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

Should you visit Dundee or Nantes?

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

Should I visit Dundee or Nantes? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Dundee

Dundee is a historic, coastal, and cultural 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 food.

Nantes

Nantes is a vibrant, welcoming, and friendly city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Dundee and Nantes: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Dundee or Nantes?

You'll generally find more things to do in Nantes than Dundee. Nantes is bigger than Dundee, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Nantes is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Dundee is more popular for its big city activities. Nantes is more touristy than Dundee and is popular for its castles and historical landmarks, local wine, and beautiful parks and gardens. Also, Nantes is famous for The Castle of the Dukes of Brittany. Dundee is well known for its maritime and manufacturing history as well as its focus on design.

How is Dundee different from Nantes?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Dundee
Nantes

Nantes is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Dundee is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Nantes offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Dundee offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. On the waterfront you'll find a couple of nautical museums such as RRS Discovery, and HM Frigate Unicorn. Other museums and sights include V&A Dundee, Tay Rail Bridge, Camperdown Wildlife Centre, and Glamis Castle.


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

Dundee
Nantes

Nantes is an amazing city to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Dundee is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Nantes is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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).

Dundee has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are a few local dishes that the city is known for. These include Dundee Cake, Dundee marmalade, and Angus beef.

Is Dundee or Nantes Better for Nightlife?

Dundee
Nantes

Nantes is a well-known place for nightlife. Also, Dundee is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Nantes offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Dundee. The vibrant student population heavily influences the city's nightlife. There are a number of clubs and bars where you can hang out late into the night.

Is Dundee or Nantes Better for its Old Town?

Dundee
Nantes

Nantes is a popular place for its historic old town. However, Dundee does not have a historic old town.

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.

Dundee does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Dundee or Nantes?

Dundee
Nantes

Nantes is a well-known place for shopping. However, Dundee is not a good city for its shopping opportunities.

Nantes is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Dundee has some nice offerings. There are shopping centers and a few independent shops that are worth checking out. Head to Overgate Shopping Centre for the standard brands or Dundee's Farmer's Market for some local produce.

Is Dundee or Nantes Better for Families?

Dundee
Nantes

Nantes is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Dundee is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Nantes is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Dundee is a family-friendly city. Head to the Dundee Science Center or check out Discovery Point. There's also the Dundee Treasure Trail as well as climbing walls and other outdoor activities for when the weather's nice.

Is Dundee or Nantes Better for Couples?

Dundee
Nantes

Nantes is a well-known place for romance. However, Dundee is not a good city for its romantic activities.

Nantes is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Most people don't think of Dundee as a couple's destination. The coastal city has some nice outdoor spaces and interesting restaurants that couples can enjoy.


Is Dundee or Nantes Better for Students?

Dundee
Nantes

Dundee and Nantes are both notable destinations for students and younger travelers.

Dundee is a good city to visit for students. Its affordability and authenticity make this a nice option for students. It's also a very safe city.

Plenty of students 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 Dundee or Nantes Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Dundee
Nantes

Nantes is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Dundee is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors to Nantes can move around easily with public transportation. There are both trams and buses throughout the city that are operated by TAN (Transport de l'Agglomeration Nantaise).

Dundee has some public transit options. The city has a public bus system.

Is Dundee or Nantes a more walkable city?

Dundee
Nantes

Nantes is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, Dundee is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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

Dundee is a somewhat walkable place. There are a number of walks through the town.


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

Should I spend more time in Nantes or Dundee?

How long in Dundee or Nantes?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Dundee and Nantes. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Nantes than in Dundee. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Dundee, and 2-3 days is enough time in Nantes.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Dundee or Nantes? Ideal Length of Stay
    Dundee 1-2 
    Nantes 2-3

One day in Dundee or Nantes?

Many travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the destination of Dundee. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

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 Dundee or Nantes?

Dundee is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. 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 Dundee or Nantes?

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

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 Dundee or Nantes?

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

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historical 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from London, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Edinburgh, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Nantes or Dundee?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Dundee is £234, while the average daily cost in Nantes is £93. 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 Dundee and Nantes in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Dundee £149
    Nantes £51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Dundee £298
    Nantes £102
Compare Hotels in Dundee and Nantes

Looking for a hotel in Dundee or Nantes? 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 Dundee


Hotels in Nantes


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: Dundee Hotel Prices and Nantes Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Dundee £16
    Nantes £31

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nantes

Also for Nantes, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Nantes Airport (NTE) to Nantes hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $26
  • Nantes to Nantes Airport (NTE) - Departure Private Transfer: $26
  • Private Transfer from Airports to Nantes: $33
  • Nantes Airport (NTE) to Nantes - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $52
  • Nantes Private Transfer from Nantes city centre to Nantes Airport: $65
  • Nantes Private Transfer from Nantes Airport to City centre: $65
  • Private Transfer from Nantes Hotels to La Rochelle Cruise Port: $88
  • Private Transfer from Nantes Airport (NTE) to La Rochelle Port: $88
  • Private Transfer from Nantes Atlantique Airport NTE to Puy du Fou Park: $174

Is it cheaper to fly into Dundee or Nantes?

Prices for flights to both Nantes and Dundee 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
    Dundee £47
    Nantes £23
Typical Food Prices in Dundee

Some typical examples of dining costs in Dundee are as follows:


  • Moroccan Sandwich
    £2.70
  • Drinks and Scottish Shortbread at Discovery
    £4.70
  • Kebabs (for 2)
    £8.80

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nantes

For Nantes, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Nantes Traditional Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience : $104
  • All Inclusive Food Tour of Nantes Old Town with Local Guide: $145

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Dundee £106
    Nantes £11
Typical Entertainment Prices in Dundee

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Dundee are as follows:


  • Newspaper
    £0.85

Tours and Activities in Dundee

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

  • Boat Seafari Adventure: $34
  • Dundee Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (1 Day Pass) UK: $19
  • Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $6.99
  • Made in A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Original Dundee Photoshoot Tour: $83
  • Skip-the-Line: Botanic Garden Entry Ticket: $6.36

Tours and Activities in Nantes

For Nantes, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
  • Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Walking Tour: $6.42
  • Nantes Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.54
  • Guided treetop adventure course in the heart of Nantes: $31
  • Private custom tour with a local guide: $50
  • Nantes : Private Walking Tour With A Local : $51
  • Welcome to Private Tour with a Local: $51
  • Nantes Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $52
  • Panoramic Tour by Electric Bike: $59
  • PANORAMA TOUR OF NANTES by electric bike: $60
  • Nantes : Must-see Attractions Walking Tour: $75

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Dundee £13
    Nantes £5.50

Sample the Local Flavors in Nantes

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Nantes:

  • Château du Bois-Huaut: Cellar Tour and Wine Tasting Class: $35


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dundee and Nantes, we can see that Dundee 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 Dundee would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dundee 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 Dundee Expensive? and Is Nantes Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Dundee or Nantes?

Nantes has a larger population, and is about 83% larger than the population of Dundee. When comparing the sizes of Dundee 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 Dundee 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 Dundee or Nantes in the Summer?

Both Nantes and Dundee during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Dundee for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Nantes in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Dundee is generally cooler than Nantes. Daily temperatures in Dundee average around 14°C (58°F), and Nantes fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

In Nantes, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Dundee often gets less sunshine than Nantes. Dundee gets 184 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nantes receives 267 hours of full sun.

Dundee usually gets more rain in July than Nantes. Dundee gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Dundee 14°C (58°F) 
    Nantes 19°C (67°F)

Should I visit Dundee or Nantes in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Dundee and Nantes. Many visitors come to Dundee in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Nantes for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Dundee is cooler than Nantes in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dundee averages around 10°C (49°F) in October, and Nantes fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Dundee usually receives less sunshine than Nantes during autumn. Dundee gets 100 hours of sunny skies, while Nantes receives 141 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Dundee usually receives less rain than Nantes. Dundee gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Dundee 10°C (49°F) 
    Nantes 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Dundee or Nantes in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Dundee as well as Nantes. Most visitors come to Dundee for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Nantes because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Dundee can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Dundee is much colder than Nantes. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dundee in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Nantes averages at about 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Dundee often gets less sunshine than Nantes. Dundee gets 58 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nantes receives 72 hours of full sun.

Dundee usually gets less rain in January than Nantes. Dundee gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Dundee 3°C (38°F) 
    Nantes 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Dundee or Nantes in the Spring?

Both Nantes and Dundee are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Dundee because of the activities around the city. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Nantes this time of year.

In April, Dundee is generally much colder than Nantes. Daily temperatures in Dundee average around 7°C (45°F), and Nantes fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Dundee usually receives less sunshine than Nantes during spring. Dundee gets 155 hours of sunny skies, while Nantes receives 187 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Dundee usually receives less rain than Nantes. Dundee gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Dundee 7°C (45°F) 
    Nantes 11°C (51°F)

Typical Weather for Nantes and Dundee

Dundee Nantes
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 6°C (42°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 6°C (44°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 8°C (47°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 7°C (45°F) 41 mm (1.6 in) 11°C (51°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 10°C (49°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 14°C (57°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jun 13°C (55°F) 50 mm (2 in) 17°C (63°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Jul 14°C (58°F) 52 mm (2 in) 19°C (67°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Aug 14°C (58°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 19°C (66°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 17°C (63°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 10°C (49°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 13°C (56°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 5°C (42°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 9°C (48°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 6°C (43°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)


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