A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Dover vs. Mont-Saint-Michel for Attractions, Couples, Hiking, and Food

Should you visit Dover or Mont-Saint-Michel?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Dover and Mont-Saint-Michel can help you decide which place is right for you.

Dover

Dover is a breathtaking, iconic, and rustic town. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the hiking, museums, and food.

Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel is a breathtaking, inspiring, and iconic island. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and hiking.

Dover and Mont-Saint-Michel: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Dover or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Mont-Saint-Michel. Although Dover and Mont-Saint-Michel are both popular with visitors, Mont-Saint-Michel has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Mont-Saint-Michel is more popular for its museums, while Dover is known for its nightlife and hiking. Mont-Saint-Michel is more touristy than Dover and is known for its Gothic-style abbey and its medieval village that stands at its base. It is also home to . Dover is popular for the famous White Cliffs of Dover as well as the ferry connection to mainland Europe.

How is Dover different from Mont-Saint-Michel?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Mont-Saint-Michel and Dover. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Dover or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Dover
Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel is a world-class destination for its sights and museums. Also, Dover is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Mont-Saint-Michel on the map. Visitors come to see the iconic Abbaye du Mont Saint-Michel which has been the inspiration for tourists and religious pilgrims for centuries. Make sure you see the Ramparts and La Grande Rue.

Dover is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Aside from the iconic White Cliffs of Dover, there is the Dover Castle, the South Foreland Lighthouse, and the Grand Shaft.


Is the Food Better in Dover or Mont-Saint-Michel? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dover
Mont-Saint-Michel

Foodies will find both Dover and Mont-Saint-Michel both to be good destinations.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Dover area. The town has a growing food scene that includes waterfront restaurants and local dishes. Find a restaurant with a view to make sure you take full advantage of the setting.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Mont-Saint-Michel. There are a number of local restaurants to choose from that serve authentic French cuisine including the pre-salted sheep, which is a local specialty.

Is Dover or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Nightlife?

Dover
Mont-Saint-Michel

Dover is a town with a few options for nightlife and partying. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is a island with minimal options for its evening party scene.

Dover is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. The nightlife has a relaxed atmosphere with wine bars and microbreweries.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Mont-Saint-Michel Most people visit the island as a daytrip and nightlife is essentially nonexistent.

Is Dover or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Hiking?

Dover
Mont-Saint-Michel

Dover is a great destination for its hiking experiences. Also, Mont-Saint-Michel is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Dover. There are many beautiful countryside walks that take you through the rolling hills and along the iconic white cliffs. Some of the best hikes in the area include The England Coast Path, The North Downs Way Saxon Shore Way.

Mont-Saint-Michel has hiking trails worth exploring. There's a 4.2 mile out and back trail that can be walked in about 1.5 hours.


Is Dover or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Families?

Dover
Mont-Saint-Michel

Dover is very good for its family-friendly activities. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is a island with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Dover. There are a few kid-friendly museums like the Dover Transport Museum and the Dover Castle. Also make sure you check out the South Foreland Lighthouse.

For families, Mont-Saint-Michel is not always the best place to visit. Kids may enjoy a horse drawn carriage ride or exploring the grounds, but it can make for a long day for kids with short attention spans.

Is Dover or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Couples?

Dover
Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Dover is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Mont-Saint-Michel has plenty to offer. It's a stunning setting and makes a romantic backdrop for a couples holiday, whether it's part of a longer trip to France or a short weekend away.

Dover makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The White Cliffs of Dover are an iconic sight and perfect for a romantic trip away. Also make sure you check out St. Margaret's Bay Beach and the Kearsney Abbey Gardens.

Is Dover or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dover
Mont-Saint-Michel

Both Dover and Mont-Saint-Michel are good destinations for backpackers.

Dover is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. You'll find several nice hostels to choose from in the town.

It's common for backpackers to visit Mont-Saint-Michel. You'll find a couple of hostels an cheap hotels in the area.


Is Dover or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Dover
Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel is very good for its public transit. However, Dover is not a good town for times when you don't have a car.

Mont-Saint-Michel has a few public transit options. There's a free shuttle bus that connects Mont-Saint-Michel to the mainland.

Public transit is mostly limited in Dover. There are public buses through the district.

Is Dover or Mont-Saint-Michel a more walkable city?

Dover
Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. Also, Dover is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its walkability.

Mont-Saint-Michel is a very walkable destination. There are many stunning walks in the area.

Dover is somewhat walkable. You can wander around the countryside, but prepare for rolling hills and great views.

For even more information, also check out Is Dover Worth Visiting? and Is Mont-Saint-Michel Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Mont-Saint-Michel or Dover?

How long in Dover or Mont-Saint-Michel?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Dover or Mont-Saint-Michel to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Dover than Mont-Saint-Michel because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Dover, and 1-2 days is enough time in Mont-Saint-Michel.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Mont-Saint-Michel than Dover 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 Mont-Saint-Michel.


  • How many days in Dover or Mont-Saint-Michel? Ideal Length of Stay
    Dover 2-4 
    Mont-Saint-Michel 1-2

One day in Dover or Mont-Saint-Michel?

With food and museums around the destination of Dover, there's plenty to do. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.

In Mont-Saint-Michel, many people enjoy the food and museums that this inspiring destination offers. Lots of people come for the museums. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.


A weekend in Dover or Mont-Saint-Michel?

With museums and food around the stunning town of Dover, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Mont-Saint-Michel. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. 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.

Five days in Dover or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the rustic destination of Dover. Hikers are also drawn to this area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Mont-Saint-Michel is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the destination of Mont-Saint-Michel. Lots of people come for the museums. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Dover or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Dover is a popular choice for travelers. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

You'll find museums and food around the iconic destination of Mont-Saint-Michel. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the museums. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Bicycle Tours in United Kingdom, The Best River Cruises in France, and The Best Bicycle Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Mont-Saint-Michel or Dover?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Dover is £124, while the average daily cost in Mont-Saint-Michel is £134. 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 Dover and Mont-Saint-Michel in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dover £62
    Mont-Saint-Michel £60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dover £124
    Mont-Saint-Michel £120
Compare Hotels in Dover and Mont-Saint-Michel

Looking for a hotel in Dover or Mont-Saint-Michel? 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 Dover


Hotels in Mont-Saint-Michel


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: Dover Hotel Prices and Mont-Saint-Michel Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dover £39
    Mont-Saint-Michel £60

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dover

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dover:

  • One-Way Taxi Transfer from Dover Seaport to London: $254
  • Dover to Heathrow and London Direct Shared Transfer: $131
  • Private Transfer from Dover Cruise Port to Gatwick City Hotels: $55
  • Private Transfer from Dover Cruise Port to London Airport (LHR): $66
  • Private Transfer from Dover Cruise Port to London City Hotels: $98
  • Private Transfer from Dover Port to London Gatwick Airport (LGW): $55
  • Private Transfers from Heathrow Airport to Dover Cruise Port: $147
  • Private transfer from Dover to London hotel or airport: $210

Is it cheaper to fly into Dover or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Prices for flights to both Mont-Saint-Michel and Dover 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
    Dover £38
    Mont-Saint-Michel £38

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dover £20
    Mont-Saint-Michel £26

Tours and Activities in Dover

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

  • Pilgrims and Pit Stops: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Canterbury: $5.99
  • The Condensed Canterbury Tour: $13
  • The Canterbury Classic Tour: $16
  • Official Canterbury Guided Walking Tour - 14.00 Tour: $19
  • Canterbury Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (1 Day Pass) UK: $19
  • Official Canterbury Guided Walking Tour - 11.00 Tour: $19
  • Small-Group City Running Tour in Canterbury: $27
  • Dover Castle Admission Ticket: $29
  • From Dover Cruise Ship; Grand Tour of White Cliffs Country & back: $108
  • Private Guided Walking Tour of Canterbury: $153
  • Dover Shore Excursion:Post-Cruise Tour to London via Canterbury and Leeds Castle: $172
  • Dover Cruise Ship to Leeds Castle via Canterbury, Villages & back: $177

Tours and Activities in Mont-Saint-Michel

Here are a few actual costs in Mont-Saint-Michel for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Self Guided Audio Tour around Mont Saint-Michele island: $5.45
  • Mont Saint-Michel Abbey in the Middle Ages: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
  • Airborne Museum Admission Ticket: $11
  • Entrance ticket to the Battle of the Hedges Museum: $11
  • Normandy Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey Entrance Ticket: $14
  • Abbey du Mont Saint-Michel Priority Entrance Tickets: $16
  • Walking Tour in the bay of Mont-Saint-Michel: $16
  • 2-Hour Guided Walking tour of the Mont Saint Michel : $33
  • Cherbourg Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $44
  • Mont-St-Michel: Shared Tour (10 max) "Abbey Ticket Included": $162
  • Private walking tour of Mont Saint Michel with a licensed guide: $215
  • Mont-St-Michel: Private Walking Tour "Abbey Ticket Included": $261

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dover £7.71
    Mont-Saint-Michel £6.72

Sample the Local Flavors in Dover

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

  • Full Day Wine Tour in Sussex and Kent: $178


When comparing the travel costs between Dover and Mont-Saint-Michel, we can see that Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Dover Expensive? and Is Mont-Saint-Michel Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Dover or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Dover has a larger population, and is about 350 times larger than the population of Mont-Saint-Michel. When comparing the sizes of Dover and Mont-Saint-Michel, 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 Dover or Mont-Saint-Michel?

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 Dover or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Dover and Mont-Saint-Michel. The summer months attract visitors to Dover because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Mont-Saint-Michel this time of year.

In July, Dover is generally around the same temperature as Mont-Saint-Michel. Daily temperatures in Dover average around 17°C (63°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Mont-Saint-Michel this time of the year. In Dover, it's very sunny this time of the year. Dover usually receives less sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel during summer. Dover gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 246 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Dover usually receives more rain than Mont-Saint-Michel. Dover gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dover 17°C (63°F) 
    Mont-Saint-Michel 19°C (65°F)

Should I visit Dover or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Dover as well as Mont-Saint-Michel. The hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Dover this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Mont-Saint-Michel for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

Dover is around the same temperature as Mont-Saint-Michel in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dover averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Dover often gets less sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel. Dover gets 119 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 134 hours of full sun.

Dover usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Mont-Saint-Michel. Dover gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dover 12°C (54°F) 
    Mont-Saint-Michel 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Dover or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Winter?

Both Mont-Saint-Michel and Dover are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Dover for the museums and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Mont-Saint-Michel in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Dover. In the winter, Dover is cooler than Mont-Saint-Michel. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dover in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel averages at about 5°C (41°F).

Dover usually receives less sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel during winter. Dover gets 57 hours of sunny skies, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 70 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Dover usually receives less rain than Mont-Saint-Michel. Dover gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dover 4°C (40°F) 
    Mont-Saint-Michel 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Dover or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Spring?

Both Mont-Saint-Michel and Dover during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Dover in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Mont-Saint-Michel for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Dover is generally cooler than Mont-Saint-Michel. Daily temperatures in Dover average around 9°C (47°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In the spring, Dover often gets less sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel. Dover gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 180 hours of full sun.

Dover usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Mont-Saint-Michel. Dover gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dover 9°C (47°F) 
    Mont-Saint-Michel 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Mont-Saint-Michel and Dover

Dover Mont-Saint-Michel
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (40°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Feb 5°C (40°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 6°C (43°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Mar 6°C (44°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 8°C (46°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 9°C (47°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 10°C (50°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 13°C (56°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 16°C (62°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 19°C (65°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Aug 17°C (63°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 18°C (65°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 16°C (61°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 12°C (54°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 8°C (46°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 8°C (47°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Dec 6°C (42°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 6°C (43°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)


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