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

Should you visit Dover or Nantes?

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 Nantes can help you decide which place is right for you.

Dover

Dover is a iconic, rustic, and stunning town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and hiking.

Nantes

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

Dover and Nantes: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dover or Nantes?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Nantes. Although Dover 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 Dover attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Dover is famous for the famous White Cliffs of Dover as well as the ferry connection to mainland Europe. 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 Dover different from Nantes?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Nantes 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 Nantes?

Nantes is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Dover is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

Many visitors head to Nantes specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

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 Nantes? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nantes is a world-class destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Dover is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Nantes has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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 Dover. 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.

Is Dover or Nantes Better for Nightlife?

Nantes is a well-known place for its evening party scene. However, Dover is not a good town for nightlife.

Nantes offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

Those looking for nightlife will find a few places to hang out in Dover. The nightlife has a relaxed atmosphere with wine bars and microbreweries.

Is Dover or Nantes Better for its Old Town?

Nantes is very good for its historic old town charm. However, Dover 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.

Dover does not have a historic old town.

Is Dover or Nantes Better for Hiking?

Dover 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 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.

Nantes is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Dover or Nantes?

Nantes is a well-known place for its shopping areas. However, Dover 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.

Dover is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Dover or Nantes Better for Families?

Nantes is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Dover is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit 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.

Dover is a family-friendly town. 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.

Is Dover or Nantes Better for Couples?

Both Dover and Nantes are excellent destinations to visit as a couple.

Dover is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Nantes makes for a fun place to visit for 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 Dover or Nantes Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dover is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Nantes is lacking in good options for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Dover. You'll find several nice hostels to choose from in the town.

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 Dover or Nantes Better for Students?

Nantes is very good for students. However, Dover is not popular with students.

Nantes is a good city to visit for 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.

Dover is not popular with students.

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

Nantes is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Dover is not a good town for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Nantes can get you to most places easily. 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 Dover. There are public buses through the district.

Is Dover or Nantes a more walkable city?

Nantes 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.

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

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 Nantes Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nantes or Dover?

How long in Dover or Nantes?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Dover and Nantes. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Dover than in Nantes. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Dover, and 2-3 days is enough time in Nantes.

Families should spend more time in Nantes than Dover. 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 Dover. 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 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 Nantes.

One day in Dover or Nantes?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Dover. 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.

In Nantes, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this beautiful destination offers. Lots of people come for the food. This city 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.

A weekend in Dover or Nantes?

Dover 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nantes. 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 Nantes?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dover. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

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

A week in Dover or Nantes?

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the natural destination of Dover. This town 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the welcoming destination of Nantes. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. 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 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Dover or Nantes?

Nantes has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Dover. When comparing the sizes of Dover 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 Dover 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 Dover or Nantes in the Summer?

Both Nantes and Dover during the summer are popular places to visit. The hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Dover this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Nantes for the family-friendly experiences.

Dover is cooler than Nantes in the summer. The daily temperature in Dover averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Nantes fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

In Nantes, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Dover. In the summer, Dover often gets less sunshine than Nantes. Dover gets 212 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nantes receives 267 hours of full sun.

Dover usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Nantes. Dover gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dover or Nantes in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Dover and Nantes. Many travelers come to Dover for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Nantes in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Dover is cooler than Nantes. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Dover in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Nantes averages at about 13°C (56°F).

Dover usually receives less sunshine than Nantes during autumn. Dover gets 119 hours of sunny skies, while Nantes receives 141 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Dover usually receives less rain than Nantes. Dover gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Dover or Nantes in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Dover as well as Nantes. Many visitors come to Dover in the winter for the museums and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Nantes for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Dover can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Dover is generally cooler than Nantes. Daily temperatures in Dover average around 4°C (40°F), and Nantes fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Dover often gets less sunshine than Nantes. Dover gets 57 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nantes receives 72 hours of full sun.

Dover usually gets less rain in January than Nantes. Dover gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dover or Nantes in the Spring?

Both Nantes and Dover are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Dover for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Nantes because of the natural beauty.

Dover is cooler than Nantes in the spring. The daily temperature in Dover averages around 9°C (47°F) in April, and Nantes fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Dover usually receives less sunshine than Nantes during spring. Dover gets 162 hours of sunny skies, while Nantes receives 187 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Dover usually receives less rain than Nantes. Dover gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Nantes and Dover