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

Should you visit Granada or Nantes?

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

Should I visit Granada 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.

Granada

Granada is a beautiful, charming, and cultural city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. 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. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Granada and Nantes: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Granada or Nantes?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Granada than Nantes, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Granada is better known for its museums, historical sights, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Nantes is more popular for its food and shopping. Granada is more touristy than Nantes and is known for its Islamic architecture, charming old town, and the stunningly impressive Alhambra. Also, Granada is famous for The Alhambra. Nantes is well known for its castles and historical landmarks, local wine, and beautiful parks and gardens.

How is Granada different from Nantes?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Granada is an unbeatable place for its museums and history. Also, Nantes is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Granada has many famous sights for visitors. Many visitors head to Granada specifically to visit the famed Alhambra. The palace and fortress complex will not disappoint. The gardens are beautifully maintained and the palace is filled with intricate details. It's easy to spend hours wandering around. In addition to The Alhambra, the Granada Cathedral is also impressive to visit. If you have kids or extra time to fill, head to Parque de las Ciencias, which is the city's Science Park.

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 Granada or Nantes? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nantes is a world-class destination for its restaurants. Also, Granada is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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).

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Granada. It's a very touristy city so restaurants can be hit or miss. There are some amazing local eateries, but you'll also find a number of places with lower quality, overpriced food. Classic local dishes include Churros, Plato Alpujarreño, and Habas con Jamón. Tapas are very popular and many restaurants provide free tapas with drink orders. There are also a number of Moroccan restaurants around town.

Is Granada or Nantes Better for Nightlife?

Both Granada and Nantes have very good vibes after the sun sets.

Granada has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The nightlife scene kicks off around 11 pm, when most people have finished up a late dinner. There's a laid-back atmosphere with pubs, live music, and dance clubs that stay open late into the night. There are several popular streets at night including Calle Elvira, Calle Reyes Católicos, and the Realejo District.

The people in Nantes know how to have a good time. 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 Granada or Nantes Better for its Old Town?

Granada is an unbeatable place for its historic old town charm. Also, Nantes is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Granada offers plenty to see. The Old Town spills out around the Granada Cathedral and is filled with charming pedestrian streets, lively plazas, and many great shops.

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 Granada or Nantes Better for Hiking?

Granada is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Nantes is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Granada. Ruta de Los Cahorros is a great hike about 25 minutes outside of Granada that begins in the town of Monochil. It crosses many bridges and weaves through dramatic canyons. There are places where you can wade in the water or check out a hidden waterfall. It's well worth the time and can be reached by taxi or public bus.

Nantes is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Granada or Nantes?

Nantes is an excellent place to visit for shopping. Also, Granada is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Granada offers some nice shopping areas. The town is filled with souvenir shops and places to buy local items. It's fun to wander through the old town and pop into the many different shops.

Is Granada or Nantes Better for Families?

Nantes is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Granada is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Nantes is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Granada. While the highlight of the city is the Alhambra, kids will likely enjoy exploring the shops or seeing a Flamenco show a bit more. Just outside of town is a wonderful hike, Ruta de Los Cahorros. It begins near the town of Monachil which is easily accessible by taxi or public bus. The hike goes through canyons and across bridges and its a wonderful activity for the whole family.

Is Granada or Nantes Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Granada and Nantes make for a very good place to visit.

Granada makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It is a beautiful city that is filled with charm and history. Couples will enjoy exploring the Alhambra, taking in a Flamenco show, or sipping Sangria with tapas. The city is incredibly beautiful with stunning views and many great restaurants.

Couples visit Nantes frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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 Granada or Nantes Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Granada 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 Granada. It's a touristy city and it's a popular destination for backpackers as well. There are plenty of hostels around town and the city has social atmosphere with many opportunities to meet other travelers.

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 Granada or Nantes Better for Students?

Granada is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Nantes is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Granada is a great city to visit as a student. It's a popular study abroad destination. Accommodation for students is usually affordable and this is also a great city for integrating into the local culture. You may even end up with a Spanish roommate.

Nantes is popular with students. 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 Granada or Nantes Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Nantes is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Granada is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Public transit in Nantes is fairly effecient and thorough. There are both trams and buses throughout the city that are operated by TAN (Transport de l'Agglomeration Nantaise).

You'll find some public transit in Granada, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a comprehensive bus system around town that many tourists take advantage of. Taxis are also very affordable, so for many visitors, that is an easy option.

Is Granada or Nantes a more walkable city?

Granada and Nantes are very good when it comes to walkability.

Granada is very walkable. Most of the touristy areas are easy to explore on foot, but there are some steep hills so put on your walking shoes.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Nantes or Granada?

How long in Granada or Nantes?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Granada and Nantes. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Granada than in Nantes. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Granada, and 2-3 days is enough time in Nantes.

Families should spend more time in Nantes than Granada. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Granada 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 Granada.

One day in Granada or Nantes?

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

In Nantes, you'll find nightlife and food. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Granada or Nantes?

Granada is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the museums, 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.

In Nantes, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Nantes has to offer.

Five days in Granada or Nantes?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Granada. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

Nantes is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Granada or Nantes?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the charming destination of Granada. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nantes. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Nantes. One reason most visitors come is for the food. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Madrid, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Barcelona, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Granada or Nantes?

Nantes has a larger population, and is about 16% larger than the population of Granada. When comparing the sizes of Granada 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 Granada or Nantes?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Granada or Nantes in the Summer?

Both Nantes and Granada are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Granada for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Nantes in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Granada is generally a little warmer than Nantes. Daily temperatures in Granada average around 25°C (77°F), and Nantes fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

It's quite sunny in Nantes. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Granada. Granada usually receives more sunshine than Nantes during summer. Granada gets 348 hours of sunny skies, while Nantes receives 267 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Granada usually receives less rain than Nantes. Granada gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Granada or Nantes in the Autumn?

Both Nantes and Granada during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Granada in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Nantes for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Granada is a little warmer than Nantes in the autumn. The daily temperature in Granada averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Nantes fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

It's quite sunny in Granada. In the autumn, Granada often gets more sunshine than Nantes. Granada gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nantes receives 141 hours of full sun.

Granada usually gets less rain in October than Nantes. Granada gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Granada or Nantes in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Granada and Nantes. Most visitors come to Granada for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Nantes because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Granada is much warmer than Nantes. Typically, the winter temperatures in Granada in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Nantes averages at about 6°C (42°F).

Granada usually receives more sunshine than Nantes during winter. Granada gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Nantes receives 72 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Granada usually receives around the same amount of rain as Nantes. Granada gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Granada or Nantes in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Granada as well as Nantes. The spring months attract visitors to Granada because of the natural beauty. Additionally, the natural beauty are the main draw to Nantes this time of year.

In April, Granada is generally a little warmer than Nantes. Daily temperatures in Granada average around 16°C (60°F), and Nantes fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Granada this time of the year. In the spring, Granada often gets more sunshine than Nantes. Granada gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nantes receives 187 hours of full sun.

Granada usually gets less rain in April than Nantes. Granada gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Nantes and Granada