A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bali vs. Nice for Food, Nightlife, Resorts, and Scuba Diving & Snorkeling

Should you visit Bali 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 Bali and Nice can help you decide which place is right for you.

Bali

Bali is a lush, frequented, and spiritual island. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Nice

Nice is a opulent, trendy, and chic seaside destination. You'll find world class beauty here as well. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Bali and Nice: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bali or Nice?

You'll generally find more things to do in Bali than Nice. Bali is bigger than Nice, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Bali is better known for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking, while Nice is more popular for its historical sights and quaint atmosphere. Bali is well known for its many temples, beautiful beaches, world class scuba diving, and cultural retreats. Also, Bali is famous for Pura Lempuyang. Nice is well known for its beachfront setting in the French Riviera as well as its popularity with A-list celebrities.

How is Bali different from Nice?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Both Bali and Nice offer a number of amazing restaurants to choose from.

Bali has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The food is rich and diverse with a lot of spices and complex flavors. Turmeric is a common spice and many dishes use coconut milk. Popular local dishes include Nasi Ayam (a chicken dish), Satay (grilled chicken), and Babi Guling (a pork dish).

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

Is Bali or Nice Better for Nightlife?

Both Bali and Nice are amazing when it comes to partying.

Bali is a world class party destination. The island is known for its crazy raves and all night pool parties. There are multi-story dance clubs as well as upscale bars and beach clubs that host parties late into the night. The best nightlife areas are around Kuta, Seminyak, and Canggu.

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.

Is Bali or Nice Better for Resorts?

Luxury resorts are fairly comparable in Bali and Nice.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Bali is a perfect choice. The island has resorts as well as private villas that cater to everyone from celebrities to families or even budget travelers. Private villas offer a more secluded vacation while resorts usually have more amenities and the opportunity to socialize with other guests. There are also many family-friendly resorts around the island.

Nice offers an unforgettable resort vacation. 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.

Is Bali or Nice Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Bali is renowned for its diving and snorkeling. Also, Nice is not as famous, but is still a good seaside destination to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving.

Bali is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. The waters are crystal clear and the marine life is abundant making scuba diving and snorkeling popular around the island. There are many snorkeling day trips that you can arrange and there are also dive shops that will take you out on the water.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Nice. There are some places where you can arrange a snorkeling or dive trip to explore the underwater setting.

Is Bali or Nice Better for Beaches?

Bali is renowned for the beache. Also, Nice is not as famous, but is still a good seaside destination to visit for the beach.

Bali is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The island is large enough that it has a diversity of beach styles. There are popular beaches with water sports as well as secluded bays where you can enjoy a more peaceful setting. Some beaches are dramatic with limestone cliffs while others are lined with palm trees.

Many people visit Nice for it's beautiful 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.

Is Bali or Nice Better for its Old Town?

Nice is a well-known place for its old town. However, Bali does not have a historic old town.

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.

Bali does not have a historic old town.

Is Bali or Nice Better for Hiking?

Bali is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Nice is not a hiking destination.

Bali is a popular spot for hiking. Walking on the island is beautiful and with its varied landscapes you can explore scenic rice paddies or pristine rainforests. You'll find the most challenging hikes in West Bali National Park, where a guide is recommended, but there are many other shorter hikes on the island that can be explored independently.

Nice is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bali or Nice?

Both Bali and Nice are superb shopping destinations.

Bali is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. A big appeal of shopping on the island is the affordability. There are many local items that are fun to bring home including jewelry, handicrafts, furniture, and clothing.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Nice. 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.

Is Bali or Nice Better for Families?

Bali 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.

Bali is a very kid-friendly island. The island has countless activities that kids can enjoy. There are watersports, snorkeling, surfing lessons and beautiful beaches. You can also expose your kids to the spiritual side of the island with kid-friendly yoga classes. Animals lovers will enjoy getting to see the monkeys up close and for a unique culinary experience, you can take a family cooking class.

Nice is a family-friendly island. 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 Bali or Nice Better for Couples?

Both Bali and Nice are amazing destinations to visit as a couple.

For those traveling as a couple, Bali has plenty to offer. This beautiful island offers stunning beaches, adventure sports, and world class snorkeling. There are beautiful resorts with spas as well as couples yoga classes impressive natural areas.

Nice has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Is Bali or Nice Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bali is renowned for backpackers. Also, Nice is not as famous, but is still a good seaside destination to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Bali. Backpackers flock to this beautiful island for its stunning setting and affordable accommodation. There are many nice places where backpackers can hang out and get to know other travelers. If you want to get off the beaten path, it's best to head into the countryside and away from the main tourist hubs.

Plenty of backpackers 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 Bali or Nice Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Nice is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Bali is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Nice can get you to some places easily. There are both buses and trams.

Bali has some public transit options. There are minibuses and tourist shuttle buses around the island. You can also hire a taxi or rent a car, scooter, or bicycle.

Is Bali or Nice a more walkable city?

Nice is a must-visit destination for its high level of walkability. However, Bali is not a good island for its ease of walking around.

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

Bali is generally not a very walkable island. There are some walkable towns and cities on the island, but many areas can be challenging to navigate on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Bali Worth Visiting? and Is Nice Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nice or Bali?

How long in Bali or Nice?

In either Bali or Nice, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Bali than Nice because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 5-7 days is a good amount of time for Bali, and 3-5 days is enough time in Nice.

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

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

One day in Bali or Nice?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Bali. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Nice. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Bali or Nice?

Bali is a fun place to experience. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Nice is a fun place to experience. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Bali or Nice?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the cultural destination of Bali. This island offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the trendy destination of Nice. This seaside destination offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Bali or Nice?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the frequented island of Bali. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

The beautiful seaside destination of Nice offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Indonesia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Indonesia, 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 Bali and Nice, we can see that Nice is more expensive. And not only is Bali much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Bali is in Asia and Nice is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Bali would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bali 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 Nice would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nice than you might in Bali.

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

Which is Bigger, Bali or Nice?

Bali has a larger population, and is about 20% larger than the population of Nice. When comparing the sizes of Bali 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 Bali or Nice?

Nice has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Bali experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Bali or Nice in the Summer?

Both Nice and Bali are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Bali throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Nice in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

Bali is a little warmer than Nice in the summer. The daily temperature in Bali averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Nice fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In July, Bali usually receives more rain than Nice. Bali gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Nice receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer. The dry season in Bali is April to September.

Should I visit Bali or Nice in the Autumn?

Both Nice and Bali during the autumn are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Bali because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, most visitors come to Nice for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Bali is much warmer than Nice. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bali in October average around 27°C (81°F), and Nice averages at about 17°C (63°F).

Nice gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Bali usually gets less rain in October than Nice. Bali gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Nice receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year. October to March is the rainy season in Bali.

Should I visit Bali or Nice in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Bali and Nice. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Bali year-round. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Nice because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In January, Bali is generally much warmer than Nice. Daily temperatures in Bali average around 26°C (79°F), and Nice fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In January, Bali usually receives more rain than Nice. Bali gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Nice receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter. Also, October to March is the rainy season in Bali.

Should I visit Bali or Nice in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Bali as well as Nice. Bali attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Nice this time of year.

Bali is much warmer than Nice in the spring. The daily temperature in Bali averages around 27°C (81°F) in April, and Nice fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Bali usually gets more rain in April than Nice. Bali gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Nice receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, April to September in Bali is the dry season.

Typical Weather for Nice and Bali