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

Should you visit Dubai 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 Dubai and Nice can help you decide which place is right for you.

Dubai

Dubai is a glamorous, opulent, and modern city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Nice

Nice is a opulent, trendy, and chic seaside destination. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. It's also popular because of the beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Dubai and Nice: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dubai or Nice?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Dubai than Nice, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Dubai is more popular for its skiing, museums, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Nice is known for its food, beaches, historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Nice is more touristy than Dubai and is popular for its beachfront setting in the French Riviera as well as its popularity with A-list celebrities. Dubai is popular for its luxury shopping, glamorous resorts, city beaches, and ultramodern development style. It is also home to Burj Khalifa.

Burj Khalifa

How is Dubai different from Nice?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Nice and Dubai. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is Dubai or Nice Better for Skiing?

Dubai is a moderate city for snow skiing. However, Nice is not a skiing destination.

Dubai is a fun local destination for snow skiers. Despite being a desert city, Dubai became famous for its massive indoor ski complex that covers 22,500 square meters. It is located in the Mall of the Emirates.

Nice is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Dubai or Nice?

Dubai is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Nice does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Dubai. The city's most famous landmark is the Burj Khalifa, which is the tallest building in the world. Head to the observation deck for stunning views.

Nice does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Nice is a world-class destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Dubai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Dubai makes for a great culinary experience. The national dish in the area is khuzi, or ghuzi, which is a meal of roasted lamb or mutton, prepared with rice vegetables and nuts.

Is Dubai or Nice Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find amazing options in both Dubai and Nice.

People head to Dubai just to party. Frequented by the wealthy and opulent, the city has world class night clubs and DJs that travel from around to world to perform.

The nightlife in Nice is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.

Is Dubai or Nice Better for Music?

Dubai is renowned for its live music scene. However, Nice is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Dubai The city attracts world famous international DJs and musicians giving it one of the world's best music scenes.

Nice is not a live music destination.

Is Dubai or Nice Better for Resorts?

Luxury resorts are fairly comparable in Dubai and Nice.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Dubai is a perfect choice. Some of the most famous include Atlantis - The Palm, The Four Seasons, and Burj Al Arab Jumeirah.

Nice offers an unforgettable resort vacation. 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.

Is Dubai or Nice Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Dubai and Nice both offer good scuba diving or snorkeling spots.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Dubai. One of the best scuba diving spots is Jumeirah Beach.

Nice has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. There are some places where you can arrange a snorkeling or dive trip to explore the underwater setting.

Is Dubai or Nice Better for Beaches?

Nice is a great seaside destination for the beach. Also, Dubai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its beaches.

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.

Dubai has a beach worth visiting. There are a number of both private and public beaches in the city. They are almost all man-made, so they are large, flat, and have soft sand. It's also generally safe to swim at most beaches.

Is Dubai or Nice Better for its Old Town?

Nice is a great seaside destination for its historic old town charm. However, Dubai 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.

Dubai does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Dubai or Nice?

Dubai is renowned for its shopping opportunities. Also, Nice is not as famous, but is still a good seaside destination to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Dubai make it a world-class shopping destination. With its many malls, souks, and shopping areas, this is the place to go for luxury shopping. Popular items to purchase include gold and diamond jewelry, shawls, and Persian rugs.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas 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.

Is Dubai or Nice Better for Families?

Dubai is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Nice is not as famous, but is still a good seaside destination to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Dubai is a very kid-friendly city. This city has family-friendly resorts, skyscrapers with spectacular views, and amusement parks that are fun for the whole family. There are also plenty of fountains that the kids can splash around in.

Nice is a family-friendly city. 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 Dubai or Nice Better for Couples?

Nice is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Dubai is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Dubai is a nice destination for couples. From the spectacular views to the high end resorts, couples can enjoy a romantic retreat to the city.

Is Dubai or Nice Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nice is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Dubai is not known for backpackers.

Nice is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Dubai is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It is known to be an expensive and not so backpacker friendly city, but there are some hostels around that you can stay at.

Is Dubai or Nice Better for Students?

Dubai is renowned for students. However, Nice is not popular with students.

Dubai is a very popular city for students. Many major universities from around the world have campuses in this city, making this a top destination for international students.

Nice is not popular with students.

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

Nice is a great seaside destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Dubai is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Nice offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are both buses and trams.

Dubai has a few public transit options. The city's public transportation system includes buses, water buses, a monorail system, and a metro.

Is Dubai or Nice a more walkable city?

Nice is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. However, Dubai is not known for its walkability.

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

Dubai is generally not very walkable. It is one of the less pedestrian-friendly cities around the world. There is lots of road work, even in the more walkable areas, so getting around on foot can be challenging.

For even more information, also check out Is Dubai Worth Visiting? and Is Nice Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nice or Dubai?

How long in Dubai or Nice?

In either Dubai or Nice, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Dubai than Nice because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Dubai, and 3-5 days is enough time in Nice.

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

Couples should spend more time in Nice than Dubai. 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 Dubai 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 Dubai or Nice?

Dubai is a big city destination where you can fill many days. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 beautiful 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 Dubai or Nice?

Dubai is a fun place to experience. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. 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 Dubai or Nice?

Dubai is a modern big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

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 Dubai or Nice?

Dubai is a glamorous city where you can fill many days. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the opulent 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 from Dubai, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Arab Emirates, 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 Dubai and Nice, we can see that Dubai is more expensive. And not only is Nice much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Dubai is in Middle East and Nice is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Nice would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nice 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 Dubai would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dubai than you might in Nice.

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

Which is Bigger, Dubai or Nice?

Dubai has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Nice. When comparing the sizes of Dubai 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 Dubai or Nice?

Nice has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, but Dubai experiences a warm climate with fairly sunny weather most of the year.

Should I visit Dubai or Nice in the Summer?

Both Nice and Dubai during the summer are popular places to visit. Plenty of visitors come to Dubai because of the warm climate and sunshine that lasts throughout the year. Also, many visitors come to Nice in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

Dubai can become quite hot in the summer. In July, Dubai is generally much warmer than Nice. Daily temperatures in Dubai average around 35°C (95°F), and Nice fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

Dubai usually gets less rain in July than Nice. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Nice receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year. June to August is the dry season in Dubai.

Should I visit Dubai or Nice in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Dubai and Nice. Warm weather and sunshine bring visitors to Dubai year-round. Also, most visitors come to Nice for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Dubai is much warmer than Nice in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dubai averages around 29°C (84°F) in October, and Nice fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Nice receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Dubai usually receives less rain than Nice. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Nice receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Dubai or Nice in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Dubai as well as Nice. Dubai attracts visitors year-round for its warm weather and sunny climate. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Nice because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In the winter, Dubai is much warmer than Nice. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dubai in January average around 19°C (66°F), and Nice averages at about 9°C (48°F).

Dubai usually gets less rain in January than Nice. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Nice receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year. January to March in Dubai is the rainy season.

Should I visit Dubai or Nice in the Spring?

Both Nice and Dubai are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The warm climate attracts visitors to Dubai throughout the year. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Nice this time of year.

In April, Dubai is generally much warmer than Nice. Daily temperatures in Dubai average around 26°C (79°F), and Nice fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In April, Dubai usually receives less rain than Nice. Dubai gets 10 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Nice receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring. The dry season in Dubai is June to August.

Typical Weather for Nice and Dubai