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

Should you visit Inverness or Nice?

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 Inverness and Nice can help you decide which place is right for you.

Inverness

Inverness is a cultural, traditional, and local city. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Nice

Nice is a opulent, trendy, and chic seaside destination. You'll find world class beauty here as well. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Inverness and Nice: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Home to Loch Ness
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere


Is there more to do in Inverness or Nice?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Nice than Inverness, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Nice is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Inverness is more popular for its museums and small town charm. Nice is more touristy than Inverness 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. Inverness is well known for its surrounding countryside, but also its regional heritage, local festivals and proximity to the famous Loch Ness.

How is Inverness different from Nice?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Inverness or Nice?

Inverness
Nice

Inverness is a well-known place for its sights and museums. However, Nice does not have museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Inverness. As a city rich in culture and heritage, you'll find a number of sights and museums in town. Check out the Highland House of Fraser, Culloden Moor, and Clava Cairns.

Nice does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Inverness
Nice

Nice is terrific for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Inverness is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

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

Inverness has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city makes a great spot to fill your belly after a few days exploring the Scottish Highlands. You'll find local restaurants that serve up regional specialties, and when the weather's nice, there are some spots with outdoor seating.

Is Inverness or Nice Better for Nightlife?

Inverness
Nice

Nice is terrific for nightlife and partying. Also, Inverness is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Nice is a must-see party destination. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Inverness. Nightlife isn't the first thing that comes to mind with this town, but there are actually lots of distilleries in the area and there's a surprising number of high quality bars and pubs that make for a fun evening.

Is Inverness or Nice Better for Resorts?

Inverness
Nice

Nice is terrific for its resorts. However, Inverness is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Nice is a perfect 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.

Inverness is not a resort destination.


Is Inverness or Nice Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Inverness
Nice

Nice is very good for its diving and snorkeling. However, Inverness is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Nice. There are some places where you can arrange a snorkeling or dive trip to explore the underwater setting.

Inverness is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Inverness or Nice Better for Beaches?

Inverness
Nice

Nice is a well-known place for the beache. However, Inverness is not a beach destination.

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.

Inverness is not a beach destination.

Is Inverness or Nice Better for its Old Town?

Inverness
Nice

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

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of 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.

Inverness does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Inverness or Nice?

Inverness
Nice

Both Inverness and Nice are superb shopping destinations.

Inverness is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The town is at the cultural heart of the Scottish Highlands you'll find plenty of local shops where you can pick up local products. Make sure you check out the Inverness Victorian Market.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Nice. 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.

Is Inverness or Nice Better for Families?

Inverness
Nice

You'll find notable kid-friendly activities in either Inverness or Nice.

Inverness is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has some parks and activities that are great for kids. Make sure you explore Inverness Castle and the Inverness Mystery Treasure Trail.

Nice is a family-friendly city. 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 Inverness or Nice Better for Couples?

Inverness
Nice

Nice is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Inverness is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

For those traveling as a couple, Nice has plenty to offer. 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.

Inverness is a good city for couples to visit. Located in the Scottish Highlands, there ae many scenic spots and nice activities that couples can enjoy in the area.


Is Inverness or Nice Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Inverness
Nice

Nice is very good for backpackers. However, Inverness is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Nice is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Inverness is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There a some hostels and student hotels, but this isn't one of the major backpacker spots in the UK.

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

Inverness
Nice

Nice is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Inverness is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Nice has some very good public transit options. There are both buses and trams.

Public transit is mostly limited in Inverness. There are local buses that pass through the town.

Is Inverness or Nice a more walkable city?

Inverness
Nice

Nice is terrific for its high level of walkability. Also, Inverness is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its ease of walking around.

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

Inverness is a very walkable destination. It's compact enough that you can explore much of the town on foot.


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

Should I spend more time in Nice or Inverness?

How long in Inverness or Nice?

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

Families should spend more time in Nice than Inverness. 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 Inverness. 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 Inverness 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.


  • How many days in Inverness or Nice? Ideal Length of Stay
    Inverness 1-3 
    Nice 3-5

One day in Inverness or Nice?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Inverness. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the quaint seaside destination of Nice. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Inverness or Nice?

Inverness is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. 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.

You'll find shopping and nightlife around the beautiful destination of Nice. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This seaside destination offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Inverness or Nice?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the local destination of Inverness. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

You'll find nightlife and food around the opulent seaside destination of Nice. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this seaside destination makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this seaside destination has to offer.


A week in Inverness or Nice?

The traditional city of Inverness offers nightlife and food. 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.

Nice is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


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


Which place is cheaper, Nice or Inverness?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Inverness is £168, while the average daily cost in Nice is £112. 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 Inverness and Nice in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Inverness £91
    Nice £51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Inverness £182
    Nice £102
Compare Hotels in Inverness and Nice

Looking for a hotel in Inverness or Nice? 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 Inverness


Hotels in Nice


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: Inverness Hotel Prices and Nice Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Inverness £33
    Nice £22

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Inverness

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Inverness:

  • Inverness Airport (INV) to Lecht Ski Resort - Arrival Transfer: $33
  • Inverness Airport (INV) to Glenshee Ski Resort - Arrival Transfer: $66
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Inverness INV to Inverness City by luxury vehicle: $105
  • Inverness Airport to Glenshee Ski Resort - Round-Trip Transfer: $131
  • Transfers / Tour from , inverness, Edinburgh ,Glasgow ,Aberdeen : $184
  • Inverness Private Transfer to Aviemore: $229
  • Inverness to Fort William Direct transfer: $374
  • Inverness to Isle of Skye Direct transfer: $623
  • Inverness to Glasgow Direct transfer: $781
  • Inverness to Edinburgh Direct transfer: $781

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nice

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nice:

  • Private Transfer: Nice City Center to Côte d'Azur Airport(NCE): $40
  • Private Transfer from Nice City to Nice Airport: $43
  • Arrival Transfer from Côte d'Azur Airport NCE to Nice City in Private Car: $44
  • Monaco to Hercule Monte Carlo Port Departure Private Transfer: $46
  • Private transfer from Nice to Cannes: $47
  • Port de la Santé to Nice Intl Airport (NCE) - Private Departure Transfer: $49
  • Villefranche-sur-Mer - Port to Nice hotels- Arrival Transfer: $49
  • Villefranche Port to Nice Intl Airport (NCE) - Departure Transfer: $49
  • Villefranche-sur-Mer - Port de la Santé to Nice hotels- Arrival Private Transfer: $49
  • Nice Intl Airport (NCE) to Villefranche Port- Arrival Transfer: $49
  • Nice hotels to Port de la Santé - Departure Private Transfer: $49
  • Nice Intl Airport (NCE) to Port de la Santé- Arrrival Private Transfer: $49

Is it cheaper to fly into Inverness or Nice?

Prices for flights to both Nice and Inverness 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
    Inverness £49
    Nice £42

Typical Food Prices in Nice

Some typical examples of dining costs in Nice are as follows:


  • Slushee
    £2.14
  • Strawberries
    £3.42
  • Loaf of Bread
    £2.74

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nice

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

  • Nice Small-Group Walking Food Tour with Local Specialties & Wine Tasting: $84
  • Viator Exclusive: Organic French Dinner in the Garden of Nice: $95
  • The Flavors of Nice Food Tour: $103
  • Old Nice Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $104
  • Nice Evening Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $104
  • Viator Exclusive: Local Cooking Class & Dinner with View of Nice: $107
  • 3.5-Hour Original Old Town Food Tour: $107
  • Private French Cooking Class with a Fun Local Noel: $112
  • PRIVATE Award-Winning Nice Food Tour: 6 or 10 Tastings: $112
  • Food Tour + Wine Pairing Lunch with a local Sommelier: $133
  • Half Day Afternoon Walking Food Tour with Dinner: $147
  • Dinner in the vineyard French Riviera: $192

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Inverness £44
    Nice £10

Tours and Activities in Inverness

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Inverness are as follows:

  • City Discovery App-Based Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: $15
  • Inverness City Daily Walking Tour (11:30am, 2pm & 5:30pm): $15
  • Guided Walking Tour with a Local: $17
  • SEA LIFE Loch Lomond General Admission Ticket: $20
  • Northern Highlights Sightseeing Pass: $25
  • Loch Ness 1-Hour Cruise with Urquhart Castle Views: $27
  • Loch Ness and Caledonian Canal 2-Hour Cruise from Dochgarroch: $38
  • Glenaladale Cruise - Great for wizard spotting!: $38
  • Inverness Bike Tour a 2 hours guided bike tour around the Waterways of Inverness: $39
  • Gaskan cruise - Golden Eagles!: $44
  • Puffin Tour: $57

Tours and Activities in Nice

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Nice are as follows:

  • Vieux Nice : Discovery Stroll and Reading Walking Tour: $2.13
  • Nice : Discovery Stroll and Reading Walking Tour: $2.13
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
  • Ticket to Musée National du Sport: $6.42
  • Nice Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.55
  • Monaco Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.55
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Walking Tour: $6.95
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.95
  • Nice's Old Town Highlights: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Navigating A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Nice city tour: audio guide app in your smartphone: $7.49

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Inverness £23
    Nice £14

Sample the Local Flavors in Inverness

Also in Inverness, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • From Invergordon Port Dunrobin Castle, Clynelish Distillery Tour : $203
  • Speyside Distillery Tour From Inverness: $1,124

Sample the Local Flavors in Nice

Also in Nice, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Nice Bar Crawl | Best Bars In 1 Night! VIP + FREE SHOTS: $5.99
  • Pub Crawl Party with VIP Entry and Free Shots: $16
  • Pub Crawl Nice with Drinking Games and Optional Drink special: $17
  • Nice : Guided Pub / Bar Crawl with Shots and Nightclub Entry: $21
  • Riviera Bar Crawl Party with Free Shots and VIP Entry: $23
  • Nice Walking Tour with Wine Tasting: $45
  • New Year's Eve Pub Crawl with Shots and VIP Club Entry: $52
  • New Year’s Eve Bar Crawl Nice France: $53
  • Provence Organic Wine Tasting Half Day Tour from Nice: $65
  • Wine Tasting: Tour de France in Nice City Centre: $74
  • Half-Day Saint Paul de Vence and Wine Tasting Tour: $82
  • Half-Day Wine Tasting and Saint Paul de Vence Tour from Nice: $84


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

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


Which is Bigger, Inverness or Nice?

Nice has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Inverness. When comparing the sizes of Inverness and Nice, 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.


When is the best time to visit Inverness 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 Inverness or Nice in the Summer?

Both Nice and Inverness are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Inverness for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Nice in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

Inverness is much colder than Nice in the summer. The daily temperature in Inverness averages around 14°C (58°F) in July, and Nice fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In July, Inverness usually receives more rain than Nice. Inverness gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Nice receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Inverness 14°C (58°F) 
    Nice 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Inverness or Nice in the Autumn?

Both Nice and Inverness during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Inverness in the autumn for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Also, most visitors come to Nice for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Inverness is much colder than Nice. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Inverness in October average around 9°C (49°F), and Nice averages at about 17°C (63°F).

Nice gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Inverness usually gets less rain in October than Nice. Inverness gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Nice receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Inverness 9°C (49°F) 
    Nice 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Inverness or Nice in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Inverness and Nice. Most visitors come to Inverness for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Nice because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Inverness can be very cold during winter. In January, Inverness is generally much colder than Nice. Daily temperatures in Inverness average around 3°C (38°F), and Nice fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In January, Inverness usually receives less rain than Nice. Inverness gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Nice receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Inverness 3°C (38°F) 
    Nice 9°C (48°F)

Should I visit Inverness or Nice in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Inverness as well as Nice. The spring months attract visitors to Inverness because of the small town charm. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Nice this time of year.

Inverness is much colder than Nice in the spring. The daily temperature in Inverness averages around 7°C (44°F) in April, and Nice fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Inverness usually gets less rain in April than Nice. Inverness gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Nice receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Inverness 7°C (44°F) 
    Nice 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Nice and Inverness

Inverness Nice
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 9°C (48°F) 83 mm (3.3 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 9°C (49°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 11°C (51°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 7°C (44°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 13°C (56°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
May 10°C (50°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 16°C (62°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jun 13°C (55°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 20°C (68°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Jul 14°C (58°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 16 mm (0.6 in)
Aug 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 23°C (73°F) 31 mm (1.2 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 21°C (69°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Oct 9°C (49°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 17°C (63°F) 108 mm (4.3 in)
Nov 5°C (42°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 104 mm (4.1 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 52 mm (2 in) 10°C (49°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)