A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Liverpool vs. Nantes for Food, Attractions, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Liverpool or Nantes?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Liverpool and Nantes 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.

Liverpool

Liverpool is a diverse, historic, and fun-filled port city. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and live music.

Nantes

Nantes is a historical, beautiful, and vibrant city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Liverpool and Nantes: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Numerous theater shows
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Liverpool or Nantes?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Liverpool than Nantes, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Liverpool is more popular for its theatre productions and music, while Nantes is known for its museums, food, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Liverpool is popular for its many museums and art galleries, as well as being the hometown of "The Beatles." It is also home to The Liverpool Cathedral. Nantes is popular for its castles and historical landmarks, local wine, and beautiful parks and gardens.

How is Liverpool different from Nantes?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Liverpool
Nantes

Nantes is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Liverpool is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Liverpool. Popular museums around town include Merseyside Maritime Museum, Victoria Gallery and Museum, and Walker Art Gallery.


Is Liverpool or Nantes Better for Theater?

Liverpool
Nantes

Liverpool is a very popular place for its shows and theatre. However, Nantes is not a theatre destination.

Many visitors plan to see a show while visiting Liverpool. The city has a diverse theater scene with major venues showing world renowned productions as well as cozy, local venues with small shows.

Nantes is not a theatre destination.

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

Liverpool
Nantes

Nantes is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. However, Liverpool is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Many restaurants in Nantes have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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).

Liverpool may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. There are a diversity of flavors that are influenced by the city's international population. There are also several famous local dishes including scouse (a meat stew), toad in the hole (a giant yorkie stuffed with British sausages) and wet nelly (a dessert).

Is Liverpool or Nantes Better for Nightlife?

Liverpool
Nantes

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

Liverpool is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The nightlife is fun and diverse Head to the waterfront for comedy clubs or the Ropewalks and Seel Street if you want a swanky experience. Cavern Quarter is the place to go for an all night party.

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 Liverpool or Nantes Better for Music?

Liverpool
Nantes

Liverpool is an unbeatable place for its music scene. However, Nantes is not a live music destination.

Liverpool has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. Known as the birthplace of the Beatles, the city has been established as a rock and pop capital since the 1950s.

Nantes is not a live music destination.

Is Liverpool or Nantes Better for its Old Town?

Liverpool
Nantes

Nantes is a city with good options for its old town. However, Liverpool does not have a historic old town.

Many people head to Nantes to see the 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.

Liverpool does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Liverpool or Nantes?

Liverpool
Nantes

Shopping is a popular activity in both Nantes and Liverpool.

Liverpool is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Head to Liverpool ONE for the area's best shopping. This is the largest open-air shopping center in the UK and it's filled with a mix of name brands and independent vendors.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Nantes. 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.


Is Liverpool or Nantes Better for Families?

Liverpool
Nantes

Both Liverpool and Nantes are high quality to visit with kids.

Liverpool is a very kid-friendly port city. One of the most popular activities for families is Pleasureland, an amuseument park with rides that are fun for young kids. The city also has many museums and play spaces that are great for families.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Nantes. 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 Liverpool or Nantes Better for Couples?

Liverpool
Nantes

Nantes is well known for its romantic activities. Also, Liverpool is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

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.

Liverpool is a good port city for couples to visit. The city is fun, and the best way to enjoy a romantic getaway is to find a fun or unique activity that you can enjoy together. Going dancing, dining out, or seeing a show are all fun activities in the area.

Is Liverpool or Nantes Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Liverpool
Nantes

Liverpool is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Nantes is lacking in good options for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Liverpool. The city has some fun hostels where you can stay and 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 Liverpool or Nantes Better for Students?

Liverpool
Nantes

Liverpool is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Nantes is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Liverpool is a great port city to visit as a student. The city is diverse, affordable, and offers an excellent academic environment. International students will fill welcomed and enjoy a fun city with a lot to offer.

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.

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

Liverpool
Nantes

Nantes is well known for its public transit. Also, Liverpool is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

The public transit in Nantes can get you around easily. There are both trams and buses throughout the city that are operated by TAN (Transport de l'Agglomeration Nantaise).

While Liverpool offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are trains, buses, and ferries around the area.

Is Liverpool or Nantes a more walkable city?

Liverpool
Nantes

Liverpool and Nantes both are high quality when exploring on foot.

Liverpool is a very walkable port city.

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


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

Should I spend more time in Nantes or Liverpool?

How long in Liverpool or Nantes?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Liverpool and Nantes. In our opinion, Nantes has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Nantes than Liverpool. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Liverpool than Nantes 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 Liverpool.


  • How many days in Liverpool or Nantes? Ideal Length of Stay
    Liverpool 2-3 
    Nantes 2-3

One day in Liverpool or Nantes?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Liverpool. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Nantes. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Liverpool or Nantes?

Liverpool is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the live music, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the beautiful destination of Nantes. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Liverpool or Nantes?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Liverpool. Don't miss the live music, as that's what most people do. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the vibrant city of Nantes. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the food. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


A week in Liverpool or Nantes?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the fun-filled destination of Liverpool. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Nantes is a popular choice for travelers. 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 will give you the chance to have new experiences.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United Kingdom, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Nantes or Liverpool?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Liverpool is £161, while the average daily cost in Nantes is £93. 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 Liverpool and Nantes in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Liverpool £76
    Nantes £51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Liverpool £152
    Nantes £102
Compare Hotels in Liverpool and Nantes

Looking for a hotel in Liverpool or Nantes? 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 Liverpool


Hotels in Nantes


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: Liverpool Hotel Prices and Nantes Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Liverpool £26
    Nantes £31
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Liverpool

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Liverpool:


  • City bike hire Liverpool
    £6.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Liverpool

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Liverpool:

  • Private Transfer from Warrington to Manchester Airport (MAN): $69
  • Private Transfer from Stockton Heath to Manchester Airport (MAN): $64
  • Private Transfer from Liverpool Airport (LPL) to Holyhead Port: $103
  • Private Transfer from Knutsford to Manchester Airport (MAN): $64
  • Private Liverpool Departure Transfer - Liverpool Hotel / Accomm To Airport: $50
  • Private Liverpool Arrival Transfer:Liverpool John Lennon Airport to Hotel/Accomm: $50
  • Private Departure Transfer from Liverpool City Center to Liverpool Airport (LPL): $47
  • Manchester Airport: BUS Transfer to/from Liverpool: $6.86
  • Beatles-Themed Private Taxi Tour with Transfers: $162
  • BUS Transfer to/from John Lennon Airport: $5.75
  • Liverpool to Manchester Airport(MAN) - Departure Private Transfer: $79
  • Liverpool to Liverpool Airport (LPL) - Departure Private Transfer: $41

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nantes

Also for Nantes, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Nantes Airport (NTE) to Nantes - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $52
  • Nantes Airport (NTE) to Nantes hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $26
  • Nantes Private Transfer from Nantes Airport to City centre: $65
  • Nantes Private Transfer from Nantes city centre to Nantes Airport: $65
  • Nantes to Nantes Airport (NTE) - Departure Private Transfer: $26
  • Private Transfer from Airports to Nantes: $33
  • Private Transfer from Nantes Airport (NTE) to La Rochelle Port: $88
  • Private Transfer from Nantes Atlantique Airport NTE to Puy du Fou Park: $174
  • Private Transfer from Nantes Hotels to La Rochelle Cruise Port: $88

Is it cheaper to fly into Liverpool or Nantes?

Prices for flights to both Nantes and Liverpool 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
    Liverpool £59
    Nantes £23

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Liverpool

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Liverpool.

  • Brewery Bus Tour with Beer Tasting and Pizza: $81
  • Brewery bus tour, 5 breweries, 12 beers, 1 pizza, 1 bus: $89
  • Guided Food Tour with Tastings: $100

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nantes

For Nantes, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Nantes Traditional Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience : $104
  • All Inclusive Food Tour of Nantes Old Town with Local Guide: $145

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Liverpool £36
    Nantes £11

Tours and Activities in Liverpool

Here are a few actual costs in Liverpool for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • A Hope Street Stroll: A self-guided tour from the Metropolitan Cathedral to LIPA: $5.20
  • A Walk Through Time: History of Liverpool Walking Tour: $22
  • Alcotraz Prison Cocktail Experience in Liverpool: $51
  • Awesome Corners of Liverpool – Family Walking Tour: $286
  • BEST OF LIVERPOOL History & Culture Tour-From The Cruise Terminal: $27
  • BEST OF LIVERPOOL-Heritage, History & Culture Guided Walking Tour: $27
  • Beatles & Beyond: A Liverpool Legacy Tour: $303
  • Beatles Classic Tour of Liverpool by Private Taxi: $234
  • Beatles Famous Walking Tour Of Liverpool-From the Cruise Terminal: $27
  • Beatles Magical Mystery Tour: $25
  • Best of Liverpool Sightseeing Tour by Private Taxi: $252
  • Brews, Views, football & History Tour: $82

Tours and Activities in Nantes

For Nantes, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
  • Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Walking Tour: $6.42
  • Nantes Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.54
  • Guided treetop adventure course in the heart of Nantes: $31
  • Private custom tour with a local guide: $50
  • Nantes : Private Walking Tour With A Local : $51
  • Welcome to Private Tour with a Local: $51
  • Nantes Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $52
  • Panoramic Tour by Electric Bike: $59
  • PANORAMA TOUR OF NANTES by electric bike: $60
  • Nantes : Must-see Attractions Walking Tour: $75

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Liverpool £13
    Nantes £5.50

Sample the Local Flavors in Liverpool

Also in Liverpool, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • FunnyBoyz Liverpool - Drag Shows, Tributes, Brunches & Bar Crawls: $19
  • Liverpool Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $50
  • Pirate Pub Crawl & Boat Tour: $56

Sample the Local Flavors in Nantes

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Nantes:

  • Château du Bois-Huaut: Cellar Tour and Wine Tasting Class: $35


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

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


Which is Bigger, Liverpool or Nantes?

Liverpool has a larger population, and is about 69% larger than the population of Nantes. When comparing the sizes of Liverpool 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 Liverpool 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 Liverpool or Nantes in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Liverpool as well as Nantes. Most visitors come to Liverpool for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Nantes because of the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Liverpool is cooler than Nantes. Typically, the summer temperatures in Liverpool in July average around 15°C (60°F), and Nantes averages at about 19°C (67°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nantes. In the summer, Liverpool often gets less sunshine than Nantes. Liverpool gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nantes receives 267 hours of full sun.

Liverpool usually gets more rain in July than Nantes. Liverpool gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Liverpool 15°C (60°F) 
    Nantes 19°C (67°F)

Should I visit Liverpool or Nantes in the Autumn?

Both Nantes and Liverpool are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Liverpool because of the shopping scene and the music scene. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Nantes this time of year.

In October, Liverpool is generally cooler than Nantes. Daily temperatures in Liverpool average around 12°C (53°F), and Nantes fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Liverpool usually receives less sunshine than Nantes during autumn. Liverpool gets 97 hours of sunny skies, while Nantes receives 141 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Liverpool usually receives around the same amount of rain as Nantes. Liverpool gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Liverpool 12°C (53°F) 
    Nantes 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Liverpool or Nantes in the Winter?

Both Nantes and Liverpool during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Liverpool this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Nantes for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Liverpool is around the same temperature as Nantes in the winter. The daily temperature in Liverpool averages around 5°C (42°F) in January, and Nantes fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Liverpool often gets less sunshine than Nantes. Liverpool gets 53 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nantes receives 72 hours of full sun.

Liverpool usually gets less rain in January than Nantes. Liverpool gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Liverpool 5°C (42°F) 
    Nantes 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Liverpool or Nantes in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Liverpool and Nantes. Also, many visitors come to Nantes in the spring for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Liverpool is cooler than Nantes. Typically, the spring temperatures in Liverpool in April average around 8°C (47°F), and Nantes averages at about 11°C (51°F).

Liverpool usually receives less sunshine than Nantes during spring. Liverpool gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Nantes receives 187 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Liverpool usually receives around the same amount of rain as Nantes. Liverpool gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Liverpool 8°C (47°F) 
    Nantes 11°C (51°F)

Typical Weather for Nantes and Liverpool

Liverpool Nantes
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 5°C (42°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 6°C (42°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Feb 5°C (41°F) 50 mm (2 in) 6°C (44°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 6°C (44°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 8°C (47°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 8°C (47°F) 51 mm (2 in) 11°C (51°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 11°C (52°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 14°C (57°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jun 14°C (56°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 17°C (63°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Jul 15°C (60°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 19°C (67°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Aug 15°C (60°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 19°C (66°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 17°C (63°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 12°C (53°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 13°C (56°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 8°C (47°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 9°C (48°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Dec 6°C (44°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 6°C (43°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)