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

Should you visit Nantes or Florence?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Nantes or Florence, 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 friendly, historical, and beautiful city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Florence

Florence is a historical, artistic, and iconic city. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Nantes and Florence: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nantes or Florence?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Florence than Nantes, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Florence is more popular for its museums, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Nantes is known for its nightlife. Florence is more touristy than Nantes and is known for its iconic beauty, world-renowned Renaissance art and architecture, and beautifully maintained gardens. It is also home to The Duomo (Santa Maria del Fiore). Nantes is popular for its castles and historical landmarks, local wine, and beautiful parks and gardens.

How is Nantes different from Florence?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Florence 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 Florence?

Florence is an unbeatable place for its museums and history. Also, Nantes is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Florence has many famous sights for visitors. Because of it's important role in the Renaissance, the city has many world-renowned museums that you can visit. Famous sights and landmarks include the Uffizi Gallery, the Duomo, and the Academy Gallery.

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.

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

Dining out at restaurants in both Nantes and Florence 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 Florence have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Once you've worked up an appetite exploring museums and churches, you'll find many amazing local restaurants around town. Local dishes incorporate a lot of hearty vegetables and meats. Famous dishes include a Florentine steak dish, rabbit, and a bean bed and cabbage soup.

Is Nantes or Florence Better for Nightlife?

Nantes is a great city for nightlife and partying. Also, Florence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Nantes has something for everybody. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Florence. You'll find the most active nightlife in the Santa Croce neighborhood. The area attracts study abroad students as well as tourists who party late into the night.

Is Nantes or Florence Better for its Old Town?

Florence is an unbeatable place for its historic old town charm. Also, Nantes is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Florence offers plenty to see. The historic center of the city is where you'll find many of the most beautiful buildings, art works, and quaint streets. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it was at the heart of the Renaissance period.

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 Florence?

Shoppers can find a variety of superb stores in both Nantes and Florence.

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.

Florence is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There are many shops in the tourist heart of the city. Most are geared specifically to tourists so you may have to search to find a more authentic shopping experience. Famous items available in the city include gold jewelry, ceramics, leather, and perfume.

Is Nantes or Florence Better for Families?

Nantes is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Florence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Florence is a family-friendly place to visit. Most famous for its art and history, the city also has a number of activities that kids will enjoy. There's a carousel and a park that are perfect to let the little ones run around. There are a few kid-friendly museums, as well as a historic city center that will mesmerize the old and young alike.

Is Nantes or Florence Better for Couples?

Florence is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Nantes is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Florence has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Art and history lovers will enjoy a visit to this truly beautiful city. Couples who enjoy museums, historic buildings, and world-renowned art, will find plenty to do in this city.

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.

Is Nantes or Florence Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Florence is an unbeatable place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Nantes is lacking in good options for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Florence, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. The city is part of a popular route through Italy, and you'll find many backpackers and students in town. There are also many hostels, so you should have no trouble meeting other young travelers.

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 Florence Better for Students?

Florence is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Nantes is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Florence is a great destination for students. Many students visit this city as part of a short term study abroad program, or for the entire length of their studies. The city is beautiful, and whether your focus is art, history, or culture, this city will not disappoint.

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 Florence 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, Florence is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Public transit in Nantes can get you to some places easily. There are both trams and buses throughout the city that are operated by TAN (Transport de l'Agglomeration Nantaise).

Florence has a few public transit options. There is a comprehensive bus system.

Is Nantes or Florence a more walkable city?

Florence is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. Also, Nantes is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Florence. Most people explore the city on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Florence or Nantes?

How long in Nantes or Florence?

Both Nantes and Florence have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Florence than in Nantes. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Nantes, and 2-7 days is enough time in Florence.

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

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

One day in Nantes or Florence?

The beautiful city of Nantes offers food and shopping. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Florence. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Nantes or Florence?

Nantes 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Nantes, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Florence 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.

Five days in Nantes or Florence?

Nantes is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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 Florence. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Nantes or Florence?

Nantes is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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 travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the alluring destination of Florence. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 10-Day Tours in France, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Nantes or Florence?

Florence has a larger population, and is about 34% larger than the population of Nantes. When comparing the sizes of Nantes and Florence, 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 Florence?

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 Florence in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Nantes and Florence. The summer months attract visitors to Nantes because of the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Florence this time of year.

In July, Nantes is generally cooler than Florence. Daily temperatures in Nantes average around 19°C (67°F), and Florence fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Florence this time of the year. In Nantes, it's very sunny this time of the year. Nantes usually receives less sunshine than Florence during summer. Nantes gets 267 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Nantes usually receives more rain than Florence. Nantes gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Florence receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Nantes or Florence in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Nantes as well as Florence. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Nantes this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Florence for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Nantes is cooler than Florence in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nantes averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Florence fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Nantes often gets less sunshine than Florence. Nantes gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 177 hours of full sun.

Nantes usually gets less rain in October than Florence. Nantes gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Florence receives 96 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nantes or Florence in the Winter?

Both Florence and Nantes are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Nantes for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Florence in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Nantes is cooler than Florence. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nantes in January average around 6°C (42°F), and Florence averages at about 7°C (45°F).

Nantes usually receives less sunshine than Florence during winter. Nantes gets 72 hours of sunny skies, while Florence receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Nantes usually receives more rain than Florence. Nantes gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Florence receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Nantes or Florence in the Spring?

Both Florence and Nantes during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Nantes in the spring for the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Florence for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Nantes is generally cooler than Florence. Daily temperatures in Nantes average around 11°C (51°F), and Florence fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

In the spring, Nantes often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Florence. Nantes gets 187 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Florence receives 192 hours of full sun.

Nantes usually gets less rain in April than Florence. Nantes gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Florence receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Florence and Nantes