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

Should you visit Kinsale or Saint-Etienne?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Kinsale and Saint-Etienne can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Kinsale

Kinsale is a picturesque, colorful, and charming seaside town. You'll find plenty of local activities in this small town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the museums, food, and hiking.

Saint-Etienne

Saint-Etienne is a undiscovered, authentic, and historic city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the hiking, museums, and nightlife.

Kinsale and Saint-Etienne: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will usually find more to do in Kinsale than Saint-Etienne, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Kinsale is better known for its food, beaches, historical sights, shopping, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Saint-Etienne is more popular for its nightlife. Kinsale is more touristy than Saint-Etienne and is known for its colorful houses, excellent restaurants, and beautiful seaside walks. Also, Kinsale is famous for Charles Fort. Saint-Etienne is well known for its industrial and manufacturing past.

How is Kinsale different from Saint-Etienne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Kinsale or Saint-Etienne?

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Kinsale and Saint-Etienne.

Kinsale offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. In addition to the colorful old town, you can check out Charles Fort, James Fort, and Old Head Signal Tower. The town is filled with history and many unique landmarks that are worth exploring.

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 Kinsale or Saint-Etienne? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kinsale is an amazing seaside town to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Eat your way through Kinsale, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. For such a small town, it really has an impressive food scene and many people consider it to be the culinary capital of Ireland. The food scene includes Michelin starred restaurants and local cafes.

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 Kinsale or Saint-Etienne Better for Nightlife?

Saint-Etienne is a city with good options for nightlife and partying. However, Kinsale is not a good destination for its evening party scene.

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.

Most people don't head to Kinsale specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. It's a small town that's not known for its nightlife scene. There are a couple of traditional Irish pubs in town.

Is Kinsale or Saint-Etienne Better for Beaches?

Kinsale is adequate for the beache. However, Saint-Etienne is not a beach destination.

You can check out the beach in Kinsale. You'll find a number of beaches within about 20 minutes of town. The closest is Kinsale Beach, which is about 3 kilometers from the center of town. For a more peaceful setting, head out of town and check out Sandycove Beach, Garrylucas Blue Flag Beach, and Coolmain Beach.

Saint-Etienne is not a beach destination.

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

Kinsale 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 Kinsale. The old town is filled with brightly colored houses, and it offers a unique setting that's different from many of Europe's more standard old towns.

Saint-Etienne does not have a historic old town.

Is Kinsale or Saint-Etienne Better for Hiking?

Both Kinsale and Saint-Etienne are destinations which offer notable hiking.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Kinsale. There are many seaside walks just outside of town.

Saint-Etienne offers some nice hiking trails. You'll find several great hikes just outside of town. It's a great way to experience the surrounding countryside.

Is the Shopping Better in Kinsale or Saint-Etienne?

Kinsale 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 Kinsale. There are a number of shops around town that highlight Irish designers and local brands.

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 Kinsale or Saint-Etienne Better for Families?

Both Kinsale and Saint-Etienne are notable to visit with kids.

Kinsale offers lots of family activities. If your kids need a break from the tourist circuit, there are a couple of playgrounds and outdoor centers around town. There's also one hour pony treks available at the Kinsale Equestrian Centre.

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 Kinsale or Saint-Etienne Better for Couples?

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

Kinsale makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. From coastal walks to quaint streets, there are many picturesque places that a couple can explore. The town also has an impressive restaurant scene where couples can enjoy a great meal.

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 Kinsale or Saint-Etienne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Plenty of backpackers visit Kinsale. There are a couple of hostels around town where you can meet other backpackers.

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 Kinsale or Saint-Etienne Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Saint-Etienne is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Kinsale is not a good destination for its public transit.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Kinsale. The town has buses that pass through.

Is Kinsale or Saint-Etienne a more walkable city?

Kinsale and Saint-Etienne are notable when it comes to walkability.

Kinsale is a somewhat walkable place. The town itself is relatively compact and walkable. There are also many seaside walks just outside of town.

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

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

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

How long in Kinsale or Saint-Etienne?

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

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

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

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

One day in Kinsale or Saint-Etienne?

Even though Kinsale is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. 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.

In Saint-Etienne, you'll find nightlife and museums. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Kinsale or Saint-Etienne?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Kinsale. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. 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.

In Saint-Etienne, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Saint-Etienne has to offer.

Five days in Kinsale or Saint-Etienne?

Kinsale is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This seaside 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 great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Kinsale or Saint-Etienne?

Kinsale is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint-Etienne. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Saint-Etienne. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to Ireland, The Best 3-Day Tours from Dublin, 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 Kinsale and Saint-Etienne, we can see that Kinsale is more expensive. And not only is Saint-Etienne much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Saint-Etienne would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Saint-Etienne 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 Kinsale would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Kinsale than you might in Saint-Etienne.

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

Which is Bigger, Kinsale or Saint-Etienne?

Saint-Etienne has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Kinsale. When comparing the sizes of Kinsale 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 Kinsale or Saint-Etienne?

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 Kinsale or Saint-Etienne in the Summer?

Both Saint-Etienne and Kinsale are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Kinsale this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Saint-Etienne for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

Kinsale is cooler than Saint-Etienne in the summer. The daily temperature in Kinsale averages around 16°C (60°F) in July, and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 22°C (71°F).

It's quite sunny in Saint-Etienne. Kinsale usually receives less sunshine than Saint-Etienne during summer. Kinsale gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Saint-Etienne receives 285 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Kinsale usually receives less rain than Saint-Etienne. Kinsale gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

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

Both Saint-Etienne and Kinsale during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Kinsale for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Saint-Etienne in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Kinsale is cooler than Saint-Etienne. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kinsale in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Saint-Etienne averages at about 14°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Kinsale often gets less sunshine than Saint-Etienne. Kinsale gets 90 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint-Etienne receives 127 hours of full sun.

Kinsale usually gets more rain in October than Saint-Etienne. Kinsale gets 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Kinsale and Saint-Etienne. Many visitors come to Kinsale in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Saint-Etienne for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Saint-Etienne can be very cold during winter. In January, Kinsale is generally much warmer than Saint-Etienne. Daily temperatures in Kinsale average around 6°C (43°F), and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

Kinsale usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Saint-Etienne during winter. Kinsale gets 60 hours of sunny skies, while Saint-Etienne receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.

Kinsale gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Kinsale usually receives more rain than Saint-Etienne. Kinsale gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the winter.

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

The spring brings many poeple to Kinsale as well as Saint-Etienne. Most visitors come to Kinsale for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Saint-Etienne because of the natural beauty.

Kinsale is cooler than Saint-Etienne in the spring. The daily temperature in Kinsale averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

In the spring, Kinsale often gets less sunshine than Saint-Etienne. Kinsale gets 157 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint-Etienne receives 174 hours of full sun.

Kinsale usually gets less rain in April than Saint-Etienne. Kinsale gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Saint-Etienne and Kinsale