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

Should you visit Baden-Baden or Nantes?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Baden-Baden or Nantes, 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 peaceful, historic, and relaxing spa town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Nantes

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

Baden-Baden and Nantes: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Nantes than Baden-Baden, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Nantes is more popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Baden-Baden is known for its hiking. Baden-Baden is popular for its many thermal baths, spas and wellness centers, as well as its cultural venues and festivals. Nantes is popular for its castles and historical landmarks, local wine, and beautiful parks and gardens. It is also home to The Castle of the Dukes of Brittany.

How is Baden-Baden different from Nantes?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Nantes 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 Nantes can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

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 Nantes? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Baden-Baden and Nantes both to be amazing destinations.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Baden-Baden is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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).

Many restaurants in Nantes have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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).

Is Baden-Baden or Nantes Better for Nightlife?

Nantes is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. Also, Baden-Baden is not as famous, but is still a good spa town to visit for its evening party scene.

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

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

Nantes is a nice place to visit for its old town. However, Baden-Baden does not have a historic old town.

Many people head to Nantes to see the 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.

Baden-Baden does not have a historic old town.

Is Baden-Baden or Nantes Better for Hiking?

Baden-Baden is a nice place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Nantes is not a hiking destination.

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

Nantes is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Baden-Baden or Nantes?

Nantes 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.

Nantes is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

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 Nantes Better for Families?

Baden-Baden and Nantes are both superb destinations for the whole family.

Baden-Baden is a very kid-friendly spa town. 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.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Nantes. 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 Baden-Baden or Nantes Better for Couples?

Baden-Baden and Nantes are both superb 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.

Nantes makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Is Baden-Baden or Nantes Better for Students?

Nantes is a nice place to visit for students. However, Baden-Baden is not popular with students.

Nantes is a good city to visit for students. There's a decent sized student population and the city has a welcoming atmosphere. It's also easy to get around with public transportation.

Baden-Baden is not popular with students.

Is Baden-Baden 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. However, Baden-Baden is not a good spa town for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Nantes can get you around easily. There are both trams and buses throughout the city that are operated by TAN (Transport de l'Agglomeration Nantaise).

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

Is Baden-Baden or Nantes a more walkable city?

Nantes 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.

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

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 Nantes Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Baden-Baden or Nantes?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Baden-Baden and Nantes. In our opinion, Nantes has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Nantes than Baden-Baden. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Baden-Baden, and 2-3 days is enough time in Nantes.

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

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

One day in Baden-Baden or Nantes?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Baden-Baden. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the beautiful city of Nantes. Most people visit for the food. 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.

A weekend in Baden-Baden or Nantes?

Baden-Baden is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the beautiful destination of Nantes. 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 Nantes?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Baden-Baden. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. 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.

The welcoming city of Nantes 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.

A week in Baden-Baden or Nantes?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the peaceful destination of Baden-Baden. This spa town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Nantes. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Germany, The Best Bicycle Tours in Germany, 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 Baden-Baden and Nantes, we can see that Baden-Baden 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 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 Nantes.

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 Nantes Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Baden-Baden or Nantes?

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

Both Nantes and Baden-Baden during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Baden-Baden because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Nantes this time of year.

In the summer, Baden-Baden is around the same temperature as Nantes. Typically, the summer temperatures in Baden-Baden in July average around 20°C (67°F), and Nantes averages at about 19°C (67°F).

In Nantes, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Baden-Baden. In the summer, Baden-Baden often gets less sunshine than Nantes. Baden-Baden gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nantes receives 267 hours of full sun.

Baden-Baden usually gets more rain in July than Nantes. Baden-Baden gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Baden-Baden and Nantes. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Baden-Baden this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Nantes for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Baden-Baden is generally cooler than Nantes. Daily temperatures in Baden-Baden average around 11°C (52°F), and Nantes fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Baden-Baden usually receives less sunshine than Nantes during autumn. Baden-Baden gets 91 hours of sunny skies, while Nantes receives 141 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Baden-Baden usually receives less rain than Nantes. Baden-Baden gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

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

The winter brings many poeple to Baden-Baden as well as Nantes. Many travelers come to Baden-Baden for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Nantes in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Baden-Baden. Baden-Baden is much colder than Nantes in the winter. The daily temperature in Baden-Baden averages around 2°C (35°F) in January, and Nantes fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Baden-Baden often gets less sunshine than Nantes. Baden-Baden gets 35 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nantes receives 72 hours of full sun.

Baden-Baden usually gets less rain in January than Nantes. Baden-Baden gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Nantes and Baden-Baden are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Baden-Baden in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Nantes for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Baden-Baden is around the same temperature as Nantes. Typically, the spring temperatures in Baden-Baden in April average around 10°C (50°F), and Nantes averages at about 11°C (51°F).

Baden-Baden usually receives less sunshine than Nantes during spring. Baden-Baden gets 154 hours of sunny skies, while Nantes receives 187 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Baden-Baden usually receives more rain than Nantes. Baden-Baden gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Nantes and Baden-Baden