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

Should you visit Nantes or Rijeka?

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

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

Rijeka

Rijeka is a coastal, accessible, and diverse town. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Nantes and Rijeka: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nantes or Rijeka?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Rijeka than Nantes. While Nantes is larger than Rijeka, Rijeka has more sights and attractions for tourists. Rijeka is very popular for its beaches and big city activities, while Nantes attracts visitors for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Nantes is famous for its castles and historical landmarks, local wine, and beautiful parks and gardens. Rijeka is famous for being a transportation hub in Croatia with a ferry and cruise ship port. It is also well known for Trsat Castle.

How is Nantes different from Rijeka?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Nantes is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its museums and history.

Many visitors head to Nantes specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Rijeka is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Historical sights around town include Trsat Castle, the Petar Druzic Stairway, and Our Lady of Trsat. There are also museums such as PEEK&POKE Computer Museum and the Governor's Palace and Maritime and Historical Museum.

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

Nantes is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Rijeka is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

Nantes has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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 Rijeka. It's known for its Mediterranean cuisine which includes more than seafood. There are local vegetable specialties in the area as well including asparagus and white truffles. Codfish stew and cuttlefish risotto are also popular.

Is Nantes or Rijeka Better for Nightlife?

The excellent nightlife scene is relatively similar in Nantes and Rijeka.

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.

Rijeka is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city center has plenty of bars and clubs. Restaurants also stay open late and are popular places to hang out for locals and tourists alike.

Is Nantes or Rijeka Better for Beaches?

Rijeka is a decent place to visit for the beach. However, Nantes is not a beach destination.

The beach in Rijeka is worth checking out. There are pebbly and gravelly beaches in the area, with the best beaches to the west of the city. You'll need to take a public bus to reach most of them.

Nantes is not a beach destination.

Is Nantes or Rijeka Better for its Old Town?

Nantes is very good for its historic old town charm. However, Rijeka 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.

Rijeka does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Nantes or Rijeka?

Nantes is a well-known place for its shopping areas. Also, Rijeka 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 Rijeka. There are many shopping centers, retail stores, and souvenir shops around town.

Is Nantes or Rijeka Better for Families?

Nantes and Rijeka are both excellent 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.

Rijeka is a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has a number of outdoor activities for kids like nature parks and nearby beaches. There's also a puppet theater as well as the Astronomical Center of Rijeka.

Is Nantes or Rijeka Better for Couples?

Nantes is a well-known place for couples. Also, Rijeka 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.

Rijeka is a nice destination for couples. It's a gateway to the Croatian islands. Many couples enjoy walking down the waterfront promenade or dining at a nice local restaurant. There are also beaches, parks, and historical sights to explore.

Is Nantes or Rijeka Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Rijeka 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 Rijeka. There's no shortage of affordable hostels around town for backpackers and budget 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 Rijeka Better for Students?

Both Nantes and Rijeka are nice 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.

Rijeka is popular with students. It's a laid back seaside city that makes a nice semester abroad destination. As a gateway to the Croatian islands, it also offers transportation connections to other points of interest.

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

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

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).

Rijeka has some public transit options. KD Autrolej buses provide transit throughout the city.

Is Nantes or Rijeka a more walkable city?

Nantes is a well-known place for its ease of walking around. Also, Rijeka 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.

Rijeka is somewhat walkable. Parts of the city are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Rijeka or Nantes?

How long in Nantes or Rijeka?

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

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

One day in Nantes or Rijeka?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Nantes. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

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

A weekend in Nantes or Rijeka?

Nantes 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.

Rijeka 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 Rijeka?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nantes. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. 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.

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

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historical destination of Nantes. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the slow-paced destination of Rijeka. 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 Adventure Tours to Croatia, and The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in Croatia.

When comparing the travel costs between Nantes and Rijeka, 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 Rijeka Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Nantes or Rijeka?

Nantes has a larger population, and is about 96% larger than the population of Rijeka. When comparing the sizes of Nantes and Rijeka, 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 Rijeka?

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 Rijeka in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Nantes as well as Rijeka. Most visitors come to Nantes for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Rijeka because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Nantes is cooler than Rijeka in the summer. The daily temperature in Nantes averages around 19°C (67°F) in July, and Rijeka fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Rijeka. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nantes this time of the year. In the summer, Nantes often gets less sunshine than Rijeka. Nantes gets 267 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rijeka receives 288 hours of full sun.

Nantes usually gets less rain in July than Rijeka. Nantes gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nantes or Rijeka in the Autumn?

Both Rijeka and Nantes are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Nantes because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Rijeka this time of year.

In the autumn, Nantes is cooler than Rijeka. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nantes in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Rijeka averages at about 16°C (60°F).

Nantes usually receives less sunshine than Rijeka during autumn. Nantes gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Rijeka receives 167 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Nantes usually receives less rain than Rijeka. Nantes gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Nantes or Rijeka in the Winter?

Both Rijeka and Nantes during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Nantes this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Rijeka for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Nantes is generally around the same temperature as Rijeka. Daily temperatures in Nantes average around 6°C (42°F), and Rijeka fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Nantes often gets less sunshine than Rijeka. Nantes gets 72 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rijeka receives 96 hours of full sun.

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

Should I visit Nantes or Rijeka in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Nantes and Rijeka. Many travelers come to Nantes for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Rijeka in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

Nantes is cooler than Rijeka in the spring. The daily temperature in Nantes averages around 11°C (51°F) in April, and Rijeka fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Nantes usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Rijeka during spring. Nantes gets 187 hours of sunny skies, while Rijeka receives 177 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Nantes usually receives less rain than Rijeka. Nantes gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Rijeka receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Rijeka and Nantes