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

Should you visit Messina 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 Messina 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.

Messina

Messina is a local, historic, and bustling port city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Nantes

Nantes is a historical, beautiful, and vibrant city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Messina and Nantes: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Messina or Nantes?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Messina than Nantes, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Messina is better known for its beaches and big city activities, while Nantes is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Messina is well known for being the entry and departure point to Sicily for those traveling by ferry. Also, Messina is famous for Piazza del Duomo. Nantes is well known for its castles and historical landmarks, local wine, and beautiful parks and gardens.

How is Messina different from Nantes?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Nantes is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Messina 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.

Messina offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a number of historic sights around town including the Cathedral and the Piazza del Duomo, the Bell Tower and Astronomical Clock, Santissima Annunziata dei Catalani, and the Regional Museum. There are also many ornate fountains around town.

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

Nantes is renowned for its restaurant scene. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular 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).

Messina has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The city's cuisine is a mix of the cultures that have influenced Sicily over the centuries. The city has a longstanding fishing industry and one of the most popular dishes are swordfish rolls. Also try the pidone (similar to calzones with different fillings), and the focaccia (a local bread).

Is Messina or Nantes Better for Nightlife?

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

Messina is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The nightlife scene is mostly centered around the old town and you'll find a mix of locals and tourists hanging out in pubs and bars. During the summer months there are often free outdoor concerts to enjoy.

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 Messina or Nantes Better for Beaches?

Messina is a decent place to visit for the beach. However, Nantes is not a beach destination.

The beach in Messina is worth checking out. There are pebbly beaches in the area that are becoming more popular with tourists.

Nantes is not a beach destination.

Is Messina or Nantes Better for its Old Town?

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

Many visitors go to Nantes to see the historical 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.

Messina does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Messina or Nantes?

Nantes is well known for shopping. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Nantes is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Messina. The best shopping is around Piazza Cairoli with the main shopping streets being Viale Europa and Viale San Martino. There are many small boutiques that have cheaper prices than some of the more upscale Sicilian towns.

Is Messina or Nantes Better for Families?

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

Messina is a very family-friendly place to visit. There are a number outdoor activities that kids will enjoy including Parco Avventura Dei Peloritani, which has ropes and obstacle courses. There's also the Karting Center, which is fun for the whole family, or a small aquarium in town. If you're looking for an excursion outside of town, head to Cascata Cataolo waterfall, which is very kid-friendly.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Nantes is very family-friendly. 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 Messina or Nantes Better for Couples?

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

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.

Messina makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Most visitors see the city as an arrival or departure point for Sicily, but those couples who linger will appreciate a number of historical sights and a nice atmosphere.

Is Messina or Nantes Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Messina 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 Messina. If you're traveling by train or ferry, you'll likely arrive or depart from this city. There are a number of hostels and cheap guesthouses around town that offer affordable accommodation.

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 Messina or Nantes Better for Students?

Messina and Nantes are notable places to visit for students.

Messina is popular with students. There are a few study abroad opportunities that bring international students to town. The city also have good transportation connections and a friendly atmosphere that is welcoming to students.

It's common for students to visit Nantes. 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 Messina or Nantes Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

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

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Nantes. There are both trams and buses throughout the city that are operated by TAN (Transport de l'Agglomeration Nantaise).

While Messina offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. If your legs are tired then there's an efficient bus system that you can use.

Is Messina or Nantes a more walkable city?

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

Messina is very walkable. Most of the city's attractions can be reached on foot and the port is a ten to fifteen minute walk from Piazza del Duomo.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Nantes or Messina?

How long in Messina or Nantes?

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

Families should spend more time in Nantes than Messina. 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 Messina. 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.

One day in Messina or Nantes?

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

In Nantes, you'll find nightlife and food. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Messina or Nantes?

Messina is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

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

Five days in Messina or Nantes?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Messina. 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.

Nantes 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 Messina or Nantes?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Messina. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nantes. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Nantes. One reason most visitors come is for the food. 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 Food and Culinary Tours in Italy, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.

When comparing the travel costs between Messina and Nantes, we can see that Messina 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 Messina Expensive? and Is Nantes Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Messina or Nantes?

Nantes has a larger population, and is about 10% larger than the population of Messina. When comparing the sizes of Messina 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 Messina 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 Messina or Nantes in the Summer?

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

In July, Messina is generally a little warmer than Nantes. Daily temperatures in Messina average around 27°C (80°F), and Nantes fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nantes. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Messina this time of the year. In the summer, Messina often gets more sunshine than Nantes. Messina gets 332 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nantes receives 267 hours of full sun.

Messina usually gets less rain in July than Nantes. Messina gets 19 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Messina or Nantes in the Autumn?

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

Messina is much warmer than Nantes in the autumn. The daily temperature in Messina averages around 21°C (69°F) in October, and Nantes fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Messina usually receives more sunshine than Nantes during autumn. Messina gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Nantes receives 141 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Messina. In October, Messina usually receives more rain than Nantes. Messina gets 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Messina or Nantes in the Winter?

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

In the winter, Messina is much warmer than Nantes. Typically, the winter temperatures in Messina in January average around 13°C (55°F), and Nantes averages at about 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Messina often gets more sunshine than Nantes. Messina gets 115 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nantes receives 72 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Messina. Messina usually gets more rain in January than Nantes. Messina gets 113 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Messina or Nantes in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Messina and Nantes. Many travelers come to Messina for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Nantes in the spring for the natural beauty.

In April, Messina is generally a little warmer than Nantes. Daily temperatures in Messina average around 16°C (60°F), and Nantes fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In Messina, it's very sunny this time of the year. Messina usually receives more sunshine than Nantes during spring. Messina gets 207 hours of sunny skies, while Nantes receives 187 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Messina usually receives more rain than Nantes. Messina gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Nantes and Messina