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

Should you visit Bristol or Nantes?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Bristol and Nantes can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Bristol

Bristol is a authentic, historic, and diverse city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Nantes

Nantes is a historical, beautiful, and vibrant city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Bristol and Nantes: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bristol or Nantes?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bristol than Nantes. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Bristol is very popular for its big city activities, while Nantes attracts visitors for its food, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Bristol is famous for its laid-back atmosphere and progressive environmental policies. It is also well known for The Bristol Harbour. Nantes is famous for its castles and historical landmarks, local wine, and beautiful parks and gardens.

How is Bristol different from Nantes?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

You'll find a number of high quality museums and attractions in both Nantes and Bristol.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Bristol. The city has some great museums and landmarks such as the SS Great Britain, M Shed, the Clifton Suspension Bridge, and Cabot Tower.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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 Bristol or Nantes? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nantes is an unbeatable place for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Bristol is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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).

Bristol offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find all of the classic British specialties such as bangers and mash or fish and chips. There are many restaurants, markets, and pubs where you can grab a relaxing meal and enjoy the British ambiance.

Is Bristol or Nantes Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is high quality in both Bristol and Nantes.

Many people head to Bristol for the nightlife scene. The nightlife scene is diverse and inclusive. There are huge clubs that host well known DJs. There is also an underground music scene as well as local bars and even traditional speakeasies. Whether your interest is live jazz or upscale cocktail bars, there really is something for everyone.

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.

Is Bristol or Nantes Better for its Old Town?

Nantes is a city with good options for its historic old town charm. However, Bristol does not have a historic old town.

Nantes has an old town worth visiting. 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.

Bristol does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Bristol or Nantes?

If you're looking to go shopping, Bristol and Nantes both offer plenty of high quality spots.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Bristol. Head to Clifton Village for the most upscale boutiques or the Bristol Shopping Quarter for a diversity of budgets and brands. Gloucester Street is famous for its independent shops or there are the student neighborhoods of Park Street and the Triangle which have a number of trendy shops.

Nantes is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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 Bristol or Nantes Better for Families?

Nantes is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Bristol is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Bristol is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has a number of kid-friendly museums, activities, and playgrounds. For museums, check out the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, the M Shed, or Aerospace Bristol. There are also boat rides and the Bristol Aquarium among other unique activities.

Is Bristol or Nantes Better for Couples?

Nantes is great for couples. Also, Bristol is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

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.

Bristol is a nice destination for couples. There are romantic restaurants, fun bars, and unique museums that make for a variety of different date options.

Is Bristol or Nantes Better for Students?

For students, both Bristol and Nantes are nice places to visit.

It's common for students to visit Bristol. It's a small and friendly city with enough diversity that it stays interesting and dynamic.

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.

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

Nantes is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Bristol is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

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).

Bristol has a few public transit options. Metrobus serves the greater Bristol area.

Is Bristol or Nantes a more walkable city?

Bristol and Nantes are high quality when it comes to walkability.

Bristol is a very walkable destination. The city center is well designed for walking.

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 Bristol Worth Visiting? and Is Nantes Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nantes or Bristol?

How long in Bristol or Nantes?

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

Families should spend more time in Nantes than Bristol. 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 Bristol. 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 Bristol 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 Bristol or Nantes?

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

In Nantes, you'll find nightlife and food. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Bristol or Nantes?

Bristol 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.

In Nantes, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Nantes has to offer.

Five days in Bristol or Nantes?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bristol. 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 great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Bristol or Nantes?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nantes. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Nantes. One reason most visitors come is for the food. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Historical Tours in United Kingdom, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.

When comparing the travel costs between Bristol and Nantes, we can see that Nantes is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Bristol or Nantes?

Bristol has a larger population, and is about 55% larger than the population of Nantes. When comparing the sizes of Bristol 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 Bristol 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 Bristol or Nantes in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Bristol and Nantes. Most visitors come to Bristol for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Nantes because of the family-friendly experiences.

Bristol is around the same temperature as Nantes in the summer. The daily temperature in Bristol averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, and Nantes fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

In July, Bristol usually receives less rain than Nantes. Bristol gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bristol or Nantes in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Bristol as well as Nantes. The autumn months attract visitors to Bristol because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Additionally, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Nantes this time of year.

In the autumn, Bristol is around the same temperature as Nantes. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Bristol in October average around 13°C (55°F), and Nantes averages at about 13°C (56°F).

Bristol usually gets more rain in October than Nantes. Bristol gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bristol or Nantes in the Winter?

Both Nantes and Bristol are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bristol this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Nantes for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Bristol is generally around the same temperature as Nantes. Daily temperatures in Bristol average around 6°C (43°F), and Nantes fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In January, Bristol usually receives around the same amount of rain as Nantes. Bristol gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Bristol or Nantes in the Spring?

Both Nantes and Bristol during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Bristol for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Nantes in the spring for the natural beauty.

Bristol is around the same temperature as Nantes in the spring. The daily temperature in Bristol averages around 10°C (50°F) in April, and Nantes fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Bristol usually gets less rain in April than Nantes. Bristol gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Nantes and Bristol