A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Granada vs. Saint-Etienne for Attractions, Nightlife, Hiking, and Couples

Should you visit Granada or Saint-Etienne?

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

Should I visit Granada or Saint-Etienne? 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 cultural, historic, and beautiful city. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the food, hiking, and shopping.

Saint-Etienne

Saint-Etienne is a historic, park-filled, and industrial city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, hiking, and museums.

Granada and Saint-Etienne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Granada or Saint-Etienne?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Granada than Saint-Etienne. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Granada is more touristy than Saint-Etienne and is known for its Islamic architecture, charming old town, and the stunningly impressive Alhambra. It is also well known for The Alhambra. Saint-Etienne is famous for its industrial and manufacturing past.

How is Granada different from Saint-Etienne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne?

Granada is an amazing city to visit for its historical sights. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

The museums and tourist attractions in Granada are world-renowned. 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Saint-Etienne. There are several great museums in town including the Musée d'Art et d'Industrie, Musée de la Mine, Musée des Verts, and the planetarium.

Is the Food Better in Granada or Saint-Etienne? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Granada is a good destination for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Granada has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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.

Saint-Etienne may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Try the many local cheeses which are a defining part of the cuisine in the area. You'll find some local restaurants around town where you can sample local flavors.

Is Granada or Saint-Etienne Better for Nightlife?

Granada is great for nightlife and partying. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

Many people head to Granada for the nightlife scene. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Saint-Etienne. The nightlife is centered around sipping wine or visiting one of the clubs in town.

Is Granada or Saint-Etienne Better for its Old Town?

Granada is an amazing city to visit for its old town. However, Saint-Etienne does not have a historic old town.

Granada offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The Old Town spills out around the Granada Cathedral and is filled with charming pedestrian streets, lively plazas, and many great shops.

Saint-Etienne does not have a historic old town.

Is Granada or Saint-Etienne Better for Hiking?

Granada is great for hiking. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for the nearby hiking options.

Many visitors go to Granada for the hiking trails. 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.

Saint-Etienne is a good destination for hiking. You'll find several great hikes just outside of town. It's a great way to experience the surrounding countryside.

Is the Shopping Better in Granada or Saint-Etienne?

Granada is a good destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its shopping areas.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Granada. 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.

Saint-Etienne has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. Shopping malls and several boutique shopping areas make up the city's shopping scene.

Is Granada or Saint-Etienne Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Granada or Saint-Etienne.

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 Saint-Etienne. There are several kid-friendly museums as well as plenty of natural settings just outside of town. Your kids can run around and stretch their legs nearby at Crest of the Partridge or on a rainy day, the planetarium is a fun place to visit.

Is Granada or Saint-Etienne Better for Couples?

Granada is great for its romantic activities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for couples.

Granada is a great city if you're traveling as 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.

Saint-Etienne is not always the best place to visit for a couple. There are museums, parks, gardens, and beautiful architecture that make this a wonderful place for couples.

Is Granada or Saint-Etienne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Granada is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for backpackers.

Many 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.

Saint-Etienne is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not high on the backpacker trail, but there are hostels and plenty of activities to enjoy.

Is Granada or Saint-Etienne Better for Students?

Granada is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Saint-Etienne is not popular with students.

Many students visit 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.

Saint-Etienne is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find nice public transit in both Granada and Saint-Etienne.

Granada has some public transit options. 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.

You'll find some public transit in Saint-Etienne, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are tram and bus options available in town.

Is Granada or Saint-Etienne a more walkable city?

Granada is great for its high level of walkability. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its ease of walking around.

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.

Saint-Etienne is a somewhat walkable city. There are several walkable areas in the city.

For even more information, also check out Is Granada Worth Visiting? and Is Saint-Etienne Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Saint-Etienne or Granada?

How long in Granada or Saint-Etienne?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Granada or Saint-Etienne to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Granada than Saint-Etienne because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Granada, and 1-2 days is enough time in Saint-Etienne.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Granada than Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the beautiful destination of Granada. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

In Saint-Etienne, you'll find nightlife and museums. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Granada or Saint-Etienne?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Granada. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Don't miss the museums, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Saint-Etienne, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Saint-Etienne has to offer.

Five days in Granada or Saint-Etienne?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historic destination of Granada. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days 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.

Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne?

You'll find food and shopping around the beautiful city of Granada. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint-Etienne. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Saint-Etienne. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Paris, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris.

When comparing the travel costs between Granada and Saint-Etienne, 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 Saint-Etienne Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Granada or Saint-Etienne?

Granada has a larger population, and is about 35% larger than the population of Saint-Etienne. When comparing the sizes of Granada and Saint-Etienne, 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 Saint-Etienne?

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 Saint-Etienne in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Granada and Saint-Etienne. Most visitors come to Granada for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Saint-Etienne because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Granada is a little warmer than Saint-Etienne. Typically, the summer temperatures in Granada in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Saint-Etienne averages at about 22°C (71°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saint-Etienne this time of the year. In Granada, it's very sunny this time of the year. Granada usually receives more sunshine than Saint-Etienne during summer. Granada gets 348 hours of sunny skies, while Saint-Etienne receives 285 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Granada usually receives less rain than Saint-Etienne. Granada gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Granada or Saint-Etienne in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Granada as well as Saint-Etienne. The autumn months attract visitors to Granada because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Saint-Etienne this time of year.

In October, Granada is generally a little warmer than Saint-Etienne. Daily temperatures in Granada average around 19°C (67°F), and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Granada this time of the year. In the autumn, Granada often gets more sunshine than Saint-Etienne. Granada gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint-Etienne receives 127 hours of full sun.

Granada usually gets less rain in October than Saint-Etienne. Granada gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Granada or Saint-Etienne in the Winter?

Both Saint-Etienne and Granada are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Granada this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Saint-Etienne for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Saint-Etienne. Granada is much warmer than Saint-Etienne in the winter. The daily temperature in Granada averages around 12°C (54°F) in January, and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

Granada usually receives more sunshine than Saint-Etienne during winter. Granada gets 171 hours of sunny skies, while Saint-Etienne receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Granada usually receives more rain than Saint-Etienne. Granada gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Granada or Saint-Etienne in the Spring?

Both Saint-Etienne and Granada during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Granada for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Saint-Etienne in the spring for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Granada is a little warmer than Saint-Etienne. Typically, the spring temperatures in Granada in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Saint-Etienne averages at about 11°C (53°F).

It's quite sunny in Granada. In the spring, Granada often gets more sunshine than Saint-Etienne. Granada gets 220 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint-Etienne receives 174 hours of full sun.

Granada usually gets less rain in April than Saint-Etienne. Granada gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Saint-Etienne and Granada