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

Should you visit Nantes or Bari?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Nantes or Bari, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Nantes

Nantes is a beautiful, vibrant, and welcoming city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Bari

Bari is a cultural, authentic, and local 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 museums, nightlife, and food.

Nantes and Bari: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nantes or Bari?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bari. Although Nantes and Bari are about the same size, Bari has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Bari is very popular for its beaches, historical sights, and big city activities, while Nantes attracts visitors for its shopping and impressive beauty. Nantes is more touristy than Bari and is known for its castles and historical landmarks, local wine, and beautiful parks and gardens. Bari is famous for its authentic old town and its role as a ferry port for travelers headed across the Adriatic. It is also well known for San Nicola.

How is Nantes different from Bari?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

You'll find a number of great museums and attractions in both Bari and Nantes.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Nantes can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Bari. The city is filled with historical sights and archeological ruins. San Nicola is the main basilica in town and a popular tourist sight. The Castello is also a highlight, as is San Sabino.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Nantes and Bari can be an enjoyable experience.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Nantes is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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).

Many restaurants in Bari have been singled out for their culinary prowess. It's off-the-beaten-path vibe means that you won't find the overpriced tourist restaurants that have taken over more touristy cities. Instead you'll find locally owned pasta shops that cater to the town's residents. You can taste authentic Pugliese cuisine, which is centered around wheat and olive oil. Orecchiette is the local pasta and seafood is one of the most common staples.

Is Nantes or Bari Better for Nightlife?

The great nightlife scene is relatively similar in Nantes and Bari.

Nantes has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Bari is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city really comes to life at night with many dance clubs, bars, and other fun venues. There's plenty of live music as well as jazz clubs and other local bars.

Is Nantes or Bari Better for Beaches?

Bari is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Nantes is not a beach destination.

Bari has a beach worth visiting. There's a sandy beach that you can reach by bus outside of the city center. There are also many great beaches around Puglia if you're willing to take a day trip or travel a bit farther.

Nantes is not a beach destination.

Is Nantes or Bari Better for its Old Town?

Bari is a very popular place for its historic old town charm. Also, Nantes is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town.

Many visitors go to Bari to see the historical old town. The old town is filled with historic sights, mazelike streets, and great food. It's pedestrian-only and, because Bari is not as popular with tourists, it holds on to its authentic charm.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Nantes or Bari?

Nantes is a great city for its shopping areas. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Nantes. 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.

Bari is a great destination for shopping. You won't find the souvenir shops that you find in more touristy cities, so if you take the time to do some shopping while you're in town, you can enjoy a truly authentic and cultural experience.

Is Nantes or Bari Better for Families?

Nantes and Bari are both great destinations for the whole family.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Nantes. 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.

Bari is a very family-friendly place to visit. There are historical sites and castles to explore as well as the fun-filled Miragica amusement park. There's also an impressive underground city that will spark the kid's imagination. Other fun activities include visiting the nearby beaches, taking a kayak tour, or wandering around the old town.

Is Nantes or Bari Better for Couples?

Nantes is a great city for couples. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for romance.

Nantes is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

Bari is a nice destination for couples. The old town is filled with mazelike streets and the city has many unique activities that appeal to history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Is Nantes or Bari Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bari is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Nantes is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Bari. There's plenty of hostels around town and the prices are usually very reasonable. Many backpackers pass through this port city on their way to Greece or other Adriatic destinations.

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 Nantes or Bari Better for Students?

Bari is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Nantes is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Bari is a great port city to visit as a student. It's a great student city that offers access to many nearby Mediterranean destinations. There are also a number of historical sights within town that students can visit.

Nantes is popular with students. 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 Nantes or Bari Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

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

Many visitors use the public transit system in Nantes. There are both trams and buses throughout the city that are operated by TAN (Transport de l'Agglomeration Nantaise).

Bari has a few public transit options. There are buses around town that are operated by the AMTAB.

Is Nantes or Bari a more walkable city?

Nantes and Bari are great when it comes to walkability.

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

Bari is very walkable. The old town is pedestrian-only and best explored on foot. It's also about a 20 minute walk from the central train station.

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

Should I spend more time in Bari or Nantes?

How long in Nantes or Bari?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Nantes and Bari. In our opinion, Bari has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Bari than Nantes. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Nantes, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bari.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bari than Nantes 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 Bari.

One day in Nantes or Bari?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Nantes. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Bari. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Nantes or Bari?

Nantes is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the food. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Bari 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 Nantes or Bari?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the friendly destination of Nantes. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bari. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

A week in Nantes or Bari?

The vibrant city of Nantes offers nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the authentic destination of Bari. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in France, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, The Best Historical Tours in Italy, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Nantes or Bari?

Bari has a larger population, and is about 14% larger than the population of Nantes. When comparing the sizes of Nantes and Bari, 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 Nantes or Bari?

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 Nantes or Bari in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Nantes and Bari. Many travelers come to Nantes for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bari in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Nantes is cooler than Bari in the summer. The daily temperature in Nantes averages around 19°C (67°F) in July, and Bari fluctuates around 25°C (76°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bari this time of the year. In Nantes, it's very sunny this time of the year. Nantes usually receives less sunshine than Bari during summer. Nantes gets 267 hours of sunny skies, while Bari receives 336 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Nantes usually receives more rain than Bari. Nantes gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Bari receives 9 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Nantes or Bari in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Nantes as well as Bari. Many visitors come to Nantes in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, most visitors come to Bari for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Nantes is cooler than Bari. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nantes in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Bari averages at about 18°C (65°F).

In the autumn, Nantes often gets less sunshine than Bari. Nantes gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bari receives 178 hours of full sun.

Nantes usually gets more rain in October than Bari. Nantes gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bari receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nantes or Bari in the Winter?

Both Bari and Nantes are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Nantes for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Bari because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Nantes is generally much colder than Bari. Daily temperatures in Nantes average around 6°C (42°F), and Bari fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

Nantes usually receives less sunshine than Bari during winter. Nantes gets 72 hours of sunny skies, while Bari receives 110 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Nantes usually receives more rain than Bari. Nantes gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Bari receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Nantes or Bari in the Spring?

Both Bari and Nantes during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Nantes because of the natural beauty. Also, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Bari this time of year.

Nantes is cooler than Bari in the spring. The daily temperature in Nantes averages around 11°C (51°F) in April, and Bari fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In Bari, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Nantes often gets less sunshine than Bari. Nantes gets 187 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bari receives 203 hours of full sun.

Nantes usually gets more rain in April than Bari. Nantes gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Bari receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bari and Nantes