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

Should you visit Dover or Reims?

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

Dover

Dover is a iconic, rustic, and stunning town. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include museums, food, and hiking.

Reims

Reims is a relaxing, scenic, and cultural city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Dover and Reims: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • 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 Reims?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Reims. Although Dover and Reims are popular destinations, Reims has more sights and attractions for tourists. Reims is very popular for its food, nightlife, and shopping, while Dover attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Reims is more touristy than Dover and is known for its Champagne Houses, impressive architecture, and beautiful cathedral. It is also well known for The Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims. Dover is famous for the famous White Cliffs of Dover as well as the ferry connection to mainland Europe.

How is Dover different from Reims?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Dover
Reims

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Dover or Reims.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Dover. Aside from the iconic White Cliffs of Dover, there is the Dover Castle, the South Foreland Lighthouse, and the Grand Shaft.

Reims is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Sights around town include Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims, Palais du Tau, Basilique Saint-Rémi, and Musée des Beaux-Arts.


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

Dover
Reims

Reims 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.

Reims has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. While its famous for its Champagne, the city also has Michelin starred restaurants, local produce, and an amazing regional cuisine. The region is known for its ham, cheese, mustard, and truffles.

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 Reims Better for Nightlife?

Dover
Reims

Reims is very good for its evening party scene. However, Dover is not a good town for nightlife.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Reims. The nightlife scene is relaxing but active. Most locals hang out with friends at local bars near Place Drouet d'Erlon or the Rue Chanzy area. Bars have a combination of local beers and Champagne.

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 Reims Better for Hiking?

Dover
Reims

Dover is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Reims is not a hiking destination.

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.

Reims is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Dover or Reims?

Dover
Reims

Reims 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 Reims. You'll find not only Champagne, but also jewellry, designer fashion, and chocolate. The best shopping is located around the Place Drouet d'Erlon which is a pedestrian area. Also check out the shopping streets of Rue de Vesle and Cours Langlet.

Dover is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Dover or Reims Better for Families?

Dover
Reims

Dover is a nice place to visit for its family-friendly activities. However, Reims is not particularly known 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, Reims is not always the best place to visit. Kids will enjoy exploring the historical city center or visiting the Palace of Tau. For a unique activity, view the region from above with a hot air balloon ride.

Is Dover or Reims Better for Couples?

Dover
Reims

Reims 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, Reims has plenty to offer. This romantic area is perfect for couples who enjoy wine and history. There is beautiful architecture as well as wine tours and breathtaking hot air balloon rides. Visiting the Champagne Houses is a must for any couple visiting the area.

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 Reims Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dover
Reims

Both Dover and Reims are nice 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 Reims. It's located in the Champagne region, which isn't often associated with backpackers, but it's still not to be missed.

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

Dover
Reims

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

Reims has a few public transit options. In town there are buses and trams, but to get into the countryside you'll need your own car.

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

Is Dover or Reims a more walkable city?

Dover
Reims

Reims 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.

Reims is a very walkable destination. You can explore the city on foot and reach many local Champagne Houses. If you really want to explore everything in depth, you'll need a car.

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 Reims Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Reims or Dover?

How long in Dover or Reims?

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

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

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


  • How many days in Dover or Reims? Ideal Length of Stay
    Dover 2-4 
    Reims 2-5

One day in Dover or Reims?

In Dover, many people enjoy the food and museums that this breathtaking destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This town 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.

In Reims, 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 Reims?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dover. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. 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.

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

Dover is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the destination of Dover. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Reims is a fun place to experience. In Reims, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the food. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.


A week in Dover or Reims?

You'll find museums and food around the breathtaking destination of Dover. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find food and shopping around the beautiful destination of Reims. 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 Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Reims 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 Reims is £112. 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 Reims in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dover £62
    Reims £57
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dover £124
    Reims £114
Compare Hotels in Dover and Reims

Looking for a hotel in Dover or Reims? 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 Reims


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 Reims Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dover £39
    Reims £33

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Reims

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Reims:

  • Private Transfer From Reims To Paris, 2 Hour Stop in Epernay: $227
  • From Transfer and Drive Through the Champagne Region: $856

Is it cheaper to fly into Dover or Reims?

Prices for flights to both Reims 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
    Reims £34

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dover £20
    Reims £16

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 Reims

Here are a few actual costs in Reims for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Reims Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.56
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.95
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Walking Tour: $6.95
  • Guided Tour of Cathedral of Notre Dame de Reims: $9.62
  • Reims UNESCO site: Basilica of Saint-Remi Guided Tour: $9.62
  • Reims Art Deco guided tour: $9.62
  • Reims Cathedral of Notre Dame Guided Tour: $9.83
  • Reims : city-center discovery tour and champagne tasting: $16
  • Discovery tour (2 tastings): $20
  • Entrance ticket to Pressoria in the heart of Champagne with Tasting: $20
  • Champagne Guy De Chassey: Traditional Tour & Tasting: $27

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dover £7.71
    Reims £19

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 Reims, 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 Reims Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Dover or Reims?

Reims has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Dover. When comparing the sizes of Dover and Reims, 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 Reims?

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 Reims in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Dover and Reims. The hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Dover this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Reims for the family-friendly experiences.

Dover is around the same temperature as Reims in the summer. The daily temperature in Dover averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Reims fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Reims this time of the year. In Dover, it's very sunny this time of the year. Dover usually receives less sunshine than Reims during summer. Dover gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Reims receives 235 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Dover usually receives less rain than Reims. Dover gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Reims receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dover 17°C (63°F) 
    Reims 19°C (65°F)

Should I visit Dover or Reims in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Dover as well as Reims. Many travelers come to Dover for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Reims in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Dover is around the same temperature as Reims. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Dover in October average around 12°C (54°F), and Reims averages at about 12°C (53°F).

In the autumn, Dover often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Reims. Dover gets 119 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reims receives 122 hours of full sun.

Dover usually gets more rain in October than Reims. Dover gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Reims receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dover 12°C (54°F) 
    Reims 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Dover or Reims in the Winter?

Both Reims and Dover are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Dover in the winter for the museums and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Reims for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Reims can be very cold during winter. Dover can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Dover is generally much warmer than Reims. Daily temperatures in Dover average around 4°C (40°F), and Reims fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Dover usually receives more sunshine than Reims during winter. Dover gets 57 hours of sunny skies, while Reims receives 50 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Dover usually receives around the same amount of rain as Reims. Dover gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Reims receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dover 4°C (40°F) 
    Reims 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Dover or Reims in the Spring?

Both Reims and Dover during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Dover for the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Reims because of the natural beauty.

Dover is cooler than Reims in the spring. The daily temperature in Dover averages around 9°C (47°F) in April, and Reims fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

In the spring, Dover often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Reims. Dover gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reims receives 172 hours of full sun.

Dover usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Reims. Dover gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Reims receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dover 9°C (47°F) 
    Reims 9°C (49°F)

Typical Weather for Reims and Dover

Dover Reims
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (40°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 3°C (37°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Feb 5°C (40°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 4°C (39°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Mar 6°C (44°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 7°C (44°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Apr 9°C (47°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 9°C (49°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 13°C (56°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 17°C (62°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 19°C (65°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Aug 17°C (63°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 18°C (65°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 16°C (60°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Oct 12°C (54°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 12°C (53°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Nov 8°C (46°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 7°C (44°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Dec 6°C (42°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 4°C (39°F) 50 mm (2 in)