A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Nagano vs. Bordeaux for Food, Attractions, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Nagano or Bordeaux?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Nagano and Bordeaux 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.

Nagano

Nagano is a historic, traditional, and alpine city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. 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 skiing.

Bordeaux

Bordeaux is a historical, elegant, and charming city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Nagano and Bordeaux: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nagano or Bordeaux?

You'll generally find more things to do in Nagano than Bordeaux. Nagano is bigger than Bordeaux, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Nagano is better known for its skiing, museums, nightlife, resorts, and hiking, while Bordeaux is more popular for its food and shopping. Bordeaux is more touristy than Nagano and is popular for its world-renowned wine and the many nearby vineyards. Nagano is well known for its historic temples, beautiful mountain setting, and being the host of the 1998 Winter Olympic Games. Also, Nagano is famous for Zenko-ji Temple.

How is Nagano different from Bordeaux?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Nagano or Bordeaux Better for Skiing?

Nagano is a great destination for winter skiing. However, Bordeaux is not a skiing destination.

People head to Nagano specifically to take advantage of the area's skiing and winter sports. The city hosted the 1998 Winter Olympics and many of the skiing events were held at ski resorts in the area. In the Nagano Prefecture you'll find several ski resorts with some of the most popular being the Hakuba ski areas, Shiga Kogen, Nozawa Onsen, and Myoko Kogen.

Bordeaux is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Nagano or Bordeaux?

Nagano is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Nagano offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The area is filled with history and there are many places to explore. Matsumoto Castle, the Matsumoto City Museum of Art, Zenko-ji Temple, and Togakushi Shrine are just some of the highlights.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Bordeaux. The city has many historical landmarks and museums to explore. Cathédrale Saint-André, Tour Le Grand-Théâtre, and Basilique Saint-Seurin are all notable monuments that are worth visiting.

Is the Food Better in Nagano or Bordeaux? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bordeaux is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Many restaurants in Bordeaux have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Both food and wine are a major draw to this culinary city, which is known for its pastries and rich flavors. Popular local dishes include grilled duck, duck foie gras, and canelés.

Dining out in Nagano is an experience not to be missed. You'll find many of Japan's culinary favorites here like ramen, udon, sushi, and sashimi. There are also regional dishes and some comfort food like Tonkatsu and Oyaki Dumplings.

Is Nagano or Bordeaux Better for Nightlife?

Nagano is a great destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Bordeaux is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

The people in Nagano know how to have a good time. The nightlife scene is varied, from local and intimate venues, to wild and crazy clubs. You'll find all styles and activities such that whatever you're looking for, the city likely won't disappoint.

If you're looking for night time activities Bordeaux has a few options to choose from. The city comes to life at night with dance clubs, wine bars, student pubs, and more.

Is Nagano or Bordeaux Better for Resorts?

Nagano is a popular place for its resorts. However, Bordeaux is not a resort destination.

With a selection of resorts, Nagano makes a nice vacation spot. You'll find wonderful mountain resorts throughout the entire prefecture.

Bordeaux is not a resort destination.

Is Nagano or Bordeaux Better for its Old Town?

Both Nagano and Bordeaux have notable historic old towns worth visiting.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Nagano. Throughout the prefecture there is a lot of history and charming towns. If you're willing to get out of Nagano City, you can enjoy an area filled with tradition and culture. In particular, Tsumago-juku was the first preserved old town in Japan.

Bordeaux offers a nice historic old town area. The old town is between Cours de l'Intendance and rue Peyronnet. The area has many distinct neighborhoods, monuments, and historical buildings.

Is Nagano or Bordeaux Better for Hiking?

Nagano is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Bordeaux is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Nagano. The surrounding area is filled with stunning scenery, natural beauty, and beautiful hikes. You'll find shrines and temples, historic villages, nice views, and peaceful walks throughout the region. One of the most unique walks is along the highest road in Japan, the Norikura Echo Line. The route is at 8,800 feet and is lined with ten meter high snow walls. It's open from from late April to the end of June every year.

Bordeaux is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nagano or Bordeaux?

Bordeaux is a great city for its shopping opportunities. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping areas.

Bordeaux is well-known for its shopping. The city has a mix of luxury fashion brands, jewelry shops, perfume suppliers, and leather goods. There are department stores, local boutiques, and pedestrian shopping areas that you can explore.

Many visitors go to Nagano to go shopping. There are a number of shopping streets that are fun to explore including the historic street of Naka-mise. This street is lined with tea shops, cafes, traditional stores, and more. While there aren't a huge number of shopping centers around town, Midori Nagano is one of the biggest.

Is Nagano or Bordeaux Better for Families?

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

Nagano is a very kid-friendly city. Chibikko Ninja Village is a great place for kids with climbing walls, indoor playgrounds, and more. There are also a number of sports facilities around town, and you can keep the sport theme going with a visit to the Nagano Olympic Museum. Animal lovers will enjoy a visit to the Nagano Chausuyama Zoo and for little kids, the Nagano City Joyama Zoo is nice.

Bordeaux offers lots of family activities. The city has a number of parks and playgrounds as well as museums, including a kid's science museum. Kids also enjoy splashing around in the Miroir d’eau, which is the world's largest water mirror.

Is Nagano or Bordeaux Better for Couples?

Bordeaux is a great city for its romantic activities. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

Bordeaux is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Wine lovers will enjoy an amazing weekend in this beautiful city. Some of the most romantic activities include wine walks, river cruises, and exploring scenic gardens.

Nagano is a good city for couples to visit. The city has a lot of history and beauty, making it a romantic destination for couples. There are also outdoor activities as well as a number of sports that you can enjoy.

Is Nagano or Bordeaux Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Nagano and Bordeaux are notable places to visit.

Nagano is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are several good hostels in the area, as well as some great activities for young travelers, backpackers, and sports enthusiasts.

Plenty of backpackers visit Bordeaux. There are a handful of hostels and a diversity of activities that backpackers can enjoy.

Is Nagano or Bordeaux Better for Students?

Bordeaux is a great city for its student-friendly activities. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

Students come from all over to stay in Bordeaux. The city has a great student atmosphere and a unique culture with a diversity of activities. It's grown in popularity with students, and the prices have climbed a bit over the past few years.

Nagano is a good city to visit for students. It's relative affordability combined with its close proximity to Tokyo and laid back populations make this a nice place to study.

Is Nagano or Bordeaux Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Bordeaux is a great city for times when you don't have a car. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

The public transit in Bordeaux can get you around easily. There are buses, trams and a ferry that runs along the river.

Nagano has a few public transit options. The main station in town is Nagano Station. There's a bus and train system through the area, including buses that run to Zenkoji Temple. There's also a bus that goes to the Togakushi area and takes about an hour. However, renting a car will give you more freedom and efficiency. .

Is Nagano or Bordeaux a more walkable city?

Bordeaux is a great city for its high level of walkability. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its ease of walking around.

Bordeaux is a very walkable city. The city has many pedestrian areas and large squares to explore.

Nagano is a somewhat walkable city. Parts of the city are walkable and there are hiking trails around the Togakushi area, where you'll find many shrines and other attractions.

For even more information, also check out Is Nagano Worth Visiting? and Is Bordeaux Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bordeaux or Nagano?

How long in Nagano or Bordeaux?

In either Nagano or Bordeaux, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Bordeaux than Nagano because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Nagano, and 2-5 days is enough time in Bordeaux.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bordeaux than Nagano 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 Bordeaux.

One day in Nagano or Bordeaux?

The beautiful city of Nagano offers museums and skiing. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

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

A weekend in Nagano or Bordeaux?

Nagano 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. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Nagano, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Bordeaux is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, 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.

Five days in Nagano or Bordeaux?

Nagano 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bordeaux. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Nagano or Bordeaux?

Nagano is a great place to explore. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the romantic destination of Bordeaux. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 Japan, The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan, The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nagano and Bordeaux, we can see that Bordeaux is more expensive. And not only is Nagano much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Nagano is in Asia and Bordeaux is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Nagano would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nagano 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 Bordeaux would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bordeaux than you might in Nagano.

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

Which is Bigger, Nagano or Bordeaux?

Nagano has a larger population, and is about 20% larger than the population of Bordeaux. When comparing the sizes of Nagano and Bordeaux, 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 Nagano or Bordeaux?

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 Nagano or Bordeaux in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Nagano as well as Bordeaux. Many travelers come to Nagano for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Bordeaux in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Nagano is a little warmer than Bordeaux in the summer. The daily temperature in Nagano averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Bordeaux fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bordeaux. In the summer, Nagano often gets less sunshine than Bordeaux. Nagano gets 136 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bordeaux receives 276 hours of full sun.

Nagano receives a lot of rain in the summer. Nagano usually gets more rain in July than Bordeaux. Nagano gets 222 mm (8.8 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nagano or Bordeaux in the Autumn?

Both Bordeaux and Nagano are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Nagano in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Bordeaux for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Nagano is around the same temperature as Bordeaux. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nagano in October average around 16°C (60°F), and Bordeaux averages at about 14°C (58°F).

Nagano usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bordeaux during autumn. Nagano gets 167 hours of sunny skies, while Bordeaux receives 165 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It's quite rainy in Nagano. In October, Nagano usually receives more rain than Bordeaux. Nagano gets 227 mm (9 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Nagano or Bordeaux in the Winter?

Both Bordeaux and Nagano during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Nagano for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Bordeaux because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Nagano can be very cold during winter. In January, Nagano is generally much colder than Bordeaux. Daily temperatures in Nagano average around 2°C (36°F), and Bordeaux fluctuates around 6°C (43°F).

It's quite sunny in Nagano. In the winter, Nagano often gets more sunshine than Bordeaux. Nagano gets 212 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bordeaux receives 86 hours of full sun.

Bordeaux gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Nagano. Nagano usually gets more rain in January than Bordeaux. Nagano gets 446 mm (17.5 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nagano or Bordeaux in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Nagano and Bordeaux. The spring months attract visitors to Nagano because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Bordeaux this time of year.

Nagano is around the same temperature as Bordeaux in the spring. The daily temperature in Nagano averages around 11°C (52°F) in April, and Bordeaux fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Nagano usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bordeaux during spring. Nagano gets 191 hours of sunny skies, while Bordeaux receives 190 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Nagano usually receives more rain than Bordeaux. Nagano gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Bordeaux receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bordeaux and Nagano