A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Newcastle upon Tyne vs. Nantes for Food, Attractions, Nightlife, and Old Town

Should you visit Newcastle upon Tyne or Nantes?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Newcastle upon Tyne and Nantes can help you decide which place is right for you.

Newcastle upon Tyne

Newcastle upon Tyne is a livable, cultural, and historical port city. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Nantes

Nantes is a welcoming, friendly, and historical city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Newcastle upon Tyne and Nantes: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Newcastle upon Tyne or Nantes?

Both Nantes and Newcastle upon Tyne have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Newcastle upon Tyne is very popular for its historical sights, while Nantes attracts visitors for its food and impressive beauty. Newcastle upon Tyne is famous for its compact and livable atmosphere as well as its active nightlife scene. Nantes is famous for its castles and historical landmarks, local wine, and beautiful parks and gardens.

How is Newcastle upon Tyne different from Nantes?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Nantes and Newcastle upon Tyne. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Newcastle upon Tyne or Nantes?

You'll find a number of excellent museums and attractions in both Nantes and Newcastle upon Tyne.

Many visitors head to Newcastle upon Tyne specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are many historic and cultural sights around town. Some of the most interesting include the Historic Tyne Bridges, the Millennium Bridge, the Castle, Newcastle Cathedral, and the Great North Museum: Hancock.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Nantes can be an interesting and educational experience. 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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Nantes? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nantes is an amazing city to visit for its restaurants. Also, Newcastle upon Tyne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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).

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Newcastle upon Tyne makes for a great culinary experience. The city is known for its food and there are some interesting local flavors that you should try. For something unique, try the singing hinny (sweet bread), pan haggerty (similar to potato gratin), stottie cake (bread) or craster kippers (smoked herring). You'll also find a diversity of cosmopolitan restaurants around town.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Nantes Better for Nightlife?

The excellent nightlife scene is relatively similar in Newcastle upon Tyne and Nantes.

Newcastle upon Tyne has a large number of nightlife venues. Because of the large student population, you'll find a very active nightlife scene. There are several party districts in the city that you should check out including Quayside, the Gate, the Diamond Strip, Bigg Market, and Dean Street.

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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Nantes Better for its Old Town?

Newcastle upon Tyne is a very popular place for its historic old town charm. Also, Nantes is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town.

Many visitors go to Newcastle upon Tyne to see the historical old town. Known as Grainger Town, the city's historic commercial center is famous for its Georgian and Victorian buildings.

Many visitors go to Nantes to see the historical old town. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Newcastle upon Tyne or Nantes?

Shoppers can find a variety of excellent stores in both Newcastle upon Tyne and Nantes.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Newcastle upon Tyne. The city has boutique shops as well as major shopping malls. Some of the best shopping areas include the pedestrian shopping street of Northumberland Street, the historic Grey Street, and Grainger Market.

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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Nantes Better for Families?

Nantes is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Newcastle upon Tyne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Newcastle upon Tyne. Kids will love visiting the Newcastle Castle, but there are also ropes courses and the Victoria Tunnel Tours. Museum lovers will enjoy a visit to Discovery Museum, the Life Science Center, or Beamish, the Living Museum of the North.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Nantes Better for Couples?

Nantes is a very popular place for couples. Also, Newcastle upon Tyne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

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.

Newcastle upon Tyne is a nice destination for couples. The city boasts many romantic walks as well as fine dining restaurants and interesting entertainment options. It's not hard to enjoy a fun date night out on the town.

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Nantes Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne. There are a number of hostels to choose from and plenty of entertainment choices so you shouldn't have much trouble meeting other people.

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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Nantes Better for Students?

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

Newcastle upon Tyne is a great port city to visit as a student. The city has a large student population and a lively nightlife scene, so it's a fun place for students to spend a semester or more.

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

Visitors will find excellent public transit in both Newcastle upon Tyne and Nantes.

Newcastle upon Tyne offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are bus, ferry, and light rail services in the city.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Nantes. There are both trams and buses throughout the city that are operated by TAN (Transport de l'Agglomeration Nantaise).

Is Newcastle upon Tyne or Nantes a more walkable city?

Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne. The city is one of the most walkable in the UK.

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 Newcastle upon Tyne Worth Visiting? and Is Nantes Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nantes or Newcastle upon Tyne?

How long in Newcastle upon Tyne or Nantes?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Newcastle upon Tyne and Nantes. In our opinion, Newcastle upon Tyne has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Newcastle upon Tyne than Nantes. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Newcastle upon Tyne 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 Newcastle upon Tyne.

One day in Newcastle upon Tyne or Nantes?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Newcastle upon Tyne. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Nantes, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. Lots of people come for the food. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Newcastle upon Tyne or Nantes?

Newcastle upon Tyne 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.

Many people visit Nantes for a weekend. Lots of people come for the food. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. 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.

Five days in Newcastle upon Tyne or Nantes?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Newcastle upon Tyne. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

The beautiful destination of Nantes offers shopping and museums. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Newcastle upon Tyne or Nantes?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the high energy destination of Newcastle upon Tyne. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Nantes. This city offers something for everyone. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Historical Tours in United Kingdom, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Newcastle upon Tyne or Nantes?

Nantes has a larger population, and is about 44% larger than the population of Newcastle upon Tyne. When comparing the sizes of Newcastle upon Tyne and Nantes, 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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Nantes?

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 Newcastle upon Tyne or Nantes in the Summer?

Both Nantes and Newcastle upon Tyne are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Newcastle upon Tyne this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Nantes for the family-friendly experiences.

Newcastle upon Tyne is cooler than Nantes in the summer. The daily temperature in Newcastle upon Tyne averages around 15°C (59°F) in July, and Nantes fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

It's quite sunny in Nantes. Newcastle upon Tyne usually receives less sunshine than Nantes during summer. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 159 hours of sunny skies, while Nantes receives 267 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Newcastle upon Tyne usually receives more rain than Nantes. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 99 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Newcastle upon Tyne or Nantes in the Autumn?

Both Nantes and Newcastle upon Tyne during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Newcastle upon Tyne for the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Nantes in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Newcastle upon Tyne is cooler than Nantes. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Newcastle upon Tyne in October average around 10°C (49°F), and Nantes averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Newcastle upon Tyne often gets less sunshine than Nantes. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 69 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nantes receives 141 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Newcastle upon Tyne. Newcastle upon Tyne usually gets more rain in October than Nantes. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Newcastle upon Tyne or Nantes in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Newcastle upon Tyne and Nantes. Many visitors come to Newcastle upon Tyne in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Nantes for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Newcastle upon Tyne can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Newcastle upon Tyne is generally much colder than Nantes. Daily temperatures in Newcastle upon Tyne average around 3°C (38°F), and Nantes fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Newcastle upon Tyne usually receives less sunshine than Nantes during winter. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 40 hours of sunny skies, while Nantes receives 72 hours of full sun in the winter.

Newcastle upon Tyne gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Newcastle upon Tyne usually receives more rain than Nantes. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Newcastle upon Tyne or Nantes in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Newcastle upon Tyne as well as Nantes. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Nantes because of the natural beauty.

Newcastle upon Tyne is cooler than Nantes in the spring. The daily temperature in Newcastle upon Tyne averages around 7°C (45°F) in April, and Nantes fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the spring, Newcastle upon Tyne often gets less sunshine than Nantes. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 134 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nantes receives 187 hours of full sun.

Newcastle upon Tyne usually gets more rain in April than Nantes. Newcastle upon Tyne gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Nantes and Newcastle upon Tyne