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

Should you visit Lagos or Saint-Etienne?

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 Saint-Etienne. 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 vibrant, beautiful, and scenic resort town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Saint-Etienne

Saint-Etienne is a authentic, historic, and park-filled city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, hiking, and museums.

Lagos and Saint-Etienne: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Lagos. Although Lagos and Saint-Etienne are popular destinations, Lagos has more sights and attractions for tourists. Lagos is very popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Saint-Etienne attracts visitors for its museums. Lagos is more touristy than Saint-Etienne and is popular for its dramatic beaches, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant nightlife. It is also well known for Ponta da Piedade. Saint-Etienne is famous for its industrial and manufacturing past.

How is Lagos different from Saint-Etienne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Saint-Etienne is a good destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Lagos does not have museums and landmarks.

Saint-Etienne is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

Lagos does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

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.

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 Lagos or Saint-Etienne Better for Nightlife?

Lagos is great for nightlife and partying. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

Many people head to Lagos for the nightlife scene. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Saint-Etienne. The nightlife is centered around sipping wine or visiting one of the clubs in town.

Is Lagos or Saint-Etienne Better for Resorts?

Lagos is an amazing resort town to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Saint-Etienne is not a resort destination.

Vacationers flock to Lagos for its luxury resorts. 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.

Saint-Etienne is not a resort destination.

Is Lagos or Saint-Etienne Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Lagos is great for its diving and snorkeling. However, Saint-Etienne is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are many scuba diving and snorkeling spots near Lagos. 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.

Saint-Etienne is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Lagos or Saint-Etienne Better for Beaches?

Lagos is an amazing resort town to visit for the beache. However, Saint-Etienne is not a beach destination.

Lagos offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around 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.

Saint-Etienne is not a beach destination.

Is Lagos or Saint-Etienne Better for Hiking?

Lagos is great for hiking. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for the nearby hiking options.

Many visitors go to Lagos for the hiking trails. 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.

Saint-Etienne is a good destination for hiking. 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 Lagos or Saint-Etienne?

Lagos 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 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.

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 Lagos or Saint-Etienne Better for Families?

Lagos is an amazing resort town to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Lagos is very family-friendly. 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.

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 Lagos or Saint-Etienne Better for Couples?

Lagos is an amazing resort town to visit for its romantic activities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for couples.

Lagos is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. 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.

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

Lagos is an amazing resort town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Lagos is extremely popular for backpackers. 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.

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

Saint-Etienne is a good destination for its public transit. However, Lagos is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

You'll find some public transit in Saint-Etienne, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are tram and bus options available in town.

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 Saint-Etienne a more walkable city?

Saint-Etienne is a good destination for its walkability. However, Lagos is not particularly known for its high level of walkability.

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

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 Saint-Etienne Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Lagos or Saint-Etienne?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Lagos or Saint-Etienne to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Lagos than Saint-Etienne because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Lagos, and 1-2 days is enough time in Saint-Etienne.

Families should spend more time in Lagos than Saint-Etienne. 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 Saint-Etienne. 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.

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

One day in Lagos or Saint-Etienne?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the dramatic destination of Lagos. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

In Saint-Etienne, many people enjoy the nightlife and museums that this park-filled destination offers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Lagos or Saint-Etienne?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lagos. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Saint-Etienne. 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 Saint-Etienne?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the scenic destination of Lagos. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This resort town offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Saint-Etienne is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and museums when visiting the destination of Saint-Etienne. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Lagos or Saint-Etienne?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the beautiful resort town of Lagos. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the authentic destination of Saint-Etienne. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Paris, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris.

When comparing the travel costs between Lagos and Saint-Etienne, 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 Saint-Etienne Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Lagos or Saint-Etienne?

Saint-Etienne has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Lagos. When comparing the sizes of Lagos 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 Lagos 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 Lagos or Saint-Etienne in the Summer?

Both Saint-Etienne and Lagos during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Lagos because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Saint-Etienne this time of year.

In the summer, Lagos is a little warmer than Saint-Etienne. Typically, the summer temperatures in Lagos in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Saint-Etienne averages at about 22°C (71°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Lagos. Lagos usually gets more rain in July than Saint-Etienne. Lagos gets 243 mm (9.6 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Lagos and Saint-Etienne. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Lagos this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Saint-Etienne for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Lagos is generally much warmer than Saint-Etienne. Daily temperatures in Lagos average around 26°C (79°F), and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

Lagos gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Lagos usually receives more rain than Saint-Etienne. Lagos gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

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

The winter brings many poeple to Lagos as well as Saint-Etienne. Many travelers come to Lagos for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Saint-Etienne in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Saint-Etienne can get quite cold in the winter. Lagos is much warmer than Saint-Etienne in the winter. The daily temperature in Lagos averages around 27°C (81°F) in January, and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

Lagos usually gets less rain in January than Saint-Etienne. Lagos gets 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

Both Saint-Etienne and Lagos are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Lagos in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Saint-Etienne for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Lagos is much warmer than Saint-Etienne. Typically, the spring temperatures in Lagos in April average around 28°C (82°F), and Saint-Etienne averages at about 11°C (53°F).

It's quite rainy in Lagos. In April, Lagos usually receives more rain than Saint-Etienne. Lagos gets 146 mm (5.7 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 Lagos