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

Should you visit Cordoba or Montpellier?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Cordoba and Montpellier 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.

Cordoba

Cordoba is a colorful, flower-filled, and historical town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Montpellier

Montpellier is a historic, vibrant, and bustling city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and beaches.

Cordoba and Montpellier: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to La Mezquita
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Cordoba or Montpellier?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Cordoba than Montpellier. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Cordoba is very popular for its museums, food, and nightlife, while Montpellier attracts visitors for its beaches and shopping. Cordoba is more touristy than Montpellier and is known for its mix of Roman, Islamic, and Spanish architecture, its whitewashed buildings and streets filled with flowers, and its handcrafted leatherwork. It is also well known for La Mezquita. Montpellier is famous for its relaxed atmosphere, grand boulevards, and authentic personality.

How is Cordoba different from Montpellier?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Cordoba or Montpellier?

Cordoba
Montpellier

Cordoba is an unbeatable place for its museums and landmarks. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Cordoba on the map. The city is filled with monuments that reflect its past. The Great Mosque (La Mezquita) is one of the most iconic sights. You can also visit Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos, Palacio de Viana, and Puente Romano.

Montpellier offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. With such a long history, the city has many landmarks and monuments. Also make sure you visit Musée Fabre and Saint-Pierre Cathedral.


Is the Food Better in Cordoba or Montpellier? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cordoba
Montpellier

Cordoba is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Cordoba is an experience not to be missed. Like much of Spain, international travelers will have to adjust to the shifted meal schedule which means most meals are served are later than they are in other parts of Europe. The ingredients are fresh and popular dishes include Salmorejo (a tomato based soup), Rabo De Toro (stewed oxtail), and Flamenquín (deep-fried pork roll).

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Montpellier. The dishes are made with fresh ingredients produced in the agricultural areas just outside of town. The area is known for its seafood and fish stews.

Is Cordoba or Montpellier Better for Nightlife?

Cordoba
Montpellier

Cordoba is a great destination for its evening party scene. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

The people in Cordoba know how to have a good time. There are cocktail bars, Flamenco shows, tapas tours, and local pubs that make for a great night out. The city offers something for everyone, whatever your style.

If you're looking for night time activities Montpellier has a few options to choose from. The weather is mild, making for a nice evening out. The population is also young, so you can expect a lot of activity during the evenings, particularly in the area around Place Jean Jaurés. Make sure you enjoy local wine and champagne while you're in town.

Is Cordoba or Montpellier Better for Beaches?

Cordoba
Montpellier

Montpellier is a well-known place for the beach. However, Cordoba is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Montpellier attract visitors from all over. The coastline near Montpellier feels pristine and beautiful. You can also visit Villeneuve-lès-Maguelone to the southwest of town, which is a protected area.

Cordoba is not a beach destination.


Is Cordoba or Montpellier Better for its Old Town?

Cordoba
Montpellier

Both Cordoba and Montpellier have fantastic historic old towns worth visiting.

The rich history of Cordoba can be explored in its historical center. It's old town is one of the most enchanting in Andalusia. There are whitewashed houses that line flower-filled streets and its compact enough to take a leisurely stroll.

Montpellier has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. Known as L'Écusson the town's old town dates back to the Middle Ages. It is a pedestrian area that is filled with boutiques, restaurants, and churches.

Is the Shopping Better in Cordoba or Montpellier?

Cordoba
Montpellier

Montpellier is a well-known place for its shopping areas. Also, Cordoba is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Montpellier. Head to Rue de la Loge for some of the city's best shopping.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Cordoba. You'll find souvenir shops selling local pottery, traditional jewelry, and handcrafted leatherwork, so this is a nice place to pick up something to remember your trip.

Is Cordoba or Montpellier Better for Families?

Cordoba
Montpellier

Both Cordoba and Montpellier are nice to visit with kids.

Cordoba is a family-friendly place to visit. Horse-drawn carriage rides and then a visit to the Royal Stables of Cordoba is a great option for horse-lovers. The city also has a zoo and an impressive park - Ciudad de Los Niños. If you're willing to head out of town, about 10 kilometers away you'll find Aquasierra Waterpark.

Montpellier is a family-friendly town. Popular activities for kids include taking a ride on the carousel in the Comedie, visiting the playground - Jardin Champs de Mars, and visiting the botanical garden - Jardin des Plantes.


Is Cordoba or Montpellier Better for Couples?

Cordoba
Montpellier

Both Cordoba and Montpellier are very good destinations for a couple's getaway.

Cordoba is a very popular place to visit for couples. Beautifully lit up at night, this is a truly romantic city. There are horse-drawn carriage rides, nice parks, and an impressive botanical garden. There are also many great restaurants that couples can explore.

Montpellier makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Rich in history and beautiful architecture, this city offers a romantic setting for a great couple's getaway.

Is Cordoba or Montpellier Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cordoba
Montpellier

Both Cordoba and Montpellier are very good destinations for backpackers.

Cordoba is a very popular town for backpackers and budget travelers. It's well-established on the backpacker circuit, so you'll find plenty of hostels around town and many opportunities to meet up with other travelers.

Montpellier is very popular with the backpacker crowd. With a young population and a number of hostels to choose from, Montpellier attracts its share of backpackers.

Is Cordoba or Montpellier Better for Students?

Cordoba
Montpellier

Cordoba and Montpellier are both fantastic destinations for students and younger travelers.

Cordoba is a very popular town for students. It's a top study abroad destination for international students. The university is excellent and the city is easy to navigate. It's a cultural city with a great student-friendly atmosphere.

Montpellier is a very popular place to visit for students. Montpellier is a popular university town that is home to many trendy university students. It's also where you'll find the youngest population of any city in France.


Is Cordoba or Montpellier Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Cordoba
Montpellier

Montpellier is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Cordoba is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Montpellier. There are a number of options for getting around town including the tramway, bus, and tourist train.

Cordoba has some public transit options. There are 15 bus lines that are operated by Aucorsa.

Is Cordoba or Montpellier a more walkable city?

Cordoba
Montpellier

Cordoba and Montpellier both are very good when exploring on foot.

Cordoba is a very walkable destination. It's small and compact enough to explore on foot.

Montpellier is very walkable. Many of the sights and attractions are easily accessible on foot and can be enjoyed as part of a self-guided walking tour.

For even more information, also check out Is Cordoba Worth Visiting? and Is Montpellier Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Montpellier or Cordoba?

How long in Cordoba or Montpellier?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cordoba and Montpellier. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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


  • How many days in Cordoba or Montpellier? Ideal Length of Stay
    Cordoba 1-3 
    Montpellier 1-3

One day in Cordoba or Montpellier?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historical town of Cordoba. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Most people visit for the museums. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Montpellier, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.


A weekend in Cordoba or Montpellier?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the historical destination of Cordoba. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This town offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

In Montpellier, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Montpellier has to offer.

Five days in Cordoba or Montpellier?

The flower-filled town of Cordoba offers shopping and museums. 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. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Montpellier is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Cordoba or Montpellier?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Cordoba. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people visit for the museums. 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 Montpellier. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Montpellier. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 10-Day Tours from Madrid, The Best 10-Day Tours from Barcelona, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, and The Best 2-Week Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Montpellier or Cordoba?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Cordoba is €127, while the average daily cost in Montpellier is €118. 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 Cordoba and Montpellier in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Cordoba 68
    Montpellier 69
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Cordoba 136
    Montpellier 138
Compare Hotels in Cordoba and Montpellier

Looking for a hotel in Cordoba or Montpellier? 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 Cordoba


Hotels in Montpellier


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: Cordoba Hotel Prices and Montpellier Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Cordoba 28
    Montpellier 26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Cordoba

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Cordoba:

  • Cordoba to Granada Private Transfer: $241
  • Private Transfer IN or OUT in Upscale Vehicle with Professional Driver: $132
  • Guided tour of Medina Azahara with transfer from Córdoba: $27
  • Medina Azahara Cordoba, with Transfer by Bus: $34
  • Private Transfer from Córdoba to Malaga (AGP) Airport: $295
  • Private transfer in Cordoba from Airport or Train Station: $72

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montpellier

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montpellier:

  • Transfer Montpellier Airport and Beziers Airport: $49
  • Montpellier–Méditerranée Airport Transfer: $64
  • Montpellier Private Transfer from Montpellier city centre to Montpellier Airport: $74
  • Private Transfer from Sète Cruise Port to Marseille city hotels: $131
  • Transfer from Sète Port to Marseille Provence Airport MRS: $131

Is it cheaper to fly into Cordoba or Montpellier?

Prices for flights to both Montpellier and Cordoba 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
    Cordoba 34
    Montpellier 31
Typical Food Prices in Cordoba

Some typical examples of dining costs in Cordoba are as follows:


  • Ice Cream
    1.80

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Cordoba

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Cordoba.

  • Paella and Salmorejo 2-Hour Cooking Class in Córdoba: $49

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montpellier

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Montpellier.

  • Guided Food Tour With Local Snacks and Wine: $91
  • Montpellier Food Tour: $93
  • From Pic Saint-Loup Wine and Food Tour: $102
  • Cooking workshop: $106
  • Private cooking class with specialized chefs Montpellier: $108
  • Fusion Food Cooking Class: $428

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Cordoba 25
    Montpellier 12
Typical Entertainment Prices in Cordoba

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Cordoba are as follows:


  • Garden Entrance Fee
    6.00

Tours and Activities in Cordoba

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Cordoba are as follows:

  • Córdoba Scavenger Hunt and City Highlights Walking Tour: $8.95
  • Mosque-Cathedral of Cordoba Guided Tour : $15
  • Medina azahara night experience without transportation: $15
  • Cordoba's Authentic Patios: 2-Hour Tour with Tickets: $15
  • Patios tour in Cordoba: $16
  • Cordoba Jewish Quartier Guided Tour: $16
  • Visit in Spanish to the Cathedral Mosque. Does not include entrance ticket: $19
  • Guided Tour to the Popular Patios of Cordoba: $20
  • Alcazar of Cordoba Small Group Tour with Skip the Line Ticket: $20
  • Cordoba Old Town Evening Walking Tour: $20
  • Authentic Patios of Cordoba Guided Tour: $20
  • Alcazar Skip the Line Guided Tour: $20

Tours and Activities in Montpellier

Here are a few actual costs in Montpellier for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Legendary Montpellier, flexible legends and storytelling tour: $16
  • CityTour and Photo Portraits Souvenirs in Montpellier: $38
  • Half-Day Hiking Tour of Pic Saint Loup & Picnic: $64
  • From Wine and Olive Tour: $75
  • Small-Group Half-Day Languedoc Wine and Olive Tour from Montpellier: $80
  • From Half-Day Vineyard & Pic Saint-Loup Tour: $80
  • Montpellier Wine and Oyster Tour: $86
  • Small-Group Half-Day Languedoc Wine and Oyster Tour from Montpellier: $95
  • Winetour & food experience in Pic St Loup: $107
  • Saint-Guilhem village and cave day tour : $142
  • Photoshoot Experience: $159
  • Private 2-hour Walking Tour of the Historical Center of Montpellier: $161

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Cordoba 37
    Montpellier 15

Sample the Local Flavors in Cordoba

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

  • Evening Wine Tasting Córdoba: $26
  • Evening Local Wine Tasting in Córdoba: $39

Sample the Local Flavors in Montpellier

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

  • The Châteaux of Grès de Montpellier & Wine Tasting: $80
  • Small-Group Half-Day Châteaux of Montpellier Wine Tour: $84
  • Small-Group Half-Day Languedoc Pic Saint-Loup Wine Tour from Montpellier: $84
  • Wine tour in Pic Saint-Loup area: $142
  • Half-Day Wine Tour with Lunch: $155
  • Montpellier : half day wine tour in Camargue: $159
  • Private Half-Day Languedoc Wine Tour from Sète: $240
  • Sète: Private Half–Day Wine Tour: $353


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


Which is Bigger, Cordoba or Montpellier?

Cordoba has a larger population, and is about 29% larger than the population of Montpellier. When comparing the sizes of Cordoba and Montpellier, 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 Cordoba or Montpellier?

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 Cordoba or Montpellier in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cordoba and Montpellier. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cordoba this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Montpellier for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

Cordoba is a little warmer than Montpellier in the summer. The daily temperature in Cordoba averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Montpellier fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montpellier this time of the year. In Cordoba, it's very sunny this time of the year. Cordoba usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Montpellier during summer. Cordoba gets 358 hours of sunny skies, while Montpellier receives 351 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cordoba usually receives less rain than Montpellier. Cordoba gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Cordoba 27°C (81°F) 
    Montpellier 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Cordoba or Montpellier in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cordoba as well as Montpellier. Many travelers come to Cordoba for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, many visitors come to Montpellier in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Cordoba is a little warmer than Montpellier. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cordoba in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Montpellier averages at about 15°C (60°F).

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

It's quite rainy in Montpellier. Cordoba usually gets less rain in October than Montpellier. Cordoba gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Cordoba 19°C (66°F) 
    Montpellier 15°C (60°F)

Should I visit Cordoba or Montpellier in the Winter?

Both Montpellier and Cordoba are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Cordoba in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Montpellier for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Cordoba is generally much warmer than Montpellier. Daily temperatures in Cordoba average around 10°C (50°F), and Montpellier fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Cordoba usually receives more sunshine than Montpellier during winter. Cordoba gets 162 hours of sunny skies, while Montpellier receives 147 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Cordoba usually receives more rain than Montpellier. Cordoba gets 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Cordoba 10°C (50°F) 
    Montpellier 7°C (44°F)

Should I visit Cordoba or Montpellier in the Spring?

Both Montpellier and Cordoba during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Cordoba for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Montpellier because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

Cordoba is a little warmer than Montpellier in the spring. The daily temperature in Cordoba averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Montpellier fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In Montpellier, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Cordoba. In the spring, Cordoba often gets less sunshine than Montpellier. Cordoba gets 203 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montpellier receives 230 hours of full sun.

Cordoba usually gets more rain in April than Montpellier. Cordoba gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Cordoba 16°C (60°F) 
    Montpellier 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Montpellier and Cordoba

Cordoba Montpellier
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 10°C (50°F) 82 mm (3.2 in) 7°C (44°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Feb 12°C (53°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 8°C (46°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 14°C (56°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 10°C (50°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 16°C (60°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 13°C (55°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
May 20°C (67°F) 30 mm (1.2 in) 16°C (61°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Jun 24°C (74°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 20°C (68°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Jul 27°C (81°F) 5 mm (0.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Aug 27°C (81°F) 3 mm (0.1 in) 22°C (72°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Sep 24°C (76°F) 26 mm (1 in) 19°C (67°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 19°C (66°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 15°C (60°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Nov 13°C (56°F) 88 mm (3.5 in) 10°C (51°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Dec 10°C (50°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 7°C (45°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)