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

Should you visit Honfleur or Kotor?

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 Kotor can help you decide which place is right for you.

Honfleur

Honfleur is a scenic, historic, and peaceful city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and museums.

Kotor

Kotor is a peaceful, remote, and dramatic coastal town. Since it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors, too. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. Other reasons to visit include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Honfleur and Kotor: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Honfleur or Kotor?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Kotor. Although Honfleur and Kotor are both popular with visitors, Kotor has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Kotor is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Honfleur is known for its museums, nightlife, and shopping. Honfleur is popular for its influence over Impressionist art, its stunning harbor, and its beautiful buildings. Kotor is popular for its medieval old town and its dramatic setting on the coastline surrounded by limestone cliffs. It is also home to The Cathedral of Saint Tryphon (Kotor Cathedral).

How is Honfleur different from Kotor?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Kotor 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 Kotor?

Honfleur is very good for its museums and landmarks. However, Kotor does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Kotor does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Honfleur and Kotor can be an enjoyable experience.

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

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Kotor is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Food is fresh and hearty, with many dishes including meats, cheeses, and bread. Popular local dishes include börek, black risotto, and pasulj (a type of baked beans prepared with meats and spices). Seafood is an obvious choice around town as well. Ask for whatever is fresh and enjoy a delicious meal. There are also a number of dessert cafes where you can enjoy pastries at a very affordable price.

Is Honfleur or Kotor Better for Nightlife?

Honfleur is very good for nightlife. However, Kotor is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

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.

Kotor doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It has some of the best nightlife in Montenegro, but outside of the summer months you'll find things are very calm. Head to the old town for the highest concentration of bars and clubs.

Is Honfleur or Kotor Better for Resorts?

Kotor is a decent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Honfleur is not a resort destination.

Kotor has a few resort options worth checking out. The town has mostly boutique hotels and apartments, particularly if you want to stay in old town.

Honfleur is not a resort destination.

Is Honfleur or Kotor Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Kotor 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 Kotor. It's possible to book snorkeling trips with a local vendor, or you can pack your own mask and snorkel and venture into the water on your own.

Honfleur is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Honfleur or Kotor Better for Beaches?

Kotor is very good for its beaches. However, Honfleur is lacking in options for the beache.

Many people head to Kotor to enjoy the beach. Like many parts of the Mediterranean, the beaches are rocky and pebbly. Many of the beaches are small and quiet, giving them a personal and discovered vibe which many travelers appreciate.

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 Kotor Better for its Old Town?

Kotor is an unbeatable place for its historic old town. However, Honfleur does not have a historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Kotor offers plenty to see. The city walls and compact historic area make the old town a unique place to explore.

Honfleur does not have a historic old town.

Is Honfleur or Kotor Better for Hiking?

Kotor is an unbeatable place for its hiking trails. However, Honfleur is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Kotor specifically for its hiking. The dramatic cliffs and sea views create some of the most beautiful coastal hikes that you'll find. Trails range from walking paths to more strenuous routes like the Ladder of Kotor Hike, which has many switchbacks and stunning views.

Honfleur is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Honfleur or Kotor?

Honfleur is a city with a few options for shopping. However, Kotor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Honfleur is a good destination for shopping. It's a charming town with boutique shops, chocolate shops, and the standard tourist places that sell souvenirs and t-shirts.

Kotor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Honfleur or Kotor Better for Families?

You'll find good kid-friendly activities in either Honfleur or Kotor.

Honfleur is a family-friendly city. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Kotor. Kids will enjoy wandering the streets of old town, exploring the city's fortress, or making their way around the city walls. There are a few beaches to explore, but they are a bit rocky. It's also fun to get out on the water on a boat ride.

Is Honfleur or Kotor Better for Couples?

Both Honfleur and Kotor are very good 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 Kotor frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The charming old town, picturesque views, and quaint personality of the town make this a great couple's get away. Whether you want to lounge on the water's edge or soak up the unique culture, there are many hidden sides to the coastal town.

Is Honfleur or Kotor Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kotor is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Honfleur is lacking in options for backpackers.

Kotor is very popular with the backpacker crowd. The town is affordable and reasonably accessible, making it a great option for backpackers. It's not as touristy as some of the more popular coastal towns in the area, so you can enjoy a bit of authenticity without spending big bucks.

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 Kotor Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find decent public transit in both Honfleur and Kotor.

Public transit is mostly 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.

Public transit is generally limited in Kotor. Cars aren't allowed in the old town, but you can travel to nearby town's by bus. Most leave from the town's main bus station with higher frequency during the summer months.

Is Honfleur or Kotor a more walkable city?

Kotor is an unbeatable place for its walkability. Also, Honfleur is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Kotor. The old town is best explored on foot.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Kotor or Honfleur?

How long in Honfleur or Kotor?

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

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

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

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

One day in Honfleur or Kotor?

In Honfleur, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this serene destination offers. Lots of people come for the food. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Kotor is a small town where visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Kotor?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Honfleur. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Kotor is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Honfleur or Kotor?

Honfleur is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Honfleur. Lots of people come for the food. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Kotor is a popular choice for travelers. 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 Kotor?

You'll find nightlife and food around the picturesque destination of Honfleur. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Kotor is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This coastal town 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 Luxury Tours to Montenegro, and The Best Budget Tours to Montenegro.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Honfleur and Kotor, we can see that Honfleur is more expensive. And not only is Kotor much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Kotor would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kotor 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 Kotor.

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

Which is Bigger, Honfleur or Kotor?

Honfleur has a larger population, and is about 52% larger than the population of Kotor. When comparing the sizes of Honfleur and Kotor, 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.