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

Should you visit Dublin or Nantes?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Dublin or Nantes, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Dublin

Dublin is a welcoming, fun, and laid-back city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Nantes

Nantes is a friendly, historical, and beautiful city. 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.

Dublin and Nantes: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dublin or Nantes?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Dublin than Nantes, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Dublin is more popular for its nightlife, music, historical sights, and big city activities, while Nantes is known for its food and impressive beauty. Dublin is more touristy than Nantes and is popular for its friendly and social nightlife, its local pubs, and its role as the birthplace of Guinness. It is also home to The Guinness Storehouse. Nantes is popular for its castles and historical landmarks, local wine, and beautiful parks and gardens.

How is Dublin different from Nantes?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Dublin or Nantes?

Plenty of people visit the superb sights and museums in both Dublin and Nantes.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Dublin can be an interesting and educational experience. There are a number of museums around town including the National Museum of Ireland, the Little Museum of Dublin, and the National Gallery of Ireland.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Nantes. 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.

Is the Food Better in Dublin or Nantes? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nantes is terrific for its restaurant scene. Also, Dublin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Nantes is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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).

Dublin is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Seafood has become popular around town, but you can also try traditional favorites like stew, pancakes, or coddle.

Is Dublin or Nantes Better for Nightlife?

Dublin is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. Also, Nantes is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

The nightlife in Dublin is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. Temple Bar is where you'll find the greatest concentration of pubs and nightlife. The city is among the friendliest and most welcoming, and this is seen even in the vibe around town at night.

Nantes is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

Is Dublin or Nantes Better for Music?

Dublin is a very popular place for its music scene. However, Nantes is not a live music destination.

It's worth checking out the music scene in Dublin while you're in town. The best places to hear live music around town are the back street pubs that feature local groups.

Nantes is not a live music destination.

Is Dublin or Nantes Better for its Old Town?

Dublin is a very popular place for its historic old town charm. Also, Nantes is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town.

Many visitors go to Dublin to see the historical old town. On the south side of the River Liffey are three different historic parts to the city. The Medieval Quarter is the oldest. To the east is Temple Bar, and further east is the Georgian Quarter.

Many visitors go to Nantes to see the historical old town. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Dublin or Nantes?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Nantes and Dublin.

Dublin is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Head to Grafton Street to see a number of brand name and local shops. It's a pedestrian street that is fun to wander around.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas 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.

Is Dublin or Nantes Better for Families?

Dublin and Nantes are both superb destinations for the whole family.

Dublin is a very kid-friendly city. Explore the waterways with the viking splash, learn about the vikings at the museum Dublina, or visit any of the other kid-friendly museums around town, or see a show at The Gaiety.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Nantes. 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.

Is Dublin or Nantes Better for Couples?

Dublin and Nantes are both superb to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Dublin frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's laid-back vibe and countless pubs make it a fun weekend getaway for couples.

Nantes is a great city if you're traveling as 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 Dublin or Nantes Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dublin is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Nantes is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Dublin. There are a number of popular backpacker hostels around town. The pub scene is also popular with the young crowd.

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 Dublin or Nantes Better for Students?

Dublin and Nantes are good places to visit for students.

Dublin is popular with students. While student accommodation can be a bit expensive in town, the nightlife and social aspect of living in the city center makes it well worth it.

It's common for students to visit Nantes. There's a decent sized student population and the city has a welcoming atmosphere. It's also easy to get around with public transportation.

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

Nantes is a great destination for its public transit. Also, Dublin is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Nantes can get you around easily. There are both trams and buses throughout the city that are operated by TAN (Transport de l'Agglomeration Nantaise).

While Dublin offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a comprehensive bus system around town.

Is Dublin or Nantes a more walkable city?

Dublin is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. Also, Nantes is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Dublin. Because it is so compact and flat, it is easy to explore the city center on foot.

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

For even more information, also check out Is Dublin Worth Visiting? and Is Nantes Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nantes or Dublin?

How long in Dublin or Nantes?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Dublin and Nantes. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Dublin than in Nantes. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Dublin, and 2-3 days is enough time in Nantes.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Dublin than Nantes 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 Dublin.

One day in Dublin or Nantes?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Dublin. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Nantes. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Dublin or Nantes?

Dublin is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Nantes is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Dublin or Nantes?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dublin. Don't miss the nightlife, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nantes. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. 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.

A week in Dublin or Nantes?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the friendly destination of Dublin. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the friendly destination of Nantes. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Walking Tours in Ireland, The Best Luxury Tours to Ireland, 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 Dublin and Nantes, we can see that Dublin 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 Dublin would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dublin 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 Dublin Expensive? and Is Nantes Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Dublin or Nantes?

Dublin has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Nantes. When comparing the sizes of Dublin 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 Dublin 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 Dublin or Nantes in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Dublin as well as Nantes. The summer months attract visitors to Dublin because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Nantes this time of year.

In the summer, Dublin is cooler than Nantes. Typically, the summer temperatures in Dublin in July average around 16°C (60°F), and Nantes averages at about 19°C (67°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nantes. In the summer, Dublin often gets less sunshine than Nantes. Dublin gets 166 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nantes receives 267 hours of full sun.

Dublin usually gets more rain in July than Nantes. Dublin gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dublin or Nantes in the Autumn?

Both Nantes and Dublin are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Dublin this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Nantes for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Dublin is generally cooler than Nantes. Daily temperatures in Dublin average around 11°C (52°F), and Nantes fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Dublin usually receives less sunshine than Nantes during autumn. Dublin gets 97 hours of sunny skies, while Nantes receives 141 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Dublin usually receives less rain than Nantes. Dublin gets 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Dublin or Nantes in the Winter?

Both Nantes and Dublin during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Dublin for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Nantes in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Dublin is around the same temperature as Nantes in the winter. The daily temperature in Dublin averages around 6°C (42°F) in January, and Nantes fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Dublin often gets less sunshine than Nantes. Dublin gets 56 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nantes receives 72 hours of full sun.

Dublin usually gets less rain in January than Nantes. Dublin gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dublin or Nantes in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Dublin and Nantes. Many visitors come to Dublin in the spring for the activities around the city. Furthermore, most visitors come to Nantes for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Dublin is cooler than Nantes. Typically, the spring temperatures in Dublin in April average around 8°C (47°F), and Nantes averages at about 11°C (51°F).

Dublin usually receives less sunshine than Nantes during spring. Dublin gets 157 hours of sunny skies, while Nantes receives 187 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Dublin usually receives around the same amount of rain as Nantes. Dublin gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Nantes and Dublin