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

Should you visit Cagliari or Nantes?

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 Cagliari and Nantes can help you decide which place is right for you.

Cagliari

Cagliari is a relaxed, historic, and under-rated city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Nantes

Nantes is a welcoming, friendly, and historical city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Cagliari and Nantes: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cagliari or Nantes?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Cagliari than Nantes. While Nantes is larger than Cagliari, Cagliari has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Cagliari is more popular for its beaches, historical sights, and big city activities, while Nantes is known for its food, shopping, and impressive beauty. Cagliari is popular for its medieval quarter, beautiful hilltop setting, and impressive beaches. It is also home to Castello. Nantes is popular for its castles and historical landmarks, local wine, and beautiful parks and gardens.

How is Cagliari different from Nantes?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Cagliari and Nantes.

Many visitors head to Cagliari specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The Castello district is filled with ancient buildings including Bastione San Remy and the Duomo. Also make sure you check out the Archeology Museum.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Nantes can be an interesting and educational experience. 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 Cagliari or Nantes? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nantes is an amazing city to visit for its restaurants. Also, Cagliari is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Nantes has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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).

Dining out in Cagliari is an experience not to be missed. The cuisine mixes the island's sea and mountain settings. You'll find many local pastas, breads, seafood dishes, and cheeses. There's a wealth of diversity in the food and you should definitely step away from the more traditional Italian flavors and try something uniquely Sardinian.

Is Cagliari or Nantes Better for Nightlife?

The excellent nightlife scene is relatively similar in Cagliari and Nantes.

Cagliari has a large number of nightlife venues. There's a thriving nightlife scene that is mostly centered around tourists. You'll find a number of the best bars in the Castello district and the atmosphere is usually relaxed and laid back, like the town itself.

Nantes is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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 Cagliari or Nantes Better for Beaches?

Cagliari is a very popular place for the beach. However, Nantes is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Cagliari. While you'll find some nice beaches in town, if you're willing to head to the surrounding areas just outside of town, you'll be rewarded with amazing beaches. The beaches are enjoyable any time of the year.

Nantes is not a beach destination.

Is Cagliari or Nantes Better for its Old Town?

Cagliari 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 Cagliari to see the historical old town. The Castello district is the city's old town. It's filled with narrow alleys, historic castles, and a truly unique atmosphere.

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 Cagliari or Nantes?

Nantes is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Cagliari is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Nantes is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Many visitors go to Cagliari to go shopping. Head to the Marina district for some of the city's best shopping opportunities. There are a number of shopping malls to choose from. For souvenirs and other handicrafts, the port area has a few shops.

Is Cagliari or Nantes Better for Families?

You'll find excellent kid-friendly activities in either Cagliari or Nantes.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Cagliari is very family-friendly. There are a number of activities for kids to enjoy in the areas surrounding the city. If you're willing to get about an hour out of town, you can check out the Water Park of Pula. In town, there's a little train that young kids will enjoy. And, of course, there are the beaches!

Nantes is known to be 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 Cagliari or Nantes Better for Couples?

Both Cagliari and Nantes are excellent destinations to visit as a couple.

Cagliari makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The waterfront setting and nice beaches make this a great place for couples. There's also the Castello district, which is fun to wander through, and many parks and outdoor walking areas.

Couples visit Nantes frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Is Cagliari or Nantes Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cagliari 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 Cagliari. There's a hostel or two in the area that offer accommodation that backpackers will appreciate.

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 Cagliari or Nantes Better for Students?

Both Cagliari and Nantes are good destinations for students.

Plenty of students visit Cagliari. There are some study abroad opportunities in town, and with the nearby beaches and wonderful weather, many international students enjoy their time here.

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

Nantes is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Cagliari is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

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).

You'll find some public transit in Cagliari, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses that travel around town relatively efficiently.

Is Cagliari or Nantes a more walkable city?

Cagliari and Nantes are excellent when it comes to walkability.

Cagliari is a very walkable city. While the city is very walkable, it is built on a large hill so come prepared for some steep climbs.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Nantes or Cagliari?

How long in Cagliari or Nantes?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cagliari and Nantes. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Cagliari, and 2-3 days is enough time in Nantes.

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

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

One day in Cagliari or Nantes?

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

The beautiful city of Nantes offers food and shopping. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Cagliari or Nantes?

Cagliari 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 popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Nantes, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Cagliari or Nantes?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cagliari. 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 popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Cagliari or Nantes?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the under-rated destination of Cagliari. 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.

Nantes is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Italy, The Best 2-Week Tours in Italy, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.

When comparing the travel costs between Cagliari and Nantes, we can see that Cagliari 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 Cagliari Expensive? and Is Nantes Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Cagliari or Nantes?

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

Both Nantes and Cagliari are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cagliari this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Nantes for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Cagliari is a little warmer than Nantes. Typically, the summer temperatures in Cagliari in July average around 24°C (75°F), and Nantes averages at about 19°C (67°F).

It's quite sunny in Nantes. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cagliari. Cagliari usually receives more sunshine than Nantes during summer. Cagliari gets 337 hours of sunny skies, while Nantes receives 267 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cagliari usually receives less rain than Nantes. Cagliari gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cagliari or Nantes in the Autumn?

Both Nantes and Cagliari during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Cagliari for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Nantes in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Cagliari is generally a little warmer than Nantes. Daily temperatures in Cagliari average around 18°C (65°F), and Nantes fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Cagliari often gets more sunshine than Nantes. Cagliari gets 192 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nantes receives 141 hours of full sun.

Cagliari usually gets less rain in October than Nantes. Cagliari gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cagliari or Nantes in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Cagliari and Nantes. Many visitors come to Cagliari in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Nantes for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Cagliari is much warmer than Nantes in the winter. The daily temperature in Cagliari averages around 10°C (50°F) in January, and Nantes fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Cagliari usually receives more sunshine than Nantes during winter. Cagliari gets 131 hours of sunny skies, while Nantes receives 72 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Cagliari usually receives less rain than Nantes. Cagliari gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cagliari or Nantes in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Cagliari as well as Nantes. Most visitors come to Cagliari for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Nantes because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Cagliari is a little warmer than Nantes. Typically, the spring temperatures in Cagliari in April average around 14°C (57°F), and Nantes averages at about 11°C (51°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cagliari this time of the year. In the spring, Cagliari often gets more sunshine than Nantes. Cagliari gets 202 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nantes receives 187 hours of full sun.

Cagliari usually gets less rain in April than Nantes. Cagliari gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Nantes and Cagliari