A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Lagos vs. Nantes for Food, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Lagos or Nantes?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Lagos and Nantes. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Lagos

Lagos is a adventure-filled, dramatic, and vibrant resort town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Nantes

Nantes is a beautiful, vibrant, and welcoming city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Lagos and Nantes: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lagos or Nantes?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Lagos than Nantes, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Lagos is better known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Nantes is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, and shopping. Lagos is more touristy than Nantes and is popular for its dramatic beaches, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant nightlife. Also, Lagos is famous for Ponta da Piedade. Nantes is well known for its castles and historical landmarks, local wine, and beautiful parks and gardens.

How is Lagos different from Nantes?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Lagos or Nantes?

Nantes is well known for its museums and landmarks. However, Lagos does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Lagos does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Nantes is a must-visit destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Lagos is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eat your way through Nantes, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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).

Lagos has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The city offers some of the best food in the Algarve. The old town has plenty of restaurants that are both affordable and high quality. Seafood is the obvious choice, but you'll also find tapas, paellas, and local dishes such as cataplana (a seafood and chorizo stew). Most restaurants serve up a local fish of the day as well as prawns and other seafood items.

Is Lagos or Nantes Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Lagos and Nantes.

Lagos is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city has a mellow vibe, even at night, but that's not to say there aren't good parties going on, particularly during the peak of the travel season. There's a local charm to the nightlife scene here and you'll likely start to recognize other party-goers. Many of the bars are housed in character-filled old buildings which can feel a bit cramped, but that's all part of the charm.

Many people head to Nantes for the nightlife scene. 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.

Is Lagos or Nantes Better for Resorts?

Lagos is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. However, Nantes is not a resort destination.

Lagos offers an unforgettable resort vacation. As a resort town, you'll find no shortage of places to stay in the area. If you don't have a car, your best options are in the historic center. If transportation isn't a concern, then you'll find plenty of great resorts in the Marina, Meia Praia, Dona Ana Beach, Camilo Beach, and Porto de Mós Beach.

Nantes is not a resort destination.

Is Lagos or Nantes Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Lagos is a very popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Nantes is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Many visitors go to Lagos to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. With its unique rock formations and caves, there are many spots where you can snorkel or scuba dive nearby. There's also sparkling blue waters and plenty of marine life including lobster, shrimp, anemones, octopuses, and brightly colored fish.

Nantes is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Lagos or Nantes Better for Beaches?

Lagos is an unbeatable place for the beach. However, Nantes is not a beach destination.

The beaches in Lagos are among the best in the world. The beaches are long, flat and sandy with beautifully dramatic rock formations. The largest beach in the area is Meia Praia and arguably one of the best beaches is Praia Dona Ana. For convenience, Praia da Batata is the closest beach to town. Praia de Porto de Mós is one of the more quiet beaches, but it's still along a bus line. For beautiful nature head to either Praia dos Estudantes or Praia dos Pinheiros.

Nantes is not a beach destination.

Is Lagos or Nantes Better for its Old Town?

Nantes is a good destination for its historic old town. However, Lagos does not have a historic old town.

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.

Lagos does not have a historic old town.

Is Lagos or Nantes Better for Hiking?

Lagos is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Nantes is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Lagos. The city makes an excellent base for exploring some of the nearby hikes and walks. Favorite places to hike include the famous Ponte de Piedade Trail, which is the last part of the multi-day Fisherman's Trail. It takes you by many beautiful rock formations and scenic viewpoints. Another scenic hike is The Alvor Walkways, which is a series of boardwalks through sand dunes.

Nantes is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Lagos or Nantes?

Nantes is well known for shopping. Also, Lagos is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Nantes is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Lagos. The town has a long history of local artisan crafts. You can head to the seafront promenade and find local traditional items such as ceramics, leather goods, and jewelry.

Is Lagos or Nantes Better for Families?

Lagos is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Nantes is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Lagos is an amazing family-friendly resort town to visit. You can spend days hanging out on the beautiful beaches, but there are so many other activities that the whole family will enjoy. Explore the caves in kayaks, take surfing lessons, head for the zoo, or go dolphin watching. There are also plenty of playgrounds and kid-friendly restaurants around town.

Nantes is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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 Lagos or Nantes Better for Couples?

Lagos is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Nantes is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Lagos has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. The beaches and hotels in the area offer a truly romantic setting for couples, whether you're on a honeymoon or a couple's weekend getaway. Spend some time on the beach or go kayaking through the caves. Get a spa treatment at a luxury hotel or go wine tasting through the countryside. You can also enjoy the beautiful sunsets on a sunset boat cruise while sipping a glass of local wine.

Couples visit Nantes frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. 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 Lagos or Nantes Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lagos is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Nantes is lacking in good options for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Lagos, as it is a very popular resort town for budget travelers. The area is a favorite for backpackers who come to hang out on the beaches during the day or party late into the night after the sun goes down. There are plenty of hostels around town and many offer a social vibe where it's easy to meet other travelers.

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 Lagos or Nantes Better for Students?

Nantes is a good destination for students. However, Lagos 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.

Lagos is not popular with students.

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

Nantes is well known for its public transit. However, Lagos is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors to Nantes can move around easily with public transportation. There are both trams and buses throughout the city that are operated by TAN (Transport de l'Agglomeration Nantaise).

Public transit is mostly limited in Lagos. The area has buses, but they are limited in where they go. There is also reduced service on weekends and holidays.

Is Lagos or Nantes a more walkable city?

Nantes is well known for its walkability. However, Lagos is not particularly known for its high level of walkability.

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

Lagos is not a very walkable resort town. Most people prefer to have a car as some areas are very hilly and many resorts are outside of town. Depending on your fitness level and motivation, you may be able to get by without a vehicle, but it is generally not recommended.

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

Should I spend more time in Nantes or Lagos?

How long in Lagos or Nantes?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Lagos and Nantes. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Lagos than in Nantes. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Lagos, and 2-3 days is enough time in Nantes.

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

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

One day in Lagos or Nantes?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Lagos. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Nantes, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this historical destination offers. Lots of people come for the food. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Lagos or Nantes?

Lagos is a great place to explore. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nantes. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Lagos or Nantes?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lagos. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Nantes is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Nantes. Lots of people come for the food. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Lagos or Nantes?

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the dramatic destination of Lagos. This resort town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find food and shopping around the historical destination of Nantes. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.

When comparing the travel costs between Lagos and Nantes, we can see that Lagos is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Lagos or Nantes?

Nantes has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Lagos. When comparing the sizes of Lagos 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 Lagos 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 Lagos or Nantes in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Lagos as well as Nantes. Many visitors come to Lagos in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Nantes for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Lagos is generally a little warmer than Nantes. Daily temperatures in Lagos average around 25°C (77°F), and Nantes fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

Lagos receives a lot of rain in the summer. Lagos usually gets more rain in July than Nantes. Lagos gets 243 mm (9.6 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lagos or Nantes in the Autumn?

Both Nantes and Lagos are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Lagos for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Nantes because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Lagos is much warmer than Nantes in the autumn. The daily temperature in Lagos averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Nantes fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

It's quite rainy in Lagos. In October, Lagos usually receives more rain than Nantes. Lagos gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Lagos or Nantes in the Winter?

Both Nantes and Lagos during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Lagos because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Nantes this time of year.

In the winter, Lagos is much warmer than Nantes. Typically, the winter temperatures in Lagos in January average around 27°C (81°F), and Nantes averages at about 6°C (42°F).

Lagos usually gets less rain in January than Nantes. Lagos gets 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lagos or Nantes in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Lagos and Nantes. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Lagos this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Nantes for the natural beauty.

In April, Lagos is generally much warmer than Nantes. Daily temperatures in Lagos average around 28°C (82°F), and Nantes fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Lagos gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In April, Lagos usually receives more rain than Nantes. Lagos gets 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Nantes and Lagos