A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Nice vs. Cairngorms National Park for Food, Couples, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Nice or Cairngorms National Park?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Nice and Cairngorms National Park can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Nice

Nice is a opulent, trendy, and chic seaside destination. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. It's also popular because of the beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Cairngorms National Park

Cairngorms National Park is a serene, picturesque, and tranquil national park. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food and hiking.

Nice and Cairngorms National Park: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Pros
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Nice or Cairngorms National Park?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Nice. Although Nice and Cairngorms National Park are both popular with visitors, Nice has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Nice is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Cairngorms National Park is known for its hiking. Nice is more touristy than Cairngorms National Park and is popular for its beachfront setting in the French Riviera as well as its popularity with A-list celebrities. It is also home to The Promenade des Anglais. Cairngorms National Park is popular for its impressive hikes, scenic natural beauty, and nice mountains.

How is Nice different from Cairngorms National Park?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Cairngorms National Park and Nice. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Is the Food Better in Nice or Cairngorms National Park? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nice
Cairngorms National Park

Nice is renowned for its restaurants. Also, Cairngorms National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Nice has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The cuisine brings together fresh regional ingredients and mixes Provençal and Niçoise flavors. You'll find a lot of Italian influence as well. Fresh seafood is the thing to try while you're in town, but other local favorites include socca, Ratatouille, and Salade niçoise.

Cairngorms National Park offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are a variety of cafes, pubs, and restaurants in the area that offer hearty dishes to fill a hungry hiker.


Is Nice or Cairngorms National Park Better for Nightlife?

Nice
Cairngorms National Park

Nice is renowned for its evening party scene. However, Cairngorms National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Nice is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. The city has some of the best nightlife on the Cote d'Azur. You'll find a number of nightclubs along the seaside as well a bars and pubs in the Old Town. Some of the best clubs are along Promenade des Anglais.

Cairngorms National Park is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Nice or Cairngorms National Park Better for Resorts?

Nice
Cairngorms National Park

Nice is renowned for its luxury resorts. However, Cairngorms National Park is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Nice is a perfect choice. The city has boutique hotels as well high end luxury resorts. Popular options include Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée, Hôtel Suisse, and AC Hotel by Marriott.

Cairngorms National Park is not a resort destination.

Is Nice or Cairngorms National Park Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Nice
Cairngorms National Park

Nice is very good for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Cairngorms National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Nice. There are some places where you can arrange a snorkeling or dive trip to explore the underwater setting.

Cairngorms National Park is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.


Is Nice or Cairngorms National Park Better for Beaches?

Nice
Cairngorms National Park

Nice is a very popular place for the beach. However, Cairngorms National Park is not a beach destination.

Nice is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. The city has about 4 miles of beach along its coastline and there are both public and private beaches available. La Réserve is a public beach with a laid back and fun vibe. Plage Beau Rivage is a private beach with many amenities, making it a favorite for visitors. Blue Beach is another private beach that is very family-friendly.

Cairngorms National Park is not a beach destination.

Is Nice or Cairngorms National Park Better for its Old Town?

Nice
Cairngorms National Park

Nice is a very popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Cairngorms National Park does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Nice. Wandering around the charming old town is a quintessential part of visiting this city. There are many historic churches and squares, as well as great restaurants and shops that you can pop in.

Cairngorms National Park does not have a historic old town.

Is Nice or Cairngorms National Park Better for Hiking?

Nice
Cairngorms National Park

Cairngorms National Park is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Nice is not a hiking destination.

Cairngorms National Park is a popular spot for hiking. There are hikes for every skill level. You'll find waterfalls, open glens, mountains, and beautiful lakes. Some of the best hikes include the Falls of Bruar, Morrone, and the Seven Bridges Trail.

Nice is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Nice or Cairngorms National Park?

Nice
Cairngorms National Park

Nice is a very popular place for its shopping areas. However, Cairngorms National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Nice. The city has long been a favorite for the rich and famous, so you'll find plenty of shopping opportunities around town. The boutique shops are chic, trendy, and fashionable, but for those on a budget, you can sometimes find a unique local purchase in your budget.

Cairngorms National Park is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Nice or Cairngorms National Park Better for Families?

Nice
Cairngorms National Park

Cairngorms National Park is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Nice is not as famous, but is still a good seaside destination to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Cairngorms National Park is a very kid-friendly national park. The outdoor wilderness, natural lakes, and fun activities make for a great family holiday. Head to the beach at Loch Morlich or go for a pony trek. You can also take a ride on the Strathspey Steam Railway or if the kids are craving a bit more excitement head to Landmark Forest Adventure Park.

Nice is a family-friendly seaside destination. The town has many fun playgrounds, kid-friendly beaches, and unique cultural opportunities that kids can enjoy. It also makes a great base for exploring the French Riviera and everything that it has to offer.

Is Nice or Cairngorms National Park Better for Couples?

Nice
Cairngorms National Park

Nice is renowned for couples. Also, Cairngorms National Park is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Nice has plenty to offer. The old town is filled with romance and charm. You can also take a walk along the Promenade Des Anglais or soak up the romantic countryside that surrounds the town.

Couples visit Cairngorms National Park frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The hiking, natural beauty, and stunning setting make for a wonderful couples getaway. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the serene setting and it's not uncommon for some couples to get engaged in this beautiful park.


Is Nice or Cairngorms National Park Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nice
Cairngorms National Park

Both Nice and Cairngorms National Park are good destinations for backpackers.

Nice is a good seaside destination to visit for backpackers. Because it's one of the most popular tourist destinations in France, many backpackers make their way here. Nice is known for its high end vibe, so it can be challenging to find affordable options, but if you know where to look, they are around.

Plenty of backpackers visit Cairngorms National Park. Transportation without a car is basically impossible, but camping is a great way to experience the park to its fullest without breaking the bank.

Is Nice or Cairngorms National Park Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Nice
Cairngorms National Park

Nice is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. However, Cairngorms National Park is lacking in good options for its public transit.

Nice offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are both buses and trams.

Public transit is generally limited in Cairngorms National Park. To fully explore the park, you really need to have your own vehicle, but there are local buses and trains that travel to the park.

Is Nice or Cairngorms National Park a more walkable city?

Nice
Cairngorms National Park

Nice is renowned for its ease of walking around. However, Cairngorms National Park is not a walkable destination.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Nice. You should definitely spend some time exploring the 7 kilometer long Promenade des Anglais.

Cairngorms National Park is not a walkable destination.


For even more information, also check out Is Nice Worth Visiting? and Is Cairngorms National Park Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cairngorms National Park or Nice?

How long in Nice or Cairngorms National Park?

In either Nice or Cairngorms National Park, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Nice has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Nice than Cairngorms National Park. However, 3-5 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in Nice than Cairngorms National Park. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Nice that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Nice than Cairngorms National Park 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 Nice.


  • How many days in Nice or Cairngorms National Park? Ideal Length of Stay
    Nice 3-5 
    Cairngorms National Park 3-5

One day in Nice or Cairngorms National Park?

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the opulent seaside destination of Nice, there's plenty to do. Visiting the old town is also a must. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Visitors enjoy the food when visiting the destination of Cairngorms National Park. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Nice or Cairngorms National Park?

With scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the glamourous destination of Nice, there's plenty to do. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Cairngorms National Park is a fun place to experience. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in Nice or Cairngorms National Park?

With shopping and nightlife around the chic seaside destination of Nice, there's plenty to do. This seaside destination offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days here is typical. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Visitors enjoy the food when visiting the picturesque destination of Cairngorms National Park. This national park offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.


A week in Nice or Cairngorms National Park?

Nice is a great place to explore. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

The serene national park of Cairngorms National Park offers food. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.


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 10-Day Tours from Edinburgh, and The Best 2-Week Tours from London.


Which place is cheaper, Cairngorms National Park or Nice?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Nice is €131, while the average daily cost in Cairngorms National Park is €139. 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 Nice and Cairngorms National Park in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nice 59
    Cairngorms National Park 65
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nice 118
    Cairngorms National Park 130
Compare Hotels in Nice and Cairngorms National Park

Looking for a hotel in Nice or Cairngorms National Park? 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 Nice


Hotels in Cairngorms National Park


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: Nice Hotel Prices and Cairngorms National Park Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nice 25
    Cairngorms National Park 62

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nice

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nice:

  • transfert Nice aéroport vers Isola 2000: $267
  • transfert Nice aéroport /Fréjus /Saint Raphaël: $160
  • Villefranche-sur-Mer-Port de la Santé: Transfer to Nice: $292
  • Villefranche-sur-Mer - Port to Nice hotels- Arrival Transfer: $49
  • Villefranche-sur-Mer - Port de la Santé to Nice hotels- Arrival Private Transfer: $49
  • Villefranche-sur-Mer - Port de la Santé to Cannes - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $170
  • Villefranche-sur-Mer - Port de la Santé to Cannes - Arrival Private Transfer: $85
  • Villefranche Port to Nice Intl Airport (NCE) - Departure Transfer: $49
  • Villefranche Port to Cannes Mandelieu Airport Departure Transfer: $87
  • Villefranche Port Round Trip Transfer to Monaco: $158
  • Transfert privé aéroport de Nice-Côte d’Azur - Cannes: $155
  • Transfer from Villefranche-sur-Mer-Port de la Santé to Cannes : $85

Is it cheaper to fly into Nice or Cairngorms National Park?

Prices for flights to both Cairngorms National Park and Nice 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
    Nice 49
    Cairngorms National Park 35
Typical Food Prices in Nice

Some typical examples of dining costs in Nice are as follows:


  • Slushee
    2.50
  • Strawberries
    4.00
  • Loaf of Bread
    3.20

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nice

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Nice.

  • Nice Small-Group Walking Food Tour with Local Specialties & Wine Tasting: $84
  • Viator Exclusive: Organic French Dinner in the Garden of Nice: $95
  • The Flavors of Nice Food Tour: $103
  • Old Nice Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $104
  • Nice Evening Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $104
  • Viator Exclusive: Local Cooking Class & Dinner with View of Nice: $107
  • 3.5-Hour Original Old Town Food Tour: $107
  • Private French Cooking Class with a Fun Local Noel: $112
  • PRIVATE Award-Winning Nice Food Tour: 6 or 10 Tastings: $112
  • Food Tour + Wine Pairing Lunch with a local Sommelier: $133
  • Half Day Afternoon Walking Food Tour with Dinner: $147
  • Dinner in the vineyard French Riviera: $192

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nice 12
    Cairngorms National Park 31

Tours and Activities in Nice

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Nice are as follows:

  • Half Day Shared Tour in Eze, Monaco and Monte Carlo: $65
  • Majestic Christmas tour in French Riviera: $235
  • Monaco, Monte-Carlo and Eze Village Small Group Half-Day Tour: $59
  • 3 Hour Walking Tour with a Local Licensed Guide in Monaco: $60
  • 3-Hour Guided Walking Tour of Nice with a Licensed Guide: $33
  • 3-Hour Segway Tour to Nice & Villefranche-sur-Mer: $80
  • 7h sightseeing excursion: Visit Saint Paul, Antibes, Cannes.: $104
  • A Guided Walking Tour through the Charming Streets of Nice: $32
  • A walk of wealth – guided tour in Monaco: $251
  • All-Inclusive Food & History Tour in Old Nice with Local Guide: $142
  • Amazing Private Walking Tour of Old Nice between Italy and France: $111
  • Antibes Electric Bike Tour: $75

Tours and Activities in Cairngorms National Park

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

  • Private Walking Tour to Ben Macdui Scotland: $114
  • Cairn Gorm Mountain Adventure Private Hike: $168
  • Private Guided Mountain Walking Experience in the Cairngorms: $177
  • Private Guided Ridge Scrambling Experience in the Cairngorms: $202
  • Private Guided Rock Climbing Experience in the Cairngorms: $202
  • Private Guided Winter Mountain Walking Experience in the Cairngorms: $202
  • Private Guided Winter Mountaineering Experience in the Cairngorms: $222

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nice 17
    Cairngorms National Park 9.83

Sample the Local Flavors in Nice

Also in Nice, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Nice Bar Crawl | Best Bars In 1 Night! VIP + FREE SHOTS: $5.99
  • Pub Crawl Party with VIP Entry and Free Shots: $16
  • Pub Crawl Nice with Drinking Games and Optional Drink special: $17
  • Nice : Guided Pub / Bar Crawl with Shots and Nightclub Entry: $21
  • Riviera Bar Crawl Party with Free Shots and VIP Entry: $23
  • Nice Walking Tour with Wine Tasting: $45
  • New Year's Eve Pub Crawl with Shots and VIP Club Entry: $52
  • New Year’s Eve Bar Crawl Nice France: $53
  • Provence Organic Wine Tasting Half Day Tour from Nice: $65
  • Wine Tasting: Tour de France in Nice City Centre: $74
  • Half-Day Saint Paul de Vence and Wine Tasting Tour: $82
  • Half-Day Wine Tasting and Saint Paul de Vence Tour from Nice: $84


When comparing the travel costs between Nice and Cairngorms National Park, we can see that Cairngorms National Park 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 Nice Expensive? and Is Cairngorms National Park Expensive?.



When is the best time to visit Nice or Cairngorms National Park?

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 Nice or Cairngorms National Park in the Summer?

Both Cairngorms National Park and Nice during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Nice in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Cairngorms National Park for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Nice is much warmer than Cairngorms National Park. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nice in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Cairngorms National Park averages at about 14°C (58°F).

Nice usually gets less rain in July than Cairngorms National Park. Nice gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Cairngorms National Park receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nice 23°C (73°F) 
    Cairngorms National Park 14°C (58°F)

Should I visit Nice or Cairngorms National Park in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Nice and Cairngorms National Park. Most visitors come to Nice for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Cairngorms National Park because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Nice is generally much warmer than Cairngorms National Park. Daily temperatures in Nice average around 17°C (63°F), and Cairngorms National Park fluctuates around 9°C (49°F).

Nice gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Nice usually receives more rain than Cairngorms National Park. Nice gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Cairngorms National Park receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nice 17°C (63°F) 
    Cairngorms National Park 9°C (49°F)

Should I visit Nice or Cairngorms National Park in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Nice as well as Cairngorms National Park. The winter months attract visitors to Nice because of the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, the cuisine are the main draw to Cairngorms National Park this time of year.

It's quite cold in Cairngorms National Park in the winter. Nice is much warmer than Cairngorms National Park in the winter. The daily temperature in Nice averages around 9°C (48°F) in January, and Cairngorms National Park fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Nice usually gets more rain in January than Cairngorms National Park. Nice gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Cairngorms National Park receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nice 9°C (48°F) 
    Cairngorms National Park 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Nice or Cairngorms National Park in the Spring?

Both Cairngorms National Park and Nice are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Nice this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Cairngorms National Park for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Nice is much warmer than Cairngorms National Park. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nice in April average around 13°C (56°F), and Cairngorms National Park averages at about 7°C (44°F).

In April, Nice usually receives more rain than Cairngorms National Park. Nice gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Cairngorms National Park receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nice 13°C (56°F) 
    Cairngorms National Park 7°C (44°F)

Typical Weather for Cairngorms National Park and Nice

Nice Cairngorms National Park
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 9°C (48°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 3°C (38°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 9°C (49°F) 76 mm (3 in) 3°C (38°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 11°C (51°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 5°C (41°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Apr 13°C (56°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 7°C (44°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
May 16°C (62°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 10°C (50°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Jun 20°C (68°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 49 mm (1.9 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 14°C (58°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 21°C (69°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 12°C (54°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Oct 17°C (63°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 9°C (49°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Nov 12°C (54°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 5°C (42°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Dec 10°C (49°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 4°C (39°F) 52 mm (2 in)