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

Should you visit Nantes or Pamplona?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Nantes or Pamplona, 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. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Pamplona

Pamplona is a elegant, laid-back, and historic 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 Pamplona: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nantes or Pamplona?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Pamplona than Nantes. While Nantes is larger than Pamplona, Pamplona has more sights and attractions for tourists. Pamplona is more popular for its hiking and big city activities, while Nantes is known for its museums, food, shopping, and impressive beauty. Pamplona is more touristy than Nantes and is popular for being the home of the Running of the Bulls Festival. It is also home to The Running of the Bulls Festival. Nantes is popular for its castles and historical landmarks, local wine, and beautiful parks and gardens.

How is Nantes different from Pamplona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Nantes is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city 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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Pamplona. Although most people visit in July for the Running of the Bulls, throughout the year there are some interesting museums and sights around town. You can check out the Cathedral of Pamplona, the Museo de Navarra, and the main plaza in town, Plaza del Castillo.

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

Nantes is terrific for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city 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).

Pamplona has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Local cuisine includes lots of fresh vegetables like mushrooms, artichokes, asparagus, and onion. You'll find many unique dishes in the area, and you shouldn't leave without trying the txistorra (sausage), revuelto de setas (eggs and mushrooms), and ajoarriero (cod).

Is Nantes or Pamplona Better for Nightlife?

The very good nightlife scene is relatively similar in Nantes and Pamplona.

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.

Pamplona is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. There's a good sized university population that keeps the nightlife active around town. The Old Quarter is likely where you'll find the most going on, particularly around Calle San Nicolás and Calle Estafeta. Earlier in the evening the crowd is pretty young, but as the evening passes you'll find the crowd matures a bit.

Is Nantes or Pamplona Better for its Old Town?

Nantes and Pamplona both have good historical old towns that attract visitors.

Nantes has an old town worth visiting. 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.

Many visitors go to Pamplona to see the historical old town. You'll find elegant buildings and grand plazas around the Old Quarter.

Is Nantes or Pamplona Better for Hiking?

Pamplona is a very popular place for its hiking trails. However, Nantes is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors explore the nearby hiking trails while visiting Pamplona. It's a stop off on the famed Camino de Santiago, so if you want to walk part of the route, this is a nice place to explore.

Nantes is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nantes or Pamplona?

Nantes is a well-known place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping areas.

Nantes is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Pamplona has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. You'll find some good markets around town. It's also fun to shop for local handicrafts or souvenirs to remember your trip by.

Is Nantes or Pamplona Better for Families?

Nantes is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Nantes is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

Pamplona is a family-friendly city. The city is very green, with many parks and gardens where kids can stretch their legs. There's also the Pamplona Planetarium and several museums that relate to environmental education.

Is Nantes or Pamplona Better for Couples?

Nantes is a well-known place for its romantic activities. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

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.

Pamplona is a good city for couples to visit. Although it's most known for the Running of the Bulls in July, the city also has some interesting sights at other times of the year. Couples can walk around the city walls, or explore the many parks in town. There are also some interesting museums.

Is Nantes or Pamplona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Pamplona 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 Pamplona. Backpackers are drawn to this city during July for the Running of the Bulls festival. It's also a stop along the Camino de Santiago, which brings in a young, budget-oriented crowd.

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 Pamplona Better for Students?

Both Nantes and Pamplona are good destinations for students.

Plenty of students visit Nantes. There's a decent sized student population and the city has a welcoming atmosphere. It's also easy to get around with public transportation.

Pamplona is popular with students. This is a quiet city, which appeals to some students. The laid back atmosphere makes it a nice place to relax and learn.

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

Nantes is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, Pamplona is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

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).

Pamplona has some public transit options. There's a comprehensive bus system around town.

Is Nantes or Pamplona a more walkable city?

Nantes and Pamplona are very good 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.

Pamplona is very walkable. It's a stop off on the Camino de Santiago, so many people arrive on foot. It's also an easy city to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Pamplona or Nantes?

How long in Nantes or Pamplona?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Nantes or Pamplona to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Nantes than Pamplona 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 Pamplona.

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

One day in Nantes or Pamplona?

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 Pamplona. Hikers are also drawn to this area. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Nantes or Pamplona?

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.

Pamplona 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 Pamplona?

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 Pamplona. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Pamplona?

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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the elegant destination of Pamplona. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 3-Week Tours in Spain, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain.

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

Which is Bigger, Nantes or Pamplona?

Nantes has a larger population, and is about 44% larger than the population of Pamplona. When comparing the sizes of Nantes and Pamplona, 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 Pamplona?

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 Pamplona in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Nantes as well as Pamplona. Many visitors come to Nantes in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Pamplona for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Nantes is generally around the same temperature as Pamplona. Daily temperatures in Nantes average around 19°C (67°F), and Pamplona fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pamplona. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nantes this time of the year. In the summer, Nantes often gets more sunshine than Pamplona. Nantes gets 267 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pamplona receives 209 hours of full sun.

Nantes usually gets less rain in July than Pamplona. Nantes gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nantes or Pamplona in the Autumn?

Both Pamplona 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 Pamplona because of the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, and the shopping scene.

Nantes is cooler than Pamplona in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nantes averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Pamplona fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

Nantes usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Pamplona during autumn. Nantes gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Pamplona receives 144 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pamplona. In October, Nantes usually receives less rain than Pamplona. Nantes gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Nantes or Pamplona in the Winter?

Both Pamplona 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. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Pamplona this time of year.

In the winter, Nantes is much colder than Pamplona. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nantes in January average around 6°C (42°F), and Pamplona averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Nantes often gets less sunshine than Pamplona. Nantes gets 72 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pamplona receives 85 hours of full sun.

Pamplona gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Nantes usually gets less rain in January than Pamplona. Nantes gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nantes or Pamplona in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Nantes and Pamplona. The natural beauty are the main draw to Nantes this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Pamplona for the activities around the city.

In April, Nantes is generally cooler than Pamplona. Daily temperatures in Nantes average around 11°C (51°F), and Pamplona fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Nantes usually receives more sunshine than Pamplona during spring. Nantes gets 187 hours of sunny skies, while Pamplona receives 141 hours of full sun in the spring.

Pamplona receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Nantes usually receives less rain than Pamplona. Nantes gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Pamplona receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Pamplona and Nantes