A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Coimbra vs. Nantes for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Coimbra or Nantes?

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

Should I visit Coimbra 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.

Where Should I go: Coimbra or Nantes?

Coimbra

Coimbra is located in Central Portugal in the Centro Region. It's the third largest city in the country with about 460,000 people living in the entire region. It is also where you'll find the University of Coimbra, which is one of the oldest universities in Europe and the oldest academic institution in the Portuguese speaking world. During the High Middle Ages, Coimbra served as the nation's capital and there are archaeological structures that date back to the Roman era.

Nantes

Nantes is a city in western France, located on the Loire River, 31 miles from the Atlantic coast. The city is the sixth largest in France, with almost 600,000 inhabitants within the Urban area. Together with Saint-Nazaire, a seaport located on the Loire estuary, Nantes forms the main metropolis of north-western France. The city has a unique architectural heritage with its magnificent Chateau des ducs de Bretagne - a Renaissance-style castle nestled in a fortress, a medieval quarter and one of the highest cathedrals of France. It has been transformed in the last 20 years probably more than any other city in France. It is not only a vibrant and young metropolis often rewarded for its top-quality of life, but a city where art has literally been integrated in all possible aspects, making it a true example of how artists can turn a city upside down.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Portugal, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Portugal, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Nantes or Coimbra?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Coimbra is €103, while the average daily cost in Nantes is €108. 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 Coimbra and Nantes in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Coimbra 44
    Nantes 60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Coimbra 88
    Nantes 120
Compare Hotels in Coimbra and Nantes

Looking for a hotel in Coimbra or Nantes? 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 Coimbra


Hotels in Nantes


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: Coimbra Hotel Prices and Nantes Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Coimbra 11
    Nantes 36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Coimbra

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

  • Transfer Viseu - Porto: $157
  • Fátima Private Transfer to/from Lisbon: $147

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nantes

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

  • Private Transfer from Nantes Hotels to La Rochelle Cruise Port: $88
  • Private Transfer from Nantes Atlantique Airport NTE to Puy du Fou Park: $174
  • Private Transfer from Nantes Airport (NTE) to La Rochelle Port: $88
  • Private Transfer from Airports to Nantes: $33
  • Nantes to Nantes Airport (NTE) - Departure Private Transfer: $26
  • Nantes Private Transfer from Nantes city centre to Nantes Airport: $65
  • Nantes Private Transfer from Nantes Airport to City centre: $65
  • Nantes Airport (NTE) to Nantes hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $26
  • Nantes Airport (NTE) to Nantes - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $52

Is it cheaper to fly into Coimbra or Nantes?

Prices for flights to both Nantes and Coimbra 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
    Coimbra 48
    Nantes 27

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Coimbra

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

  • Chanfana: Cooking Traditional Portuguese Cuisine Experience: $49

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nantes

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

  • Nantes Traditional Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience : $104
  • All Inclusive Food Tour of Nantes Old Town with Local Guide: $145

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Coimbra 18
    Nantes 13

Tours and Activities in Coimbra

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

  • 2 Hours Private Walking Tour in Coimbra : $199
  • A tour between Cascades and Schist Villages, Piodão: $120
  • An adventure through the Forest and Palace of Bussaco - Coim: $70
  • An adventure through the Schist Villages of Lousã: $76
  • An adventure through the Schist Villages of Lousã (with walk): $131
  • Arista Tour - Penacova Windmills and Landscapes (noon): $76
  • Bairrada Winery Route Experience, full-day from Coimbra: $134
  • Coimbra Private Walking Tour: $254
  • Coimbra Private Walking Tour with U.C. Tickets Early Access: $44
  • Coimbra Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $5.45
  • Coimbra Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.84
  • Coimbra's Historical Highlights: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99

Tours and Activities in Nantes

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

  • Exploring London's Natural Marvels: Museum Adventure: $83
  • Guided treetop adventure course in the heart of Nantes: $31
  • Half-Day Tour in Nantes: $291
  • Nantes : Must-see Attractions Walking Tour: $75
  • Nantes : Private Walking Tour With A Local : $51
  • Nantes Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $52
  • Nantes Private Guided Walking Tour: $307
  • Nantes Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.54
  • Nantes Traditional Food Group Walking Tour: $102
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Panoramic Tour by Electric Bike: $59

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Coimbra 12
    Nantes 6.43

Sample the Local Flavors in Coimbra

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Coimbra:

  • Wine Tasting Experience in Portugal: $27

Sample the Local Flavors in Nantes

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Nantes:

  • Château du Bois-Huaut: Cellar Tour and Wine Tasting Class: $35


When comparing the travel costs between Coimbra 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 Coimbra Expensive? and Is Nantes Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Coimbra or Nantes?

Nantes has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Coimbra. When comparing the sizes of Coimbra 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 Coimbra 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 Coimbra or Nantes in the Summer?

Both Nantes and Coimbra are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Also, many visitors come to Nantes in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

Coimbra is a little warmer than Nantes in the summer. The daily temperature in Coimbra averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Nantes fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

It's quite sunny in Nantes. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Coimbra. Coimbra usually receives more sunshine than Nantes during summer. Coimbra gets 308 hours of sunny skies, while Nantes receives 267 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Coimbra usually receives less rain than Nantes. Coimbra gets 14 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Coimbra 23°C (73°F) 
    Nantes 19°C (67°F)

Should I visit Coimbra or Nantes in the Autumn?

Both Nantes and Coimbra during the autumn are popular places to visit. Furthermore, most visitors come to Nantes for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Coimbra is a little warmer than Nantes. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Coimbra in October average around 18°C (65°F), and Nantes averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Coimbra often gets more sunshine than Nantes. Coimbra gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nantes receives 141 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Coimbra. Coimbra usually gets more rain in October than Nantes. Coimbra gets 101 mm (4 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Coimbra 18°C (65°F) 
    Nantes 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Coimbra or Nantes in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Coimbra and Nantes. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Nantes because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Coimbra is generally much warmer than Nantes. Daily temperatures in Coimbra average around 11°C (51°F), and Nantes fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Coimbra usually receives more sunshine than Nantes during winter. Coimbra gets 124 hours of sunny skies, while Nantes receives 72 hours of full sun in the winter.

Coimbra gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Coimbra usually receives more rain than Nantes. Coimbra gets 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Coimbra 11°C (51°F) 
    Nantes 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Coimbra or Nantes in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Coimbra as well as Nantes. Additionally, the natural beauty are the main draw to Nantes this time of year.

Coimbra is a little warmer than Nantes in the spring. The daily temperature in Coimbra averages around 15°C (59°F) in April, and Nantes fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Coimbra this time of the year. In the spring, Coimbra often gets more sunshine than Nantes. Coimbra gets 217 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nantes receives 187 hours of full sun.

Coimbra usually gets more rain in April than Nantes. Coimbra gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Coimbra 15°C (59°F) 
    Nantes 11°C (51°F)

Typical Weather for Nantes and Coimbra

Coimbra Nantes
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 11°C (51°F) 139 mm (5.5 in) 6°C (42°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Feb 12°C (53°F) 140 mm (5.5 in) 6°C (44°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 13°C (56°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 8°C (47°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 15°C (59°F) 92 mm (3.6 in) 11°C (51°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 17°C (63°F) 77 mm (3 in) 14°C (57°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jun 21°C (69°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 17°C (63°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 19°C (67°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 13 mm (0.5 in) 19°C (66°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 22°C (71°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 17°C (63°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 18°C (65°F) 101 mm (4 in) 13°C (56°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 14°C (57°F) 128 mm (5 in) 9°C (48°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Dec 11°C (52°F) 130 mm (5.1 in) 6°C (43°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)