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

Should you visit Nagano or Paris?

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 Paris 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 traditional, alpine, and scenic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include hiking, shopping, and museums.

Paris

Paris is a iconic, bustling, and energetic city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the live music, food, and shopping.

Nagano and Paris: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nagano or Paris?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Paris than Nagano. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Paris is very popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Nagano attracts visitors for its skiing, resorts, historical sights, and hiking. Paris is more touristy than Nagano and is known for its world-renowned cuisine, iconic landmarks, trendsetting fashion, and dynamic markets. It is also well known for The Eiffel Tower. Nagano is famous for its historic temples, beautiful mountain setting, and being the host of the 1998 Winter Olympic Games.

The Eiffel Tower

How is Nagano different from Paris?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Nagano or Paris Better for Skiing?

Nagano is great for skiing. However, Paris is not a skiing destination.

Nagano offers world-class skiing that is fun for everyone. 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.

Paris is not a skiing destination.

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

Paris is terrific for its historical sights. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

The museums and tourist attractions in Paris are world-renowned. One of the most world famous landmarks is the Eiffel Tower. The city is also home to the world renowned Louvre, Notre-Dame, and Palais Garnier Opera House. In addition to the many iconic sights, there are beautiful buildings and hidden gems throughout the city.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Nagano. 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.

Is Nagano or Paris Better for Theater?

Paris is terrific for its theatre productions. However, Nagano is not a theatre destination.

Visitors will find world class theater shows, plays, and musicals in Paris that are not to be missed. There are world class theaters as well as smaller local venues where you can enjoy a show.

Nagano is not a theatre destination.

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

Paris 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 Paris have been singled out for their culinary prowess. There are countless local restaurants, markets, and patisseries to explore. Make sure you try the steak tartare, pate, and macarons.

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 Paris Better for Nightlife?

Paris is terrific for nightlife and partying. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

Paris is a must-see party destination. Head to Pigalle or the Latin Quarter for some of the city's best nightlife. There are all-night parties, cabarets, and exclusive night clubs that you can experience.

Nagano offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

Is Nagano or Paris Better for Music?

Paris is terrific for its live music scene. However, Nagano is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Paris. Some of the most famous music venues include Le Pop In, La Mécanique Ondulatoire, and Les Disquaires. You'll also find many small bars where you can enjoy live music in a quaint setting.

Nagano is not a live music destination.

Is Nagano or Paris Better for Resorts?

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

Nagano has a handful of resorts to choose from. You'll find wonderful mountain resorts throughout the entire prefecture.

Paris is not a resort destination.

Is Nagano or Paris Better for its Old Town?

Nagano is a popular place for its historic old town. However, Paris does not have a historic old town.

Nagano is a good destination for visiting its old town. 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.

Paris does not have a historic old town.

Is Nagano or Paris Better for Hiking?

Nagano is great for hiking. However, Paris is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Nagano for the hiking trails. 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.

Paris is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nagano or Paris?

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

Known for shopping, Paris draws large crowds to its stores. Some of the best areas for shopping are Boulevard Haussmann and the Grands Boulevards, the Marais, and Avenue Montaigne and the Champs-Elysées. The city is iconic for its fashion scene and world class shopping venues.

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 Paris Better for Christmas?

Paris is terrific for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Nagano does not offer Christmas activities.

People travel from all around to experience the Christmas season in Paris. The city of lights really proves itself around the holiday season. In addition to checking out the Christmas lights, it's fun to go window shopping or check out one of the city's Christmas markets.

Nagano does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Nagano or Paris Better for Families?

Paris is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Paris is an extremely popular city to visit for families. Check out Jardin du Luxembourg, or one of the city's many playgrounds. Also grab a treat at one of the city's many patisseries. And of course, there's Disneyland Paris.

Nagano is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Is Nagano or Paris Better for Couples?

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

Paris is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. A city filled with romance, you really can't find a more ideal destination for a European honeymoon or a couple's getaway.

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 Paris Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Paris is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Nagano is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

With so many budget-friendly offerings, Paris is extremely popular for backpackers. It's a big city, so it's easy to get lost in the chaos, but there are many hostels and other backpacker hangouts around town.

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

Is Nagano or Paris Better for Students?

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

Paris is a very popular city for students. The city is one of the most popular destinations for international and study abroad students.

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 Paris Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Paris is terrific 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 thorough and effecient public transit system of Paris can take you anywhere. The city's metro system is very comprehensive. There's also a bus system that you can use to get around.

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 Paris a more walkable city?

Paris 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.

Paris is a very walkable city. Some streets can feel a bit overwhelming, but there are many parts of the city that are easily explored on foot.

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 Paris Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Paris or Nagano?

How long in Nagano or Paris?

Both Nagano and Paris have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Paris than in Nagano. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Nagano, and 3-7 days is enough time in Paris.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Paris 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 Paris.

One day in Nagano or Paris?

In Nagano, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this traditional destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

Paris is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Nagano or Paris?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nagano. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Paris is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Nagano or Paris?

Nagano is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Nagano. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

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

You'll find museums and skiing around the historic destination of Nagano. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Paris is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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 Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nagano and Paris, we can see that Paris 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 Paris 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 Paris would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Paris 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 Paris Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Nagano or Paris?

Paris has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Nagano. When comparing the sizes of Nagano and Paris, 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 Paris?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Nagano or Paris in the Summer?

Both Paris and Nagano are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Nagano for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Paris in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Nagano is generally a little warmer than Paris. Daily temperatures in Nagano average around 25°C (77°F), and Paris fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

It's quite sunny in Paris. Nagano usually receives less sunshine than Paris during summer. Nagano gets 136 hours of sunny skies, while Paris receives 241 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Nagano. In July, Nagano usually receives more rain than Paris. Nagano gets 222 mm (8.8 in) of rain, while Paris receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Nagano or Paris in the Autumn?

Both Paris and Nagano during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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. Furthermore, most visitors come to Paris for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Nagano is a little warmer than Paris in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nagano averages around 16°C (60°F) in October, and Paris fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Nagano often gets more sunshine than Paris. Nagano gets 167 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Paris receives 127 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nagano. Nagano usually gets more rain in October than Paris. Nagano gets 227 mm (9 in) of rain, while Paris receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nagano or Paris in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nagano and Paris. Most visitors come to Nagano for the skiing, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Paris because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

The weather in Paris can be very cold. Nagano can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Nagano is much colder than Paris. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nagano in January average around 2°C (36°F), and Paris averages at about 5°C (40°F).

In Nagano, it's very sunny this time of the year. Nagano usually receives more sunshine than Paris during winter. Nagano gets 212 hours of sunny skies, while Paris receives 62 hours of full sun in the winter.

Nagano gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Nagano usually receives more rain than Paris. Nagano gets 446 mm (17.5 in) of rain, while Paris receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Nagano or Paris in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Nagano as well as Paris. The spring months attract visitors to Nagano because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Additionally, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Paris this time of year.

In April, Nagano is generally around the same temperature as Paris. Daily temperatures in Nagano average around 11°C (52°F), and Paris fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

In the spring, Nagano often gets more sunshine than Paris. Nagano gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Paris receives 172 hours of full sun.

Nagano usually gets more rain in April than Paris. Nagano gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Paris receives 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Paris and Nagano