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

Should you visit Bath 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 Bath and Paris can help you decide which place is right for you.

Bath

Bath is a charming, historical, and beautiful spa town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Paris

Paris is a energetic, beautiful, and iconic city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and theater.

Bath and Paris: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Historic Roman Baths
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Numerous theater shows
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Popular at Christmas
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Eiffel Tower


Is there more to do in Bath or Paris?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Paris than Bath, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Paris is more popular for its theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Bath is known for its historical sights and small town charm. Paris is more touristy than Bath and is known for its world-renowned cuisine, iconic landmarks, trendsetting fashion, and dynamic markets. It is also home to The Eiffel Tower. Bath is popular for its world-renowned Roman built baths as well as its historical architecture and many museums.

The Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower

How is Bath different from Paris?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Bath or Paris?

Bath
Paris

Spend time exploring the world-class sights and museums in either Bath or Paris.

Travelers visit Bath from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The main draw to Bath is the rich history and most sights are focused on the area's spa city past. The Roman Baths are a highlight of a trip to the city, but other not to be missed places include Bath Abbey, the Royal Crescent, and Pulteney Bridge.

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.


Is Bath or Paris Better for Theater?

Bath
Paris

Paris is an unbeatable place for theatre. However, Bath 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.

Bath is not a theatre destination.

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

Bath
Paris

Paris is an unbeatable place for its restaurants. Also, Bath is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Bath. Sample afternoon tea or try some local fish and chips. There are a diversity of restaurants to choose from so it's easy to find local favorites, vegetarian options, or international cuisine.

Is Bath or Paris Better for Nightlife?

Bath
Paris

Paris is an unbeatable place for nightlife. Also, Bath is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Paris is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.

Bath has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Head to George Street, which is the liveliest part of the city at night. You'll find a mix of high end restaurants, pubs, and cocktail bars that keep the energy high. One of the most popular nightlife venues in Bath is Bath Komedia, which is a popular music and comedy club.


Is Bath or Paris Better for Music?

Bath
Paris

Paris is an unbeatable place for live music. However, Bath is not a live music destination.

Paris is known as a music capital around the world. 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.

Bath is not a live music destination.

Is Bath or Paris Better for its Old Town?

Bath
Paris

Bath is great for its historic old town. However, Paris does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Bath. The Roman old town has charming streets and a vibrant environment. On pleasant weekends you'll find tourists and locals alike filling the restaurants and town squares, giving the city an energy and lively atmosphere.

Paris does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Bath or Paris?

Bath
Paris

Paris is an unbeatable place for shopping. Also, Bath is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Paris. 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.

Bath is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Head to Stall Street and Union Street for the most popular shopping streets in town. Many visitors pick up jewelry, glass, and fudge or other sweets while exploring the area.


Is Bath or Paris Better for Christmas?

Bath
Paris

Paris is an unbeatable place for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Bath does not offer Christmas activities.

Known for its popular Christmas activities, Paris draws large crowds. 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.

Bath does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Bath or Paris Better for Families?

Bath
Paris

Paris is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Bath is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-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 kid-friendly things to do in Bath. The city is all about history and architecture, so at times it can be challenging for the kids to stay entertained. For a change of pace, take a boat on the canal or explore one of the beautiful gardens.

Is Bath or Paris Better for Couples?

Bath
Paris

Both Bath and Paris are world-class destinations to visit as a couple.

For those traveling as a couple, Bath has plenty to offer. With its beautiful architecture and fascinating history, this city is perfect for couples. Take a canal cruise or wander through the scenic areas to enjoy a romantic trip.

Paris has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. A city filled with romance, you really can't find a more ideal destination for a European honeymoon or a couple's getaway.


Is Bath or Paris Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bath
Paris

Paris is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Bath is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent 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 Bath. You'll find a surprising number of hostels around town so it's not hard to meet other backpackers while you're in the area.

Is Bath or Paris Better for Students?

Bath
Paris

Paris is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Bath is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

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.

Bath is a great spa town to visit as a student. The University of Bath offers a number of different programs so this is a popular city for local and international students.

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

Bath
Paris

Paris is an unbeatable place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Bath is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Visitors in Paris can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The city's metro system is very comprehensive. There's also a bus system that you can use to get around.

You'll find some public transit in Bath, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. You likely won't need public transit because it's easy to walk most places, but there are buses around town.


Is Bath or Paris a more walkable city?

Bath
Paris

Bath is terrific for its walkability. Also, Paris is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of walkability.

Bath is a very easy spa town to get around on foot. It is a very walkable city with most sights and activities packed into a very compact area. There are also many pedestrian areas that are easy to explore on foot.

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

For even more information, also check out Is Bath Worth Visiting? and Is Paris Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Paris or Bath?

How long in Bath or Paris?

Both Bath 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 Bath. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Bath, and 3-7 days is enough time in Paris.

Families should spend more time in Paris than Bath. 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 Bath. 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 Bath 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.


  • How many days in Bath or Paris? Ideal Length of Stay
    Bath 1-3 
    Paris 3-7

One day in Bath or Paris?

In Bath, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this charming destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the museums. This spa town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Paris is a big city destination where you can fill many days. 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 Bath or Paris?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bath. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 fun place to experience. 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 Bath or Paris?

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

Paris is a beautiful big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Bath or Paris?

You'll find food and shopping around the beautiful destination of Bath. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the museums. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Paris is a beautiful city where you can fill many days. 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Edinburgh, The Best 10-Day Tours from London, The Best Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Paris or Bath?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Bath is £141, while the average daily cost in Paris is £199. 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 Bath and Paris in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Bath £79
    Paris £129
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Bath £158
    Paris £258
Compare Hotels in Bath and Paris

Looking for a hotel in Bath or Paris? 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 Bath


Hotels in Paris


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: Bath Hotel Prices and Paris Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Bath £26
    Paris £18

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bath

Also for Bath, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Bus Transfer to/from Bristol Airport: $21

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Paris

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Paris are as follows:


  • Metro
    £5.47
  • Train from Airport
    £7.70
  • Metro tickets
    £5.82
  • Train
    £17

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Paris

Also for Paris, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • transfer from CDG/ORLY airport to Paris ,multilingual driver: $42
  • Versailles: Skip-the-Line Day Tour & Transfer from Paris: $2,280
  • Versailles Round-Trip Transfers: Multiple Departures: $53
  • VERSAILLES CASTLE Round-Trip Transfer from Paris by Luxury Van: $208
  • VERSAILLES CASTLE Private Round-Trip Transfer from Paris in Van: $188
  • VERSAILLES CASTLE Private Round-Trip Transfer from Paris by Sedan: $198
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Paris HTL-APT (CDG): $121
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer service in Paris APT-HTL (CDG): $104
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Orly HTL-APT (ORY): $104
  • Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Orly APT-HTL (ORY): $104
  • Transfert Privé Aéroport Charles de Gaulle vers Paris: $96
  • Transfer private vehicle from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport to 94300 Vincennes: $59

Is it cheaper to fly into Bath or Paris?

Prices for flights to both Paris and Bath 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
    Bath £43
    Paris £35

Typical Food Prices in Paris

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Paris:


  • Ice Cream
    £6.84
  • Breakfast
    £5.99
  • Breakfast for 2
    £25
  • Dinner on River Cruise
    £74
  • Dinner
    £49
  • Cheese
    £11

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Paris

For Paris, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Authentic Indian Dinner in Paris : $50
  • Paris Capitaine Fracasse 3 Course Seine River Dinner Cruise: $52
  • Paris : Seine River Bistronomic Dinner Cruise: $53
  • Seine River Panoramic Views Dinner Cruise: $67
  • Paris en Scene 3 Course Seine River Dinner Cruise: $68
  • No Diet Club - Paris : Night food tour - Montmartre: $68
  • Paris : No Diet Club Food Tour - Best Spots in Le Marais: $68
  • 1-Hour Sightseeing Cruise with Bistro Dinner: $69
  • Dinner with Customized Wine Selection: $76
  • 3-Hour Dinner Cruise on Seine River and Saint-Martin Canal: $76
  • Paris Food Tour: $76
  • Seine River Dinner Cruise from Eiffel Tower: $86

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Bath £17
    Paris £66
Typical Entertainment Prices in Bath

Below are a few sample prices from actual travelers for Bath's activities, tours, and tickets:


  • Thermal Bath Spa
    £35

Tours and Activities in Bath

For Bath, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Fully Guided Bath Ghost Tours: $21
  • Spa Experience with Massage Treatments: $154
  • 'Hidden Cotswolds & Dark Age England' tour for 2-8 from Bath: $334
  • 'Stonehenge & Secret England' from Bath for 2-8 curious adventurers: $288
  • "Stonehenge & Secret England" Tour for 2-8 guests from Bath: $372
  • Awesome Bath – Family Walking Tour: $432
  • Awesome Family Walking Tour: $219
  • 2-Hour Bath Walking Tour of Bridgerton Filming Locations: $256
  • Private Walking Tour | Blue Badge Guide, 2h, £200 per group: $256
  • Bad of Bath fun Walking Tour of Bath: $20
  • Bath & Oxford Day Trip from London - Self-Guided Audio Tours: $19
  • Bath & Stonehenge City Break from London - Self-Guided Tours: $13

Typical Entertainment Prices in Paris

For Paris, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Louvre Entry for Two
    £15
  • Admission to Pantheon
    £4.28
  • Catacombs (2)
    £20

Tours and Activities in Paris

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Paris.

  • 2-Hour Walking Tour About French Revolution : $43
  • A Day at Parc Saint-Paul Ticket and Transport Included: $209
  • Guided Tour to Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur Chronicles: $49
  • Paris Boat River Seine Cruise Sightseeing TICKETS: $22
  • Paris City Center Self-Guided Walking Tour : $11
  • Paris Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $269
  • Paris Sightseeing Tour with Seine River Cruise from Disneyland®: $83
  • Skip-the-Line Paris Catacombs Special Access Tour: $131
  • Versailles Palace Skip the Line Small Group Guided Tour: $68
  • Île de la Cité - Sainte-Chapelle & Conciergerie Tour Private Tour: $177
  • Île de la Cité, Latin Quarter & Seine River Cruise: Private Tour: $155
  • Île de la Cité, the Old Town of Paris Private Guided Tour: $201

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Bath £14
    Paris £21

Sample the Local Flavors in Bath

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Bath:

  • Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $48

Typical Alcohol Prices in Paris

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Paris are as follows:


  • Wine
    £12

Sample the Local Flavors in Paris

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Paris:

  • Daily Paris Pub Crawl: Meet, Drink & Party (With Club Entry): $14
  • Original Paris Pub Crawl : $17
  • Daily Paris Pub Crawl: Meet, Drink & Party (With Club Entry): $17
  • Latin Quarter Guided Pub Crawl to Bars and Clubs: $22
  • Paris Bar Crawl: $24
  • Paris Latin Quarter Pub Crawl Bars and Clubs: $24
  • Paris Pub Crawl: $26
  • Vineyard tour and wine tasting in Davron: $32
  • Wine Museum Guided Tour with Wine Tasting: $39
  • Audio guided tour and wine tasting at Caves du Louvre: $40
  • Wine Tasting in Paris right next to Père Lachaise & l'Atelier des lumières: $50
  • Vegan Wine Tasting in Paris right next to Père Lachaise: $50


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Bath and Paris, we can see that Paris is more expensive. And not only is Bath much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bath would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bath 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 Bath.

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


Which is Bigger, Bath or Paris?

Paris has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Bath. When comparing the sizes of Bath 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.