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

Should you visit Hamburg or Nantes?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Hamburg and Nantes can help you decide which place is right for you.

Hamburg

Hamburg is a cultural, vibrant, and historic port city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Nantes

Nantes is a welcoming, friendly, and historical city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Hamburg and Nantes: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Hamburg or Nantes?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Hamburg than Nantes. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Hamburg is very popular for its music, while Nantes attracts visitors for its food, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Hamburg is more touristy than Nantes and is popular for its music clubs, beautiful architecture, relaxing natural areas, and green space. It is also well known for St. Michael's Church. Nantes is famous for its castles and historical landmarks, local wine, and beautiful parks and gardens.

How is Hamburg different from Nantes?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Hamburg or Nantes.

Many visitors head to Hamburg specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city's most famous district is the port area, which has a number of cultural sights and a pedestrian trail. There are also many museums and architectural landmarks around town.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Nantes can be an interesting and educational experience. 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 Hamburg or Nantes? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nantes is renowned for its restaurant scene. Also, Hamburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Nantes has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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).

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Hamburg. The city has a mix of cosmopolitan restaurants and traditional places where you can enjoy a classic German dish like currywurst or labskaus (a type of stew).

Is Hamburg or Nantes Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Hamburg and Nantes.

Hamburg is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city is often overlooked, but it's nightlife scene is actually among the best. There are techno concerts, music festivals, and nightclubs that appeal to all personalities.

Many people head to Nantes for the nightlife scene. 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 Hamburg or Nantes Better for Music?

Hamburg is an unbeatable place for its music scene. However, Nantes is not a live music destination.

Hamburg has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The city is an influential power in the music scene around Europe. You'll find many clubs concentrated in the St. Pauli district.

Nantes is not a live music destination.

Is Hamburg or Nantes Better for its Old Town?

Nantes is very good for its historic old town charm. However, Hamburg does not have a historic old town.

Nantes offers a nice historic old town area. 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.

Hamburg does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Hamburg or Nantes?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Nantes and Hamburg.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Hamburg. The diversity of shopping venues includes flea markets and luxury shopping malls. One of the main shopping streets in town is the Mönkebergstrasse.

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.

Is Hamburg or Nantes Better for Families?

You'll find excellent kid-friendly activities in either Hamburg or Nantes.

Hamburg is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has a surprising number of opportunities to see wildlife nearby including a zoo and a wildlife park just outside of town. The city also has great playgrounds that are fun for kids who need a break from sightseeing.

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.

Is Hamburg or Nantes Better for Couples?

Nantes is well known for couples. Also, Hamburg is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

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.

Hamburg is a nice destination for couples. Romantic activities in town include taking a boat ride or harbor cruise or grabbing a cocktail at one of the city's many bars.

Is Hamburg or Nantes Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hamburg is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Nantes is lacking in good options for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Hamburg. Many backpackers overlook the city, but there are a number of good hostels and a relaxing vibe that makes for a nice visit.

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 Hamburg or Nantes Better for Students?

Hamburg and Nantes are nice places to visit for students.

Hamburg is popular with students. The city has a few great universities and a number of opportunities for international students.

It's common for students to visit Nantes. 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 Hamburg or Nantes Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Hamburg and Nantes.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Hamburg. There are trains and buses that make their way around town.

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).

Is Hamburg or Nantes a more walkable city?

Hamburg and Nantes both are excellent when exploring on foot.

Hamburg is a very walkable destination. Most tourist areas can easily be explored on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Nantes or Hamburg?

How long in Hamburg or Nantes?

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

Families should spend more time in Nantes than Hamburg. 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.

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

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

One day in Hamburg or Nantes?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Hamburg. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

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 Hamburg or Nantes?

Hamburg is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the live music, 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 Hamburg or Nantes?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hamburg. Don't miss the live music, as that's what most people do. 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 Hamburg or Nantes?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the energetic destination of Hamburg. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 10-Day Tours from Berlin, The Best 2-Week Tours from Berlin, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Hamburg or Nantes?

Hamburg has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Nantes. When comparing the sizes of Hamburg 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 Hamburg or Nantes?

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 Hamburg or Nantes in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Hamburg as well as Nantes. The music scene and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Hamburg this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Nantes for the family-friendly experiences.

Hamburg is cooler than Nantes in the summer. The daily temperature in Hamburg averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Nantes fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nantes. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hamburg this time of the year. In the summer, Hamburg often gets less sunshine than Nantes. Hamburg gets 207 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nantes receives 267 hours of full sun.

Hamburg usually gets more rain in July than Nantes. Hamburg gets 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hamburg or Nantes in the Autumn?

Both Nantes and Hamburg are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Hamburg for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Nantes in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Hamburg is cooler than Nantes. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Hamburg in October average around 10°C (50°F), and Nantes averages at about 13°C (56°F).

Hamburg usually receives less sunshine than Nantes during autumn. Hamburg gets 101 hours of sunny skies, while Nantes receives 141 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Hamburg usually receives less rain than Nantes. Hamburg gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Hamburg or Nantes in the Winter?

Both Nantes and Hamburg during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Hamburg in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Nantes for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Hamburg can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Hamburg is generally much colder than Nantes. Daily temperatures in Hamburg average around 0°C (33°F), and Nantes fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Hamburg often gets less sunshine than Nantes. Hamburg gets 42 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nantes receives 72 hours of full sun.

Hamburg usually gets less rain in January than Nantes. Hamburg gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Hamburg or Nantes in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Hamburg and Nantes. Most visitors come to Hamburg for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Nantes because of the natural beauty.

Hamburg is cooler than Nantes in the spring. The daily temperature in Hamburg averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Nantes fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Hamburg usually receives less sunshine than Nantes during spring. Hamburg gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Nantes receives 187 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Hamburg usually receives around the same amount of rain as Nantes. Hamburg gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Nantes and Hamburg