A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Graz vs. Le Mans for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Graz or Le Mans?

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

Should I visit Graz or Le Mans? 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.

Graz

Graz is a medieval, cultural, and historical city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Le Mans

Le Mans is a historic, quaint, and small town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Visitors also love the nightlife and museums.

Graz and Le Mans: Pros and Cons

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
  • Good for students
  • Very walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Graz or Le Mans?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Graz than Le Mans. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Graz is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Le Mans attracts visitors for its small town charm. Graz is more touristy than Le Mans and is known for its many cultural activities, its impressive old town, and its beautiful Baroque architecture. It is also well known for The Schlossberg and the Clock Tower. Le Mans is famous for being the location of the annual 24 Hours of Le Mans, which is one of the world's greatest sports-car races.

How is Graz different from Le Mans?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Graz or Le Mans?

Graz
Le Mans

Graz is great for its historical sights. Also, Le Mans is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to Graz specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The old town is among the largest in Europe and it's filled with sights and museums. The Schlossberg and the Clock Tower are among the most iconic sights but other highlights include the GrazMuseum, the Mohren Apotheke's Theriak Museum, a Gothic Franciscan Church, and the Robert Stolz Museum.

Le Mans offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. It's most famous as the location of the 24 hour car race, the 24 Hours of Le Mans and on some days it's possible to visit the race track which has a museum with simulators and other activities. Around town you'll find museums and activities affiliated with the racing culture, and there's also a cathedral as well as several nice museums relating to the automotive industry among other things.


Is the Food Better in Graz or Le Mans? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Graz
Le Mans

Graz is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Le Mans is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Graz. There's a huge focus on sustainable dining in town, so you'll find many restaurants that use a farm to table approach. Local ingredients are heavily valued and it's fun to sample the many local flavors. Backhendl is a classic fried chicken dish that you must try.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Le Mans. It's not known for its food scene, but there is one dish in particular that you should try. The local specialty is les rillettes de porc, which is a pork paté.

Is Graz or Le Mans Better for Nightlife?

Graz
Le Mans

Graz is great for nightlife. Also, Le Mans is not as popular, but is still a nice town for nightlife and partying.

Many people head to Graz for the nightlife scene. The large student population means that there's an active nightlife scene that is diverse and fun. There's a wide variety of bars and pubs with almost any music genre you could want. There are also dance clubs for those who are looking for a party.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Le Mans. You'll find bars and clubs in the city center around Saint-Nicolas Quarter, rue des Ponts-neufs, Place de la Sirène and around the Republic Square.

Is Graz or Le Mans Better for its Old Town?

Graz
Le Mans

Graz is a world-class destination for its historic old town. However, Le Mans does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Graz is revered around the world. The medieval city center is very well preserved and one of the largest in Europe. The city has a lot of hidden charm and quaint streets to explore.

Le Mans does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Graz or Le Mans?

Graz
Le Mans

Graz is great for shopping. However, Le Mans is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Graz. You'll find a lot of shopping around both Jakominiplatz and Hauptplatz Squares. There are also a number of shopping streets in town including Herrengasse which is filled with shops, restaurants, and more.

Le Mans is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Graz or Le Mans Better for Families?

Graz
Le Mans

Graz is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Le Mans is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its family-friendly activities.

Graz is a very family-friendly destination. Kids will love the fairytale train and there's also a 4D cinema that is fun for the whole family. In Schlossberg Hill, families should check out The Slide, which is the largest underground slide in the world. Other highlights include a Children's Museum, a Folklife Museum, and a Natural History Museum.

Le Mans is a family-friendly place to visit. Make sure you visit on a day when Le Mans Karting International and the 24 Hours of Le Mans Museum is open to visitors. Families can ride on high speed go-carts and train like professionals with special game simulators. This is a popular destination for adults and kids alike. The town also has indoor play areas, waterparks, and beautiful parks to explore.

Is Graz or Le Mans Better for Couples?

Graz
Le Mans

Graz is great for romance. Also, Le Mans is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its romantic activities.

Graz is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. It's filled with culture, history, and amazing food. Couples will appreciate the romantic old town and the many world class sights around town.

Le Mans makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a small town, but racing enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to the 24 Hours of Le Mans Museum.


Is Graz or Le Mans Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Graz
Le Mans

For backpackers, both Graz and Le Mans are nice places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Graz. There are hostels and budget-friendly hotels around town that make this a nice town to explore as a backpacker.

Le Mans is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. While there aren't many hostels specifically designed for backpackers, it is possible to find affordable accommodation at most times.

Is Graz or Le Mans Better for Students?

Graz
Le Mans

Graz is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Le Mans is not popular with students.

Graz is very popular with students. It's long been an education center in Austria and students make up a significant portion of the population. It's also a chill city with a relaxed and student-friendly vibe.

Le Mans is not popular with students.

Is Graz or Le Mans Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Graz
Le Mans

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

Public transit in Graz is fairly effecient and thorough. There are buses and trams that travel around the town.

Le Mans has a few public transit options. There is a tram service around town that provides access to many places including the race track via the T1 line (Antarès-Stade Marie Marvingt and exit at the East Entrance).


Is Graz or Le Mans a more walkable city?

Graz
Le Mans

Graz is a world-class destination for its walkability. Also, Le Mans is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its high level of walkability.

Graz is a very easy city to get around on foot. You'll find everything you'd want to see in the old town, which is large, but still compact enough to explore on foot.

Le Mans is a somewhat walkable place. Parts of the town are walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is Graz Worth Visiting? and Is Le Mans Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Le Mans or Graz?

How long in Graz or Le Mans?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Graz and Le Mans. In our opinion, Graz has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Graz than Le Mans. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Graz, and 1-3 days is enough time in Le Mans.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Graz than Le Mans 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 Graz.


  • How many days in Graz or Le Mans? Ideal Length of Stay
    Graz 2-3 
    Le Mans 1-3

One day in Graz or Le Mans?

In Graz, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Le Mans. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Graz or Le Mans?

In Graz, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Graz has to offer.

Le Mans is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. 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.


Five days in Graz or Le Mans?

Graz is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the small destination of Le Mans. This town offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Graz or Le Mans?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Graz. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Graz. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

The quaint town of Le Mans offers nightlife and museums. 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 Christmas Market Tours in Austria, The Best Bicycle Tours in Austria, The Best Adventure Tours to France, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Le Mans or Graz?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Graz is €112, while the average daily cost in Le Mans is €83. 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 Graz and Le Mans in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Graz 67
    Le Mans 37
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Graz 134
    Le Mans 74
Compare Hotels in Graz and Le Mans

Looking for a hotel in Graz or Le Mans? 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 Graz


Hotels in Le Mans


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: Graz Hotel Prices and Le Mans Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Graz 18
    Le Mans 30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Graz

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

  • Transfer from Graz Airport to Koper: $207
  • Graz Private Transfer from Graz city centre to Graz Airport: $58
  • Graz Private Transfer from Graz Airport to City centre: $58

Is it cheaper to fly into Graz or Le Mans?

Prices for flights to both Le Mans and Graz 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
    Graz 32
    Le Mans 27

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Graz 13
    Le Mans 15

Tours and Activities in Graz

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

  • 2.5-hour puzzle tour through Graz city center: $16
  • Graz - Private tour including Castle visit: $374
  • Graz Christmas Market Tour: $267
  • Graz Crime Experience: self-guided crime tour: $42
  • Graz Enchantment Walking Tour: $238
  • Graz Enchantment Walking Tour: $129
  • Graz Jewish Quarter and Old Town Private Tour: $214
  • Graz Museum: Private Guided Tour: $219
  • Graz Old Town Highlights Private Walking Tour: $195
  • Graz Private Family Friendly Walking Tour: $214
  • Graz Private Family Friendly Walking Tour: $210
  • Graz Private Walking Tour: $235

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Graz 16
    Le Mans 12


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Graz and Le Mans, we can see that Graz is more expensive. And not only is Le Mans much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Le Mans would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Le Mans 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 Graz would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Graz than you might in Le Mans.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Graz Expensive? and Is Le Mans Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Graz or Le Mans?

Graz has a larger population, and is about 54% larger than the population of Le Mans. When comparing the sizes of Graz and Le Mans, 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 Graz or Le Mans?

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 Graz or Le Mans in the Summer?

Both Le Mans and Graz are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Graz this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Le Mans for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Graz is generally a little warmer than Le Mans. Daily temperatures in Graz average around 23°C (73°F), and Le Mans fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

It's quite sunny in Le Mans. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Graz. Graz usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Le Mans during summer. Graz gets 236 hours of sunny skies, while Le Mans receives 231 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Graz. In July, Graz usually receives more rain than Le Mans. Graz gets 126 mm (5 in) of rain, while Le Mans receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Graz 23°C (73°F) 
    Le Mans 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Graz or Le Mans in the Autumn?

Both Le Mans and Graz during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Graz for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Le Mans in the autumn for the small town atmosphere.

Graz is around the same temperature as Le Mans in the autumn. The daily temperature in Graz averages around 13°C (55°F) in October, and Le Mans fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Graz often gets more sunshine than Le Mans. Graz gets 139 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Le Mans receives 117 hours of full sun.

Graz usually gets less rain in October than Le Mans. Graz gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Le Mans receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Graz 13°C (55°F) 
    Le Mans 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Graz or Le Mans in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Graz and Le Mans. Many visitors come to Graz in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Le Mans for the museums and the cuisine during these months.

Le Mans can be very cold during winter. Graz can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Graz is much colder than Le Mans. Typically, the winter temperatures in Graz in January average around 1°C (34°F), and Le Mans averages at about 5°C (40°F).

Graz usually receives more sunshine than Le Mans during winter. Graz gets 95 hours of sunny skies, while Le Mans receives 54 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Graz usually receives less rain than Le Mans. Graz gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Le Mans receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Graz 1°C (34°F) 
    Le Mans 5°C (40°F)

Should I visit Graz or Le Mans in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Graz as well as Le Mans. Most visitors come to Graz for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Le Mans because of the small town charm.

In April, Graz is generally a little warmer than Le Mans. Daily temperatures in Graz average around 13°C (55°F), and Le Mans fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In the spring, Graz often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Le Mans. Graz gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Le Mans receives 168 hours of full sun.

Graz usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Le Mans. Graz gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Le Mans receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Graz 13°C (55°F) 
    Le Mans 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Le Mans and Graz

Graz Le Mans
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 1°C (34°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 5°C (40°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 5°C (42°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Mar 8°C (46°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 8°C (46°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Apr 13°C (55°F) 52 mm (2 in) 10°C (50°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 18°C (64°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 14°C (56°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 119 mm (4.7 in) 17°C (62°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 126 mm (5 in) 19°C (66°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Aug 22°C (72°F) 115 mm (4.5 in) 19°C (65°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Sep 18°C (64°F) 76 mm (3 in) 16°C (61°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Oct 13°C (55°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 7°C (44°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 8°C (46°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Dec 2°C (36°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 5°C (42°F) 75 mm (3 in)


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