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

Should you visit Kilkenny 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 Kilkenny and Nice can help you decide which place is right for you.

Kilkenny

Kilkenny is a ancient, medieval, and fascinating town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Nice

Nice is a opulent, trendy, and chic seaside destination. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Kilkenny and Nice: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kilkenny or Nice?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Nice than Kilkenny, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Nice is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Kilkenny is more popular for its museums. Nice is more touristy than Kilkenny 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. Kilkenny is well known for its medieval castle and long running history.

How is Kilkenny different from Nice?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Kilkenny 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 Kilkenny. 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.

Nice does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

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.

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 Nice Better for Nightlife?

Nice is terrific for nightlife and partying. Also, Kilkenny is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

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 Nice Better for Resorts?

Nice is terrific for its resorts. However, Kilkenny 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.

Kilkenny is not a resort destination.

Is Kilkenny or Nice Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Nice is very good for its diving and snorkeling. However, Kilkenny 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.

Kilkenny is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Kilkenny or Nice Better for Beaches?

Nice is a great destination for the beache. However, Kilkenny 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.

Kilkenny is not a beach destination.

Is Kilkenny or Nice Better for its Old Town?

Kilkenny and Nice are both popular destinations with charming historical areas.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Kilkenny. 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 Nice to see the historical old town. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Kilkenny or Nice?

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

Nice is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

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 Nice Better for Families?

Kilkenny is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Nice is not as famous, but is still a good seaside destination to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Nice is a family-friendly town. 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 Kilkenny or Nice Better for Couples?

Nice is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Kilkenny is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Kilkenny is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

Is Kilkenny or Nice Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kilkenny and Nice are notable places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Kilkenny is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. The area has some unique hostels that offer interesting experiences while you're in town.

It's common for backpackers to visit Nice. 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.

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

Nice 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 Nice can get you to some places easily. There are both buses and trams.

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

Is Kilkenny or Nice a more walkable city?

Nice is terrific for its high level of walkability. Also, Kilkenny is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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

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

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

Should I spend more time in Nice or Kilkenny?

How long in Kilkenny or Nice?

In either Kilkenny or Nice, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Nice than Kilkenny because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Kilkenny, and 3-5 days is enough time in Nice.

Couples should spend more time in Nice than Kilkenny. 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 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 Nice.

One day in Kilkenny or Nice?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Kilkenny. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

The beautiful seaside destination of Nice offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Nice?

Kilkenny is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

Nice 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 Nice?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the active destination of Kilkenny. This town offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Nice is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Nice, 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 Nice?

The ancient town of Kilkenny offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 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 seaside destination 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 Nice, we can see that Nice 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 Nice would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nice 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 Nice Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Kilkenny or Nice?

Nice has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Kilkenny. When comparing the sizes of Kilkenny 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 Kilkenny 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 Kilkenny or Nice in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Kilkenny and Nice. Many travelers come to Kilkenny for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Nice in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

Kilkenny is cooler than Nice in the summer. The daily temperature in Kilkenny averages around 15°C (60°F) in July, and Nice fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In July, Kilkenny usually receives more rain than Nice. Kilkenny gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Nice receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Kilkenny or Nice in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Kilkenny as well as Nice. Many visitors come to Kilkenny in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Nice for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Kilkenny is much colder than Nice. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kilkenny in October average around 11°C (51°F), and Nice averages at about 17°C (63°F).

It's quite rainy in Nice. Kilkenny usually gets less rain in October than Nice. Kilkenny gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Nice receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kilkenny or Nice in the Winter?

Both Nice and Kilkenny are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Kilkenny 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.

In January, Kilkenny is generally much colder than Nice. Daily temperatures in Kilkenny average around 5°C (41°F), and Nice fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In January, Kilkenny usually receives less rain than Nice. Kilkenny gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Nice receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Kilkenny or Nice in the Spring?

Both Nice and Kilkenny during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Kilkenny because of the natural beauty. Furthermore, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Nice this time of year.

Kilkenny is much colder than Nice in the spring. The daily temperature in Kilkenny averages around 8°C (47°F) in April, and Nice fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Kilkenny usually gets less rain in April than Nice. Kilkenny gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Nice receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Nice and Kilkenny