A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kilkenny vs. Biarritz for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Kilkenny or Biarritz?

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 Kilkenny and Biarritz can help you decide which place is right for you.

Kilkenny

Kilkenny is a medieval, fascinating, and active town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Biarritz

Biarritz is a dynamic, cultural, and relaxing seaside town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Kilkenny and Biarritz: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kilkenny or Biarritz?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Biarritz than Kilkenny, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Biarritz is better known for its nightlife, resorts, beaches, shopping, and small town charm, while Kilkenny is more popular for its museums, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Biarritz is more touristy than Kilkenny and is popular for its surfing culture, long beaches, and seaside atmosphere. Also, Biarritz is famous for Grande Plage. Kilkenny is well known for its medieval castle and long running history.

How is Kilkenny different from Biarritz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Kilkenny or Biarritz?

Kilkenny is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Biarritz is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

Kilkenny offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. It's seeped in history and there are many historic landmarks in the area including Kilkenny Castle. Also make sure you check out the National Design & Craft Gallery, Saint Mary's Cathedral, and the Medieval Mile Museum.

Biarritz offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most people pass their time relaxing on the beach or taking a walk, but you can also visit the Biarritz Aquarium or the Biarritz Lighthouse.

Is the Food Better in Kilkenny or Biarritz? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Kilkenny and Biarritz.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Kilkenny. The town has two Michelin starred restaurants as well as many Irish pubs and international restaurants to choose from.

Biarritz has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The food is a delicious mix of French, Spanish, and Basque flavors. Seafood is an obvious influence, but you'll also find meat and bread in many dishes. Local specialties include the oysters, pintxos (a snack of bread topped with ham, cheese, or vegetables), and marmitako (tuna stew).

Is Kilkenny or Biarritz Better for Nightlife?

Biarritz is a great destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Kilkenny is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

The people in Biarritz know how to have a good time. The city center has the most bars and clubs if you're looking for a party. Head to Port Vieux or Les Halles for some of the city's best nightlife. For a more relaxed night out, there are night markets as well as beach front terraces and rooftops where you can sip wine in a mellow atmosphere.

If you're looking for night time activities Kilkenny has a few options to choose from. You'll find traditional pubs and local breweries around town. The town also hosts several local music festivals.

Is Kilkenny or Biarritz Better for Resorts?

Biarritz is a great destination for its resorts. However, Kilkenny is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Biarritz. You'll find a mix of holiday cottages, vacation rentals, and beachfront hotels. There are also hostels around town for those on a budget.

Kilkenny is not a resort destination.

Is Kilkenny or Biarritz Better for Beaches?

Biarritz is a great destination for the beache. However, Kilkenny is not a beach destination.

Biarritz is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. There are plenty of sandy beaches near the town that offer great surfing. For calmer water you can head to some of the smaller bays. Some of the most popular beaches in the area include Le Grande Plage, Plage du Miramar, and Plage Port Vieux.

Kilkenny is not a beach destination.

Is Kilkenny or Biarritz Better for its Old Town?

Kilkenny is an excellent place to visit for its old town. However, Biarritz does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Kilkenny. Known as the Medieval Mile, the old town dates back 1,500 years and is filled with city walls, cathedrals, and meandering lanes.

Biarritz does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Kilkenny or Biarritz?

Biarritz is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Kilkenny is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Biarritz is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The town has many market halls, boutiques, and department stores. Head to Avenue de Verdun for some quirky local stores or Place Georges Clemenceau for more high end shopping.

Kilkenny has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There's a mix of shopping malls, shopping streets, and local markets. Make sure you check out Market Cross Shopping Centre, MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre, Connolly's Red Mills, and Castleinch Sunday Market.

Is Kilkenny or Biarritz Better for Families?

You'll find great kid-friendly activities in either Kilkenny or Biarritz.

Kilkenny is a very kid-friendly town. The obvious activity is visiting the Kilkenny Castle, but there are so many other adventures that your family can have. You can do the zip line and other outdoor adventures at Castlecomer Discovery Park, try out falconry, or visit the National Reptile Museum. There's also river rafting, kayaking, and many other outdoor adventures in the area.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Biarritz. The sandy beaches are great for surfing, but you'll also find some calm water where kids can play. There are plenty of surf schools in the area that will help kids learn if they're just beginning to surf. Kids who love the ocean will find tons of entertainment in this seaside town.

Is Kilkenny or Biarritz Better for Couples?

Both Kilkenny and Biarritz are great destinations to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Kilkenny frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Adventure lovers will enjoy rafting, kayaking, hiking, and cycling through the area. There are also Michelin starred restaurants and other romantic settings that make for a great couple's weekend.

Biarritz is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. There are many coastal walks, sandy beaches, and surfing opportunities that couples can enjoy. Combine that with great French cuisine and a lively atmosphere, and you won't find a better couples getaway.

Is Kilkenny or Biarritz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Biarritz is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Kilkenny is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Biarritz is a great seaside town to visit for backpackers. The town attracts surfers and there are plenty of hostels and other accommodation options for budget travelers or backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Kilkenny. The area has some unique hostels that offer interesting experiences while you're in town.

Is Kilkenny or Biarritz Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Kilkenny and Biarritz.

You'll find some public transit in Kilkenny, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are city buses through town.

While Biarritz offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are regional bus lines to nearby towns operated by Chronoplus and PESA.

Is Kilkenny or Biarritz a more walkable city?

Kilkenny and Biarritz both are great when exploring on foot.

Kilkenny is a very walkable town. The town is easy to walk around and most areas can be explored on foot.

Biarritz is a very walkable destination. The city center is very walkable and you can reach many of the beaches on foot as well.

For even more information, also check out Is Kilkenny Worth Visiting? and Is Biarritz Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Biarritz or Kilkenny?

How long in Kilkenny or Biarritz?

Both Kilkenny and Biarritz have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Biarritz than in Kilkenny. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Kilkenny, and 3-7 days is enough time in Biarritz.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Biarritz than Kilkenny 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 Biarritz.

One day in Kilkenny or Biarritz?

The town of Kilkenny offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

The seaside town of Biarritz offers nightlife and food. Most people come for the beaches. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Kilkenny or Biarritz?

Kilkenny is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Kilkenny, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Biarritz is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Kilkenny or Biarritz?

Kilkenny is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Biarritz is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Biarritz, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Kilkenny or Biarritz?

Kilkenny is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

Biarritz is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. It's also a great beach destination, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Biarritz has to offer. This seaside town offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Ireland, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Ireland, The Best Tours for Seniors to France, and The Best Contiki Tours to France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Kilkenny or Biarritz?

Biarritz has a larger population, and is about 54% larger than the population of Kilkenny. When comparing the sizes of Kilkenny and Biarritz, 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 Kilkenny or Biarritz?

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 Kilkenny or Biarritz in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Kilkenny as well as Biarritz. Most visitors come to Kilkenny for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Biarritz because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Kilkenny is cooler than Biarritz in the summer. The daily temperature in Kilkenny averages around 15°C (60°F) in July, and Biarritz fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Biarritz. In the summer, Kilkenny often gets less sunshine than Biarritz. Kilkenny gets 131 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Biarritz receives 209 hours of full sun.

Kilkenny usually gets less rain in July than Biarritz. Kilkenny gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kilkenny or Biarritz in the Autumn?

Both Biarritz and Kilkenny are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Kilkenny because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Biarritz this time of year.

In the autumn, Kilkenny is cooler than Biarritz. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kilkenny in October average around 11°C (51°F), and Biarritz averages at about 16°C (60°F).

Kilkenny usually receives less sunshine than Biarritz during autumn. Kilkenny gets 83 hours of sunny skies, while Biarritz receives 144 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Biarritz. In October, Kilkenny usually receives less rain than Biarritz. Kilkenny gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Kilkenny or Biarritz in the Winter?

Both Biarritz and Kilkenny during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Kilkenny this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Biarritz for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Kilkenny is generally much colder than Biarritz. Daily temperatures in Kilkenny average around 5°C (41°F), and Biarritz fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Kilkenny often gets less sunshine than Biarritz. Kilkenny gets 50 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Biarritz receives 85 hours of full sun.

Biarritz gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Kilkenny usually gets less rain in January than Biarritz. Kilkenny gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kilkenny or Biarritz in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Kilkenny and Biarritz. Many travelers come to Kilkenny for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Biarritz in the spring for the beaches and the small town charm.

Kilkenny is cooler than Biarritz in the spring. The daily temperature in Kilkenny averages around 8°C (47°F) in April, and Biarritz fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Kilkenny usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Biarritz during spring. Kilkenny gets 139 hours of sunny skies, while Biarritz receives 141 hours of full sun in the spring.

Biarritz receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Kilkenny usually receives less rain than Biarritz. Kilkenny gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Biarritz and Kilkenny