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

Should you visit Kilkenny or Nantes?

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

Kilkenny

Kilkenny is a medieval, fascinating, and active town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Nantes

Nantes is a welcoming, friendly, and historical 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 Nantes: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kilkenny or Nantes?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Nantes. Although Kilkenny and Nantes are both popular with visitors, Nantes has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Nantes is more popular for its food, nightlife, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Kilkenny is known for its historical sights. Kilkenny is popular for its medieval castle and long running history. Nantes is popular for its castles and historical landmarks, local wine, and beautiful parks and gardens. It is also home to The Castle of the Dukes of Brittany.

How is Kilkenny different from Nantes?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Plenty of people visit the excellent sights and museums in both Kilkenny and Nantes.

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 Nantes can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is filled with historical monuments, particularly in the Bouffay District. Highlights include Cathédrale Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul, Château des Ducs de Bretagne, and the Musée d'Arts de Nantes.

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

Nantes is terrific for its restaurant scene. Also, Kilkenny is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Nantes has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The region lends itself to unique flavors with a great mix of seafood from the Atlantic, freshwater fish from the Loire, and dairy from the surrounding countryside. The region is also famous for its wine. Local dishes that you should try include Filet de Sandre au Beurre Blanc (fresh fish in butter sauce), Crepes Bretonnes (breakfast crepes), and Le Canard Nantais (duck with Muscadet wine).

Kilkenny has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The town has two Michelin starred restaurants as well as many Irish pubs and international restaurants to choose from.

Is Kilkenny or Nantes Better for Nightlife?

Nantes 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 Nantes know how to have a good time. The large student population heavily influences the nightlife scene. You'll find a young vibe with a lot of bars and clubs to choose from, particularly around Île de Nantes.

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 Nantes Better for its Old Town?

Kilkenny is a very popular place for its historic old town charm. Also, Nantes is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town.

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.

Many visitors go to Nantes to see the historical old town. The city's old town is in the Bouffay District and it is filled with half-timbered houses and a maze of streets and shops.

Is the Shopping Better in Kilkenny or Nantes?

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

Nantes is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are impressive shopping streets, boutique stores, and grand shopping malls. Make sure you check out Rue Crébillon, Passage Pommeraye, and the shops around the Bouffay District. Talensac Market is also a historical covered market that you can explore.

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 Nantes Better for Families?

You'll find excellent kid-friendly activities in either Kilkenny or Nantes.

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 Nantes. It's filled with gardens, museums, and theme parks, making it a great combination of fascinating activities for adults and kids alike. Some of the top kid-friendly activities include a visit to Machine of the Isle of Nantes (both a theme park and a museum), seeing a show at Le Lieu Unique, or experiencing Naudières Park (a smaller theme park). Kids will also enjoy seeing Goulaine Castle or wandering around Jardin Extraordinaire or the Botanical Gardens.

Is Kilkenny or Nantes Better for Couples?

Both Kilkenny and Nantes are excellent 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.

Nantes is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. There is a mix of both natural and historical beauty. Couples can enjoy a nice meal, stroll through one of the many parks and gardens, or even spend the day at the spa.

Is Kilkenny or Nantes Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kilkenny is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Nantes is lacking in good options for backpackers.

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

Nantes is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't as many hostels as you would expect in the area, so finding an affordable and social place to stay may be a bit challenging.

Is Kilkenny or Nantes Better for Students?

Nantes is very good for students. However, Kilkenny is not popular with students.

Nantes is popular with students. There's a decent sized student population and the city has a welcoming atmosphere. It's also easy to get around with public transportation.

Kilkenny is not popular with students.

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

Nantes 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 Nantes can get you to some places easily. There are both trams and buses throughout the city that are operated by TAN (Transport de l'Agglomeration Nantaise).

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

Is Kilkenny or Nantes a more walkable city?

Kilkenny and Nantes both are excellent 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.

Nantes is a very walkable destination. The city is very walkable. Both locals and tourists alike choose to walk in Nantes.

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

Should I spend more time in Nantes or Kilkenny?

How long in Kilkenny or Nantes?

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

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

One day in Kilkenny or Nantes?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Kilkenny. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

The beautiful city of Nantes offers food and shopping. 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 Nantes?

Kilkenny is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Nantes 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Nantes, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Kilkenny or Nantes?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kilkenny. 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. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Nantes is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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 Nantes?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the active destination of Kilkenny. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

Nantes is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Kilkenny or Nantes?

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

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 Nantes in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Kilkenny as well as Nantes. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Kilkenny this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Nantes for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Kilkenny is cooler than Nantes. Typically, the summer temperatures in Kilkenny in July average around 15°C (60°F), and Nantes averages at about 19°C (67°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nantes. In the summer, Kilkenny often gets less sunshine than Nantes. Kilkenny gets 131 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nantes receives 267 hours of full sun.

Kilkenny usually gets more rain in July than Nantes. Kilkenny gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kilkenny or Nantes in the Autumn?

Both Nantes and Kilkenny are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Kilkenny for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Nantes in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Kilkenny is generally cooler than Nantes. Daily temperatures in Kilkenny average around 11°C (51°F), and Nantes fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Kilkenny usually receives less sunshine than Nantes during autumn. Kilkenny gets 83 hours of sunny skies, while Nantes receives 141 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Kilkenny usually receives around the same amount of rain as Nantes. Kilkenny gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Kilkenny or Nantes in the Winter?

Both Nantes and Kilkenny during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Kilkenny in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Nantes for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Kilkenny is around the same temperature as Nantes in the winter. The daily temperature in Kilkenny averages around 5°C (41°F) in January, and Nantes fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Kilkenny often gets less sunshine than Nantes. Kilkenny gets 50 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nantes receives 72 hours of full sun.

Kilkenny usually gets less rain in January than Nantes. Kilkenny gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kilkenny or Nantes in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Kilkenny and Nantes. Most visitors come to Kilkenny for the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Nantes because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Kilkenny is cooler than Nantes. Typically, the spring temperatures in Kilkenny in April average around 8°C (47°F), and Nantes averages at about 11°C (51°F).

Kilkenny usually receives less sunshine than Nantes during spring. Kilkenny gets 139 hours of sunny skies, while Nantes receives 187 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Kilkenny usually receives around the same amount of rain as Nantes. Kilkenny gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Nantes and Kilkenny