A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Howth vs. Nice for Food, Nightlife, Couples, and Beaches

Should you visit Howth or Nice?

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

Should I visit Howth or Nice? 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 picturesque, scenic, and peaceful fishing village. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and hiking.

Nice

Nice is a beautiful, opulent, and trendy seaside destination. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. And you can't forget about the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Howth and Nice: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Howth or Nice?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Nice than Howth, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Nice is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Howth is more popular for its museums, hiking, and small town charm. Nice is more touristy than Howth and is known for its beachfront setting in the French Riviera as well as its popularity with A-list celebrities. Also, Nice is famous for The Promenade des Anglais. Howth is well known for its scenic coastline, charming character, and its accessibility to Dublin.

How is Howth different from Nice?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Howth is a fishing village with good options for its sights and museums. However, Nice does not have museums and landmarks.

Howth offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

Nice does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

For foodies, Nice is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. The cuisine brings together fresh regional ingredients and mixes Provençal and Niçoise flavors. You'll find a lot of Italian influence as well. Fresh seafood is the thing to try while you're in town, but other local favorites include socca, Ratatouille, and Salade niçoise.

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 Nice Better for Nightlife?

Nice is an amazing seaside destination to visit for nightlife and partying. However, Howth is not particularly known for its evening party scene.

Nice has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. The city has some of the best nightlife on the Cote d'Azur. You'll find a number of nightclubs along the seaside as well a bars and pubs in the Old Town. Some of the best clubs are along Promenade des Anglais.

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 Nice Better for Resorts?

Nice is an amazing seaside destination to visit for its resorts. However, Howth is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Nice is a great choice. The city has boutique hotels as well high end luxury resorts. Popular options include Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée, Hôtel Suisse, and AC Hotel by Marriott.

Howth is not a resort destination.

Is Howth or Nice Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Nice is a popular place for its diving and snorkeling. However, Howth is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Nice has a few good snorkeling spots. There are some places where you can arrange a snorkeling or dive trip to explore the underwater setting.

Howth is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Howth or Nice Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Howth and Nice are excellent 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.

Nice is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. The city has about 4 miles of beach along its coastline and there are both public and private beaches available. La Réserve is a public beach with a laid back and fun vibe. Plage Beau Rivage is a private beach with many amenities, making it a favorite for visitors. Blue Beach is another private beach that is very family-friendly.

Is Howth or Nice Better for its Old Town?

Nice is well known for its old town. However, Howth does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Nice. Wandering around the charming old town is a quintessential part of visiting this city. There are many historic churches and squares, as well as great restaurants and shops that you can pop in.

Howth does not have a historic old town.

Is Howth or Nice Better for Hiking?

Howth is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Nice is not a hiking destination.

Howth is a popular spot for hiking. 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.

Nice is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Howth or Nice?

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

Nice is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city has long been a favorite for the rich and famous, so you'll find plenty of shopping opportunities around town. The boutique shops are chic, trendy, and fashionable, but for those on a budget, you can sometimes find a unique local purchase in your budget.

Howth is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Howth or Nice Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Howth or Nice.

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.

Nice offers lots of family activities. The town has many fun playgrounds, kid-friendly beaches, and unique cultural opportunities that kids can enjoy. It also makes a great base for exploring the French Riviera and everything that it has to offer.

Is Howth or Nice Better for Couples?

Nice is an amazing seaside destination to visit for its romantic activities. Also, Howth is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Nice makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The old town is filled with romance and charm. You can also take a walk along the Promenade Des Anglais or soak up the romantic countryside that surrounds the town.

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 Nice Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nice is a popular place for backpackers. However, Howth is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Nice. Because it's one of the most popular tourist destinations in France, many backpackers make their way here. Nice is known for its high end vibe, so it can be challenging to find affordable options, but if you know where to look, they are around.

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

Nice 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 Nice can get you to some places easily. There are both buses and trams.

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 Nice a more walkable city?

Nice is an amazing seaside destination to visit for its high level of walkability. Also, Howth is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Getting around Nice on foot is easy. You should definitely spend some time exploring the 7 kilometer long Promenade des Anglais.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Nice or Howth?

How long in Howth or Nice?

In either Howth or Nice, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Nice than Howth because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Howth, and 3-5 days is enough time in Nice.

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

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

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

One day in Howth or Nice?

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Howth. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Nice, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this glamourous destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This seaside destination 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 Nice?

Howth is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nice. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Howth or Nice?

You'll find museums and food around the peaceful destination of Howth. This fishing village offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Nice is a fun place to experience. In Nice, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this quaint destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Howth or Nice?

The coastal fishing village of Howth offers food and museums. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the trendy destination of Nice. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.

When comparing the travel costs between Howth and Nice, 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 Nice Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Howth or Nice?

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 Nice in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Howth and Nice. Many visitors come to Howth in the summer for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Nice for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Howth is cooler than Nice in the summer. The daily temperature in Howth averages around 16°C (60°F) in July, and Nice fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In July, Howth usually receives more rain than Nice. Howth gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Nice receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Howth or Nice in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Howth as well as Nice. Most visitors come to Howth for the hiking trails and the small town atmosphere during these months. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Nice because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Howth is much colder than Nice. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Howth in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Nice averages at about 17°C (63°F).

It's quite rainy in Nice. Howth usually gets less rain in October than Nice. Howth gets 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Nice receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Howth or Nice in the Winter?

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

In January, Howth is generally much colder than Nice. Daily temperatures in Howth average around 6°C (42°F), and Nice fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In January, Howth usually receives less rain than Nice. Howth gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Nice receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Howth or Nice in the Spring?

Both Nice and Howth during the spring are popular places to visit. The beaches and the small town charm are the main draw to Howth this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Nice for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Howth is much colder than Nice in the spring. The daily temperature in Howth averages around 8°C (47°F) in April, and Nice fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Howth usually gets less rain in April than Nice. Howth gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Nice receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Nice and Howth