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

Should you visit Granada or Nice?

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

Should I visit Granada or Nice? 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 historic, beautiful, and charming city. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and hiking.

Nice

Nice is a beautiful, opulent, and trendy seaside destination. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. Other reasons to visit include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Granada and Nice: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Granada or Nice?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Nice than Granada. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Nice is very popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while Granada attracts visitors for its museums, historical sights, and hiking. Nice is more touristy than Granada 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. Granada is famous for its Islamic architecture, charming old town, and the stunningly impressive Alhambra.

How is Granada different from Nice?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Nice 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 Nice?

Granada is renowned for its sights and museums. However, Nice does not have museums and landmarks.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Granada are among the most recognizable in the world. 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.

Nice does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Nice 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, Nice is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

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 Nice Better for Nightlife?

Nice is a world-class destination for nightlife. Also, Granada is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

People head to Nice just to party. 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.

The people in Granada know how to have a good time. 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.

Is Granada or Nice Better for Resorts?

Nice is a world-class destination for its luxury resorts. However, Granada is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Nice is a great choice. 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.

Granada is not a resort destination.

Is Granada or Nice Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Nice is a popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Granada is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Nice has a few good snorkeling spots. There are some places where you can arrange a snorkeling or dive trip to explore the underwater setting.

Granada is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Granada or Nice Better for Beaches?

Nice is an excellent place to visit for its beaches. However, Granada is not a beach destination.

Nice is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Granada is not a beach destination.

Is Granada or Nice Better for its Old Town?

Granada is renowned for its old town. Also, Nice is not as famous, but is still a good seaside destination to visit for its historic old town charm.

The old town of Granada is one of the most recognized in the world. The Old Town spills out around the Granada Cathedral and is filled with charming pedestrian streets, lively plazas, and many great shops.

There are many historical things to see 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.

Is Granada or Nice Better for Hiking?

Granada is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Nice is not a hiking destination.

Granada is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Nice is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Granada or Nice?

Nice 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 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.

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 Nice Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Granada or Nice.

Granada is a family-friendly city. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Nice. 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 Granada or Nice Better for Couples?

Nice is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Granada is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Nice makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Couples visit Granada frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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.

Is Granada or Nice Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Granada is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Nice is not as famous, but is still a good seaside destination to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Granada is a great city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Nice. 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 Granada or Nice Better for Students?

Granada is a well-known place for students. However, Nice is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Granada. 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.

Nice is not popular with students.

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

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

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 Nice a more walkable city?

Nice is a world-class destination for its walkability. Also, Granada is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Nice. You should definitely spend some time exploring the 7 kilometer long Promenade des Anglais.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Nice or Granada?

How long in Granada or Nice?

In either Granada or Nice, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Nice than Granada because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Granada, and 3-5 days is enough time in Nice.

Families should spend more time in Nice than Granada. 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 Granada. 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 Granada than Nice 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 Nice?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Granada. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This seaside destination 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 Nice?

Granada is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the museums. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

In Nice, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Granada or Nice?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the charming destination of Granada. This city offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Nice is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Nice has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Granada or Nice?

The historic city of Granada offers nightlife and food. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nice. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Nice. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 Nice, we can see that Nice 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 Nice Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Granada or Nice?

Nice has a larger population, and is about 42% larger than the population of Granada. When comparing the sizes of Granada 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 Granada 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 Granada or Nice in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Granada as well as Nice. Many visitors come to Granada in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Nice for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Granada is around the same temperature as Nice. Typically, the summer temperatures in Granada in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Nice averages at about 23°C (73°F).

Granada usually gets less rain in July than Nice. Granada gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Nice receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Granada or Nice in the Autumn?

Both Nice and Granada are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Granada for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Nice because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Granada is generally a little warmer than Nice. Daily temperatures in Granada average around 19°C (67°F), and Nice fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nice. In October, Granada usually receives less rain than Nice. Granada gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Nice receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Granada or Nice in the Winter?

Both Nice and Granada during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Granada because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Nice this time of year.

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

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

Should I visit Granada or Nice in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Granada and Nice. The natural beauty are the main draw to Granada this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Nice for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Granada is a little warmer than Nice. Typically, the spring temperatures in Granada in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Nice averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In April, Granada usually receives less rain than Nice. Granada gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Nice receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Nice and Granada