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

Should you visit Howth or Nantes?

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

Should I visit Howth or Nantes? 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 beautiful, picturesque, and scenic fishing village. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It's also popular because of the beaches, hiking, and museums.

Nantes

Nantes is a vibrant, welcoming, 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 shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Howth and Nantes: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Howth or Nantes?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Nantes. Although Howth and Nantes are both popular with visitors, Nantes has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Nantes is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Howth is known for its beaches, hiking, and small town charm. Howth is more touristy than Nantes and is popular for its scenic coastline, charming character, and its accessibility to Dublin. Nantes is popular for its castles and historical landmarks, local wine, and beautiful parks and gardens. It is also home to The Castle of the Dukes of Brittany.

How is Howth different from Nantes?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Nantes offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

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 Nantes? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nantes is an amazing city to visit for its restaurant scene. Also, Howth is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, Nantes is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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).

Howth is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are seafood restaurants and a few pubs where you can enjoy some fresh food and the local ambiance.

Is Howth or Nantes Better for Nightlife?

Nantes is well known for nightlife and partying. However, Howth is not particularly known for its evening party scene.

Nantes is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

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 Nantes Better for Beaches?

Howth is a very popular place for the beach. However, Nantes is not a beach destination.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Howth. 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.

Nantes is not a beach destination.

Is Howth or Nantes Better for its Old Town?

Nantes is a popular place for its old town. However, Howth does not have a historic 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.

Howth does not have a historic old town.

Is Howth or Nantes Better for Hiking?

Howth is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Nantes is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting 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.

Nantes is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Howth or Nantes?

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

Nantes is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Howth is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Howth or Nantes Better for Families?

Nantes is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Howth is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Nantes is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

Howth offers lots of family activities. It has a beach where kids can run around. There are also playgrounds, a lighthouse, and a pier to explore.

Is Howth or Nantes Better for Couples?

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

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.

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 Nantes Better for Students?

Nantes is a popular place for students. However, Howth is not popular with students.

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.

Howth is not popular with students.

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

Nantes 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 Nantes can get you to some places easily. There are both trams and buses throughout the city that are operated by TAN (Transport de l'Agglomeration Nantaise).

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 Nantes a more walkable city?

Howth and Nantes both are very good 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.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Nantes or Howth?

How long in Howth or Nantes?

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

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

One day in Howth or Nantes?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Howth. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Nantes, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this historical destination offers. Lots of people come for the food. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Howth or Nantes?

Howth 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nantes. 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.

Five days in Howth or Nantes?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Howth. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Nantes. Lots of people come for the food. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Howth or Nantes?

Travelers enjoy the food and museums when visiting the picturesque destination of Howth. This fishing village offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find food and shopping around the historical destination of Nantes. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Ireland, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Ireland, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Howth and Nantes, we can see that Howth 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 Howth would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Howth 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 Howth Expensive? and Is Nantes Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Howth 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 Howth or Nantes in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Howth as well as Nantes. Many travelers come to Howth for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Nantes in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Howth is cooler than Nantes. Typically, the summer temperatures in Howth in July average around 16°C (60°F), and Nantes averages at about 19°C (67°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nantes. In the summer, Howth often gets less sunshine than Nantes. Howth gets 166 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nantes receives 267 hours of full sun.

Howth usually gets more rain in July than Nantes. Howth gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Howth or Nantes in the Autumn?

Both Nantes and Howth are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Howth in the autumn for the hiking trails and the small town atmosphere. Also, most visitors come to Nantes for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Howth is generally cooler than Nantes. Daily temperatures in Howth average around 11°C (52°F), and Nantes fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Howth usually receives less sunshine than Nantes during autumn. Howth gets 97 hours of sunny skies, while Nantes receives 141 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Howth usually receives less rain than Nantes. Howth gets 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Howth or Nantes in the Winter?

Both Nantes and Howth during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Howth for the museums and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Nantes because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Howth is around the same temperature as Nantes in the winter. The daily temperature in Howth averages around 6°C (42°F) in January, and Nantes fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Howth often gets less sunshine than Nantes. Howth gets 56 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nantes receives 72 hours of full sun.

Howth usually gets less rain in January than Nantes. Howth gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Howth or Nantes in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Howth and Nantes. The spring months attract visitors to Howth because of the beaches and the small town charm. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Nantes this time of year.

In the spring, Howth is cooler than Nantes. Typically, the spring temperatures in Howth in April average around 8°C (47°F), and Nantes averages at about 11°C (51°F).

Howth usually receives less sunshine than Nantes during spring. Howth gets 157 hours of sunny skies, while Nantes receives 187 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Howth usually receives around the same amount of rain as Nantes. Howth 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 Howth