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

Should you visit Dover or Nice?

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

Dover

Dover is a rustic, stunning, and natural town. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the hiking, museums, and food.

Nice

Nice is a opulent, trendy, and chic seaside destination. You'll find world class beauty here as well. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Dover and Nice: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dover or Nice?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Nice. Although Dover and Nice are both popular with visitors, Nice has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Nice is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while Dover is known for its museums and hiking. Nice is more touristy than Dover and is known for its beachfront setting in the French Riviera as well as its popularity with A-list celebrities. It is also home to The Promenade des Anglais. Dover is popular for the famous White Cliffs of Dover as well as the ferry connection to mainland Europe.

How is Dover different from Nice?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Dover is a town with good options for its sights and museums. However, Nice does not have museums and landmarks.

Dover offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Aside from the iconic White Cliffs of Dover, there is the Dover Castle, the South Foreland Lighthouse, and the Grand Shaft.

Nice does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Dover or Nice? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nice 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.

Nice has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The cuisine brings together fresh regional ingredients and mixes Provençal and Niçoise flavors. You'll find a lot of Italian influence as well. Fresh seafood is the thing to try while you're in town, but other local favorites include socca, Ratatouille, and Salade niçoise.

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 Nice Better for Nightlife?

Nice is a world-class destination for its evening party scene. However, Dover is not a good town for nightlife.

People head to Nice just to party. The city has some of the best nightlife on the Cote d'Azur. You'll find a number of nightclubs along the seaside as well a bars and pubs in the Old Town. Some of the best clubs are along Promenade des Anglais.

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 Nice Better for Resorts?

Nice is a world-class destination for its resorts. However, Dover is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Nice is a perfect choice. The city has boutique hotels as well high end luxury resorts. Popular options include Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée, Hôtel Suisse, and AC Hotel by Marriott.

Dover is not a resort destination.

Is Dover or Nice Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Nice is very good for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Dover is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Nice. There are some places where you can arrange a snorkeling or dive trip to explore the underwater setting.

Dover is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Dover or Nice Better for Beaches?

Nice is a well-known place for the beach. However, Dover is not a beach destination.

Nice is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. The city has about 4 miles of beach along its coastline and there are both public and private beaches available. La Réserve is a public beach with a laid back and fun vibe. Plage Beau Rivage is a private beach with many amenities, making it a favorite for visitors. Blue Beach is another private beach that is very family-friendly.

Dover is not a beach destination.

Is Dover or Nice Better for its Old Town?

Nice is a well-known place for its historic old town charm. However, Dover does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Nice. Wandering around the charming old town is a quintessential part of visiting this city. There are many historic churches and squares, as well as great restaurants and shops that you can pop in.

Dover does not have a historic old town.

Is Dover or Nice Better for Hiking?

Dover is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Nice is not a hiking destination.

Dover is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Nice is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Dover or Nice?

Nice 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 Nice. The city has long been a favorite for the rich and famous, so you'll find plenty of shopping opportunities around town. The boutique shops are chic, trendy, and fashionable, but for those on a budget, you can sometimes find a unique local purchase in your budget.

Dover is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Dover or Nice Better for Families?

You'll find good kid-friendly activities in either Dover or Nice.

Dover is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Nice is a family-friendly town. The town has many fun playgrounds, kid-friendly beaches, and unique cultural opportunities that kids can enjoy. It also makes a great base for exploring the French Riviera and everything that it has to offer.

Is Dover or Nice Better for Couples?

Nice 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, Nice has plenty to offer. The old town is filled with romance and charm. You can also take a walk along the Promenade Des Anglais or soak up the romantic countryside that surrounds the town.

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 Nice Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Dover and Nice 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 Nice. Because it's one of the most popular tourist destinations in France, many backpackers make their way here. Nice is known for its high end vibe, so it can be challenging to find affordable options, but if you know where to look, they are around.

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

Nice 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 Nice can get you to most places easily. There are both buses and trams.

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

Is Dover or Nice a more walkable city?

Nice is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Dover is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its walkability.

It is easy to get around Nice on foot. You should definitely spend some time exploring the 7 kilometer long Promenade des Anglais.

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 Nice Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nice or Dover?

How long in Dover or Nice?

In either Dover or Nice, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Nice than Dover because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Dover, and 3-5 days is enough time in Nice.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Nice 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 Nice.

One day in Dover or Nice?

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Dover. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Nice, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this opulent destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This seaside destination 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 Nice?

Dover is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nice. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Dover or Nice?

You'll find museums and food around the iconic destination of Dover. This town offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Nice is a fun place to experience. In Nice, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this quaint destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Dover or Nice?

The iconic town of Dover offers food and museums. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the trendy destination of Nice. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. 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 comparing the travel costs between Dover and Nice, we can see that Dover 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 Nice Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Dover or Nice?

Nice has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Dover. When comparing the sizes of Dover and Nice, 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 Nice?

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 Nice in the Summer?

Both Nice and Dover are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Dover for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Nice in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Dover is generally cooler than Nice. Daily temperatures in Dover average around 17°C (63°F), and Nice fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In July, Dover usually receives more rain than Nice. Dover gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Nice receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Dover or Nice in the Autumn?

Both Nice and Dover during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Dover in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Nice for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Dover is cooler than Nice in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dover averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Nice fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Nice gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Dover usually gets less rain in October than Nice. Dover gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Nice receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dover or Nice in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dover and Nice. Most visitors come to Dover for the museums and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Nice because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Dover can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Dover is much colder than Nice. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dover in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Nice averages at about 9°C (48°F).

In January, Dover usually receives less rain than Nice. Dover gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Nice receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Dover or Nice in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Dover as well as Nice. The spring months attract visitors to Dover because of the natural beauty. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Nice this time of year.

In April, Dover is generally much colder than Nice. Daily temperatures in Dover average around 9°C (47°F), and Nice fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Dover usually gets less rain in April than Nice. Dover gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Nice receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Nice and Dover