A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Manchester vs. Mont-Saint-Michel for Attractions, Couples, Food, and Families

Should you visit Manchester or Mont-Saint-Michel?

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 Manchester and Mont-Saint-Michel can help you decide which place is right for you.

Manchester

Manchester is a cultural, vibrant, and dynamic city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel is a breathtaking, inspiring, and iconic island. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include food, hiking, and museums.

Manchester and Mont-Saint-Michel: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Big city activities
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for hiking
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Manchester or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Manchester. Although Manchester and Mont-Saint-Michel are popular destinations, Manchester has more sights and attractions for tourists. Manchester is very popular for its food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Mont-Saint-Michel attracts visitors for its museums, hiking, and impressive beauty. Mont-Saint-Michel is more touristy than Manchester and is popular for its Gothic-style abbey and its medieval village that stands at its base. Manchester is famous for its strong music culture as well as being home to the world-renowned Manchester United Football Club. It is also well known for The National Football Museum.

How is Manchester different from Mont-Saint-Michel?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Mont-Saint-Michel and Manchester. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Manchester or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Manchester
Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel is very popular for its historical sights. Also, Manchester is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

Travelers visit Mont-Saint-Michel from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. Visitors come to see the iconic Abbaye du Mont Saint-Michel which has been the inspiration for tourists and religious pilgrims for centuries. Make sure you see the Ramparts and La Grande Rue.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Manchester can be an interesting and educational experience. Head to the Science and Industry Museum, the Imperial War Museum North, Manchester Cathedral, or John Rylands Library & Manchester Central Library to see some of the cities most interesting sights.


Is the Food Better in Manchester or Mont-Saint-Michel? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Manchester
Mont-Saint-Michel

Manchester is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Mont-Saint-Michel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Manchester. You'll find a great food scene with diverse restaurant options that include international flavors, vegetarian options, and more. There are also many great places to try craft beer.

Mont-Saint-Michel is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are a number of local restaurants to choose from that serve authentic French cuisine including the pre-salted sheep, which is a local specialty.

Is Manchester or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Nightlife?

Manchester
Mont-Saint-Michel

Manchester is a great destination for nightlife and partying. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is a island with minimal options for its evening party scene.

The people in Manchester know how to have a good time. The nightlife scene is diverse and high energy. Head to Deansgate or the Northern Quarter for some of the best nightlife venues. You'll also find a huge rave scene in town.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Mont-Saint-Michel Most people visit the island as a daytrip and nightlife is essentially nonexistent.

Is Manchester or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Music?

Manchester
Mont-Saint-Michel

Manchester is a great destination for its live music scene. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is not a live music destination.

Manchester has become a hotbed of musicians and artists. There's a long running music reputation here. Some of the iconic bands that began here include Oasis and Stone Roses.

Mont-Saint-Michel is not a live music destination.


Is Manchester or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Hiking?

Manchester
Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel is very good for hiking. However, Manchester is not a hiking destination.

Many people include a hike when visiting Mont-Saint-Michel. There's a 4.2 mile out and back trail that can be walked in about 1.5 hours.

Manchester is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Manchester or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Manchester
Mont-Saint-Michel

Manchester is a great destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Manchester is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. From jewelry to boutique clothing outlets, there are many places to shop around town. Head to Manchester Arndale, Trafford Centre, or Market Street for some of the best shopping.

Mont-Saint-Michel is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Manchester or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Families?

Manchester
Mont-Saint-Michel

Manchester is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is a island with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

Manchester is a very kid-friendly city. You'll find a number of kid-friendly activities around town including the popular Legoland Discovery Center. Another fun activity is taking a behind the scenes CBBC interactive tour at MediaCityUK. Animal lovers will enjoy visiting the SeaLife Aquarium or the Chester Zoo and sports enthusiasts will not want to miss a visit to the National Football Museum or doing a tour of Old Trafford where you can also visit the Manchester United Museum.

For families, Mont-Saint-Michel is not always the best place to visit. Kids may enjoy a horse drawn carriage ride or exploring the grounds, but it can make for a long day for kids with short attention spans.


Is Manchester or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Couples?

Manchester
Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel is very popular for romance. Also, Manchester is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Mont-Saint-Michel has plenty to offer. It's a stunning setting and makes a romantic backdrop for a couples holiday, whether it's part of a longer trip to France or a short weekend away.

Manchester is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples can enjoy a visit to a spa, a nice meal out, or simply wandering down the canal. For a unique experience, you can hit to slopes at Chill Factore.

Is Manchester or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Manchester
Mont-Saint-Michel

For backpackers, both Manchester and Mont-Saint-Michel are nice places to visit.

Manchester is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. You'll find hostels around town and a number of visitors, particularly during the sports season.

It's common for backpackers to visit Mont-Saint-Michel. You'll find a couple of hostels an cheap hotels in the area.

Is Manchester or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Students?

Manchester
Mont-Saint-Michel

Manchester is a great destination for students. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is not popular with students.

Manchester is very popular with students. There's a large number of students as well as a great music scene and tons of festivals that make this a great city to do your studies.

Mont-Saint-Michel is not popular with students.


Is Manchester or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Manchester
Mont-Saint-Michel

Manchester is a great destination for its public transit. Also, Mont-Saint-Michel is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Manchester has some very good public transit options. The city has bus, train, and tram options for travel.

While Mont-Saint-Michel offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a free shuttle bus that connects Mont-Saint-Michel to the mainland.

Is Manchester or Mont-Saint-Michel a more walkable city?

Manchester
Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel is great for its walkability. Also, Manchester is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of walkability.

Mont-Saint-Michel is very walkable. There are many stunning walks in the area.

Manchester is a somewhat walkable place. Some neighborhoods are more walkable than others.

For even more information, also check out Is Manchester Worth Visiting? and Is Mont-Saint-Michel Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Mont-Saint-Michel or Manchester?

How long in Manchester or Mont-Saint-Michel?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Manchester or Mont-Saint-Michel to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Manchester than Mont-Saint-Michel because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Manchester, and 1-2 days is enough time in Mont-Saint-Michel.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Manchester than Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Manchester.


  • How many days in Manchester or Mont-Saint-Michel? Ideal Length of Stay
    Manchester 2-4 
    Mont-Saint-Michel 1-2

One day in Manchester or Mont-Saint-Michel?

When visiting Manchester, people usually allow for lots of time. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It offers something for everyone.

With museums and food around the inspiring island of Mont-Saint-Michel, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Mont-Saint-Michel, one day is sufficent for most.


A weekend in Manchester or Mont-Saint-Michel?

When visiting Manchester, people usually allow for lots of time. Your budget might influence how long you stay. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

With food and museums around the destination of Mont-Saint-Michel, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this island.

Five days in Manchester or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the vibrant big city of Manchester. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Mont-Saint-Michel, a popular island, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Manchester or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Manchester is a popular choice for travelers. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Mont-Saint-Michel is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the museums. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Kingdom, The Best River Cruises in France, and The Best Bicycle Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Mont-Saint-Michel or Manchester?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Manchester is £184, while the average daily cost in Mont-Saint-Michel is £134. 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 Manchester and Mont-Saint-Michel in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Manchester £71
    Mont-Saint-Michel £60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Manchester £142
    Mont-Saint-Michel £120
Compare Hotels in Manchester and Mont-Saint-Michel

Looking for a hotel in Manchester or Mont-Saint-Michel? 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 Manchester


Hotels in Mont-Saint-Michel


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: Manchester Hotel Prices and Mont-Saint-Michel Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Manchester £19
    Mont-Saint-Michel £60
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Manchester

Some typical examples of transportation costs in Manchester are as follows:


  • Rail to Airport
    £11
  • Parking in Manchester
    £3.00

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Manchester

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

  • Arrival Private Transfer: Manchester Airport MAN to Liverpool in Business Car: $121
  • Manchester Airport (MAN) to Manchester - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $116
  • Manchester Airport (MAN): Private Transfer to Liverpool City: $249
  • Manchester Airport (MAN): Private Transfer to Manchester: $155
  • Manchester Airport(MAN) to Liverpool- Round-Trip Private Transfer: $157
  • Manchester Airport: BUS Transfer to/from London: $8.12
  • Manchester Private Transfer from Manchester Airport to City centre: $75
  • 1-Wsy Airport Bus Transfer to/from Leeds: $6.86
  • One-way Private Transfer From/To Manchester Airport: $99
  • Private Round-Trip Transfer From Manchester Airport to Old Trafford Stadium: $279
  • Private Transfer Manchester Airport to Lake District Ski Club: $87
  • Private Transfer from Astley to Manchester Airport (MAN): $65

Is it cheaper to fly into Manchester or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Prices for flights to both Mont-Saint-Michel and Manchester 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
    Manchester £55
    Mont-Saint-Michel £38

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Manchester

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

  • Hard Rock Cafe with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $30
  • Hard Rock Cafe Manchester with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner: $33
  • Pistachio LOVERS Italian Dinner Experience: $35
  • Private Italian Dinner with a Romantic Night Experience: $63
  • 2 Hours Sicilian Wine Tasting and Dinner at Manchester: $76
  • Manchester Food Tour with a Local Guide: $87
  • Half-Day Manchester Food Tour with Lunch: $89
  • 3-Hour Guided Manchester Food Tour with Lunch : $95
  • Private Food Tour with Local Guide: $199

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Manchester £30
    Mont-Saint-Michel £26

Tours and Activities in Manchester

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

  • Manchester Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $4.36
  • Manchester City Exploration Game and Tour: $5.35
  • Manchester’s Rebirth and Renewal: A Self Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • England's First Industrial City: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Manchester Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Manchester Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self Guided Tour: $11
  • Private Manchester Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Self-Guided City Sightseeing Treasure Hunt: $12
  • Salford Quays Guided Walking Tour: $12
  • Canal & River Cruise: $15
  • City River Tour: $15

Tours and Activities in Mont-Saint-Michel

Here are a few actual costs in Mont-Saint-Michel for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 2-Hour Guided Walking tour of the Mont Saint Michel : $33
  • Abbey du Mont Saint-Michel Priority Entrance Tickets: $16
  • Airborne Museum Admission Ticket: $11
  • Cherbourg Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $44
  • Entrance ticket to the Battle of the Hedges Museum: $11
  • Mont Saint-Michel Abbey in the Middle Ages: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
  • Mont-St-Michel: Private Walking Tour "Abbey Ticket Included": $261
  • Mont-St-Michel: Shared Tour (10 max) "Abbey Ticket Included": $162
  • Mt St. Michel Private Tour with Abbey tickets and tour guide: $272
  • Normandy Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey Entrance Ticket: $14
  • Private Guided Tour in WW2 Jeep of the Landing Beaches: $272
  • Private walking tour of Mont Saint Michel with a licensed guide: $215

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Manchester £9.90
    Mont-Saint-Michel £6.72

Sample the Local Flavors in Manchester

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Manchester:

  • Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $47
  • Four hour walking wine tasting tour of Manchester's best bars: $101


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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Manchester Expensive? and Is Mont-Saint-Michel Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Manchester or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Manchester has a larger population, and is about 4940 times larger than the population of Mont-Saint-Michel. When comparing the sizes of Manchester and Mont-Saint-Michel, 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 Manchester or Mont-Saint-Michel?

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 Manchester or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Manchester as well as Mont-Saint-Michel. The summer months attract visitors to Manchester because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Mont-Saint-Michel this time of year.

In the summer, Manchester is cooler than Mont-Saint-Michel. Typically, the summer temperatures in Manchester in July average around 16°C (62°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel averages at about 19°C (65°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mont-Saint-Michel. In the summer, Manchester often gets less sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel. Manchester gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 246 hours of full sun.

Manchester usually gets more rain in July than Mont-Saint-Michel. Manchester gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Manchester 16°C (62°F) 
    Mont-Saint-Michel 19°C (65°F)

Should I visit Manchester or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Autumn?

Both Mont-Saint-Michel and Manchester are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene are the main draw to Manchester this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Mont-Saint-Michel for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Manchester is generally cooler than Mont-Saint-Michel. Daily temperatures in Manchester average around 11°C (52°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Manchester usually receives less sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel during autumn. Manchester gets 97 hours of sunny skies, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 134 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Manchester usually receives more rain than Mont-Saint-Michel. Manchester gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Manchester 11°C (52°F) 
    Mont-Saint-Michel 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Manchester or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Winter?

Both Mont-Saint-Michel and Manchester during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Manchester for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Mont-Saint-Michel in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Manchester. Manchester is cooler than Mont-Saint-Michel in the winter. The daily temperature in Manchester averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Manchester often gets less sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel. Manchester gets 53 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 70 hours of full sun.

Manchester usually gets more rain in January than Mont-Saint-Michel. Manchester gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Manchester 4°C (39°F) 
    Mont-Saint-Michel 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Manchester or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Manchester and Mont-Saint-Michel. Many visitors come to Manchester in the spring for the activities around the city. Furthermore, most visitors come to Mont-Saint-Michel for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Manchester is cooler than Mont-Saint-Michel. Typically, the spring temperatures in Manchester in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel averages at about 10°C (50°F).

Manchester usually receives less sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel during spring. Manchester gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 180 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Manchester usually receives more rain than Mont-Saint-Michel. Manchester gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Manchester 8°C (46°F) 
    Mont-Saint-Michel 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Mont-Saint-Michel and Manchester

Manchester Mont-Saint-Michel
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (39°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 5°C (41°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 50 mm (2 in) 6°C (43°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 51 mm (2 in) 10°C (50°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
May 11°C (53°F) 61 mm (2.4 in) 13°C (56°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jun 15°C (58°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 16°C (62°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Jul 16°C (62°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 19°C (65°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Aug 16°C (61°F) 81 mm (3.2 in) 18°C (65°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 16°C (61°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 7°C (44°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 8°C (47°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Dec 5°C (40°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 6°C (43°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)


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