A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Inner Hebrides vs. Saint-Etienne for Hiking, Couples, Food, and Families

Should you visit Inner Hebrides or Saint-Etienne?

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

Should I visit Inner Hebrides or Saint-Etienne? 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.

Inner Hebrides

Inner Hebrides is a tranquil, stunning, and natural islands. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the beaches, hiking, and food.

Saint-Etienne

Saint-Etienne is a historic, park-filled, and industrial city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, hiking, and museums.

Inner Hebrides and Saint-Etienne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Inner Hebrides or Saint-Etienne?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Saint-Etienne. Although Inner Hebrides and Saint-Etienne are popular destinations, Saint-Etienne has more sights and attractions for tourists. Saint-Etienne is very popular for its museums, nightlife, and shopping, while Inner Hebrides attracts visitors for its food, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Inner Hebrides is famous for its rugged landscape, beautiful coastline, and local whisky. Saint-Etienne is famous for its industrial and manufacturing past. It is also well known for The Museum of Art and Industry.

How is Inner Hebrides different from Saint-Etienne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Saint-Etienne and Inner Hebrides. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Inner Hebrides or Saint-Etienne?

Saint-Etienne is a popular place for its museums and history. However, Inner Hebrides does not have museums and landmarks.

Saint-Etienne is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several great museums in town including the Musée d'Art et d'Industrie, Musée de la Mine, Musée des Verts, and the planetarium.

Inner Hebrides does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Inner Hebrides or Saint-Etienne? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Inner Hebrides is a good destination for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Inner Hebrides has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. It wasn't long ago that there was a limited selection of restaurants on the islands, but these days you shouldn't have much trouble finding some Scottish classics. The area continues to grow its restaurant scene, which highlights regional ingredients and the local whisky distilleries.

Saint-Etienne may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Try the many local cheeses which are a defining part of the cuisine in the area. You'll find some local restaurants around town where you can sample local flavors.

Is Inner Hebrides or Saint-Etienne Better for Nightlife?

Saint-Etienne is a popular place for nightlife. However, Inner Hebrides is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Saint-Etienne. The nightlife is centered around sipping wine or visiting one of the clubs in town.

Inner Hebrides is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Inner Hebrides or Saint-Etienne Better for Beaches?

Inner Hebrides is great for the beache. However, Saint-Etienne is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Inner Hebrides for it's beautiful beaches. The islands offer a truly unexpected sight, with white sand beaches and blue waters. Some of the best beaches to visit include Calgary Beach on the Isle of Mull, Machir Bay on the Isle of Islay, and Coral Beach on the Isle of Skye.

Saint-Etienne is not a beach destination.

Is Inner Hebrides or Saint-Etienne Better for Hiking?

Inner Hebrides is great for hiking. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for the nearby hiking options.

Many visitors go to Inner Hebrides for the hiking trails. To fully experience the area's natural beauty, you really should go on a few hikes. The hikes are varied in landscape, length, and skill level. Some of the favorites include Beinn an Òir, Coire Dubh, and Ben More.

Saint-Etienne is a good destination for hiking. You'll find several great hikes just outside of town. It's a great way to experience the surrounding countryside.

Is the Shopping Better in Inner Hebrides or Saint-Etienne?

Saint-Etienne is a decent place to visit for shopping. However, Inner Hebrides is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Saint-Etienne is a good destination for shopping. Shopping malls and several boutique shopping areas make up the city's shopping scene.

Inner Hebrides is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Inner Hebrides or Saint-Etienne Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Inner Hebrides or Saint-Etienne.

Inner Hebrides is a family-friendly islands. Beaches, wildlife spotting, and boat tours all make for a fun adventure for the whole family. These islands offer a unique and truly rewarding experience that is fun for everyone.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Saint-Etienne. There are several kid-friendly museums as well as plenty of natural settings just outside of town. Your kids can run around and stretch their legs nearby at Crest of the Partridge or on a rainy day, the planetarium is a fun place to visit.

Is Inner Hebrides or Saint-Etienne Better for Couples?

Inner Hebrides is great for its romantic activities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for couples.

Inner Hebrides is a great islands if you're traveling as a couple. Couples who want to move at a slower pace and soak up natural beauty will appreciate these islands. There are sandy beaches, welcoming communities, and spectacular views that offer both romance and a little adventure.

Saint-Etienne is not always the best place to visit for a couple. There are museums, parks, gardens, and beautiful architecture that make this a wonderful place for couples.

Is Inner Hebrides or Saint-Etienne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Inner Hebrides is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Inner Hebrides. The islands have some campsites that let you fully enjoy the area's stunning natural beauty.

Saint-Etienne is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not high on the backpacker trail, but there are hostels and plenty of activities to enjoy.

Is Inner Hebrides or Saint-Etienne Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Saint-Etienne is a popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Inner Hebrides is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Saint-Etienne has some public transit options. There are tram and bus options available in town.

Public transit is generally limited in Inner Hebrides. Ferries and some local buses are available. It's also possible to find there-and-back day cruises to the islands.

Is Inner Hebrides or Saint-Etienne a more walkable city?

Saint-Etienne is a popular place for its walkability. However, Inner Hebrides is not a walkable destination.

Saint-Etienne is somewhat walkable. There are several walkable areas in the city.

Inner Hebrides is not a walkable destination.

For even more information, also check out Is Inner Hebrides Worth Visiting? and Is Saint-Etienne Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Saint-Etienne or Inner Hebrides?

How long in Inner Hebrides or Saint-Etienne?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Inner Hebrides or Saint-Etienne to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Inner Hebrides than Saint-Etienne because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Inner Hebrides, and 1-2 days is enough time in Saint-Etienne.

Couples should spend more time in Inner Hebrides than Saint-Etienne. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Inner Hebrides that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Inner Hebrides than Saint-Etienne 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 Inner Hebrides.

One day in Inner Hebrides or Saint-Etienne?

Many travelers enjoy the food when visiting the stunning destination of Inner Hebrides. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

In Saint-Etienne, you'll find museums and nightlife. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Inner Hebrides or Saint-Etienne?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Inner Hebrides. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Saint-Etienne is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Five days in Inner Hebrides or Saint-Etienne?

Many travelers enjoy the food when visiting the peaceful destination of Inner Hebrides. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. This islands offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint-Etienne. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Inner Hebrides or Saint-Etienne?

You'll find food around the beautiful islands of Inner Hebrides. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and museums when visiting the city of Saint-Etienne. Your budget might influence how long you stay. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Edinburgh, The Best 10-Day Tours from London, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Paris, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris.

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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Inner Hebrides Expensive? and Is Saint-Etienne Expensive?.