A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Montpellier vs. San Remo for Old Town, Food, Beaches, and Families

Should you visit Montpellier or San Remo?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Montpellier and San Remo. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Montpellier

Montpellier is a bustling, beautiful, and friendly city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the beaches, shopping, and museums.

San Remo

San Remo is a historic, relaxing, and beautiful coastal city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Montpellier and San Remo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Montpellier or San Remo?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Montpellier than San Remo. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Montpellier is very popular for its museums, historical sights, and shopping, while San Remo attracts visitors for its food. Montpellier is famous for its relaxed atmosphere, grand boulevards, and authentic personality. It is also well known for The Place de la Comédie. San Remo is famous for its olives, lemons, and flower market.

How is Montpellier different from San Remo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Montpellier or San Remo?

Montpellier is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, San Remo does not have museums and landmarks.

Montpellier offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. With such a long history, the city has many landmarks and monuments. Also make sure you visit Musée Fabre and Saint-Pierre Cathedral.

San Remo does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Montpellier or San Remo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

San Remo is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in San Remo is an experience not to be missed. The local restaurants are charming and sell a number of local specialties. Many traditional dishes are made with rabbit or chicken. There are also vegetable pies and sardenaira, which is a type of pizza that's made with tomatoes, garlic, and anchovies. Also make sure you pick up Baci di Sanremo, which are soft chocolate biscuits that are available in local bakeries.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Montpellier. The dishes are made with fresh ingredients produced in the agricultural areas just outside of town. The area is known for its seafood and fish stews.

Is Montpellier or San Remo Better for Nightlife?

It's hard to distinguish whether Montpellier or San Remo has a better nightlife scene.

Montpellier has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The weather is mild, making for a nice evening out. The population is also young, so you can expect a lot of activity during the evenings, particularly in the area around Place Jean Jaurés. Make sure you enjoy local wine and champagne while you're in town.

If you're looking for night time activities San Remo has a few options to choose from. The city has a number of clubs and bars where you can enjoy a drink or hang out late into the evening. It's a pretty mellow nightlife scene, but there's still plenty of places to go as well as a local vibe that doesn't have the influx of tourists that you find in many of other Italian cities.

Is Montpellier or San Remo Better for Beaches?

Montpellier and San Remo both offer superb beaches.

Many people visit Montpellier for it's beautiful beaches. The coastline near Montpellier feels pristine and beautiful. You can also visit Villeneuve-lès-Maguelone to the southwest of town, which is a protected area.

San Remo is considered a top beach destination. The beautiful sandy beaches are nice to visit and it's possible to rent chairs and umbrellas in many places. The main beach in town is Spiaggia dei Porti. Other popular nearby beaches include Spiaggia dei tre ponti, which is a large public beach, and Cala degli Orsi, which is one of the most beautiful public beaches in the area.

Is Montpellier or San Remo Better for its Old Town?

Montpellier is terrific for its historic old town charm. Also, San Remo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town.

Montpellier has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. Known as L'Écusson the town's old town dates back to the Middle Ages. It is a pedestrian area that is filled with boutiques, restaurants, and churches.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of San Remo. The old quarter of Pigna is a Medieval area with narrow streets that feel as if they're frozen in time. The hills offer impressive city views and the area has a unique historic character.

Is the Shopping Better in Montpellier or San Remo?

Montpellier is a very popular place for its shopping areas. Also, San Remo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Montpellier. Head to Rue de la Loge for some of the city's best shopping.

San Remo is a great destination for shopping. There are local and international brands as well as a shopping mall and outlets where you can enjoy shopping.

Is Montpellier or San Remo Better for Families?

San Remo is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

San Remo is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The area offers plenty of outdoor activities that the whole family will enjoy. There's horseback riding, hiking, rowing, snorkeling, cooking classes, farm tours and more. There are also a number of hotels in the area that have kid-friendly activities.

Montpellier offers lots of family activities. Popular activities for kids include taking a ride on the carousel in the Comedie, visiting the playground - Jardin Champs de Mars, and visiting the botanical garden - Jardin des Plantes.

Is Montpellier or San Remo Better for Couples?

Montpellier and San Remo both superb destinations for a couple.

Couples visit Montpellier frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Rich in history and beautiful architecture, this city offers a romantic setting for a great couple's getaway.

San Remo is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. It's known as the city of flowers, and the many beautiful gardens make this a truly romantic place to visit. Couples will enjoy soaking up the city's history and enjoy the vibrant culture and outdoor activities that are available.

Is Montpellier or San Remo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Montpellier is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, San Remo is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Montpellier. With a young population and a number of hostels to choose from, Montpellier attracts its share of backpackers.

San Remo is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't many hostels in town, and most backpackers head to more popular Italian destinations. If you're looking for a more off-the-beaten path destination, then this may be your style.

Is Montpellier or San Remo Better for Students?

Montpellier is terrific for its student-friendly activities. However, San Remo is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Montpellier. Montpellier is a popular university town that is home to many trendy university students. It's also where you'll find the youngest population of any city in France.

San Remo is not popular with students.

Is Montpellier or San Remo Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Montpellier is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, San Remo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Montpellier offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are a number of options for getting around town including the tramway, bus, and tourist train.

You'll find some public transit in San Remo, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are local buses around town.

Is Montpellier or San Remo a more walkable city?

Montpellier and San Remo both are superb when exploring on foot.

Montpellier is a very walkable destination. Many of the sights and attractions are easily accessible on foot and can be enjoyed as part of a self-guided walking tour.

San Remo is very walkable. The old quarter is fun to explore on foot and there are a number of walking tours through town.

For even more information, also check out Is Montpellier Worth Visiting? and Is San Remo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in San Remo or Montpellier?

How long in Montpellier or San Remo?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Montpellier or San Remo to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Montpellier than San Remo because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Montpellier, and 1-2 days is enough time in San Remo.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Montpellier than San Remo 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 Montpellier.

One day in Montpellier or San Remo?

The beautiful city of Montpellier offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the authentic coastal city of San Remo. It's also a great beach destination, too. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Montpellier or San Remo?

Montpellier is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Montpellier, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the relaxing destination of San Remo. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This coastal city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Montpellier or San Remo?

Montpellier is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

The authentic coastal city of San Remo offers shopping and nightlife. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Montpellier or San Remo?

Montpellier is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting San Remo. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people come for the beaches. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, The Best 2-Week Tours in France, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy, and The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Montpellier or San Remo?

Montpellier has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of San Remo. When comparing the sizes of Montpellier and San Remo, 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 Montpellier or San Remo?

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 Montpellier or San Remo in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Montpellier as well as San Remo. The beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Montpellier this time of year. Also, many travelers come to San Remo for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

Montpellier is around the same temperature as San Remo in the summer. The daily temperature in Montpellier averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and San Remo fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in San Remo. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montpellier this time of the year. In the summer, Montpellier often gets more sunshine than San Remo. Montpellier gets 351 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Remo receives 295 hours of full sun.

Montpellier usually gets more rain in July than San Remo. Montpellier gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while San Remo receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Montpellier or San Remo in the Autumn?

Both San Remo and Montpellier are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Montpellier for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to San Remo in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Montpellier is around the same temperature as San Remo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Montpellier in October average around 15°C (60°F), and San Remo averages at about 17°C (63°F).

Montpellier usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as San Remo during autumn. Montpellier gets 187 hours of sunny skies, while San Remo receives 183 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in San Remo. It's quite rainy in Montpellier. In October, Montpellier usually receives around the same amount of rain as San Remo. Montpellier gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while San Remo receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Montpellier or San Remo in the Winter?

Both San Remo and Montpellier during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Montpellier in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to San Remo for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Montpellier is generally cooler than San Remo. Daily temperatures in Montpellier average around 7°C (44°F), and San Remo fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In the winter, Montpellier often gets more sunshine than San Remo. Montpellier gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while San Remo receives 127 hours of full sun.

Montpellier usually gets less rain in January than San Remo. Montpellier gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while San Remo receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Montpellier or San Remo in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Montpellier and San Remo. Most visitors come to Montpellier for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to San Remo because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

Montpellier is around the same temperature as San Remo in the spring. The daily temperature in Montpellier averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and San Remo fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In Montpellier, it's very sunny this time of the year. Montpellier usually receives more sunshine than San Remo during spring. Montpellier gets 230 hours of sunny skies, while San Remo receives 198 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Montpellier usually receives less rain than San Remo. Montpellier gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while San Remo receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for San Remo and Montpellier