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

Should you visit Dingle or Nantes?

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

Should I visit Dingle 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.

Dingle

Dingle is a picturesque, serene, and natural peninsula. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the hiking, food, and beaches.

Nantes

Nantes is a vibrant, welcoming, and friendly city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Dingle and Nantes: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dingle or Nantes?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Nantes. Although Dingle and Nantes are popular destinations, Nantes has more sights and attractions for tourists. Nantes is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Dingle attracts visitors for its beaches and hiking. Dingle is more touristy than Nantes and is popular for its traditional pubs, stunning coastline, and rugged cliffs. Nantes is famous for its castles and historical landmarks, local wine, and beautiful parks and gardens. It is also well known for The Castle of the Dukes of Brittany.

How is Dingle different from Nantes?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Nantes is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Dingle is a peninsula with minimal options for its historical sights.

Nantes offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

While most people don't head to Dingle specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. Most people visit for the natural beauty, but there are a couple of landmarks in the area including the Eask Tower, Gallarus Oratory, and the Blasket Centre.

Is the Food Better in Dingle or Nantes? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nantes is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, Dingle is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, Nantes is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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).

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Dingle. You'll find great seafood throughout the peninsula. There's also traditional Irish food available including Irish stew or cabbage and bacon.

Is Dingle or Nantes Better for Nightlife?

Nantes is a great destination for its evening party scene. However, Dingle is a peninsula with minimal options for nightlife.

The people in Nantes know how to have a good time. 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.

Dingle doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. The area's not known for its nightlife but you can visit The Hillgrove, which is the peninsula's only nightclub. It's in a hotel and there is weekly entertainment.

Is Dingle or Nantes Better for Beaches?

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

You'll have a great beach vacation in Dingle. It's not hard to find a quiet beach with scenic views and a serene setting. Some of the best beaches in the area include Coumeenole, Brandon Bay, and Ventry.

Nantes is not a beach destination.

Is Dingle or Nantes Better for its Old Town?

Nantes is a popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Dingle does not have a historic old town.

Nantes offers a nice historic old town area. 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.

Dingle does not have a historic old town.

Is Dingle or Nantes Better for Hiking?

Dingle is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Nantes is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Dingle. There are a variety of walking paths and hiking trails that take you through the coastal setting, rolling mountains, and remote nature. Some of the best trails in the area include the long distance hiking trail the Dingle Way, Mount Brandon, and Glenteenassig Forest Park.

Nantes is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Dingle or Nantes?

Nantes is a great destination for its shopping areas. However, Dingle is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Nantes. 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.

Dingle is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Dingle or Nantes Better for Families?

Nantes is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Dingle is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Dingle offers lots of family activities. There are coastal walks and beaches that are perfect for kids. You can also visit the Dingle Oceanworld Aquarium, do a dolphin tour, or enjoy some watersports. Horseback riding and Sandy Feet Farm are both fun as well.

Is Dingle or Nantes Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Dingle and Nantes make for a very good place to visit.

Couples visit Dingle frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Boat rides, sunset walks, and natural beauty all make this a fun place to explore with your significant other.

Nantes is a great peninsula if you're traveling as a couple. 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 Dingle or Nantes Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dingle is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Nantes is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Dingle. There are a good number of hostels on the peninsula and there are interesting music festivals and other events that make this a good backpacker destination.

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 Dingle or Nantes Better for Students?

Nantes is a popular place for students. However, Dingle is not popular with students.

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.

Dingle is not popular with students.

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

Nantes is a great destination for its public transit. However, Dingle is a peninsula with minimal options for times when you don't have a car.

Nantes offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are both trams and buses throughout the city that are operated by TAN (Transport de l'Agglomeration Nantaise).

Public transit is mostly limited in Dingle. Bus Eireann offers buses daily to Tralee and then there are connections to other destinations.

Is Dingle or Nantes a more walkable city?

Nantes is a great destination for its ease of walking around. However, Dingle is a peninsula with minimal options for its walkability.

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

Dingle is generally not a very walkable peninsula. If you have enough time, there are countless walking trails throughout the peninsula.

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

Should I spend more time in Nantes or Dingle?

How long in Dingle or Nantes?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Dingle and Nantes. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Dingle than in Nantes. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Dingle, and 2-3 days is enough time in Nantes.

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

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

One day in Dingle or Nantes?

Many travelers enjoy the food when visiting the destination of Dingle. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Nantes. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Dingle or Nantes?

Dingle 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 great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Dingle or Nantes?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dingle. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nantes. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. 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.

A week in Dingle or Nantes?

Travelers enjoy the food when visiting the natural destination of Dingle. This peninsula offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historical destination of Nantes. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Dingle or Nantes?

Nantes has a larger population, and is about 140 times larger than the population of Dingle. When comparing the sizes of Dingle 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 Dingle or Nantes?

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 Dingle or Nantes in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Dingle as well as Nantes. Many travelers come to Dingle for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Nantes in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

Dingle is cooler than Nantes in the summer. The daily temperature in Dingle averages around 15°C (59°F) in July, and Nantes fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nantes. In the summer, Dingle often gets less sunshine than Nantes. Dingle gets 140 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nantes receives 267 hours of full sun.

Dingle usually gets more rain in July than Nantes. Dingle gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dingle or Nantes in the Autumn?

Both Nantes and Dingle are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Dingle in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Nantes for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Dingle is cooler than Nantes. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Dingle in October average around 12°C (53°F), and Nantes averages at about 13°C (56°F).

Dingle usually receives less sunshine than Nantes during autumn. Dingle gets 79 hours of sunny skies, while Nantes receives 141 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Dingle. In October, Dingle usually receives more rain than Nantes. Dingle gets 156 mm (6.2 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Dingle or Nantes in the Winter?

Both Nantes and Dingle during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Dingle for the museums and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Nantes because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Dingle is generally a little warmer than Nantes. Daily temperatures in Dingle average around 7°C (44°F), and Nantes fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Dingle often gets less sunshine than Nantes. Dingle gets 44 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nantes receives 72 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Dingle. Dingle usually gets more rain in January than Nantes. Dingle gets 167 mm (6.6 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dingle or Nantes in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Dingle and Nantes. The spring months attract visitors to Dingle because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the natural beauty are the main draw to Nantes this time of year.

Dingle is cooler than Nantes in the spring. The daily temperature in Dingle averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Nantes fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Dingle usually receives less sunshine than Nantes during spring. Dingle gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Nantes receives 187 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Dingle usually receives more rain than Nantes. Dingle gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Nantes and Dingle