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

Should you visit Bonn or Nantes?

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

Should I visit Bonn or Nantes? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Bonn

Bonn is a cultural, beautiful, and outdoorsy city. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Nantes

Nantes is a vibrant, welcoming, and friendly city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Bonn and Nantes: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bonn or Nantes?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Nantes than Bonn, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Nantes is better known for its food, nightlife, and impressive beauty, while Bonn is more popular for its historical sights and quaint atmosphere. Bonn is well known for its many museums, cultural venues, and university atmosphere, as well as being the birthplace of Beethoven. Nantes is well known for its castles and historical landmarks, local wine, and beautiful parks and gardens. Also, Nantes is famous for The Castle of the Dukes of Brittany.

How is Bonn different from Nantes?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Spend time exploring the very good sights and museums in either Bonn or Nantes.

Bonn offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Some of the most popular museums include Haus der Geschichte (history), Beethoven's House, and Kunstmuseum Bonn (art). For architecture check out the Old Town Hall and Bonn Minster. Other landmarks include Poppelsdorf Palace and Schloss Drachenburg.

Many visitors head to Nantes specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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 Bonn or Nantes? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nantes is very popular for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

For foodies, Nantes is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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).

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Bonn. Like much of the food in Germany, you'll find local dishes are hearty and filling. Potatoes and meats are popular ingredients, as are milk, butter, and vegetables. For local flavors try the Rhenish Sauerbraten (veal stew), Reibekuchen (German pancakes), or Christmas Sausages.

Is Bonn or Nantes Better for Nightlife?

Nantes is a great city for nightlife. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Nantes has something for everybody. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Bonn. There are bars and nightclubs around town but even more popular are the cultural events that the city hosts. If nightlife is important to you, try to visit during one of the festivals around town.

Is Bonn or Nantes Better for its Old Town?

Bonn 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 Bonn to see the historical old town. The old town is filled with cobblestone streets and charming shops. There are also cafes and restaurants where you can grab a bite to eat.

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 Bonn or Nantes?

If you're looking to go shopping, Bonn and Nantes both offer plenty of very good spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Bonn. A mix of local shops and major chains make shopping fun and easy. Whether you're interested in souvenir gifts or a new outfit, there are countless stores around town.

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.

Is Bonn or Nantes Better for Families?

Bonn is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Nantes is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Bonn is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. Just outside of the town is the Haribo factory outlet store where you can pick up a number of sweet treats and spend some time exploring with the kids. Another favorite activity for the whole family is a trip to nearby Phantasialand. This is one of the best amusement parks in Germany and it has many rides for teens and younger kids alike. In town, you'll find playgrounds and kid-friendly museums. Kids will also love a visit to Schloss Drachenburg Castle.

Nantes is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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 Bonn or Nantes Better for Couples?

Nantes is a great city for romance. Also, Bonn is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

Nantes is a great city if you're traveling as 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.

Bonn makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Churches, architecture, and botanical gardens all make this a great couples destination. You can take a cruise down the Rhein or enjoy a meal at one of the best restaurants.

Is Bonn or Nantes Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bonn 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 Bonn. Many backpackers skip this town, so its a good option for travelers who want to get off the beaten backpacker trail. There are affordable hotels and hostels around town as well as restaurants where you can pick up something cheap to eat.

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 Bonn or Nantes Better for Students?

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

Bonn is a great city to visit as a student. The city has a very international vibe and you'll likely run into people speaking English around town. Job opportunities in the area are good and there are schools that attract students from around the globe.

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

Bonn and Nantes both offer very good public transit to get you around.

Visitors to Bonn can move around easily with public transportation. There is a light rail system that includes 9 lines and 64 stations. There are also buses around town. Bonn is connected to the region by convenient commuter trains so it's possible to visit as a day trip.

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).

Is Bonn or Nantes a more walkable city?

Bonn and Nantes are very good when it comes to walkability.

Bonn is very walkable. The compact old town is easy to explore on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Nantes or Bonn?

How long in Bonn or Nantes?

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

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

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

One day in Bonn or Nantes?

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

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

Bonn 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.

Nantes is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the food. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Bonn or Nantes?

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

You'll find museums and nightlife around the welcoming destination of Nantes. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Bonn or Nantes?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural destination of Bonn. 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.

The friendly city of Nantes offers nightlife and food. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin, 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 Bonn and Nantes, we can see that Bonn 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 Bonn would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bonn 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 Bonn Expensive? and Is Nantes Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bonn or Nantes?

Bonn has a larger population, and is about 13% larger than the population of Nantes. When comparing the sizes of Bonn 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 Bonn or Nantes?

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 Bonn or Nantes in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Bonn and Nantes. Many travelers come to Bonn for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Nantes in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Bonn is generally around the same temperature as Nantes. Daily temperatures in Bonn average around 19°C (66°F), and Nantes fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nantes this time of the year. Bonn usually receives less sunshine than Nantes during summer. Bonn gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Nantes receives 267 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Bonn usually receives more rain than Nantes. Bonn gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bonn or Nantes in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Bonn as well as Nantes. Many visitors come to Bonn in the autumn for the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Nantes for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Bonn is cooler than Nantes in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bonn averages around 12°C (53°F) in October, and Nantes fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Bonn often gets less sunshine than Nantes. Bonn gets 109 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nantes receives 141 hours of full sun.

Bonn usually gets less rain in October than Nantes. Bonn gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bonn or Nantes in the Winter?

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

Bonn can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Bonn is much colder than Nantes. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bonn in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Nantes averages at about 6°C (42°F).

Bonn usually receives less sunshine than Nantes during winter. Bonn gets 45 hours of sunny skies, while Nantes receives 72 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Bonn usually receives less rain than Nantes. Bonn gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Bonn or Nantes in the Spring?

Both Nantes and Bonn during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, the natural beauty are the main draw to Nantes this time of year.

In April, Bonn is generally around the same temperature as Nantes. Daily temperatures in Bonn average around 10°C (50°F), and Nantes fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the spring, Bonn often gets less sunshine than Nantes. Bonn gets 145 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nantes receives 187 hours of full sun.

Bonn usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Nantes. Bonn gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Nantes and Bonn