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

Should you visit Faro or Nice?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Faro or Nice, 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.

Faro

Faro is a busy, active, and popular resort town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Nice

Nice is a trendy, chic, and glamourous 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. Other reasons to visit include shopping, nightlife, and food.

Faro and Nice: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere


Is there more to do in Faro or Nice?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Nice. Although Faro and Nice are popular destinations, Nice has more sights and attractions for tourists. Nice is more touristy than Faro and is popular for its beachfront setting in the French Riviera as well as its popularity with A-list celebrities. It is also well known for The Promenade des Anglais. Faro is famous for its historical sights and rich culture.

How is Faro different from Nice?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Faro
Nice

Nice is a must-visit destination for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Faro is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Faro. It has become a major tourist town, so you have to get a bit creative to find a more traditional restaurant. Look for fresh seafood like cod, monkfish, or shellfish if you want some local flavors.


Is Faro or Nice Better for Nightlife?

Faro
Nice

Nice is a must-visit destination for nightlife. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town for nightlife and partying.

Nice is a world class party destination. 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.

Faro has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city's bustling party scene thrives along Rua de São Pedro, Rua Conselheiro Bívar, and Rua do Prior.

Is Faro or Nice Better for Resorts?

Faro
Nice

With a similar set of options, first-rate resorts can be found in both Faro and Nice.

Faro offers an unforgettable resort vacation. Popular resorts include Vila Vita Parc Resort and Spa, Conrad Algarve, and Tivoli Carvoeiro.

Nice is a world class resort vacation destination. 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 Faro or Nice Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Faro
Nice

You'll find nice snorkeling or scuba diving in both Faro and Nice.

Faro has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. There are both snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities in the area. It's possible to snorkel off of several beaches or arrange a scuba diving excursion with a local dive shop.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Nice. There are some places where you can arrange a snorkeling or dive trip to explore the underwater setting.


Is Faro or Nice Better for Beaches?

Faro
Nice

Nice is great for its beaches. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town for the beache.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Nice. 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Faro. The most popular beach in the area is Faro Beach. It can get crowded during the summer months but if you walk a bit you can often get away from the crowds. To reach the beach you'll need a car or you can take the bus as the beach is about 10 km away.

Is Faro or Nice Better for its Old Town?

Faro
Nice

Nice is great for its historic old town. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town for its old town.

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

Many people head to Faro to see the old town. You'll find historic buildings and cobblestone streets in the old town. It's a nice place to explore, grab a bite to eat, and do a little shopping.

Is the Shopping Better in Faro or Nice?

Faro
Nice

Nice is great for shopping. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Faro offers some nice shopping areas. The town isn't as big as some others, so it's shopping scene isn't as comprehensive, but you will find the major brands as well as souvenir shops to peruse when you need a break from the beach.


Is Faro or Nice Better for Families?

Faro
Nice

Nice is a nice place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, Faro is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

Nice offers lots of family activities. 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.

Faro is not the most family-friendly destination. There are some nice nature reserves in the area so kids who love wildlife will enjoy a visit.

Is Faro or Nice Better for Couples?

Faro
Nice

Nice is a must-visit destination for romance. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town for its romantic activities.

Nice has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Faro makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With the beautiful natural areas and historic old town, this seaport makes a nice couples vacation.

Is Faro or Nice Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Faro
Nice

For backpackers, both Faro and Nice are nice places to visit.

It's common for backpackers to visit Faro. The are some good hostels in the area, but it's a bit tricky to get around without a car.

Nice is a good resort town to visit for backpackers. 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.


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

Faro
Nice

Nice is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town for its public transit.

Public transit in Nice is fairly effecient and thorough. There are both buses and trams.

Faro has a few public transit options. There are buses that connect the city to the beach, the airport, and other outlying areas.

Is Faro or Nice a more walkable city?

Faro
Nice

Nice is a must-visit destination for its walkability. Also, Faro is not as popular, but is still a nice resort town for its high level of 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.

Faro is a somewhat walkable place. The city's old town is particularly walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Nice or Faro?

How long in Faro or Nice?

In either Faro or Nice, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Nice has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Nice than Faro. In general, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Faro, and 3-5 days is enough time in Nice.

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

Couples should spend more time in Nice than Faro. 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 Faro 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.


  • How many days in Faro or Nice? Ideal Length of Stay
    Faro 2-5 
    Nice 3-5

One day in Faro or Nice?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Faro. 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Nice. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.


A weekend in Faro or Nice?

Faro is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Nice 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.

Five days in Faro or Nice?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the active destination of Faro. This resort town 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.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the glamourous destination of Nice. This seaside destination offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Faro or Nice?

The busy resort town of Faro offers shopping and nightlife. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

The trendy seaside destination of Nice offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Nice or Faro?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Faro is €133, while the average daily cost in Nice is €131. 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 Faro and Nice in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Faro 75
    Nice 59
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Faro 150
    Nice 118
Compare Hotels in Faro and Nice

Looking for a hotel in Faro or Nice? 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 Faro


Hotels in Nice


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: Faro Hotel Prices and Nice Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Faro 9.52
    Nice 25

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Faro

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

  • Lisbon Oriente Station: Transfer to/from Faro City Center: $5.32
  • Shared Departure Transfer: Algarve Hotels to Faro Airport: $13
  • Transfer Olhos de Água - Balaia Golf (Albufeira): $14
  • Faro Airport: Private Transfer to Quarteira & Vilamoura: $19
  • Faro Airport: Private transfer to Vilamoura & Quarteira: $19
  • Faro Airport Private Transfer - Albufeira (Arrival): $27
  • Private Transfer: Faro to Faro International Airport (FAO): $28
  • Private Arrival Transfer: Faro Airport to Algarve Hotels: $29
  • Transfer from Faro airport to Almancil: $29
  • Private Transfer from Faro (FAO) Airport to Quarteira: $33
  • Private Car or Van Transfer Faro Airport FAO to Albufeira Area: $35
  • Private Transfer from Olhao to Faro (FAO) Airport: $36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nice

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nice:

  • Private Transfer from Nice to Milan: $1,385
  • Private Transfer from Nice to Marseille: $852
  • Airport transfer to Marseille: $746
  • Airport transfer to Genoa: $746
  • Airport transfer to Aix en Provence: $693
  • Nice Intl Airport (NCE): Private Transfer to Cannes hotels: $515
  • Nice Intl Airport (NCE): Private Transfer to Monaco hotels: $441
  • Airport transfer to St Tropez: $405
  • Nice Airport Transfer to SAINT-TROPEZ: $394
  • Airport transfer to Port Grimaud: $373
  • Airport transfer to San Remo: $320
  • Villefranche-sur-Mer-Port de la Santé: Transfer to Nice: $291

Is it cheaper to fly into Faro or Nice?

Prices for flights to both Nice and Faro 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
    Faro 36
    Nice 49

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Faro

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

  • The Most Delicious Private Food Tour of 6 or 10 Tastings: $83
  • 3 Hours Classic Food Tour in Faro: $97
  • Authentic Portuguese Cooking Experience in Algarve: $163

Typical Food Prices in Nice

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


  • Slushee
    2.50
  • Strawberries
    4.00
  • Loaf of Bread
    3.20

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nice

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Nice.

  • Nice Small-Group Walking Food Tour with Local Specialties & Wine Tasting: $84
  • Viator Exclusive: Organic French Dinner in the Garden of Nice: $95
  • The Flavors of Nice Food Tour: $103
  • Old Nice Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $104
  • Nice Evening Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $104
  • 3.5-Hour Original Old Town Food Tour: $107
  • Viator Exclusive: Local Cooking Class & Dinner with View of Nice: $107
  • Private French Cooking Class with a Fun Local Noel: $112
  • PRIVATE Award-Winning Nice Food Tour: 6 or 10 Tastings: $112
  • Food Tour + Wine Pairing Lunch with a local Sommelier: $133
  • Half Day Afternoon Walking Food Tour with Dinner: $147
  • Dinner in the vineyard French Riviera: $191

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Faro 9.41
    Nice 12

Tours and Activities in Faro

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Faro.

  • Camera Obscura - Tavira Eye - Admission Ticket: $5.45
  • Tavira Hop On Hop Off City Tour by Tourist Train: $6.55
  • Faro Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.68
  • Lagos Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.69
  • Tavira Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self Guided Tour: $7.83
  • Faro Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $7.87
  • Algarve Life Sciences Center Museum Family Ticket: $13
  • Cork Factory Tour & Cork Shop: $18
  • Ria Formosa Sunset Boat Tour: $21
  • Eco Boat Tour in the Ria Formosa Lagoon from Faro: $22
  • 1 or 2 Hour Speed Boat Tour - Ria Formosa: $26
  • 2 Hours Boat Tour in Ria Formosa: $27

Tours and Activities in Nice

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

  • Half Day Shared Tour in Eze, Monaco and Monte Carlo: $65
  • Majestic Christmas tour in French Riviera: $235
  • Monaco, Monte-Carlo and Eze Village Small Group Half-Day Tour: $59
  • 3 Hour Walking Tour with a Local Licensed Guide in Monaco: $60
  • 3-Hour Guided Walking Tour of Nice with a Licensed Guide: $33
  • 3-Hour Segway Tour to Nice & Villefranche-sur-Mer: $80
  • 7h sightseeing excursion: Visit Saint Paul, Antibes, Cannes.: $104
  • A Guided Walking Tour through the Charming Streets of Nice: $32
  • A walk of wealth – guided tour in Monaco: $250
  • All-Inclusive Food & History Tour in Old Nice with Local Guide: $142
  • Amazing Private Walking Tour of Old Nice between Italy and France: $111
  • Antibes Electric Bike Tour: $75

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Faro 3.13
    Nice 17

Sample the Local Flavors in Faro

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Faro:

  • Wine tastings, with Tour option - Authentic Algarve Flavours by Quinta da Tôr: $19
  • Visit to a Family Brewery in Loulé with Tasting: $27
  • Algarve Traditional Food and Wine Tasting: $48
  • Discover Tavira - Tapas and Wine Tour: $82

Sample the Local Flavors in Nice

Also in Nice, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Pub Crawl/Bar Crawl NICE - The Ultimate Night: $2.93
  • Nice Bar Crawl | Ultimate night experience: $8.52
  • Pub Crawl Party with VIP Entry and Free Shots: $16
  • Pub Crawl Nice with Drinking Games and Optional Drink special: $17
  • Riviera Bar Crawl Party with Free Shots and VIP Entry: $23
  • Brewery Tour and Craft Beer Tasting: $32
  • Nice Walking Tour with Wine Tasting: $45
  • New Year's Eve Pub Crawl with Shots and VIP Club Entry: $52
  • New Year’s Eve Bar Crawl Nice France: $53
  • Provence Organic Wine Tasting Half Day Tour from Nice: $65
  • Wine Tasting: Tour de France in Nice City Centre: $74
  • Half-Day Saint Paul de Vence and Wine Tasting Tour: $82


When comparing the travel costs between Faro and Nice, we can see that Faro 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 Faro Expensive? and Is Nice Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Faro or Nice?

Nice has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Faro. When comparing the sizes of Faro 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 Faro or Nice?

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 Faro or Nice in the Summer?

Both Nice and Faro during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Faro this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Nice for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Faro is a little warmer than Nice. Typically, the summer temperatures in Faro in July average around 25°C (78°F), and Nice averages at about 23°C (73°F).

Faro usually gets less rain in July than Nice. Faro gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Nice receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Faro 25°C (78°F) 
    Nice 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Faro or Nice in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Faro and Nice. Many travelers come to Faro for the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Nice in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Faro is generally a little warmer than Nice. Daily temperatures in Faro average around 20°C (68°F), and Nice fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Nice receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Faro usually receives less rain than Nice. Faro gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Nice receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Faro 20°C (68°F) 
    Nice 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Faro or Nice in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Faro as well as Nice. Many visitors come to Faro in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Nice for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Faro is a little warmer than Nice in the winter. The daily temperature in Faro averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Nice fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Faro usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Nice. Faro gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Nice receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Faro 12°C (54°F) 
    Nice 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Faro or Nice in the Spring?

Both Nice and Faro are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Faro for the beaches during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Nice because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Faro is a little warmer than Nice. Typically, the spring temperatures in Faro in April average around 17°C (62°F), and Nice averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In April, Faro usually receives less rain than Nice. Faro gets 38 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Nice receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Faro 17°C (62°F) 
    Nice 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Nice and Faro

Faro Nice
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 12°C (54°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 9°C (48°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 13°C (56°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 9°C (49°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Mar 15°C (58°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 11°C (51°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 17°C (62°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 13°C (56°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
May 19°C (67°F) 21 mm (0.8 in) 16°C (62°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jun 22°C (72°F) 8 mm (0.3 in) 20°C (68°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Jul 25°C (78°F) 1 mm (0 in) 23°C (73°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Aug 26°C (78°F) 4 mm (0.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Sep 24°C (75°F) 14 mm (0.6 in) 21°C (69°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Oct 20°C (68°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 17°C (63°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Nov 16°C (60°F) 86 mm (3.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Dec 12°C (54°F) 94 mm (3.7 in) 10°C (49°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)