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

Should you visit Nantes or Urbino?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Nantes or Urbino, 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. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Urbino

Urbino is a authentic, laid back, and historic town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Nantes and Urbino: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good public transit
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Nantes or Urbino?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Nantes. Although Nantes and Urbino are popular destinations, Nantes has more sights and attractions for tourists. Nantes is famous 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. Urbino is famous for its Renaissance walls, historic center, and authentic atmosphere.

How is Nantes different from Urbino?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Nantes
Urbino

Nantes is great for its historical sights. Also, Urbino is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

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.

Urbino is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. At the heart of the city are its historical sights. The cathedral is worth a visit, as is The Ducal Palace, but for most visitors, simply soaking up the town's atmosphere is the best experience.


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

Nantes
Urbino

Nantes is an amazing city to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Urbino is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Many restaurants in Nantes have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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).

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Urbino makes for a great culinary experience. The city's history has influenced its cuisine. Traditional foods include cornbread, truffles, and meat sausage. While these options aren't as common today, you can still find them if you seek them out.

Is Nantes or Urbino Better for Nightlife?

Nantes
Urbino

Nantes is great for its evening party scene. Also, Urbino is not as popular, but is still a nice town for nightlife.

Many people head to Nantes for the nightlife scene. 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 Urbino. Because of the large student population, there are usually some fun activities going on at night. You'll find some good bars around town that are fun to hang out at.

Is Nantes or Urbino Better for its Old Town?

Nantes
Urbino

Nantes and Urbino both have nice 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 Urbino to see the historical old town. The historic center feels a bit undiscovered by Italian standards. There are stone houses and the town is built on a steep hill, giving it a beautiful setting.


Is the Shopping Better in Nantes or Urbino?

Nantes
Urbino

Nantes is great for its shopping areas. Also, Urbino is not as popular, but is still a nice town for shopping.

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.

Urbino is a great destination for shopping. You'll find galleries, book shops, and jewelry stores around town that are fun to pop into.

Is Nantes or Urbino Better for Families?

Nantes
Urbino

Nantes is great for its kid-friendly activities. However, Urbino is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Urbino is not the most family-friendly destination. The city is filled with history and architecture, which may be lost on the kids. There are the classic Italian restaurants which is a favorite among kids and adults alike.

Is Nantes or Urbino Better for Couples?

Nantes
Urbino

Nantes and Urbino 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 Urbino frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. This walled city is fun to explore and can make for a great romantic stop. The city is walled and has many historical buildings which couples will enjoy learning about together.


Is Nantes or Urbino Better for Students?

Nantes
Urbino

Urbino is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Nantes is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Urbino is a great town to visit as a student. The student population is a large part of this small city. University students are usually happy and enjoy many activities and outings into the surrounding area.

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

Nantes
Urbino

Nantes is great for times when you don't have a car. However, Urbino is not a good destination for its public transit.

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).

Public transit is generally limited in Urbino. The town is accessible by bus but not by train.

Is Nantes or Urbino a more walkable city?

Nantes
Urbino

Nantes is great for its ease of walking around. Also, Urbino is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its walkability.

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

Urbino is somewhat walkable. Many parts of the city are easy to explore on foot.


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

Should I spend more time in Urbino or Nantes?

How long in Nantes or Urbino?

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

Families should spend more time in Nantes than Urbino. 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 Urbino. 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 Urbino 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 Urbino? Ideal Length of Stay
    Nantes 2-3 
    Urbino 1-2

One day in Nantes or Urbino?

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 Urbino. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Nantes or Urbino?

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.

Urbino 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 Urbino?

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 Urbino. 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 Urbino?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the friendly 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 historic destination of Urbino. 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 2-Week Tours in Italy, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Urbino 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 Urbino is €118. 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 Urbino in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nantes 60
    Urbino 53
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nantes 120
    Urbino 106
Compare Hotels in Nantes and Urbino

Looking for a hotel in Nantes or Urbino? 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 Urbino


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 Urbino Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nantes 36
    Urbino 44

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nantes

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

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Urbino

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

  • Private Transfer from Borgo Maggiore to Rimini (RMI) Airport: $108

Is it cheaper to fly into Nantes or Urbino?

Prices for flights to both Urbino 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
    Urbino 39

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
    Urbino 15

Tours and Activities in Nantes

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

  • Exploring London's Natural Marvels: Museum Adventure: $83
  • Guided treetop adventure course in the heart of Nantes: $31
  • Half-Day Tour in Nantes: $291
  • Nantes : Must-see Attractions Walking Tour: $75
  • Nantes : Private Walking Tour With A Local : $51
  • Nantes Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $52
  • Nantes Private Guided Walking Tour: $307
  • Nantes Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.54
  • Nantes Traditional Food Group Walking Tour: $102
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Panoramic Tour by Electric Bike: $59

Tours and Activities in Urbino

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Urbino.

  • E-BIKE Tour San Marino for couples: $114
  • Entrance Ticket - Titanus Museum: Multimedia Experience: $8.68
  • From Montefeltro Tour with Truffle Lunch: $396
  • Guided Tour of San Marino at Sunset with aperitif included: $184
  • Guided group tour of Ducal Palace and National Gallery: $94
  • Private Guided Tour with Aperitif in Winebar in San Marino: $92
  • Private Tour of San Marino: UNESCO World Heritage Site: $172
  • Private tour with Welcome KIT in San Marino: $136
  • San Marino Scavenger Hunt and Sightseeing Tour: $8.97
  • San Marino’s Starlit Stroll: A Christmas Walking Tour: $153
  • San Marino: A Self Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • San Marino: Food Tasting Tour: $195

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nantes 6.43
    Urbino 14

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 Urbino, we can see that Urbino 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 Urbino Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Nantes or Urbino?

Nantes has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Urbino. When comparing the sizes of Nantes and Urbino, 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 Urbino?

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 Urbino in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Nantes and Urbino. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Nantes this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Urbino for the family-friendly experiences.

Nantes is cooler than Urbino in the summer. The daily temperature in Nantes averages around 19°C (67°F) in July, and Urbino fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In July, Nantes usually receives less rain than Urbino. Nantes gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Urbino receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nantes 19°C (67°F) 
    Urbino 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Nantes or Urbino in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Nantes as well as Urbino. Many travelers come to Nantes for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Urbino in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Nantes is cooler than Urbino. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nantes in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Urbino averages at about 15°C (59°F).

Nantes usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Urbino. Nantes gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Urbino receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nantes 13°C (56°F) 
    Urbino 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit Nantes or Urbino in the Winter?

Both Urbino and Nantes are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Nantes in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Urbino for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Urbino can be very cold during winter. In January, Nantes is generally much warmer than Urbino. Daily temperatures in Nantes average around 6°C (42°F), and Urbino fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In January, Nantes usually receives more rain than Urbino. Nantes gets 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain, while Urbino receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nantes 6°C (42°F) 
    Urbino 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Nantes or Urbino in the Spring?

Both Urbino and Nantes during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Nantes for the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Urbino because of the natural beauty.

Nantes is cooler than Urbino in the spring. The daily temperature in Nantes averages around 11°C (51°F) in April, and Urbino fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Nantes usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Urbino. Nantes gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Urbino receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nantes 11°C (51°F) 
    Urbino 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Urbino and Nantes

Nantes Urbino
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 6°C (42°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 3°C (37°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Feb 6°C (44°F) 70 mm (2.8 in) 5°C (42°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 8°C (47°F) 69 mm (2.7 in) 9°C (49°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Apr 11°C (51°F) 50 mm (2 in) 12°C (54°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
May 14°C (57°F) 64 mm (2.5 in) 16°C (61°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jun 17°C (63°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 20°C (68°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 19°C (67°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 23°C (73°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Aug 19°C (66°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 22°C (71°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 17°C (63°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 19°C (67°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Oct 13°C (56°F) 79 mm (3.1 in) 15°C (59°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Nov 9°C (48°F) 87 mm (3.4 in) 9°C (49°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Dec 6°C (43°F) 84 mm (3.3 in) 4°C (39°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)


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