boulevards, and authentic personality. It is also home to The Place de la Comédie.

How is Baden-Baden different from Montpellier?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Baden-Baden or Montpellier?

Baden-Baden
Montpellier

Montpellier is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Baden-Baden is not as famous, but is still a good spa town to visit for its museums and history.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Baden-Baden. The spa town has many places worth visiting including the Friedrichsbad and Caracalla Baths, the Museum Frieder Burda, and Altes Schloss Hohenbaden.


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

Baden-Baden
Montpellier

Baden-Baden is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eat your way through Baden-Baden, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. There are Michelin starred restaurants and many opportunities to sip wine and sample local cuisine. Many consider the Baden cuisine to be among the best in Germany. You'll find wine, sausages, game meat, poultry, and more. Make sure you try the Rehrücken Baden-Baden (Roe Deer), Käsespätzle (cheese spatzle), and Schäufele (pig's shoulder).

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 Baden-Baden or Montpellier Better for Nightlife?

Baden-Baden
Montpellier

Both Baden-Baden and Montpellier are good when it comes to partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Baden-Baden. There are trendy, upscale bars and many fine dining opportunities. There's also a casino and a club in town.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Montpellier. 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 Baden-Baden or Montpellier Better for Beaches?

Baden-Baden
Montpellier

Montpellier is a well-known place for the beache. However, Baden-Baden is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Montpellier. 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.

Baden-Baden is not a beach destination.


Is Baden-Baden or Montpellier Better for its Old Town?

Baden-Baden
Montpellier

Montpellier is a world-class destination for its old town. However, Baden-Baden does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Montpellier is revered around the world. 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.

Baden-Baden does not have a historic old town.

Is Baden-Baden or Montpellier Better for Hiking?

Baden-Baden
Montpellier

Baden-Baden is a good destination for its hiking experiences. However, Montpellier is not a hiking destination.

Baden-Baden offers some nice hiking trails. Located near the Black Forest, you'll find a number of great hikes and walking trails just outside of town.

Montpellier is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Baden-Baden or Montpellier?

Baden-Baden
Montpellier

Montpellier is a well-known place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Baden-Baden is not as famous, but is still a good spa town to visit 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.

Baden-Baden has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The city is filled with boutiques that sell jewelry, chocolate, designer fashion, and fine wine. There are several pedestrian shopping streets including the popular Lange-Strasse.


Is Baden-Baden or Montpellier Better for Families?

Baden-Baden
Montpellier

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

Baden-Baden is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There are plenty of opportunities to get into nature with hikes and wildlife reserves. There's also a funicular and castles to explore as well as several kid-friendly museums.

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 Baden-Baden or Montpellier Better for Couples?

Baden-Baden
Montpellier

Baden-Baden and Montpellier are both great to visit as a couple.

Baden-Baden is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's a spa town, so there are thermal baths that couples can enjoy. There are also many gardens and walks through the countryside. The old town is picturesque and the castles are fun to explore.

Montpellier makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Rich in history and beautiful architecture, this city offers a romantic setting for a great couple's getaway.

Is Baden-Baden or Montpellier Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Baden-Baden
Montpellier

Montpellier is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Baden-Baden is not a good spa town 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.

Baden-Baden is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. You'll find a hostel or two in town, but most of the tourists aren't backpackers so you may have trouble meeting other like-minded travelers.


Is Baden-Baden or Montpellier Better for Students?

Baden-Baden
Montpellier

Montpellier is a world-class destination for students. However, Baden-Baden is not popular with students.

Montpellier is a great destination for students. 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.

Baden-Baden is not popular with students.

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

Baden-Baden
Montpellier

Montpellier is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Baden-Baden is not a good spa town for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Montpellier can get you around easily. There are a number of options for getting around town including the tramway, bus, and tourist train.

Public transit is mostly limited in Baden-Baden. There are a number of bus lines that run around town.

Is Baden-Baden or Montpellier a more walkable city?

Baden-Baden
Montpellier

Montpellier is a well-known place for its high level of walkability. Also, Baden-Baden is not as famous, but is still a good spa town to visit 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.

Baden-Baden is a somewhat walkable spa town. It's possible to walk around parts of town, but it's easier to explore with a car.


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

Should I spend more time in Montpellier or Baden-Baden?

How long in Baden-Baden or Montpellier?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Baden-Baden and Montpellier. In our opinion, Montpellier has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Montpellier than Baden-Baden. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in Montpellier than Baden-Baden. 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 Baden-Baden 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.


  • How many days in Baden-Baden or Montpellier? Ideal Length of Stay
    Baden-Baden 1-3 
    Montpellier 1-3

One day in Baden-Baden or Montpellier?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the nature-oriented spa town of Baden-Baden. Most people visit for the food. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this spa town has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the beautiful city of Montpellier. It's also a great beach destination, too. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Baden-Baden or Montpellier?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the nature-oriented destination of Baden-Baden. This spa town 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the historic destination of Montpellier. 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.

Five days in Baden-Baden or Montpellier?

The historic spa town of Baden-Baden 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.

The vibrant city of Montpellier offers shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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.


A week in Baden-Baden or Montpellier?

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

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


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


Which place is cheaper, Montpellier or Baden-Baden?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Baden-Baden is €154, while the average daily cost in Montpellier is €118. 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 Baden-Baden and Montpellier in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Baden-Baden 87
    Montpellier 69
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Baden-Baden 174
    Montpellier 138
Compare Hotels in Baden-Baden and Montpellier

Looking for a hotel in Baden-Baden or Montpellier? 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 Baden-Baden


Hotels in Montpellier


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: Baden-Baden Hotel Prices and Montpellier Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Baden-Baden 33
    Montpellier 26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montpellier

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montpellier:

  • Transfer Montpellier Airport and Beziers Airport: $49
  • Montpellier–Méditerranée Airport Transfer: $64
  • Montpellier Private Transfer from Montpellier city centre to Montpellier Airport: $74
  • Private Transfer from Sète Cruise Port to Marseille city hotels: $131
  • Transfer from Sète Port to Marseille Provence Airport MRS: $131

Is it cheaper to fly into Baden-Baden or Montpellier?

Prices for flights to both Montpellier and Baden-Baden 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
    Baden-Baden 41
    Montpellier 31

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montpellier

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Montpellier.

  • Guided Food Tour With Local Snacks and Wine: $91
  • Montpellier Food Tour: $93
  • From Pic Saint-Loup Wine and Food Tour: $102
  • Cooking workshop: $106
  • Private cooking class with specialized chefs Montpellier: $108
  • Fusion Food Cooking Class: $428

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Baden-Baden 34
    Montpellier 12

Tours and Activities in Baden-Baden

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

  • Powerful Women Themed Guided Walking Tour: $15
  • Private Guided KNUMO e-Scooter Tour VIP: $138
  • Family Adventure Stroll: Exploring Baden-Baden’s Treasures: $232
  • Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $248
  • Family Adventure Stroll: Exploring Baden-Baden’s Treasures: $252
  • Romance in Baden-Baden – Private Walking Tour: $252
  • Christmas Market Walking Tour: $254
  • Baden-Baden Yuletide Stroll: Experience the Festive Charm: $359
  • Scenic Baden-Baden Walking Tour: Discovering Historic Charm: $373
  • Baden-Baden Private walking tour: $374
  • Private Walking Tour in Baden Neuweirs Vineyard: $653

Tours and Activities in Montpellier

Here are a few actual costs in Montpellier for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Legendary Montpellier, flexible legends and storytelling tour: $16
  • CityTour and Photo Portraits Souvenirs in Montpellier: $38
  • Half-Day Hiking Tour of Pic Saint Loup & Picnic: $64
  • From Wine and Olive Tour: $75
  • Small-Group Half-Day Languedoc Wine and Olive Tour from Montpellier: $80
  • From Half-Day Vineyard & Pic Saint-Loup Tour: $80
  • Montpellier Wine and Oyster Tour: $86
  • Small-Group Half-Day Languedoc Wine and Oyster Tour from Montpellier: $95
  • Winetour & food experience in Pic St Loup: $107
  • Saint-Guilhem village and cave day tour : $142
  • Photoshoot Experience: $159
  • Private 2-hour Walking Tour of the Historical Center of Montpellier: $161

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Baden-Baden 12
    Montpellier 15

Sample the Local Flavors in Montpellier

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Montpellier:

  • The Châteaux of Grès de Montpellier & Wine Tasting: $80
  • Small-Group Half-Day Châteaux of Montpellier Wine Tour: $84
  • Small-Group Half-Day Languedoc Pic Saint-Loup Wine Tour from Montpellier: $84
  • Wine tour in Pic Saint-Loup area: $142
  • Half-Day Wine Tour with Lunch: $155
  • Montpellier : half day wine tour in Camargue: $159
  • Private Half-Day Languedoc Wine Tour from Sète: $240
  • Sète: Private Half–Day Wine Tour: $353


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

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


Which is Bigger, Baden-Baden or Montpellier?

Montpellier has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Baden-Baden. When comparing the sizes of Baden-Baden 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 Baden-Baden 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 Baden-Baden or Montpellier in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Baden-Baden is cooler than Montpellier. Typically, the summer temperatures in Baden-Baden in July average around 20°C (67°F), and Montpellier averages at about 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montpellier this time of the year. In Baden-Baden, it's very sunny this time of the year. Baden-Baden usually receives less sunshine than Montpellier during summer. Baden-Baden gets 231 hours of sunny skies, while Montpellier receives 351 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Baden-Baden usually receives more rain than Montpellier. Baden-Baden gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Baden-Baden 20°C (67°F) 
    Montpellier 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Baden-Baden or Montpellier in the Autumn?

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

In October, Baden-Baden is generally cooler than Montpellier. Daily temperatures in Baden-Baden average around 11°C (52°F), and Montpellier fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Baden-Baden often gets less sunshine than Montpellier. Baden-Baden gets 91 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montpellier receives 187 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Montpellier. Baden-Baden usually gets less rain in October than Montpellier. Baden-Baden gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Baden-Baden 11°C (52°F) 
    Montpellier 15°C (60°F)

Should I visit Baden-Baden or Montpellier in the Winter?

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

Baden-Baden can be very cold during winter. Baden-Baden is much colder than Montpellier in the winter. The daily temperature in Baden-Baden averages around 2°C (35°F) in January, and Montpellier fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Baden-Baden usually receives less sunshine than Montpellier during winter. Baden-Baden gets 35 hours of sunny skies, while Montpellier receives 147 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Baden-Baden usually receives less rain than Montpellier. Baden-Baden gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Baden-Baden 2°C (35°F) 
    Montpellier 7°C (44°F)

Should I visit Baden-Baden or Montpellier in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Baden-Baden is cooler than Montpellier. Typically, the spring temperatures in Baden-Baden in April average around 10°C (50°F), and Montpellier averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In Montpellier, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Baden-Baden often gets less sunshine than Montpellier. Baden-Baden gets 154 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montpellier receives 230 hours of full sun.

Baden-Baden usually gets more rain in April than Montpellier. Baden-Baden gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Baden-Baden 10°C (50°F) 
    Montpellier 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Montpellier and Baden-Baden

Baden-Baden Montpellier
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 2°C (35°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 7°C (44°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 8°C (46°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 7°C (44°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 10°C (50°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 10°C (50°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 13°C (55°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
May 14°C (58°F) 102 mm (4 in) 16°C (61°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Jun 18°C (64°F) 109 mm (4.3 in) 20°C (68°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Jul 20°C (67°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Aug 19°C (67°F) 91 mm (3.6 in) 22°C (72°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Sep 16°C (61°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 19°C (67°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 15°C (60°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Nov 6°C (43°F) 75 mm (3 in) 10°C (51°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Dec 3°C (37°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 7°C (45°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)