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

Should you visit Nantes or Rome?

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

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

Rome

Rome is a popular, ancient, and archeological city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Nantes and Rome: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nantes or Rome?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Rome than Nantes. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Rome is very popular for its museums, nightlife, music, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Nantes attracts visitors for its historical sights. Rome is more touristy than Nantes and is popular for its iconic archaeological sites such as the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, as well as its gelato, Italian cuisine, and strong religious roots. It is also well known for The Colosseum. Nantes is famous for its castles and historical landmarks, local wine, and beautiful parks and gardens.

The Colosseum

How is Nantes different from Rome?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Rome 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, Rome has many famous sights for visitors. The historical sights around the city are among the most impressive in the world. Almost anywhere you look you'll find a notable landmark but some of the most famous include the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, the Vatican, and the Roman Forum.

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 Rome? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Nantes and Rome 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 Rome have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Homemade pasta, fresh sauces, and fine wine all make the food scene among the best. Also make sure you try the gelato.

Is Nantes or Rome Better for Nightlife?

Rome is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. Also, Nantes is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

The nightlife in Rome is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. You'll find a huge concentration of bars and clubs in the Testaccio area. There are late night clubs with salsa dancing, merengue, and live DJ's spinning every type of music.

Nantes is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

Is Nantes or Rome Better for Music?

Rome is an unbeatable place for its music scene. However, Nantes is not a live music destination.

Rome has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. Popular music venues include Live Alcazar, Atlantico Live, and Beba do Samba.

Nantes is not a live music destination.

Is Nantes or Rome Better for its Old Town?

Nantes is a city with good options for its historic old town charm. However, Rome 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.

Rome does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Nantes or Rome?

Rome is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Nantes is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many people travel to Rome specifically to go shopping. For the biggest brand names, head to Via del Corso, which is near the Spanish Steps. Popular items to buy include Italian ceramics, shoes, leather goods, and jewelry.

Nantes is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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.

Is Nantes or Rome Better for Families?

Nantes and Rome are both high quality 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.

Rome is a very family-friendly place to visit. What kid wouldn't be thrilled to be surrounded by pizza and spaghetti restaurants? In addition to kid-friendly food options, there are also a number of great activities that the whole family can enjoy including exploring the Colosseum, taking a gladiator class, and eating gelato.

Is Nantes or Rome Better for Couples?

Nantes and Rome are both high quality to visit as a couple.

Nantes makes for a fun place to visit for 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.

Couples visit Rome frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. With many beautiful buildings, world class restaurants, and world renowned sights, this city makes a great romantic destination.

Is Nantes or Rome Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

A large number of backpackers visit Rome, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. Backpackers will find no shortage of hostels where they can stay, particularly near the main train station where accommodation is particularly cheap (but not always the best quality).

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 Rome Better for Students?

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

Rome is a great destination for students. The city is a popular study abroad destination and you'll find plenty of international students here.

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 Rome Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Rome is an unbeatable place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Nantes is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Visitors in Rome can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. There's a metro system, trams, and a comprehensive bus system that goes around the city.

Visitors to Nantes can move around easily with public transportation. There are both trams and buses throughout the city that are operated by TAN (Transport de l'Agglomeration Nantaise).

Is Nantes or Rome a more walkable city?

Rome 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 Rome. You'll find many of the most popular sights in a compact area that's easily explored on foot. Do watch out for traffic, which can be a bit chaotic at times.

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 Rome Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Rome or Nantes?

How long in Nantes or Rome?

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

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

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

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

One day in Nantes or Rome?

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.

Rome is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Nantes or Rome?

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.

Rome is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Nantes or Rome?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the welcoming 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 Rome. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. 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 Rome?

The beautiful 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.

Rome is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 Rome, we can see that Rome 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 Rome would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rome 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 Rome Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Nantes or Rome?

Rome has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Nantes. When comparing the sizes of Nantes and Rome, 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 Rome?

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 Rome in the Summer?

Both Rome and Nantes during the summer are popular places to visit. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Nantes this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Rome for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Nantes is cooler than Rome in the summer. The daily temperature in Nantes averages around 19°C (67°F) in July, and Rome fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

In Rome, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Nantes. In the summer, Nantes often gets less sunshine than Rome. Nantes gets 267 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rome receives 338 hours of full sun.

Nantes usually gets more rain in July than Rome. Nantes gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Rome receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nantes or Rome in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Nantes and Rome. Many travelers come to Nantes for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Rome in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Nantes is cooler than Rome. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nantes in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Rome averages at about 17°C (63°F).

Nantes usually receives less sunshine than Rome during autumn. Nantes gets 141 hours of sunny skies, while Rome receives 198 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Nantes usually receives less rain than Rome. Nantes gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Rome receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Nantes or Rome in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Nantes as well as Rome. Many visitors come to Nantes in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Rome for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In January, Nantes is generally cooler than Rome. Daily temperatures in Nantes average around 6°C (42°F), and Rome fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

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

Nantes usually gets more rain in January than Rome. Nantes gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Rome receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nantes or Rome in the Spring?

Both Rome and Nantes are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Nantes for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Rome because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Nantes is cooler than Rome in the spring. The daily temperature in Nantes averages around 11°C (51°F) in April, and Rome fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

It's quite sunny in Rome. Nantes usually receives less sunshine than Rome during spring. Nantes gets 187 hours of sunny skies, while Rome receives 204 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Nantes usually receives around the same amount of rain as Rome. Nantes gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Rome receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Rome and Nantes