A Travel Price Comparison for France Nice vs. Honfleur for Food, Nightlife, Couples, and Beaches

Should you visit Nice or Honfleur?

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 Honfleur 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. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Honfleur

Honfleur is a peaceful, serene, and picturesque city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, museums, and nightlife.

Nice and Honfleur: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nice or Honfleur?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Nice. Although Nice and Honfleur are popular destinations, Nice has more sights and attractions for tourists. Nice is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Honfleur attracts visitors for its museums. Nice is more touristy than Honfleur and is popular for its beachfront setting in the French Riviera as well as its popularity with A-list celebrities. It is also well known for The Promenade des Anglais. Honfleur is famous for its influence over Impressionist art, its stunning harbor, and its beautiful buildings.

How is Nice different from Honfleur?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Nice or Honfleur?

Honfleur is a city with good options for its sights and museums. However, Nice does not have museums and landmarks.

Honfleur offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Some of the most notable sights around the town include Saint Catherine's Church, Le Vieux Bassin, Notre-Dame de Grace, and the Normandy Bridge.

Nice does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Nice or Honfleur? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at amazing restaurants in both Nice and Honfleur.

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

Eat your way through Honfleur, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Located on the coast of Normandy along the English Channel, seafood is a defining element for most dishes here. Foodies flock to this town for its Michelin starred restaurants as well as its local cafes and quaint eateries. For land-lovers, there's a popular local cider-braised pork that you must-try. And for dessert make sure you try the Tarte Tatin.

Is Nice or Honfleur Better for Nightlife?

Nice is an unbeatable place for nightlife. Also, Honfleur is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Nice is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.

Honfleur has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Restaurants come to life at night when music flows out onto the streets. The town is not known for its partying, but that doesn't mean that it's a sleepy place that shuts down when the sun sets.

Is Nice or Honfleur Better for Resorts?

Nice is an unbeatable place for its luxury resorts. However, Honfleur 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.

Honfleur is not a resort destination.

Is Nice or Honfleur Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Nice is very good for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Honfleur 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.

Honfleur is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Nice or Honfleur Better for Beaches?

Nice is an excellent place to visit for its beaches. However, Honfleur is lacking in options for the beache.

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.

You can check out the beach in Honfleur. The town sits by the estuary of the Seine and there are two beaches not far from town. Butin Beach is the closest to town and the most popular, but Vasouy Beach is more relaxed and natural.

Is Nice or Honfleur Better for its Old Town?

Nice is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town. However, Honfleur 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.

Honfleur does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Nice or Honfleur?

Nice is an excellent place to visit for shopping. However, Honfleur is lacking in options for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

If you're looking to go shopping, Honfleur has some nice offerings. It's a charming town with boutique shops, chocolate shops, and the standard tourist places that sell souvenirs and t-shirts.

Is Nice or Honfleur Better for Families?

Both Nice and Honfleur are nice to visit with kids.

Nice is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Honfleur is a family-friendly seaside destination. Located on the coast of Normandy, the town has boat rides, quirky museums, and Vieux Bassin, which is a beautiful and lively harbor. For kids who need to stretch their legs, there are many parks and outdoor spaces to enjoy.

Is Nice or Honfleur Better for Couples?

Nice is an unbeatable place for romance. Also, Honfleur is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

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 Honfleur frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It has, arguably, one of the area's most beautiful harbors. There are also many great seafood restaurants, relaxing gardens, and spas that are perfect for couples.

Is Nice or Honfleur Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nice is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Honfleur is lacking in options for backpackers.

Nice is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Honfleur is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. You'll likely have more luck looking for an apartment than a hostel, so if you're looking for a place to stay with a social setting, you may be out of luck.

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

Nice is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Honfleur is lacking in options for its public transit.

Visitors to Nice can move around easily with public transportation. There are both buses and trams.

Public transit is generally limited in Honfleur. HO Buses travel from the outskirts or town into the center and are used mainly by locals. If you plan to head into Normandy to see the countryside, you'll want to have a car.

Is Nice or Honfleur a more walkable city?

Nice is an unbeatable place for its walkability. Also, Honfleur is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

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.

Honfleur is a very walkable seaside destination. The city center is compact and easy to explore on foot. There are also many coastal walks leading out of town.

For even more information, also check out Is Nice Worth Visiting? and Is Honfleur Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Honfleur or Nice?

How long in Nice or Honfleur?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Nice and Honfleur. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Nice than in Honfleur. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Nice, and 1-3 days is enough time in Honfleur.

Families should spend more time in Nice than Honfleur. 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 Honfleur. 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 Honfleur 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.

One day in Nice or Honfleur?

The beautiful seaside destination of Nice offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Honfleur. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Nice or Honfleur?

Nice is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Honfleur 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.

Five days in Nice or Honfleur?

Nice is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Nice, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find food and museums around the scenic destination of Honfleur. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Nice or Honfleur?

Nice is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This seaside destination offers something for everyone.

The historic city of Honfleur offers museums and nightlife. 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 2-Week Tours in France, and The Best River Cruises in France.

When comparing the travel costs between Nice and Honfleur, we can see that Honfleur 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 Honfleur Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Nice or Honfleur?

Nice has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Honfleur. When comparing the sizes of Nice and Honfleur, 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.