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

Should you visit Dover or Saint-Etienne?

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 Saint-Etienne can help you decide which place is right for you.

Dover

Dover is a stunning, natural, and breathtaking town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the hiking, museums, and food.

Saint-Etienne

Saint-Etienne is a park-filled, industrial, and undiscovered city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include museums, nightlife, and hiking.

Dover and Saint-Etienne: 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 nightlife
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Dover or Saint-Etienne?

Both Saint-Etienne and Dover have plenty of things to do for travelers. Both provide a wide variety of sights and activities for tourists. Dover is more popular for its food, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Saint-Etienne is known for its nightlife and shopping. Dover is more touristy than Saint-Etienne and is popular for the famous White Cliffs of Dover as well as the ferry connection to mainland Europe. Saint-Etienne is popular for its industrial and manufacturing past.

How is Dover different from Saint-Etienne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne?

Dover
Saint-Etienne

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

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.

Saint-Etienne is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several great museums in town including the Musée d'Art et d'Industrie, Musée de la Mine, Musée des Verts, and the planetarium.


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

Dover
Saint-Etienne

Dover is a good destination for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Dover has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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.

Saint-Etienne may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Try the many local cheeses which are a defining part of the cuisine in the area. You'll find some local restaurants around town where you can sample local flavors.

Is Dover or Saint-Etienne Better for Nightlife?

Dover
Saint-Etienne

Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne. The nightlife is centered around sipping wine or visiting one of the clubs in town.

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 Saint-Etienne Better for Hiking?

Dover
Saint-Etienne

Dover is great for hiking. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for the nearby hiking options.

Many visitors go to Dover for the hiking trails. 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.

Saint-Etienne is a good destination for hiking. You'll find several great hikes just outside of town. It's a great way to experience the surrounding countryside.


Is the Shopping Better in Dover or Saint-Etienne?

Dover
Saint-Etienne

Saint-Etienne is a moderate city for its shopping areas. However, Dover is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Saint-Etienne has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. Shopping malls and several boutique shopping areas make up the city's shopping scene.

Dover is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Dover or Saint-Etienne Better for Families?

Dover
Saint-Etienne

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

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.

Saint-Etienne is a family-friendly town. There are several kid-friendly museums as well as plenty of natural settings just outside of town. Your kids can run around and stretch their legs nearby at Crest of the Partridge or on a rainy day, the planetarium is a fun place to visit.

Is Dover or Saint-Etienne Better for Couples?

Dover
Saint-Etienne

Dover is great for its romantic activities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for couples.

Dover is a great town if you're traveling as 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.

Saint-Etienne is not always the best place to visit for a couple. There are museums, parks, gardens, and beautiful architecture that make this a wonderful place for couples.


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

Dover
Saint-Etienne

Dover is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Dover. You'll find several nice hostels to choose from in the town.

Saint-Etienne is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not high on the backpacker trail, but there are hostels and plenty of activities to enjoy.

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

Dover
Saint-Etienne

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

Saint-Etienne has a few public transit options. There are tram and bus options available in town.

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

Is Dover or Saint-Etienne a more walkable city?

Dover
Saint-Etienne

Dover and Saint-Etienne both are good when exploring on foot.

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

Saint-Etienne is somewhat walkable. There are several walkable areas in the city.


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

Should I spend more time in Saint-Etienne or Dover?

How long in Dover or Saint-Etienne?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Dover or Saint-Etienne to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Dover than Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne.

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

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


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

One day in Dover or Saint-Etienne?

Many travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the stunning destination of Dover. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

In Saint-Etienne, many people enjoy the nightlife and museums that this historic destination offers. This city 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 Saint-Etienne?

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. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint-Etienne. 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 Saint-Etienne?

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the stunning destination of Dover. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days 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.

Saint-Etienne is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and museums when visiting the destination of Saint-Etienne. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.


A week in Dover or Saint-Etienne?

You'll find museums and food around the beautiful town of Dover. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the park-filled destination of Saint-Etienne. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Paris, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris.


Which place is cheaper, Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne is £92. 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 Saint-Etienne in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dover £62
    Saint-Etienne £39
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dover £124
    Saint-Etienne £78
Compare Hotels in Dover and Saint-Etienne

Looking for a hotel in Dover or Saint-Etienne? 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 Saint-Etienne


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dover £39
    Saint-Etienne £38

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dover

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dover:

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Dover or Saint-Etienne?

Prices for flights to both Saint-Etienne 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
    Saint-Etienne £29

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dover £20
    Saint-Etienne £22

Tours and Activities in Dover

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

  • Canterbury Landmarks Private Walking Tour: $218
  • Canterbury Private Walking Tour with a Professional Guide: $276
  • Canterbury Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (1 Day Pass) UK: $19
  • Canterbury's World Heritage Sites Guided Walking Tour: $229
  • Christmas Tales in Canterbury – Private Walking Tour: $217
  • Dover & White Cliffs Tour; Canterbury, Coastal Towns & Castles: $210
  • Dover Castle Admission Ticket: $29
  • Dover Cruise Ship to Leeds Castle via Canterbury, Villages & back: $177
  • Dover Shore Excursion:Post-Cruise Tour to London via Canterbury and Leeds Castle: $172
  • From Dover Cruise Ship; Grand Tour of White Cliffs Country & back: $108
  • From London: Dover Castle and White Cliffs Tour by Car: $1,083
  • Literary & Cultural Heritage: Canterbury Private Walking Tour: $218

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dover £7.71
    Saint-Etienne £8.68

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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dover and Saint-Etienne, we can see that Dover is more expensive. And not only is Saint-Etienne much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Saint-Etienne would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne.

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


Which is Bigger, Dover or Saint-Etienne?

Saint-Etienne has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Dover. When comparing the sizes of Dover and Saint-Etienne, 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 Saint-Etienne?

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 Saint-Etienne in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Dover as well as Saint-Etienne. Many visitors come to Dover in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Saint-Etienne for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Dover is generally cooler than Saint-Etienne. Daily temperatures in Dover average around 17°C (63°F), and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint-Etienne. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Dover this time of the year. In the summer, Dover often gets less sunshine than Saint-Etienne. Dover gets 212 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint-Etienne receives 285 hours of full sun.

Dover usually gets less rain in July than Saint-Etienne. Dover gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dover 17°C (63°F) 
    Saint-Etienne 22°C (71°F)

Should I visit Dover or Saint-Etienne in the Autumn?

Both Saint-Etienne and Dover are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Dover for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Saint-Etienne because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Dover is cooler than Saint-Etienne in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dover averages around 12°C (54°F) in October, and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

Dover usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Saint-Etienne during autumn. Dover gets 119 hours of sunny skies, while Saint-Etienne receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Dover usually receives less rain than Saint-Etienne. Dover gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dover 12°C (54°F) 
    Saint-Etienne 14°C (56°F)

Should I visit Dover or Saint-Etienne in the Winter?

Both Saint-Etienne and Dover during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Dover because of the museums and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Saint-Etienne this time of year.

It's quite cold in Saint-Etienne in the winter. The weather in Dover can be very cold. In the winter, Dover is a little warmer than Saint-Etienne. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dover in January average around 4°C (40°F), and Saint-Etienne averages at about 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Dover often gets less sunshine than Saint-Etienne. Dover gets 57 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint-Etienne receives 62 hours of full sun.

Dover usually gets less rain in January than Saint-Etienne. Dover gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dover 4°C (40°F) 
    Saint-Etienne 4°C (39°F)

Should I visit Dover or Saint-Etienne in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Dover and Saint-Etienne. The natural beauty are the main draw to Dover this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Saint-Etienne for the natural beauty.

In April, Dover is generally cooler than Saint-Etienne. Daily temperatures in Dover average around 9°C (47°F), and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

Dover usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Saint-Etienne during spring. Dover gets 162 hours of sunny skies, while Saint-Etienne receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Dover usually receives less rain than Saint-Etienne. Dover gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dover 9°C (47°F) 
    Saint-Etienne 11°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Saint-Etienne and Dover

Dover Saint-Etienne
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (40°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 4°C (39°F) 55 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 5°C (40°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 6°C (42°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Mar 6°C (44°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 8°C (47°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 9°C (47°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 11°C (53°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 12°C (53°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 15°C (60°F) 85 mm (3.4 in)
Jun 15°C (59°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 19°C (66°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Jul 17°C (63°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 22°C (71°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 17°C (63°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 21°C (70°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 18°C (65°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Oct 12°C (54°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 14°C (56°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 8°C (46°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 8°C (46°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Dec 6°C (42°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 4°C (40°F) 57 mm (2.3 in)