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

Should you visit Connemara or Paris?

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

Should I visit Connemara or Paris? 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.

Connemara

Connemara is a remote, dramatic, and breathtaking region. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, food, and beaches.

Paris

Paris is a bustling, energetic, and beautiful city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include food, shopping, and museums.

Connemara and Paris: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Connemara or Paris?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Paris than Connemara, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Paris is better known for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Connemara is more popular for its beaches and hiking. Paris is more touristy than Connemara and is popular for its world-renowned cuisine, iconic landmarks, trendsetting fashion, and dynamic markets. Also, Paris is famous for The Eiffel Tower. Connemara is well known for its bog-filled landscape and its hidden coves.

The Eiffel Tower

How is Connemara different from Paris?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Paris is terrific for its sights and museums. Also, Connemara is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Paris on the map. 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.

Connemara is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. While most people visit the region for the natural beauty, you will also find Kylemore Abbey, Ballynahinch Castle, and Clifden Castle nearby.

Is Connemara or Paris Better for Theater?

Paris is terrific for its shows and theatre. However, Connemara is not a theatre destination.

The theater and performance venues in Paris draw crowds from around the world. There are world class theaters as well as smaller local venues where you can enjoy a show.

Connemara is not a theatre destination.

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

Paris is terrific for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Connemara is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Paris is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. There are countless local restaurants, markets, and patisseries to explore. Make sure you try the steak tartare, pate, and macarons.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Connemara. The area has been influenced by the improving food scene in nearby regions. You'll find everything from fine dining restaurants to food trucks that use local ingredients and recipes. The area has no shortage of seafood, shellfish, and even Connemara lamb.

Is Connemara or Paris Better for Nightlife?

Paris is terrific for its evening party scene. However, Connemara is not a good region for nightlife.

Paris is a must-see party destination. 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.

Connemara doesn't offer many options. You'll find some bars in the area but most people visit for the natural beauty, not the nightlife scene.

Is Connemara or Paris Better for Music?

Paris is terrific for its music scene. However, Connemara is not a live music destination.

In Paris you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. 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.

Connemara is not a live music destination.

Is Connemara or Paris Better for Beaches?

Connemara is great for its beaches. However, Paris is not a beach destination.

Connemara is considered a top beach destination. You'll find wide stretches of sandy beach as well as hidden coves that offer a peaceful retreat. Some of the best beaches in the area include Dog’s Bay Beach, Trá an Dóilín, and Glassilaun Beach.

Paris is not a beach destination.

Is Connemara or Paris Better for Hiking?

Connemara is terrific for hiking. However, Paris is not a hiking destination.

People visit Connemara specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The landscape is considered to be some of the most beautiful in all of Ireland and there are many walks and hikes that let you experience it. Some of the best hikes are The Cong and Clonbur Forest Trail, the Claddaghduff Quay to Omey Island Walk, and Mount Gable Walk.

Paris is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Connemara or Paris?

Paris is terrific for its shopping areas. However, Connemara is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Paris is a world class destination for shoppers. 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.

Connemara is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Connemara or Paris Better for Christmas?

Paris is terrific for its Christmas activities. However, Connemara does not offer Christmas activities.

Paris is a world class destination during the Christmas season. 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.

Connemara does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Connemara or Paris Better for Families?

Paris is terrific for its family-friendly activities. However, Connemara is not a good region for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Paris is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Connemara is not always a place people visit with their families. There are plenty of places to explore outdoors such as Connemara National Park as well as the nearby beaches. You'll also find several playgrounds in the area.

Is Connemara or Paris Better for Couples?

Paris is terrific for couples. Also, Connemara is not as famous, but is still a good region to visit for romance.

Paris makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. A city filled with romance, you really can't find a more ideal destination for a European honeymoon or a couple's getaway.

Connemara makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. You'll find romantic hotels and beautiful walks through hidden coves and dramatic countryside. Couples will enjoy exploring castles and getting lost in the beauty.

Is Connemara or Paris Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Paris is terrific for backpackers. However, Connemara is not a good region for backpackers and budget travelers.

Paris is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Connemara is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While there is a hostel in the area, you really need a car to explore the area in depth. This turns off a lot of backpackers.

Is Connemara or Paris Better for Students?

Paris is terrific for students. However, Connemara is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Paris. The city is one of the most popular destinations for international and study abroad students.

Connemara is not popular with students.

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

Paris is terrific for its public transit. However, Connemara is not a good region for times when you don't have a car.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Paris can take you anywhere. The city's metro system is very comprehensive. There's also a bus system that you can use to get around.

Public transit is quite limited in Connemara. There are a few buses in the area but you really need a private vehicle to get around to most places.

Is Connemara or Paris a more walkable city?

Paris is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. However, Connemara is not a good region for its walkability.

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

Connemara is not a very walkable region. You really need a vehicle to experience everything that the region has to offer.

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

Should I spend more time in Paris or Connemara?

How long in Connemara or Paris?

Both Connemara 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 Connemara. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Connemara, and 3-7 days is enough time in Paris.

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

One day in Connemara or Paris?

In Connemara, many people enjoy the food and museums that this breathtaking destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. Lots of people come for the hiking. This region offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

People visit Paris because there is so much to do. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Connemara or Paris?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Connemara. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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.

People visit Paris because there is so much to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Connemara or Paris?

Connemara is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the destination of Connemara. Lots of people come for the hiking. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

People visit Paris because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Connemara or Paris?

You'll find museums and food around the remote destination of Connemara. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the hiking. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Paris is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Paris, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

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

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

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

When is the best time to visit Connemara or Paris?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Connemara or Paris in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Connemara as well as Paris. The summer months attract visitors to Connemara because of the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Paris this time of year.

In the summer, Connemara is cooler than Paris. Typically, the summer temperatures in Connemara in July average around 16°C (60°F), and Paris averages at about 20°C (68°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Paris. In the summer, Connemara often gets less sunshine than Paris. Connemara gets 142 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Paris receives 241 hours of full sun.

Connemara usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Paris. Connemara gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Paris receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Connemara or Paris in the Autumn?

Both Paris and Connemara are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Connemara this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Paris for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Connemara is generally cooler than Paris. Daily temperatures in Connemara average around 11°C (52°F), and Paris fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Connemara usually receives less sunshine than Paris during autumn. Connemara gets 96 hours of sunny skies, while Paris receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Connemara. In October, Connemara usually receives more rain than Paris. Connemara gets 142 mm (5.6 in) of rain, while Paris receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Connemara or Paris in the Winter?

Both Paris and Connemara during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Connemara for the museums and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Paris in the winter for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Paris can get quite cold in the winter. Connemara is a little warmer than Paris in the winter. The daily temperature in Connemara averages around 6°C (42°F) in January, and Paris fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

In the winter, Connemara often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Paris. Connemara gets 59 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Paris receives 62 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Connemara. Connemara usually gets more rain in January than Paris. Connemara gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Paris receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Connemara or Paris in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Connemara and Paris. Many visitors come to Connemara in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Paris for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Connemara is cooler than Paris. Typically, the spring temperatures in Connemara in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Paris averages at about 11°C (52°F).

Connemara usually receives less sunshine than Paris during spring. Connemara gets 153 hours of sunny skies, while Paris receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Connemara usually receives around the same amount of rain as Paris. Connemara gets 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Paris receives 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Paris and Connemara