A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kilkenny vs. Montpellier for Old Town, Attractions, Food, and Families

Should you visit Kilkenny or Montpellier?

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 Montpellier can help you decide which place is right for you.

Kilkenny

Kilkenny is a fascinating, active, and ancient town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Montpellier

Montpellier is a beautiful, friendly, and historic 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.

Kilkenny and Montpellier: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Kilkenny or Montpellier?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Montpellier. Although Kilkenny and Montpellier are both popular with visitors, Montpellier has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Montpellier is more popular for its beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Kilkenny is known for its food. Kilkenny is popular for its medieval castle and long running history. Montpellier is popular for its relaxed atmosphere, grand boulevards, and authentic personality. It is also home to The Place de la Comédie.

How is Kilkenny different from Montpellier?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Kilkenny
Montpellier

Plenty of people visit the high quality sights and museums in both Kilkenny and Montpellier.

Many visitors head to Kilkenny specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Montpellier can be an interesting and educational experience. With such a long history, the city has many landmarks and monuments. Also make sure you visit Musée Fabre and Saint-Pierre Cathedral.


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

Kilkenny
Montpellier

Kilkenny is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Kilkenny is an experience not to be missed. The town has two Michelin starred restaurants as well as many Irish pubs and international restaurants to choose from.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Montpellier. The dishes are made with fresh ingredients produced in the agricultural areas just outside of town. The area is known for its seafood and fish stews.

Is Kilkenny or Montpellier Better for Nightlife?

Kilkenny
Montpellier

It's hard to distinguish whether Kilkenny or Montpellier has a better nightlife scene.

Kilkenny has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find traditional pubs and local breweries around town. The town also hosts several local music festivals.

If you're looking for night time activities Montpellier has a few options to choose from. The weather is mild, making for a nice evening out. The population is also young, so you can expect a lot of activity during the evenings, particularly in the area around Place Jean Jaurés. Make sure you enjoy local wine and champagne while you're in town.

Is Kilkenny or Montpellier Better for Beaches?

Kilkenny
Montpellier

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

Montpellier is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. The coastline near Montpellier feels pristine and beautiful. You can also visit Villeneuve-lès-Maguelone to the southwest of town, which is a protected area.

Kilkenny is not a beach destination.


Is Kilkenny or Montpellier Better for its Old Town?

Kilkenny
Montpellier

Montpellier is terrific for its old town. Also, Kilkenny is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

Montpellier has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. Known as L'Écusson the town's old town dates back to the Middle Ages. It is a pedestrian area that is filled with boutiques, restaurants, and churches.

Many visitors go to Kilkenny to see the historical old town. Known as the Medieval Mile, the old town dates back 1,500 years and is filled with city walls, cathedrals, and meandering lanes.

Is the Shopping Better in Kilkenny or Montpellier?

Kilkenny
Montpellier

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

Montpellier is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Head to Rue de la Loge for some of the city's best 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 Montpellier Better for Families?

Kilkenny
Montpellier

Kilkenny is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Kilkenny is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Montpellier offers lots of family activities. Popular activities for kids include taking a ride on the carousel in the Comedie, visiting the playground - Jardin Champs de Mars, and visiting the botanical garden - Jardin des Plantes.


Is Kilkenny or Montpellier Better for Couples?

Kilkenny
Montpellier

Both Kilkenny and Montpellier are high quality 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.

Montpellier is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Rich in history and beautiful architecture, this city offers a romantic setting for a great couple's getaway.

Is Kilkenny or Montpellier Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kilkenny
Montpellier

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

Montpellier is a great city to visit for backpackers. With a young population and a number of hostels to choose from, Montpellier attracts its share of 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 Montpellier Better for Students?

Kilkenny
Montpellier

Montpellier is terrific for students. However, Kilkenny is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Montpellier. Montpellier is a popular university town that is home to many trendy university students. It's also where you'll find the youngest population of any city in France.

Kilkenny is not popular with students.


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

Kilkenny
Montpellier

Montpellier is a great destination for its public transit. Also, Kilkenny is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Montpellier can get you to some places easily. There are a number of options for getting around town including the tramway, bus, and tourist train.

While Kilkenny offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are city buses through town.

Is Kilkenny or Montpellier a more walkable city?

Kilkenny
Montpellier

Kilkenny and Montpellier both are high quality 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.

Montpellier is a very walkable destination. Many of the sights and attractions are easily accessible on foot and can be enjoyed as part of a self-guided walking tour.

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

Should I spend more time in Montpellier or Kilkenny?

How long in Kilkenny or Montpellier?

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

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

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

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


  • How many days in Kilkenny or Montpellier? Ideal Length of Stay
    Kilkenny 1-2 
    Montpellier 1-3

One day in Kilkenny or Montpellier?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the fascinating town of Kilkenny. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

The beautiful city of Montpellier 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.


A weekend in Kilkenny or Montpellier?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the fascinating destination of Kilkenny. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This town offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Montpellier is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Montpellier, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Kilkenny or Montpellier?

The ancient town of Kilkenny offers shopping and museums. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Montpellier 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.

A week in Kilkenny or Montpellier?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Kilkenny. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Montpellier 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 city 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, and The Best 2-Week Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Montpellier or Kilkenny?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Kilkenny is €88, while the average daily cost in Montpellier is €118. 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 Kilkenny and Montpellier in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Kilkenny 44
    Montpellier 69
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Kilkenny 88
    Montpellier 138
Compare Hotels in Kilkenny and Montpellier

Looking for a hotel in Kilkenny or Montpellier? 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 Kilkenny


Hotels in Montpellier


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: Kilkenny Hotel Prices and Montpellier Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Kilkenny 21
    Montpellier 26

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montpellier

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montpellier:

  • Montpellier Private Transfer from Montpellier city centre to Montpellier Airport: $74
  • Montpellier–Méditerranée Airport Transfer: $64
  • Private Transfer from Sète Cruise Port to Marseille city hotels: $131
  • Transfer Montpellier Airport and Beziers Airport: $49
  • Transfer from Sète Port to Marseille Provence Airport MRS: $131

Is it cheaper to fly into Kilkenny or Montpellier?

Prices for flights to both Montpellier and Kilkenny 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
    Kilkenny 29
    Montpellier 31

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montpellier

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

  • Guided Food Tour With Local Snacks and Wine: $91
  • Montpellier Food Tour: $93
  • From Pic Saint-Loup Wine and Food Tour: $102
  • Cooking workshop: $106
  • Private cooking class with specialized chefs Montpellier: $108
  • Fusion Food Cooking Class: $428

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Kilkenny 15
    Montpellier 12

Tours and Activities in Kilkenny

Here are a few actual costs in Kilkenny for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Medieval Mile Museum Self Guided Audio Tour: $9.81
  • Historical Highlights Walking Tour: $13
  • Kilkenny city tour in German.: $13
  • Best of Kilkenny, two hour walking tour with a qualified guide: $13
  • Historical tour of Kilkenny in French.: $13
  • The Medieval Mile Museum Guided Tour: $13
  • Guided City Boat Tour with Kilkenny Castle Views: $16
  • Knight For Hire Tour: $16
  • Kilkenny Haunted Dark Tours: $21
  • The Witch Tour: $21
  • Kilkenny Haunted Dark Tours: $21
  • Smithwick's Beer Experience: $24

Tours and Activities in Montpellier

Here are a few actual costs in Montpellier for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Legendary Montpellier, flexible legends and storytelling tour: $16
  • CityTour and Photo Portraits Souvenirs in Montpellier: $38
  • Half-Day Hiking Tour of Pic Saint Loup & Picnic: $64
  • From Wine and Olive Tour: $75
  • Small-Group Half-Day Languedoc Wine and Olive Tour from Montpellier: $80
  • From Half-Day Vineyard & Pic Saint-Loup Tour: $80
  • Montpellier Wine and Oyster Tour: $86
  • Small-Group Half-Day Languedoc Wine and Oyster Tour from Montpellier: $95
  • Winetour & food experience in Pic St Loup: $107
  • Saint-Guilhem village and cave day tour : $142
  • Photoshoot Experience: $159
  • Private 2-hour Walking Tour of the Historical Center of Montpellier: $161

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Kilkenny 12
    Montpellier 15

Sample the Local Flavors in Kilkenny

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

  • Kilkenny Culinary and Brewery Tour: $150
  • Kilkenny Culinary and Brewery Tour : $158

Sample the Local Flavors in Montpellier

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Montpellier:

  • The Châteaux of Grès de Montpellier & Wine Tasting: $80
  • Small-Group Half-Day Châteaux of Montpellier Wine Tour: $84
  • Small-Group Half-Day Languedoc Pic Saint-Loup Wine Tour from Montpellier: $84
  • Wine tour in Pic Saint-Loup area: $142
  • Half-Day Wine Tour with Lunch: $155
  • Montpellier : half day wine tour in Camargue: $159
  • Private Half-Day Languedoc Wine Tour from Sète: $240
  • Sète: Private Half–Day Wine Tour: $353


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


Which is Bigger, Kilkenny or Montpellier?

Montpellier has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Kilkenny. When comparing the sizes of Kilkenny and Montpellier, 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 Montpellier?

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 Kilkenny or Montpellier in the Summer?

Both Montpellier and Kilkenny are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Kilkenny in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Montpellier for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Kilkenny is cooler than Montpellier. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kilkenny in July average around 15°C (60°F), and Montpellier averages at about 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Montpellier. Kilkenny usually receives less sunshine than Montpellier during summer. Kilkenny gets 131 hours of sunny skies, while Montpellier receives 351 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Kilkenny usually receives more rain than Montpellier. Kilkenny gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Kilkenny 15°C (60°F) 
    Montpellier 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Kilkenny or Montpellier in the Autumn?

Both Montpellier and Kilkenny during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Kilkenny for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Montpellier because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Kilkenny is generally cooler than Montpellier. Daily temperatures in Kilkenny average around 11°C (51°F), and Montpellier fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Kilkenny often gets less sunshine than Montpellier. Kilkenny gets 83 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montpellier receives 187 hours of full sun.

Montpellier gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Kilkenny usually gets less rain in October than Montpellier. Kilkenny gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Kilkenny 11°C (51°F) 
    Montpellier 15°C (60°F)

Should I visit Kilkenny or Montpellier in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Kilkenny and Montpellier. The winter months attract visitors to Kilkenny because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Montpellier this time of year.

Kilkenny is cooler than Montpellier in the winter. The daily temperature in Kilkenny averages around 5°C (41°F) in January, and Montpellier fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Kilkenny usually receives less sunshine than Montpellier during winter. Kilkenny gets 50 hours of sunny skies, while Montpellier receives 147 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Kilkenny usually receives around the same amount of rain as Montpellier. Kilkenny gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Kilkenny 5°C (41°F) 
    Montpellier 7°C (44°F)

Should I visit Kilkenny or Montpellier in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Kilkenny as well as Montpellier. The natural beauty are the main draw to Kilkenny this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Montpellier for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Kilkenny is cooler than Montpellier. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kilkenny in April average around 8°C (47°F), and Montpellier averages at about 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montpellier. In the spring, Kilkenny often gets less sunshine than Montpellier. Kilkenny gets 139 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montpellier receives 230 hours of full sun.

Kilkenny usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Montpellier. Kilkenny gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Kilkenny 8°C (47°F) 
    Montpellier 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Montpellier and Kilkenny

Kilkenny Montpellier
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (41°F) 76 mm (3 in) 7°C (44°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Feb 5°C (42°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 8°C (46°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 7°C (44°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 10°C (50°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Apr 8°C (47°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
May 11°C (52°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 16°C (61°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Jun 14°C (57°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 20°C (68°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Jul 15°C (60°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 23°C (73°F) 20 mm (0.8 in)
Aug 15°C (59°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 22°C (72°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Sep 13°C (55°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 19°C (67°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 11°C (51°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 15°C (60°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Nov 7°C (44°F) 74 mm (2.9 in) 10°C (51°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Dec 6°C (42°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 7°C (45°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)