A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Basel vs. Nantes for Food, Attractions, Nightlife, and Old Town

Should you visit Basel or Nantes?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Basel 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.

Basel

Basel is a easily accessible, beautiful, and vibrant city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

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.

Basel and Nantes: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Basel or Nantes?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Nantes than Basel, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Nantes is more popular for its food and nightlife, while Basel is known for its historical sights. Basel is popular for its many museums and its nice old town. 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 Basel different from Nantes?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Basel or Nantes?

Plenty of people visit the superb sights and museums in both Basel and Nantes.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Basel can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is filled with history. Head to Minster Hill to see the beautiful historic church and Münsterplatz. There are also several unique museums around town including Jean Tinguely Museum, the Paper Mill Museum, the Historical Museum, and the Museum of Art.

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

Is the Food Better in Basel or Nantes? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nantes is a world-class destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

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

Basel is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Food around town can be expensive, but there are some outdoor markets where you can buy fruit and a bratwurst for a reasonable price. The city is known for its breads, soups, and pastries, which are all delicious.

Is Basel or Nantes Better for Nightlife?

Nantes is notable for nightlife and partying. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Nantes has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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 Basel. The city's nightlife comes alive as the sun sets. There are bars, pubs, and dance clubs that stay active until the early morning hours.

Is Basel or Nantes Better for its Old Town?

Basel is a very popular place for its historic old town charm. Also, Nantes is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town.

Many visitors go to Basel to see the historical old town. The charming old town is fun to explore on foot with its quaint streets and meandering alleys. The beautiful architecture and ornate fountains give the area a unique personality. On the hottest days you may even see locals swimming in some of the fountains.

Many visitors go to Nantes to see the historical 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Basel or Nantes?

Both Basel and Nantes are superb shopping destinations.

Basel is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The old town is filled with shops that you can wander through as you explore. Popular shopping streets include Freie Strasse and the area around Marktplatz, where you'll find boutique shops and interesting trinkets. You can also head to the city's oldest department store - Manor.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Nantes. 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.

Is Basel or Nantes Better for Families?

Basel and Nantes are both superb destinations for the whole family.

Basel is a very kid-friendly city. The city has an impressive zoo, a really unique toy museum, as well as Aquabasilea with its pools and slides. It's also compact enough that little legs can explore and enjoy everything that it has to offer. If the weather's warm, head for the river to cool off.

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 Basel or Nantes Better for Couples?

Nantes is notable for its romantic activities. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Nantes is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Basel is a good city for couples to visit. Nice restaurants, interesting museums, and several great spas make this a nice place for a romantic trip.

Is Basel or Nantes Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Basel is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Nantes is lacking in good options for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Basel. There are a few hostels and a really useful City Pass that make this city an option for backpackers and budget travelers. It's also a major transit center so accessibility is convenient. If you're traveling around Europe by train, you'll likely pass through Basel at some point.

Nantes is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't as many hostels as you would expect in the area, so finding an affordable and social place to stay may be a bit challenging.

Is Basel or Nantes Better for Students?

Basel is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Nantes is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Basel is a great city to visit as a student. The University of Basel brings in international students from around the world. The city makes a nice base for exploring Europe, but it's also a bit expensive which can be challenging on a student income.

Nantes is popular with 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.

Is Basel or Nantes Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Basel and Nantes offer superb public transit options.

Basel has some very good public transit options. Trams and buses make it easy to get around town.

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

Is Basel or Nantes a more walkable city?

Basel is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. Also, Nantes is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Basel. The old town and most of the major attractions are easily accessible on foot.

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

For even more information, also check out Is Basel Worth Visiting? and Is Nantes Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nantes or Basel?

How long in Basel or Nantes?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Nantes than Basel. 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 Basel than Nantes 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 Basel.

One day in Basel or Nantes?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Basel. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Nantes, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this welcoming destination offers. Lots of people come for the food. 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.

A weekend in Basel or Nantes?

Basel is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nantes. 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.

Five days in Basel or Nantes?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Basel. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

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

A week in Basel or Nantes?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the museum-filled destination of Basel. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Switzerland, The Best Bicycle Tours in Switzerland, 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 Basel and Nantes, we can see that Basel 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 Basel would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Basel 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 Basel Expensive? and Is Nantes Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Basel or Nantes?

Nantes has a larger population, and is about 69% larger than the population of Basel. When comparing the sizes of Basel 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 Basel 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 Basel or Nantes in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Basel is around the same temperature as Nantes. Typically, the summer temperatures in Basel in July average around 21°C (70°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 Basel. In the summer, Basel often gets less sunshine than Nantes. Basel gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nantes receives 267 hours of full sun.

Basel usually gets more rain in July than Nantes. Basel gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Basel or Nantes in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Basel and Nantes. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Basel this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Nantes for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Basel is generally around the same temperature as Nantes. Daily temperatures in Basel average around 13°C (56°F), and Nantes fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Basel usually receives less sunshine than Nantes during autumn. Basel gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Nantes receives 141 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Basel usually receives less rain than Nantes. Basel gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Basel or Nantes in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Basel as well as Nantes. Many travelers come to Basel for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, 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 Basel. Basel is much colder than Nantes in the winter. The daily temperature in Basel averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Nantes fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Basel often gets less sunshine than Nantes. Basel gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nantes receives 72 hours of full sun.

Basel usually gets less rain in January than Nantes. Basel gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Basel or Nantes in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Basel is around the same temperature as Nantes. Typically, the spring temperatures in Basel in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Nantes averages at about 11°C (51°F).

Basel usually receives less sunshine than Nantes during spring. Basel gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Nantes receives 187 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Basel usually receives more rain than Nantes. Basel gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Nantes and Basel