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

Should you visit Hannover or Nantes?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Hannover and Nantes. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Hannover

Hannover is a cultural, dynamic, and diverse city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Nantes

Nantes is a beautiful, vibrant, and welcoming city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Hannover and Nantes: Pros and Cons

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
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Hannover or Nantes?

You'll generally find more things to do in Hannover than Nantes. Hannover is bigger than Nantes, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Hannover is better known for its big city activities, while Nantes is more popular for its museums, food, shopping, and impressive beauty. Hannover is well known for its many parks and gardens as well as its accessibility to the German train system. Also, Hannover is famous for The Royal Gardens of Herrenhausen. Nantes is well known for its castles and historical landmarks, local wine, and beautiful parks and gardens.

How is Hannover different from Nantes?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Hannover
Nantes

Nantes is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Hannover is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.

Hannover offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. You'll see many of the city's sights along the Red Thread Trail in the city center. Make sure you check out the New Town Hall, the Royal Gardens of Herrenhausen, and the Lower Saxony State Museum as well.


Is the Food Better in Hannover or Nantes? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hannover
Nantes

Nantes is very popular for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Hannover is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Eat your way through Nantes, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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 Hannover. You'll find classic tearooms, food halls, fine dining restaurants, and markets. Try all of the classic German sausages or sample international dishes in this dynamic city.

Is Hannover or Nantes Better for Nightlife?

Hannover
Nantes

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find great options in both Hannover and Nantes.

The nightlife in Hannover has something for everybody. There are many students who keep the nightlife scene active. From beer halls to jazz venues, you'll find a diversity of options around town.

Nantes offers plenty to do in the evening. 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 Hannover or Nantes Better for its Old Town?

Hannover
Nantes

Visitors enjoy the notable old town areas in both Hannover and Nantes.

Hannover is a good destination for visiting its old town. Check out the half-timbered buildings, the old churches, and the charming streets around old town.

Many people head to Nantes to see the 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 the Shopping Better in Hannover or Nantes?

Hannover
Nantes

Nantes is a great city for shopping. Also, Hannover is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Hannover offers some nice shopping areas. Head to the 14th-century Market Church (Marktkirche) and wander around the nearby streets for some of the city's best shopping. Also make sure you check out the city flea market. In addition to boutiques and independent shops, there are also major department stores and large shopping malls in the area.

Is Hannover or Nantes Better for Families?

Hannover
Nantes

Nantes is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Hannover is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Hannover is a family-friendly place to visit. Like many German cities, there are a number of activities geared specifically to kids. Check out the Sea Life Center or the Hannover Zoo. If you're willing to get out of town a bit, there's also Serengeti Park Hodenhagen or Rasti-Land theme park, which has rides and games.

Is Hannover or Nantes Better for Couples?

Hannover
Nantes

Nantes is a great city for romance. Also, Hannover is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

Nantes is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

Hannover makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Romantic settings around town include Herrenhäuser Gärten, Berggarten, and Maschpark.


Is Hannover or Nantes Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hannover
Nantes

Hannover 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 Hannover. Some people use the city to split up longer train trips. There are a couple of hostels in town if you decide to stay a night or two.

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 Hannover or Nantes Better for Students?

Hannover
Nantes

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

Hannover is a great city to visit as a student. There are a few great universities in town including Leibniz University, which attract international students. There's also a nice nightlife and easy accessibility to the rest of Germany.

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 Hannover or Nantes Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Hannover
Nantes

Hannover and Nantes both offer great public transit to get you around.

Public transit in Hannover is fairly effecient and thorough. The city has 12 city trains and 38 bus lines.

Nantes has some very good public transit options. There are both trams and buses throughout the city that are operated by TAN (Transport de l'Agglomeration Nantaise).


Is Hannover or Nantes a more walkable city?

Hannover
Nantes

Hannover and Nantes are great when it comes to walkability.

Hannover is very walkable. There are some nice walkable parts to the city.

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 Hannover Worth Visiting? and Is Nantes Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nantes or Hannover?

How long in Hannover or Nantes?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Hannover and Nantes. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Nantes than in Hannover. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Hannover, and 2-3 days is enough time in Nantes.

Families should spend more time in Nantes than Hannover. 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 Hannover. 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 Hannover 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 Hannover.


  • How many days in Hannover or Nantes? Ideal Length of Stay
    Hannover 1-2 
    Nantes 2-3

One day in Hannover or Nantes?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Hannover. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

The beautiful city of Nantes offers food and shopping. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Hannover or Nantes?

Hannover is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Nantes is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Nantes, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.


Five days in Hannover or Nantes?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hannover. 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 popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Hannover or Nantes?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the vibrant destination of Hannover. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Nantes is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.


For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Germany, The Best Oktoberfest Tours in Germany, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Nantes or Hannover?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Hannover is €155, while the average daily cost in Nantes is €108. 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 Hannover and Nantes in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Hannover 85
    Nantes 60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Hannover 170
    Nantes 120
Compare Hotels in Hannover and Nantes

Looking for a hotel in Hannover or Nantes? 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 Hannover


Hotels in Nantes


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: Hannover Hotel Prices and Nantes Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Hannover 23
    Nantes 36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Hannover

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

  • Private Transfer From Hanover City to Bremen City: $94
  • Private Transfer From Hannover to Hamburg, English Speaking Driver: $212
  • Private Transfer From Hannover to Hamburg With Sightseeing Stops: $271
  • Private Direct Transfer From Wolfsburg to Hamburg; English Speaking Driver: $289

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nantes

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

  • Private Transfer from Nantes Atlantique Airport NTE to Puy du Fou Park: $174
  • Private Transfer from Nantes Hotels to La Rochelle Cruise Port: $88
  • Private Transfer from Nantes Airport (NTE) to La Rochelle Port: $88
  • Nantes Private Transfer from Nantes city centre to Nantes Airport: $65
  • Nantes Private Transfer from Nantes Airport to City centre: $65
  • Nantes Airport (NTE) to Nantes - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $52
  • Private Transfer from Airports to Nantes: $33
  • Nantes Airport (NTE) to Nantes hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $26
  • Nantes to Nantes Airport (NTE) - Departure Private Transfer: $26

Is it cheaper to fly into Hannover or Nantes?

Prices for flights to both Nantes and Hannover 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
    Hannover 49
    Nantes 27

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nantes

For Nantes, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Nantes Traditional Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience : $104
  • All Inclusive Food Tour of Nantes Old Town with Local Guide: $145

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Hannover 35
    Nantes 13

Tours and Activities in Hannover

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

  • Culinary bike tour: $41
  • Fritz Haarmann murder tour through Hanover's old town: $33
  • Guided tour of the New Town Hall in Hanover: $11
  • Guided tour of the Royal Herrenhausen Gardens: $13
  • Hamelin Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $257
  • Hanno(ver)nascht Culinary city tour: $40
  • Hanover Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $252
  • Hanover: Private Walking tour with A Guide (Private Tour): $120
  • Hanover: SEA LIFE Entry Ticket: $20
  • Hop-on hop-off tour in Hanover in a double-decker bus: $22
  • On the trail of crime - Hannover's Crime Tour: $19
  • Personal Travel & Vacation Photography Walking Tour in Hannover: $186

Tours and Activities in Nantes

For Nantes, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Exploring London's Natural Marvels: Museum Adventure: $83
  • Guided treetop adventure course in the heart of Nantes: $31
  • Half-Day Tour in Nantes: $291
  • Nantes : Must-see Attractions Walking Tour: $75
  • Nantes : Private Walking Tour With A Local : $51
  • Nantes Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $52
  • Nantes Private Guided Walking Tour: $307
  • Nantes Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.54
  • Nantes Traditional Food Group Walking Tour: $102
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Panoramic Tour by Electric Bike: $59

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Hannover 34
    Nantes 6.43

Sample the Local Flavors in Nantes

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Nantes:

  • Château du Bois-Huaut: Cellar Tour and Wine Tasting Class: $35


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

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


Which is Bigger, Hannover or Nantes?

Hannover has a larger population, and is about 86% larger than the population of Nantes. When comparing the sizes of Hannover 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 Hannover 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 Hannover or Nantes in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Hannover and Nantes. Many visitors come to Hannover in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Nantes for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Hannover is generally cooler than Nantes. Daily temperatures in Hannover average around 18°C (64°F), and Nantes fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nantes this time of the year. Hannover usually receives less sunshine than Nantes during summer. Hannover gets 198 hours of sunny skies, while Nantes receives 267 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Hannover usually receives more rain than Nantes. Hannover gets 62 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Hannover 18°C (64°F) 
    Nantes 19°C (67°F)

Should I visit Hannover or Nantes in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Hannover as well as Nantes. Most visitors come to Hannover for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Nantes because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Hannover is cooler than Nantes in the autumn. The daily temperature in Hannover averages around 10°C (51°F) in October, and Nantes fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Hannover often gets less sunshine than Nantes. Hannover gets 104 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nantes receives 141 hours of full sun.

Hannover usually gets less rain in October than Nantes. Hannover gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Hannover 10°C (51°F) 
    Nantes 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Hannover or Nantes in the Winter?

Both Nantes and Hannover are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Hannover because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Nantes this time of year.

The weather in Hannover can be very cold. In the winter, Hannover is much colder than Nantes. Typically, the winter temperatures in Hannover in January average around 1°C (33°F), and Nantes averages at about 6°C (42°F).

Hannover usually receives less sunshine than Nantes during winter. Hannover gets 42 hours of sunny skies, while Nantes receives 72 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Hannover usually receives less rain than Nantes. Hannover gets 52 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Hannover 1°C (33°F) 
    Nantes 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Hannover or Nantes in the Spring?

Both Nantes and Hannover during the spring are popular places to visit. The activities around the city are the main draw to Hannover this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Nantes for the natural beauty.

In April, Hannover is generally cooler than Nantes. Daily temperatures in Hannover average around 8°C (47°F), and Nantes fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the spring, Hannover often gets less sunshine than Nantes. Hannover gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nantes receives 187 hours of full sun.

Hannover usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Nantes. Hannover gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Hannover 8°C (47°F) 
    Nantes 11°C (51°F)

Typical Weather for Nantes and Hannover

Hannover Nantes
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 1°C (33°F) 52 mm (2.1 in) 6°C (42°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Feb 1°C (35°F) 37 mm (1.5 in) 6°C (44°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 5°C (40°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 8°C (47°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 8°C (47°F) 50 mm (2 in) 11°C (51°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 13°C (55°F) 62 mm (2.5 in) 14°C (57°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jun 16°C (61°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 17°C (63°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 62 mm (2.5 in) 19°C (67°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Aug 17°C (63°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 19°C (66°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 14°C (58°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 10°C (51°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 13°C (56°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 5°C (42°F) 52 mm (2.1 in) 9°C (48°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Dec 2°C (36°F) 60 mm (2.4 in) 6°C (43°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)


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