A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Honfleur vs. Hvar for Food, Nightlife, Backpackers, and Beaches

Should you visit Honfleur or Hvar?

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 Honfleur and Hvar can help you decide which place is right for you.

Honfleur

Honfleur is a peaceful, serene, and picturesque city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, museums, and nightlife.

Hvar

Hvar is a historic, beautiful, and vibrant island. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Honfleur and Hvar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Honfleur or Hvar?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hvar. Although Honfleur and Hvar are popular destinations, Hvar has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hvar is very popular for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and shopping, while Honfleur attracts visitors for its food. Hvar is more touristy than Honfleur and is popular for its wild parties, beautiful buildings, and world class cuisine. It is also well known for Hvar Fort. Honfleur is famous for its influence over Impressionist art, its stunning harbor, and its beautiful buildings.

How is Honfleur different from Hvar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Honfleur or Hvar?

Spend time exploring the nice sights and museums in either Honfleur or Hvar.

Honfleur is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Some of the most notable sights around the town include Saint Catherine's Church, Le Vieux Bassin, Notre-Dame de Grace, and the Normandy Bridge.

Hvar offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Wandering around the old town you'll see many historic buildings such as the Cathedral of St. Stephen. You can also visit the nearby Hvar Fort or explore the Franciscan Monastery.

Is the Food Better in Honfleur or Hvar? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Honfleur is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its restaurants.

Many restaurants in Honfleur have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Located on the coast of Normandy along the English Channel, seafood is a defining element for most dishes here. Foodies flock to this town for its Michelin starred restaurants as well as its local cafes and quaint eateries. For land-lovers, there's a popular local cider-braised pork that you must-try. And for dessert make sure you try the Tarte Tatin.

Hvar has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. It's an island, so you'll find no shortage of seafood in the restaurants. There's fish, crab, lobster, squid, and octopus on the menus around town. Many dishes are prepared with risotto or pasta and you'll find a lot of olive oil and wine.

Is Honfleur or Hvar Better for Nightlife?

Hvar is an unbeatable place for nightlife. Also, Honfleur is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Hvar is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The island has a reputation as a party island, and it's well earned. Most of the activity is found in Hvar Town, particularly between the months of June and September. Young people flock to the island for the all night parties and wild beach bars and clubs.

Honfleur has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Restaurants come to life at night when music flows out onto the streets. The town is not known for its partying, but that doesn't mean that it's a sleepy place that shuts down when the sun sets.

Is Honfleur or Hvar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hvar is very good for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Honfleur is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Hvar. The water is clear and there are snorkeling day trips that leave from town. This is a great way to get out on the water and glimpse the undersea world.

Honfleur is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Honfleur or Hvar Better for Beaches?

Hvar is an excellent place to visit for its beaches. However, Honfleur is lacking in options for the beache.

Hvar is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. The island has hilly bays and coves that are fun to explore. The best beaches are found to the south and southwest of the island and many are pebbly or gravelly.

You can check out the beach in Honfleur. The town sits by the estuary of the Seine and there are two beaches not far from town. Butin Beach is the closest to town and the most popular, but Vasouy Beach is more relaxed and natural.

Is Honfleur or Hvar Better for Hiking?

Hvar is very good for its hiking trails. However, Honfleur is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Hvar. There are a number of hikes on the island that cater to every skill level and take you through natural areas or past historic sights.

Honfleur is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Honfleur or Hvar?

Hvar is very good for shopping. However, Honfleur is lacking in options for its shopping opportunities.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Hvar. In the town you'll find galleries, boutiques, jewelry shops and other beach stores. It's fun to pop in and look at the different items.

If you're looking to go shopping, Honfleur has some nice offerings. It's a charming town with boutique shops, chocolate shops, and the standard tourist places that sell souvenirs and t-shirts.

Is Honfleur or Hvar Better for Families?

Hvar is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Honfleur is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Hvar is a very family-friendly destination. There are adventure parks, water parks, and other fun activities for kids. There are also beaches where everyone can swim and sea kayaking trips. Hvar Observatory is also a unique and fun place to visit as a family.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Honfleur. Located on the coast of Normandy, the town has boat rides, quirky museums, and Vieux Bassin, which is a beautiful and lively harbor. For kids who need to stretch their legs, there are many parks and outdoor spaces to enjoy.

Is Honfleur or Hvar Better for Couples?

Both Honfleur and Hvar are superb destinations to visit as a couple.

Honfleur makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It has, arguably, one of the area's most beautiful harbors. There are also many great seafood restaurants, relaxing gardens, and spas that are perfect for couples.

Couples visit Hvar frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are some romantic hotels and beautiful beaches that make this a wonderful destination for couples. Anyone who enjoys a coastal setting with clear waters and a variety of water sports will enjoy their time here.

Is Honfleur or Hvar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hvar is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Honfleur is lacking in options for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Hvar. The island has long been a popular stop with backpackers who enjoy the affordable prices, abundance of hostels, and active nightlife scene. You'll have no trouble meeting other travelers, particularly during the peak summer months.

Honfleur is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. You'll likely have more luck looking for an apartment than a hostel, so if you're looking for a place to stay with a social setting, you may be out of luck.

Is Honfleur or Hvar Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Hvar is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Honfleur is lacking in options for its public transit.

Hvar has some public transit options. Buses are operated by Cazmatrans Hva and they travel between the major municipalities.

Public transit is generally limited in Honfleur. HO Buses travel from the outskirts or town into the center and are used mainly by locals. If you plan to head into Normandy to see the countryside, you'll want to have a car.

Is Honfleur or Hvar a more walkable city?

Honfleur is notable for its high level of walkability. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its ease of walking around.

Honfleur is a very walkable city. The city center is compact and easy to explore on foot. There are also many coastal walks leading out of town.

Hvar is a somewhat walkable city. Hvar Town can be explored on foot, but you'll need a vehicle to explore other parts of the island.

For even more information, also check out Is Honfleur Worth Visiting? and Is Hvar Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hvar or Honfleur?

How long in Honfleur or Hvar?

It's fun to spend time in either Honfleur or Hvar. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Hvar due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Honfleur, and 2-4 days is enough time in Hvar.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Hvar than Honfleur 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 Hvar.

One day in Honfleur or Hvar?

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

The beautiful island of Hvar offers museums and nightlife. Most people come for the beaches. 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 Honfleur or Hvar?

Honfleur is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the food. 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.

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

Five days in Honfleur or Hvar?

You'll find food and museums around the peaceful destination of Honfleur. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Hvar is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that nightlife 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 Honfleur or Hvar?

The peaceful city of Honfleur offers museums and nightlife. 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.

Hvar is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that nightlife is why people visit. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This island offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Croatia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Croatia.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Honfleur or Hvar?

Honfleur has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Hvar. When comparing the sizes of Honfleur and Hvar, 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.