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

Should you visit Nantes or Imperia?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Nantes or Imperia, 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 vibrant, welcoming, and friendly city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Imperia

Imperia is a undiscovered, authentic, and charming town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Nantes and Imperia: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food


Is there more to do in Nantes or Imperia?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Nantes. Although Nantes and Imperia are popular destinations, Nantes has more sights and attractions for tourists. Nantes is more touristy than Imperia and is popular for its castles and historical landmarks, local wine, and beautiful parks and gardens. It is also well known for The Castle of the Dukes of Brittany. Imperia is famous for its access to the Ligurian coastline.

How is Nantes different from Imperia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Nantes
Imperia

Nantes is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

Nantes offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Imperia is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several interesting buildings of importance around town.


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

Nantes
Imperia

Nantes is a must-visit destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Nantes is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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).

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Imperia. Food ranges from typical Italian dishes to local recipes that use local ingredients. Unique ingredients in the area include trumpet zucchini, flat breads, and anchovies.

Is Nantes or Imperia Better for Nightlife?

Nantes
Imperia

Nantes is notable for its evening party scene. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for nightlife.

Nantes has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Imperia. There are some bars and lively restaurants around town where you can spend an enjoyable evening.

Is Nantes or Imperia Better for its Old Town?

Nantes
Imperia

Nantes is a popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Imperia does not have a historic old town.

Nantes offers a nice historic old town area. 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.

Imperia does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Nantes or Imperia?

Nantes
Imperia

Nantes is notable for its shopping areas. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Imperia. There are some shopping streets in town that have a mix of local brands and standard clothing shops.

Is Nantes or Imperia Better for Families?

Nantes
Imperia

Nantes is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

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

Imperia is a family-friendly city. There's some nice walking trails in the countryside that the kids will enjoy.

Is Nantes or Imperia Better for Couples?

Nantes
Imperia

Nantes is notable for couples. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for romance.

Nantes is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Imperia is a nice destination for couples. It's a beautiful town with a nice atmosphere that offers a nice break from the tourist crowds.


Is Nantes or Imperia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nantes
Imperia

Imperia is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Nantes is lacking in good options for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Imperia. Accommodation tends to be affordable and there's an off-the-beaten-path vibe that some backpackers will appreciate.

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 Imperia Better for Students?

Nantes
Imperia

Nantes is a popular place for students. However, Imperia is not popular with students.

Nantes is a good city to visit for 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.

Imperia is not popular with students.

Is Nantes or Imperia Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Nantes
Imperia

Nantes is notable for its public transit. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for times when you don't have a car.

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

Imperia has some public transit options. There are buses that connect the city to different areas.


Is Nantes or Imperia a more walkable city?

Nantes
Imperia

Nantes is notable for its ease of walking around. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its walkability.

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

Imperia is somewhat walkable. Parts of the town are convenient to walk around.

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

Should I spend more time in Imperia or Nantes?

How long in Nantes or Imperia?

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

Families should spend more time in Nantes than Imperia. 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 Nantes than Imperia. 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 Nantes than Imperia 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 Nantes.


  • How many days in Nantes or Imperia? Ideal Length of Stay
    Nantes 2-3 
    Imperia 1-2

One day in Nantes or Imperia?

In Nantes, you'll find nightlife and food. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Imperia. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Nantes or Imperia?

In Nantes, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Nantes has to offer.

Imperia 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 Imperia?

Nantes is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nantes. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Nantes. One reason most visitors come is for the food. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the charming destination of Imperia. This town 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 10-Day Tours in France, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, The Best Walking Tours in Italy, and The Best Luxury Tours to Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Imperia or Nantes?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Nantes is €108, while the average daily cost in Imperia is €108. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Nantes and Imperia in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nantes 60
    Imperia 51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nantes 120
    Imperia 102
Compare Hotels in Nantes and Imperia

Looking for a hotel in Nantes or Imperia? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Nantes


Hotels in Imperia


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Nantes Hotel Prices and Imperia Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nantes 36
    Imperia 36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nantes

Also for Nantes, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Nantes Airport (NTE) to Nantes hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $26
  • Nantes to Nantes Airport (NTE) - Departure Private Transfer: $26
  • Private Transfer from Airports to Nantes: $33
  • Nantes Airport (NTE) to Nantes - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $52
  • Nantes Private Transfer from Nantes city centre to Nantes Airport: $65
  • Nantes Private Transfer from Nantes Airport to City centre: $65
  • Private Transfer from Nantes Hotels to La Rochelle Cruise Port: $88
  • Private Transfer from Nantes Airport (NTE) to La Rochelle Port: $88
  • Private Transfer from Nantes Atlantique Airport NTE to Puy du Fou Park: $174

Is it cheaper to fly into Nantes or Imperia?

Prices for flights to both Imperia and Nantes change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Nantes 27
    Imperia 35

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nantes

For Nantes, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Nantes Traditional Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience : $104
  • All Inclusive Food Tour of Nantes Old Town with Local Guide: $145

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nantes 13
    Imperia 13

Tours and Activities in Nantes

For Nantes, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
  • Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Walking Tour: $6.42
  • Nantes Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.54
  • Guided treetop adventure course in the heart of Nantes: $31
  • Private custom tour with a local guide: $50
  • Nantes : Private Walking Tour With A Local : $51
  • Welcome to Private Tour with a Local: $51
  • Nantes Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $52
  • Panoramic Tour by Electric Bike: $59
  • PANORAMA TOUR OF NANTES by electric bike: $60
  • Nantes : Must-see Attractions Walking Tour: $75

Tours and Activities in Imperia

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Imperia are as follows:

  • Imperia - Old Town Private Historic Walking Tour: $428

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nantes 6.43
    Imperia 7.50

Sample the Local Flavors in Nantes

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Nantes:

  • Château du Bois-Huaut: Cellar Tour and Wine Tasting Class: $35


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


Which is Bigger, Nantes or Imperia?

Nantes has a larger population, and is about 7 times larger than the population of Imperia. When comparing the sizes of Nantes and Imperia, 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 Imperia?

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 Nantes or Imperia in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Nantes as well as Imperia. Many visitors come to Nantes in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Imperia for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

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

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Imperia. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nantes this time of the year. In the summer, Nantes often gets less sunshine than Imperia. Nantes gets 267 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Imperia receives 295 hours of full sun.

Nantes usually gets more rain in July than Imperia. Nantes gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Imperia receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nantes 19°C (67°F) 
    Imperia 25°C (76°F)

Should I visit Nantes or Imperia in the Autumn?

Both Imperia and Nantes are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Nantes for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Imperia because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Nantes is cooler than Imperia. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nantes in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Imperia averages at about 19°C (66°F).

Nantes usually receives less sunshine than Imperia during autumn. Nantes gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Imperia receives 183 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Nantes usually receives less rain than Imperia. Nantes gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Imperia receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nantes 13°C (56°F) 
    Imperia 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Nantes or Imperia in the Winter?

Both Imperia and Nantes during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Nantes because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Imperia this time of year.

In January, Nantes is generally much colder than Imperia. Daily temperatures in Nantes average around 6°C (42°F), and Imperia fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the winter, Nantes often gets less sunshine than Imperia. Nantes gets 72 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Imperia receives 127 hours of full sun.

Nantes usually gets more rain in January than Imperia. Nantes gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Imperia receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nantes 6°C (42°F) 
    Imperia 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Nantes or Imperia in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Nantes and Imperia. The natural beauty are the main draw to Nantes this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Imperia for the natural beauty.

Nantes is cooler than Imperia in the spring. The daily temperature in Nantes averages around 11°C (51°F) in April, and Imperia fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

Nantes usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Imperia during spring. Nantes gets 187 hours of sunny skies, while Imperia receives 198 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Nantes usually receives less rain than Imperia. Nantes gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Imperia receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nantes 11°C (51°F) 
    Imperia 15°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Imperia and Nantes

Nantes Imperia
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 6°C (42°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 11°C (51°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Feb 6°C (44°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 11°C (51°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Mar 8°C (47°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 12°C (54°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 11°C (51°F) 50 mm (2 in) 15°C (58°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 18°C (64°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Jun 17°C (63°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 21°C (71°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Jul 19°C (67°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 25°C (76°F) 12 mm (0.5 in)
Aug 19°C (66°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 25°C (77°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Sep 17°C (63°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 22°C (72°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Oct 13°C (56°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 19°C (66°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Nov 9°C (48°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 14°C (58°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Dec 6°C (43°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 12°C (53°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)


Related Articles for Nantes
Related Articles for Imperia