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

Should you visit Cork 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 Cork 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.

Cork

Cork is a cultural, seaside, and youthful city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Montpellier

Montpellier is a historic, vibrant, and bustling city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

Cork and Montpellier: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cork or Montpellier?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Cork than Montpellier. While Montpellier is larger than Cork, Cork has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Cork is better known for its food, nightlife, and big city activities, while Montpellier is more popular for its beaches, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Cork is well known for its friendly personality, its thriving art scene and its local craft beer. Also, Cork is famous for The Blarney Castle and Stone. Montpellier is well known for its relaxed atmosphere, grand boulevards, and authentic personality.

How is Cork different from Montpellier?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Both Cork and Montpellier have very good landmarks and museums for visitors.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Cork. The city is filled with historic sights and landmarks. Most notable is the Blarney Castle and Blarney Stone, but also make sure you check out St. Fin Barre's Cathedral, the Cork Public Museum, Cork City Gaol Heritage Centre, and St. Anne's Church.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Montpellier. 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 Cork or Montpellier? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cork 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 Cork is an experience not to be missed. You'll find charming seaside cafes and award winning restaurants. Also make sure you check out the English Market, which is among the best in Ireland.

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 Cork or Montpellier Better for Nightlife?

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

The people in Cork know how to have a good time. It's a university city, so you'll find plenty of students, bars, clubs, and cheap beer. Many pubs also have live music with everything from rock to Irish folk music.

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 Cork or Montpellier Better for Beaches?

Montpellier is notable for its beaches. However, Cork 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.

Cork is not a beach destination.

Is Cork or Montpellier Better for its Old Town?

Montpellier is a must-visit destination for its historic old town. However, Cork does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Montpellier can be explored in its historical center. 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.

Cork does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Cork or Montpellier?

Both Cork and Montpellier are very good shopping destinations.

Cork is an extremely popular place for shoppers. It offers a mix of high street shops and boutique vendors. Head to St. Patrick’s Street for some of the city's best shopping. Also check out Opera Lane and Oliver Plunkett Street.

Montpellier is well-known for its shopping. Head to Rue de la Loge for some of the city's best shopping.

Is Cork or Montpellier Better for Families?

Both Cork and Montpellier are notable to visit with kids.

Cork is a family-friendly place to visit. For a bit of outside time, head to Fota Wildlife Park, Regional Park Ballincollig, or Inchydoney Beach. Kids will also enjoy exploring Cork City Gaol which is a heritage museum, or the Toy Soldier Factory. And of course, there's the Blarney Castle and the Blarney Stone.

Montpellier is a family-friendly city. 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 Cork or Montpellier Better for Couples?

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

Cork is a very popular place to visit for couples. Visiting Blarney Castle is a highlight, but you can also wander along the river or do the Ballycotton Cliff Walk. There are also several gardens to explore or small theaters where you can see a play.

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 Cork or Montpellier Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Montpellier is notable for backpackers. Also, Cork is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Montpellier. With a young population and a number of hostels to choose from, Montpellier attracts its share of backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Cork. There are plenty of hostels as well as a large student population and an active nightlife.

Is Cork or Montpellier Better for Students?

Montpellier is a must-visit destination for students. Also, Cork is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Montpellier is a very popular city 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.

Many students visit Cork. It's a university town with many students and plenty to do. The city plays host to many international students.

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

Montpellier is notable for its public transit. However, Cork is a mediocre city for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors to Montpellier can move around easily with public transportation. There are a number of options for getting around town including the tramway, bus, and tourist train.

Public transit is mostly limited in Cork. In town you'll find bus service but if you want to explore anywhere else in the county you really need your own vehicle.

Is Cork or Montpellier a more walkable city?

Montpellier is notable for its walkability. Also, Cork is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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.

Cork is a somewhat walkable place. The city center is compact and easy enough to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Montpellier or Cork?

How long in Cork or Montpellier?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cork and Montpellier. In our opinion, Montpellier has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Montpellier than Cork. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in Montpellier than Cork. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Montpellier that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Montpellier than Cork 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 Montpellier.

One day in Cork or Montpellier?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the youthful city of Cork. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Montpellier. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Cork or Montpellier?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the energetic destination of Cork. This city 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.

Montpellier is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It's also a great beach destination, too. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Cork or Montpellier?

The cultural city of Cork offers shopping and museums. 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the bustling destination of Montpellier. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Cork or Montpellier?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Cork. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

The vibrant city of Montpellier offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Ireland, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Ireland, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, and The Best 2-Week Tours in France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cork and Montpellier, we can see that Montpellier is more expensive. And not only is Cork much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cork would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cork 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 Montpellier would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Montpellier than you might in Cork.

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

Which is Bigger, Cork or Montpellier?

Montpellier has a larger population, and is about 31% larger than the population of Cork. When comparing the sizes of Cork 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 Cork 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 Cork or Montpellier in the Summer?

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

In July, Cork is generally cooler than Montpellier. Daily temperatures in Cork average around 16°C (60°F), and Montpellier fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montpellier this time of the year. Cork usually receives less sunshine than Montpellier during summer. Cork gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Montpellier receives 351 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Cork usually receives more rain than Montpellier. Cork gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Cork or Montpellier in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cork as well as Montpellier. Many travelers come to Cork for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Montpellier in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Cork is cooler than Montpellier in the autumn. The daily temperature in Cork averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Montpellier fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Cork often gets less sunshine than Montpellier. Cork gets 90 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montpellier receives 187 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Montpellier. Cork usually gets less rain in October than Montpellier. Cork gets 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Cork or Montpellier in the Winter?

Both Montpellier and Cork are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Cork 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 the winter, Cork is around the same temperature as Montpellier. Typically, the winter temperatures in Cork in January average around 6°C (43°F), and Montpellier averages at about 7°C (44°F).

Cork usually receives less sunshine than Montpellier during winter. Cork gets 60 hours of sunny skies, while Montpellier receives 147 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Cork. In January, Cork usually receives more rain than Montpellier. Cork gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Cork or Montpellier in the Spring?

Both Montpellier and Cork during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Cork for the activities around the city during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Montpellier because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Cork is generally cooler than Montpellier. Daily temperatures in Cork average around 9°C (48°F), and Montpellier fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In Montpellier, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Cork often gets less sunshine than Montpellier. Cork gets 157 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montpellier receives 230 hours of full sun.

Cork usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Montpellier. Cork gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Montpellier and Cork