A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Le Mans vs. Sestri Levante for Food, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Le Mans or Sestri Levante?

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 Sestri Levante can help you decide which place is right for you.

Le Mans

Le Mans is a quaint, small, and historic town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's also popular because of the nightlife and museums.

Sestri Levante

Sestri Levante is a local, quaint, and relaxing seaside town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include food and beaches.

Le Mans and Sestri Levante: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Very walkable
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Le Mans or Sestri Levante?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Sestri Levante than Le Mans, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Sestri Levante is better known for its food, resorts, beaches, small town charm, and impressive beauty, while Le Mans is more popular for its museums and nightlife. Sestri Levante is more touristy than Le Mans and is known for its two bays and coastal setting. Also, Sestri Levante is famous for The Bay of Silence and Bay of Fairytales. Le Mans is well known 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 Sestri Levante?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Sestri Levante 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 Sestri Levante?

Le Mans
Sestri Levante

Le Mans is a town with good options for its historical sights. However, Sestri Levante does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Le Mans. 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.

Sestri Levante does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Le Mans
Sestri Levante

Sestri Levante 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 Sestri Levante. You'll find many restaurants along the central road in the old town, Via XXV Aprile. Seafood is popular, as are many other Italian favorites. If you're visiting during the summer months then it's best to make reservations as wait times can be long.

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 Sestri Levante Better for Nightlife?

Le Mans
Sestri Levante

Le Mans is a town with good options for its evening party scene. However, Sestri Levante is not a good destination for nightlife.

If you're looking for night time activities Le Mans has a few options to choose from. 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.

People don't go to Sestri Levante for the nightlife. There are a few places to grab a drink, but if you're looking for nightlife, you'll really need to head out of town.

Is Le Mans or Sestri Levante Better for Resorts?

Le Mans
Sestri Levante

Sestri Levante is very good for its luxury resorts. However, Le Mans is not a resort destination.

Sestri Levante has a handful of resorts to choose from. There are a number of hotels in the old town or by the beach. You'll also find a decent selection of vacation rentals. During peak season you'll want to make your reservations early.

Le Mans is not a resort destination.


Is Le Mans or Sestri Levante Better for Beaches?

Le Mans
Sestri Levante

Sestri Levante is very good for its beaches. However, Le Mans is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Sestri Levante to enjoy the beach. Home to two beaches, this makes a nice holiday spot if you're hoping to relax by the water. The beaches can get crowded with Italians during the summer months, but it still offers a charming seaside spot. Many people head to the beach by the the Bay of Silence in part because it's free. Make sure you arrive early. By the Bay of Fairytales you can rent chairs and umbrellas and enjoy a little more space.

Le Mans is not a beach destination.

Is Le Mans or Sestri Levante Better for Families?

Le Mans
Sestri Levante

You'll find notable kid-friendly activities in either Le Mans or Sestri Levante.

Le Mans offers lots of family activities. 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.

Sestri Levante is a family-friendly place to visit. This is a great spot for families that want a relaxing holiday with a small town vibe. The picturesque setting is said to have inspired fairytales, and today kids will enjoy playing on the playgrounds or exploring at the adventure park. There are also hikes, activities, and restaurants that are great for kids and adults alike.

Is Le Mans or Sestri Levante Better for Couples?

Le Mans
Sestri Levante

Both Le Mans and Sestri Levante are notable destinations to visit as a couple.

Le Mans is a nice destination for couples. It's a small town, but racing enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to the 24 Hours of Le Mans Museum.

Sestri Levante makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. This scenic setting offers a relaxing holiday for couples who want to enjoy quiet time together. There are plenty of outdoor activities and a cultural town with a lot of beauty to explore. It's one of the lesser known destinations in the area, so you will have a peaceful small town vibe that's great for a romantic getaway.


Is Le Mans or Sestri Levante Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Le Mans
Sestri Levante

Le Mans is a town with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Sestri Levante is not a good destination for backpackers.

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

Sestri Levante is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There are some dorm rooms in town, but most backpackers head to one of the more well known destinations in the area. The atmosphere and history makes for a unique experience for those who do make the trip.

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

Le Mans
Sestri Levante

Le Mans and Sestri Levante both offer notable 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).

Sestri Levante has a few public transit options. The town can be explored on foot and there are buses and trains that can be used for day trips.

Is Le Mans or Sestri Levante a more walkable city?

Le Mans
Sestri Levante

Sestri Levante is a world-class destination for its walkability. Also, Le Mans is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its high level of walkability.

Sestri Levante is a very easy seaside town to get around on foot. There are pedestrian promenades and charming streets through town that are best explored on foot.

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


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

Should I spend more time in Sestri Levante or Le Mans?

How long in Le Mans or Sestri Levante?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Le Mans and Sestri Levante. In our opinion, Sestri Levante has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Sestri Levante than Le Mans. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Le Mans or Sestri Levante? Ideal Length of Stay
    Le Mans 1-3 
    Sestri Levante 1-3

One day in Le Mans or Sestri Levante?

In Le Mans, you'll find museums and nightlife. So, one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Sestri Levante is a small town with plenty to do. This seaside town 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 Le Mans or Sestri Levante?

Le Mans is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

Sestri Levante might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. 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 Sestri Levante has to offer.

Five days in Le Mans or Sestri Levante?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Le Mans. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Sestri Levante 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 Le Mans or Sestri Levante?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and museums when visiting the town of Le Mans. Your budget might influence how long you stay. 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 Sestri Levante. Since Sestri Levante is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy, and The Best Historical Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Sestri Levante or Le Mans?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Le Mans is €83, while the average daily cost in Sestri Levante is €143. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Le Mans and Sestri Levante in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Le Mans 37
    Sestri Levante 75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Le Mans 74
    Sestri Levante 150
Compare Hotels in Le Mans and Sestri Levante

Looking for a hotel in Le Mans or Sestri Levante? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Le Mans


Hotels in Sestri Levante


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Le Mans Hotel Prices and Sestri Levante Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Le Mans 30
    Sestri Levante 56

Is it cheaper to fly into Le Mans or Sestri Levante?

Prices for flights to both Sestri Levante and Le Mans change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Le Mans 27
    Sestri Levante 34

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Le Mans 15
    Sestri Levante 25

Tours and Activities in Sestri Levante

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Sestri Levante.

  • Punta Manara Hiking Tour: $503

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Le Mans 12
    Sestri Levante 7.86


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


Which is Bigger, Le Mans or Sestri Levante?

Le Mans has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Sestri Levante. When comparing the sizes of Le Mans and Sestri Levante, 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.

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