A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Kilkenny vs. Saint-Etienne for Attractions, Food, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Kilkenny or Saint-Etienne?

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 Saint-Etienne can help you decide which place is right for you.

Kilkenny

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

Saint-Etienne

Saint-Etienne is a park-filled, industrial, and undiscovered city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the hiking, museums, and nightlife.

Kilkenny and Saint-Etienne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kilkenny or Saint-Etienne?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Kilkenny than Saint-Etienne, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Kilkenny is better known for its museums, food, historical sights, and shopping, while Saint-Etienne is more popular for its hiking. Kilkenny is more touristy than Saint-Etienne and is popular for its medieval castle and long running history. Also, Kilkenny is famous for The Kilkenny Castle. Saint-Etienne is well known for its industrial and manufacturing past.

The Kilkenny Castle

How is Kilkenny different from Saint-Etienne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne?

Kilkenny is great for its historical sights. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Saint-Etienne. There are several great museums in town including the Musée d'Art et d'Industrie, Musée de la Mine, Musée des Verts, and the planetarium.

Is the Food Better in Kilkenny or Saint-Etienne? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kilkenny is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Kilkenny has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The town has two Michelin starred restaurants as well as many Irish pubs and international restaurants to choose from.

Saint-Etienne may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Try the many local cheeses which are a defining part of the cuisine in the area. You'll find some local restaurants around town where you can sample local flavors.

Is Kilkenny or Saint-Etienne Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Kilkenny or Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne has a few options to choose from. The nightlife is centered around sipping wine or visiting one of the clubs in town.

Is Kilkenny or Saint-Etienne Better for its Old Town?

Kilkenny is great for its old town. However, Saint-Etienne does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see 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.

Saint-Etienne does not have a historic old town.

Is Kilkenny or Saint-Etienne Better for Hiking?

Saint-Etienne is very good for its hiking experiences. However, Kilkenny is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Saint-Etienne. You'll find several great hikes just outside of town. It's a great way to experience the surrounding countryside.

Kilkenny is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Kilkenny or Saint-Etienne?

Kilkenny is a good destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its shopping areas.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Kilkenny. 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.

Saint-Etienne has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. Shopping malls and several boutique shopping areas make up the city's shopping scene.

Is Kilkenny or Saint-Etienne Better for Families?

Kilkenny is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Kilkenny is very family-friendly. 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.

Saint-Etienne is a family-friendly place to visit. There are several kid-friendly museums as well as plenty of natural settings just outside of town. Your kids can run around and stretch their legs nearby at Crest of the Partridge or on a rainy day, the planetarium is a fun place to visit.

Is Kilkenny or Saint-Etienne Better for Couples?

Kilkenny is great for its romantic activities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for couples.

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.

Saint-Etienne is not always the best place to visit for a couple. There are museums, parks, gardens, and beautiful architecture that make this a wonderful place for couples.

Is Kilkenny or Saint-Etienne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Kilkenny is a good destination for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Kilkenny. The area has some unique hostels that offer interesting experiences while you're in town.

Saint-Etienne is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not high on the backpacker trail, but there are hostels and plenty of activities to enjoy.

Is Kilkenny or Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne.

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 Saint-Etienne offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are tram and bus options available in town.

Is Kilkenny or Saint-Etienne a more walkable city?

Kilkenny is great for its high level of walkability. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its ease of walking around.

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

Saint-Etienne is a somewhat walkable town. There are several walkable areas in the city.

For even more information, also check out Is Kilkenny Worth Visiting? and Is Saint-Etienne Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Saint-Etienne or Kilkenny?

How long in Kilkenny or Saint-Etienne?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Kilkenny or Saint-Etienne to fill your time. In our opinion, Kilkenny has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Kilkenny than Saint-Etienne. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Kilkenny than Saint-Etienne. 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 Kilkenny than Saint-Etienne. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Kilkenny that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Kilkenny than Saint-Etienne 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 Kilkenny.

One day in Kilkenny or Saint-Etienne?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the active destination of Kilkenny. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

The city of Saint-Etienne offers museums and nightlife. 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 Saint-Etienne?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kilkenny. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Kilkenny or Saint-Etienne?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the active destination of Kilkenny. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne?

You'll find food and shopping around the town of Kilkenny. 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. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Saint-Etienne is a great place to explore. 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 from Paris, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris.

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

Which is Bigger, Kilkenny or Saint-Etienne?

Saint-Etienne has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Kilkenny. When comparing the sizes of Kilkenny and Saint-Etienne, 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 Saint-Etienne?

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 Saint-Etienne in the Summer?

Both Saint-Etienne and Kilkenny during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Kilkenny in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Saint-Etienne for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Kilkenny is cooler than Saint-Etienne in the summer. The daily temperature in Kilkenny averages around 15°C (60°F) in July, and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

In Saint-Etienne, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Kilkenny often gets less sunshine than Saint-Etienne. Kilkenny gets 131 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint-Etienne receives 285 hours of full sun.

Kilkenny usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Saint-Etienne. Kilkenny gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kilkenny or Saint-Etienne in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Kilkenny and Saint-Etienne. Most visitors come to Kilkenny for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Saint-Etienne because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Kilkenny is cooler than Saint-Etienne. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kilkenny in October average around 11°C (51°F), and Saint-Etienne averages at about 14°C (56°F).

Kilkenny usually receives less sunshine than Saint-Etienne during autumn. Kilkenny gets 83 hours of sunny skies, while Saint-Etienne receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Kilkenny usually receives around the same amount of rain as Saint-Etienne. Kilkenny gets 84 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Kilkenny or Saint-Etienne in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Kilkenny as well as Saint-Etienne. The winter months attract visitors to Kilkenny because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Saint-Etienne this time of year.

It's quite cold in Saint-Etienne in the winter. In January, Kilkenny is generally a little warmer than Saint-Etienne. Daily temperatures in Kilkenny average around 5°C (41°F), and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Kilkenny often gets less sunshine than Saint-Etienne. Kilkenny gets 50 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint-Etienne receives 62 hours of full sun.

Kilkenny usually gets more rain in January than Saint-Etienne. Kilkenny gets 76 mm (3 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kilkenny or Saint-Etienne in the Spring?

Both Saint-Etienne and Kilkenny are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The natural beauty are the main draw to Kilkenny this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Saint-Etienne for the natural beauty.

Kilkenny is cooler than Saint-Etienne in the spring. The daily temperature in Kilkenny averages around 8°C (47°F) in April, and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

Kilkenny usually receives less sunshine than Saint-Etienne during spring. Kilkenny gets 139 hours of sunny skies, while Saint-Etienne receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Kilkenny usually receives less rain than Saint-Etienne. Kilkenny gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Saint-Etienne and Kilkenny