A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Le Mans vs. Hvar for Nightlife, Backpackers, Food, and Families

Should you visit Le Mans or Hvar?

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 Le Mans and Hvar can help you decide which place is right for you.

Le Mans

Le Mans is a historic, quaint, and small town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. And you can't forget about the nightlife and museums.

Hvar

Hvar is a historic, beautiful, and vibrant island. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Le Mans and Hvar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Le Mans or Hvar?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Hvar. Although Le Mans and Hvar are popular destinations, Hvar has more sights and attractions for tourists. Hvar is very popular for its food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Le Mans attracts visitors for its small town charm. Hvar is more touristy than Le Mans and is popular for its wild parties, beautiful buildings, and world class cuisine. It is also well known for Hvar Fort. Le Mans is famous for being the location of the annual 24 Hours of Le Mans, which is one of the world's greatest sports-car races.

How is Le Mans different from Hvar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Le Mans or Hvar?

Spend time exploring the nice sights and museums in either Le Mans or Hvar.

Le Mans is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. It's most famous as the location of the 24 hour car race, the 24 Hours of Le Mans and on some days it's possible to visit the race track which has a museum with simulators and other activities. Around town you'll find museums and activities affiliated with the racing culture, and there's also a cathedral as well as several nice museums relating to the automotive industry among other things.

Hvar offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Wandering around the old town you'll see many historic buildings such as the Cathedral of St. Stephen. You can also visit the nearby Hvar Fort or explore the Franciscan Monastery.

Is the Food Better in Le Mans or Hvar? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Hvar is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Le Mans is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Hvar. It's an island, so you'll find no shortage of seafood in the restaurants. There's fish, crab, lobster, squid, and octopus on the menus around town. Many dishes are prepared with risotto or pasta and you'll find a lot of olive oil and wine.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Le Mans. It's not known for its food scene, but there is one dish in particular that you should try. The local specialty is les rillettes de porc, which is a pork paté.

Is Le Mans or Hvar Better for Nightlife?

Hvar is a world-class destination for nightlife. Also, Le Mans is not as popular, but is still a nice town for nightlife and partying.

People head to Hvar just to party. The island has a reputation as a party island, and it's well earned. Most of the activity is found in Hvar Town, particularly between the months of June and September. Young people flock to the island for the all night parties and wild beach bars and clubs.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Le Mans. You'll find bars and clubs in the city center around Saint-Nicolas Quarter, rue des Ponts-neufs, Place de la Sirène and around the Republic Square.

Is Le Mans or Hvar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hvar is very good for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Le Mans is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Hvar. The water is clear and there are snorkeling day trips that leave from town. This is a great way to get out on the water and glimpse the undersea world.

Le Mans is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Le Mans or Hvar Better for Beaches?

Hvar is great for its beaches. However, Le Mans is not a beach destination.

Hvar is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. The island has hilly bays and coves that are fun to explore. The best beaches are found to the south and southwest of the island and many are pebbly or gravelly.

Le Mans is not a beach destination.

Is Le Mans or Hvar Better for Hiking?

Hvar is very good for hiking. However, Le Mans is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Hvar. There are a number of hikes on the island that cater to every skill level and take you through natural areas or past historic sights.

Le Mans is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Le Mans or Hvar?

Hvar is very good for shopping. However, Le Mans is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Hvar. In the town you'll find galleries, boutiques, jewelry shops and other beach stores. It's fun to pop in and look at the different items.

Le Mans is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Le Mans or Hvar Better for Families?

Hvar is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Le Mans is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its family-friendly activities.

Hvar is a very family-friendly destination. There are adventure parks, water parks, and other fun activities for kids. There are also beaches where everyone can swim and sea kayaking trips. Hvar Observatory is also a unique and fun place to visit as a family.

Le Mans is a family-friendly place to visit. Make sure you visit on a day when Le Mans Karting International and the 24 Hours of Le Mans Museum is open to visitors. Families can ride on high speed go-carts and train like professionals with special game simulators. This is a popular destination for adults and kids alike. The town also has indoor play areas, waterparks, and beautiful parks to explore.

Is Le Mans or Hvar Better for Couples?

Hvar is great for romance. Also, Le Mans is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its romantic activities.

Hvar is a great island if you're traveling as a couple. There are some romantic hotels and beautiful beaches that make this a wonderful destination for couples. Anyone who enjoys a coastal setting with clear waters and a variety of water sports will enjoy their time here.

Le Mans makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a small town, but racing enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to the 24 Hours of Le Mans Museum.

Is Le Mans or Hvar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hvar is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Le Mans is not as popular, but is still a nice town for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Hvar. The island has long been a popular stop with backpackers who enjoy the affordable prices, abundance of hostels, and active nightlife scene. You'll have no trouble meeting other travelers, particularly during the peak summer months.

It's common for backpackers to visit Le Mans. While there aren't many hostels specifically designed for backpackers, it is possible to find affordable accommodation at most times.

Is Le Mans or Hvar Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Le Mans and Hvar both offer nice public transit to get you around.

While Le Mans offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a tram service around town that provides access to many places including the race track via the T1 line (Antarès-Stade Marie Marvingt and exit at the East Entrance).

Hvar has a few public transit options. Buses are operated by Cazmatrans Hva and they travel between the major municipalities.

Is Le Mans or Hvar a more walkable city?

Le Mans and Hvar are nice when it comes to walkability.

Le Mans is somewhat walkable. Parts of the town are walkable.

Hvar is a somewhat walkable place. Hvar Town can be explored on foot, but you'll need a vehicle to explore other parts of the island.

For even more information, also check out Is Le Mans Worth Visiting? and Is Hvar Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Hvar or Le Mans?

How long in Le Mans or Hvar?

It's fun to spend time in either Le Mans or Hvar. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Hvar due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Le Mans, and 2-4 days is enough time in Hvar.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Hvar than Le Mans 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 Hvar.

One day in Le Mans or Hvar?

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Le Mans. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Hvar, you'll find shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. This island offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Le Mans or Hvar?

Le Mans is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. 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.

In Hvar, you'll find museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Most people come for the beaches. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Hvar has to offer.

Five days in Le Mans or Hvar?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the small destination of Le Mans. This town offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Hvar is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Le Mans or Hvar?

The historic town of Le Mans offers nightlife and museums. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Hvar. Many people enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting Hvar. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 Adventure Tours to France, The Best Sightseeing Tours in France, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Croatia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Croatia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Le Mans and Hvar, we can see that Hvar is more expensive. And not only is Le Mans much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Le Mans would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Le Mans 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 Hvar would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Hvar than you might in Le Mans.

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

Which is Bigger, Le Mans or Hvar?

Le Mans has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Hvar. When comparing the sizes of Le Mans and Hvar, 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 Le Mans or Hvar?

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 Le Mans or Hvar in the Summer?

Both Hvar and Le Mans during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Le Mans for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Hvar in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Le Mans is cooler than Hvar. Typically, the summer temperatures in Le Mans in July average around 19°C (66°F), and Hvar averages at about 26°C (80°F).

In Hvar, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Le Mans. In the summer, Le Mans often gets less sunshine than Hvar. Le Mans gets 231 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 345 hours of full sun.

Le Mans usually gets more rain in July than Hvar. Le Mans gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Le Mans or Hvar in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Le Mans and Hvar. Many visitors come to Le Mans in the autumn for the small town atmosphere. Also, most visitors come to Hvar for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Le Mans is generally cooler than Hvar. Daily temperatures in Le Mans average around 13°C (55°F), and Hvar fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hvar this time of the year. Le Mans usually receives less sunshine than Hvar during autumn. Le Mans gets 117 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 200 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Le Mans usually receives less rain than Hvar. Le Mans gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Le Mans or Hvar in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Le Mans as well as Hvar. Most visitors come to Le Mans for the museums and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Hvar because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Le Mans can be very cold during winter. Le Mans is much colder than Hvar in the winter. The daily temperature in Le Mans averages around 5°C (40°F) in January, and Hvar fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Le Mans often gets less sunshine than Hvar. Le Mans gets 54 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 128 hours of full sun.

Le Mans usually gets less rain in January than Hvar. Le Mans gets 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Le Mans or Hvar in the Spring?

Both Hvar and Le Mans are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Le Mans because of the small town charm. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Hvar this time of year.

In the spring, Le Mans is cooler than Hvar. Typically, the spring temperatures in Le Mans in April average around 10°C (50°F), and Hvar averages at about 15°C (59°F).

It's quite sunny in Hvar. Le Mans usually receives less sunshine than Hvar during spring. Le Mans gets 168 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 212 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Le Mans usually receives less rain than Hvar. Le Mans gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Hvar and Le Mans