A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Howth vs. Montpellier for Attractions, Beaches, Couples, and Food

Should you visit Howth or Montpellier?

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

Should I visit Howth or Montpellier? 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.

Howth

Howth is a scenic, peaceful, and coastal fishing village. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. Other popular activities here include hiking, museums, and food.

Montpellier

Montpellier is a bustling, beautiful, and friendly city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Howth and Montpellier: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Howth or Montpellier?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Montpellier. Although Howth and Montpellier are both popular with visitors, Montpellier has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Montpellier is more popular for its museums, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Howth is known for its hiking and small town charm. Howth is more touristy than Montpellier and is known for its scenic coastline, charming character, and its accessibility to Dublin. Montpellier is popular for its relaxed atmosphere, grand boulevards, and authentic personality. It is also home to The Place de la Comédie.

How is Howth different from Montpellier?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Howth or Montpellier?

Howth
Montpellier

Montpellier is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Howth is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Montpellier offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. With such a long history, the city has many landmarks and monuments. Also make sure you visit Musée Fabre and Saint-Pierre Cathedral.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Howth. The surrounding coastline is the main draw to this picturesque town but there is also a nice harbor, pier, and lighthouse that you can visit.


Is the Food Better in Howth or Montpellier? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Howth
Montpellier

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Howth and Montpellier can be difficult as they are each good in their own way.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Howth. There are seafood restaurants and a few pubs where you can enjoy some fresh food and the local ambiance.

Montpellier is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The dishes are made with fresh ingredients produced in the agricultural areas just outside of town. The area is known for its seafood and fish stews.

Is Howth or Montpellier Better for Nightlife?

Howth
Montpellier

Montpellier is a popular place for nightlife and partying. However, Howth is not particularly known for its evening party scene.

Montpellier has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The weather is mild, making for a nice evening out. The population is also young, so you can expect a lot of activity during the evenings, particularly in the area around Place Jean Jaurés. Make sure you enjoy local wine and champagne while you're in town.

Howth doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are a few pubs around town but if you're looking for a real nightlife scene then your best bet is to head into Dublin.

Is Howth or Montpellier Better for Beaches?

Howth
Montpellier

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Howth and Montpellier are superb choices.

Howth is considered a top beach destination. Many people head to this coastal town specifically to hang out on the beach. There's also the Howth Cliff Path which is fun to explore. Some of the top beaches in the area include Red Rock Beach, Claremont Beach, and Balscadden Bay Beach. The beaches can be rocky and rough so make sure you understand the water conditions before heading to the beach.

Montpellier is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. The coastline near Montpellier feels pristine and beautiful. You can also visit Villeneuve-lès-Maguelone to the southwest of town, which is a protected area.


Is Howth or Montpellier Better for its Old Town?

Howth
Montpellier

Montpellier is an amazing city to visit for its old town. However, Howth does not have a historic old town.

Montpellier offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. Known as L'Écusson the town's old town dates back to the Middle Ages. It is a pedestrian area that is filled with boutiques, restaurants, and churches.

Howth does not have a historic old town.

Is Howth or Montpellier Better for Hiking?

Howth
Montpellier

Howth is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Montpellier is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Howth. The best way to experience Howth is to explore the The Howth Cliff Walk. There are several versions of the hike that cater to different experience and skill levels.

Montpellier is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Howth or Montpellier?

Howth
Montpellier

Montpellier is well known for its shopping opportunities. However, Howth is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Montpellier is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Head to Rue de la Loge for some of the city's best shopping.

Howth is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Howth or Montpellier Better for Families?

Howth
Montpellier

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Howth or Montpellier.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Howth. It has a beach where kids can run around. There are also playgrounds, a lighthouse, and a pier to explore.

Montpellier offers lots of family activities. Popular activities for kids include taking a ride on the carousel in the Comedie, visiting the playground - Jardin Champs de Mars, and visiting the botanical garden - Jardin des Plantes.

Is Howth or Montpellier Better for Couples?

Howth
Montpellier

Montpellier is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Howth is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Couples visit Montpellier frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Rich in history and beautiful architecture, this city offers a romantic setting for a great couple's getaway.

Howth is a good fishing village for couples to visit. The small fishing village has some great seafood restaurants and a beach where couples can pass the time.

Is Howth or Montpellier Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Howth
Montpellier

Montpellier is well known for backpackers. However, Howth is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Montpellier is a great city to visit for backpackers. With a young population and a number of hostels to choose from, Montpellier attracts its share of backpackers.

Howth is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. It a small village outside of Dublin so most backpackers don't make it this way.


Is Howth or Montpellier Better for Students?

Howth
Montpellier

Montpellier is an amazing city to visit for students. However, Howth is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Montpellier. Montpellier is a popular university town that is home to many trendy university students. It's also where you'll find the youngest population of any city in France.

Howth is not popular with students.

Is Howth or Montpellier Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Howth
Montpellier

Montpellier is well known for its public transit. Also, Howth is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Montpellier can get you to some places easily. There are a number of options for getting around town including the tramway, bus, and tourist train.

While Howth offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. It's easy to reach the town from Dublin by DART.

Is Howth or Montpellier a more walkable city?

Howth
Montpellier

Howth and Montpellier both are superb when exploring on foot.

Howth is a very walkable fishing village. It's a small town that's easy to explore on foot. There are also many walks through the cliffs.

Montpellier is a very walkable destination. Many of the sights and attractions are easily accessible on foot and can be enjoyed as part of a self-guided walking tour.


For even more information, also check out Is Howth Worth Visiting? and Is Montpellier Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Montpellier or Howth?

How long in Howth or Montpellier?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Montpellier than Howth 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 Montpellier.


  • How many days in Howth or Montpellier? Ideal Length of Stay
    Howth 1-2 
    Montpellier 1-3

One day in Howth or Montpellier?

Visitors enjoy the food and museums when visiting the coastal fishing village of Howth. It's also a great beach destination, too. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this fishing village has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Montpellier, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this beautiful destination offers. It's also a great beach destination, too. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Howth or Montpellier?

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the peaceful destination of Howth. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. This fishing village offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Montpellier. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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.

Five days in Howth or Montpellier?

The scenic fishing village of Howth offers food and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Montpellier is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Montpellier. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.


A week in Howth or Montpellier?

Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Howth. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people come for the beaches. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

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


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Ireland, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Ireland, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, and The Best 2-Week Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Montpellier or Howth?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Howth is €135, while the average daily cost in Montpellier is €118. 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 Howth and Montpellier in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Howth 64
    Montpellier 69
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Howth 128
    Montpellier 138
Compare Hotels in Howth and Montpellier

Looking for a hotel in Howth or Montpellier? 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 Howth


Hotels in Montpellier


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: Montpellier Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Howth 41
    Montpellier 26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montpellier

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montpellier:

  • Montpellier Private Transfer from Montpellier city centre to Montpellier Airport: $74
  • Montpellier–Méditerranée Airport Transfer: $64
  • Private Transfer from Sète Cruise Port to Marseille city hotels: $131
  • Transfer Montpellier Airport and Beziers Airport: $49
  • Transfer from Sète Port to Marseille Provence Airport MRS: $131

Is it cheaper to fly into Howth or Montpellier?

Prices for flights to both Montpellier and Howth 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
    Howth 44
    Montpellier 31

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montpellier

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Montpellier.

  • Guided Food Tour With Local Snacks and Wine: $91
  • Montpellier Food Tour: $93
  • From Pic Saint-Loup Wine and Food Tour: $102
  • Cooking workshop: $106
  • Private cooking class with specialized chefs Montpellier: $108
  • Fusion Food Cooking Class: $428

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Howth 25
    Montpellier 12

Tours and Activities in Howth

Here are a few actual costs in Howth for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Dublin: Full-Day Howth and Malahide Castle Tour: $52

Tours and Activities in Montpellier

Here are a few actual costs in Montpellier for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Legendary Montpellier, flexible legends and storytelling tour: $16
  • CityTour and Photo Portraits Souvenirs in Montpellier: $38
  • Half-Day Hiking Tour of Pic Saint Loup & Picnic: $64
  • From Wine and Olive Tour: $75
  • Small-Group Half-Day Languedoc Wine and Olive Tour from Montpellier: $80
  • From Half-Day Vineyard & Pic Saint-Loup Tour: $80
  • Montpellier Wine and Oyster Tour: $86
  • Small-Group Half-Day Languedoc Wine and Oyster Tour from Montpellier: $95
  • Winetour & food experience in Pic St Loup: $107
  • Saint-Guilhem village and cave day tour : $142
  • Photoshoot Experience: $159
  • Private 2-hour Walking Tour of the Historical Center of Montpellier: $161

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Howth 21
    Montpellier 15

Sample the Local Flavors in Montpellier

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

  • The Châteaux of Grès de Montpellier & Wine Tasting: $80
  • Small-Group Half-Day Châteaux of Montpellier Wine Tour: $84
  • Small-Group Half-Day Languedoc Pic Saint-Loup Wine Tour from Montpellier: $84
  • Wine tour in Pic Saint-Loup area: $142
  • Half-Day Wine Tour with Lunch: $155
  • Montpellier : half day wine tour in Camargue: $159
  • Private Half-Day Languedoc Wine Tour from Sète: $240
  • Sète: Private Half–Day Wine Tour: $353


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



When is the best time to visit Howth or Montpellier?

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 Howth or Montpellier in the Summer?

Both Montpellier and Howth are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Howth for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Montpellier because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Howth is cooler than Montpellier. Typically, the summer temperatures in Howth in July average around 16°C (60°F), and Montpellier averages at about 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Montpellier. Howth usually receives less sunshine than Montpellier during summer. Howth gets 166 hours of sunny skies, while Montpellier receives 351 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Howth usually receives more rain than Montpellier. Howth gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Howth 16°C (60°F) 
    Montpellier 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Howth or Montpellier in the Autumn?

Both Montpellier and Howth during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Howth because of the hiking trails and the small town atmosphere. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Montpellier this time of year.

In October, Howth is generally cooler than Montpellier. Daily temperatures in Howth average around 11°C (52°F), and Montpellier fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Howth often gets less sunshine than Montpellier. Howth gets 97 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montpellier receives 187 hours of full sun.

Montpellier gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Howth usually gets less rain in October than Montpellier. Howth gets 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Howth 11°C (52°F) 
    Montpellier 15°C (60°F)

Should I visit Howth or Montpellier in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Howth and Montpellier. The museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Howth this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Montpellier for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Howth is cooler than Montpellier in the winter. The daily temperature in Howth averages around 6°C (42°F) in January, and Montpellier fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Howth usually receives less sunshine than Montpellier during winter. Howth gets 56 hours of sunny skies, while Montpellier receives 147 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Howth usually receives around the same amount of rain as Montpellier. Howth gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Howth 6°C (42°F) 
    Montpellier 7°C (44°F)

Should I visit Howth or Montpellier in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Howth as well as Montpellier. Many travelers come to Howth for the beaches and the small town charm. Additionally, many visitors come to Montpellier in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Howth is cooler than Montpellier. Typically, the spring temperatures in Howth in April average around 8°C (47°F), and Montpellier averages at about 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montpellier. In the spring, Howth often gets less sunshine than Montpellier. Howth gets 157 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montpellier receives 230 hours of full sun.

Howth usually gets less rain in April than Montpellier. Howth gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Howth 8°C (47°F) 
    Montpellier 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Montpellier and Howth

Howth Montpellier
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 6°C (42°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 7°C (44°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Feb 6°C (42°F) 50 mm (2 in) 8°C (46°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 7°C (44°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 10°C (50°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 8°C (47°F) 51 mm (2 in) 13°C (55°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
May 11°C (52°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 16°C (61°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Jun 14°C (57°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 20°C (68°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Jul 16°C (60°F) 50 mm (2 in) 23°C (73°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Aug 15°C (60°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 22°C (72°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Sep 14°C (56°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 19°C (67°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 70 mm (2.7 in) 15°C (60°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Nov 8°C (46°F) 65 mm (2.5 in) 10°C (51°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Dec 6°C (44°F) 76 mm (3 in) 7°C (45°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)