A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Nice vs. Hvar for Food, Nightlife, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Nice or Hvar?

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 Hvar 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 chic, glamourous, and beautiful seaside destination. You'll find world class beauty here as well. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Hvar

Hvar is a vibrant, energetic, and party-oriented island. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Nice and Hvar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nice or Hvar?

Both Hvar and Nice have plenty of things to do for visitors. Both offer a variety of sights, activities, and attractions for tourists. Nice is better known for its food, resorts, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Hvar is more popular for its museums and hiking. Nice is well known for its beachfront setting in the French Riviera as well as its popularity with A-list celebrities. Hvar is well known for its wild parties, beautiful buildings, and world class cuisine.

How is Nice different from Hvar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Hvar offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Wandering around the old town you'll see many historic buildings such as the Cathedral of St. Stephen. You can also visit the nearby Hvar Fort or explore the Franciscan Monastery.

Nice does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Nice is renowned for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its restaurants.

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.

Hvar has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. It's an island, so you'll find no shortage of seafood in the restaurants. There's fish, crab, lobster, squid, and octopus on the menus around town. Many dishes are prepared with risotto or pasta and you'll find a lot of olive oil and wine.

Is Nice or Hvar Better for Nightlife?

Both Nice and Hvar are world-class when it comes to partying.

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.

Hvar has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. The island has a reputation as a party island, and it's well earned. Most of the activity is found in Hvar Town, particularly between the months of June and September. Young people flock to the island for the all night parties and wild beach bars and clubs.

Is Nice or Hvar Better for Resorts?

Nice is renowned for its resorts. However, Hvar is not a resort destination.

Nice is a world class resort vacation destination. 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.

Hvar is not a resort destination.

Is Nice or Hvar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Both Nice and Hvar offer notable scuba diving or snorkeling.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Nice. There are some places where you can arrange a snorkeling or dive trip to explore the underwater setting.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Hvar. The water is clear and there are snorkeling day trips that leave from town. This is a great way to get out on the water and glimpse the undersea world.

Is Nice or Hvar Better for Beaches?

Both Nice and Hvar are considered to be great beach destinations.

The beaches at Nice attract visitors from all over. 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.

Many people visit Hvar for it's beautiful beaches. The island has hilly bays and coves that are fun to explore. The best beaches are found to the south and southwest of the island and many are pebbly or gravelly.

Is Nice or Hvar Better for its Old Town?

Nice is notable for its old town. However, Hvar does not have a historic old town.

Nice is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. 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.

Hvar does not have a historic old town.

Is Nice or Hvar Better for Hiking?

Hvar is a island with good options for the nearby hiking options. However, Nice is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Hvar. There are a number of hikes on the island that cater to every skill level and take you through natural areas or past historic sights.

Nice is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nice or Hvar?

Nice is notable for its shopping opportunities. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its shopping areas.

Nice is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Hvar has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. In the town you'll find galleries, boutiques, jewelry shops and other beach stores. It's fun to pop in and look at the different items.

Is Nice or Hvar Better for Families?

Hvar 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.

Hvar is a very kid-friendly island. There are adventure parks, water parks, and other fun activities for kids. There are also beaches where everyone can swim and sea kayaking trips. Hvar Observatory is also a unique and fun place to visit as a family.

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 Hvar Better for Couples?

Nice is renowned for its romantic activities. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for couples.

Nice is a great seaside destination for couples, as it 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.

Hvar makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are some romantic hotels and beautiful beaches that make this a wonderful destination for couples. Anyone who enjoys a coastal setting with clear waters and a variety of water sports will enjoy their time here.

Is Nice or Hvar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hvar is renowned for backpackers. Also, Nice is not as famous, but is still a good seaside destination to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Hvar. The island has long been a popular stop with backpackers who enjoy the affordable prices, abundance of hostels, and active nightlife scene. You'll have no trouble meeting other travelers, particularly during the peak summer months.

Plenty of backpackers visit Nice. 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.

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

Nice is notable for its public transit. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Nice can get you to some places easily. There are both buses and trams.

Hvar has some public transit options. Buses are operated by Cazmatrans Hva and they travel between the major municipalities.

Is Nice or Hvar a more walkable city?

Nice is renowned for its high level of walkability. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its ease of walking around.

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

Hvar is a somewhat walkable seaside destination. Hvar Town can be explored on foot, but you'll need a vehicle to explore other parts of the island.

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

Should I spend more time in Hvar or Nice?

How long in Nice or Hvar?

It's fun to spend time in either Nice or Hvar. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Nice due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Nice, and 2-4 days is enough time in Hvar.

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

Couples should spend more time in Nice than Hvar. 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 Hvar than Nice 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 Hvar.

One day in Nice or Hvar?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Nice. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Hvar. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 Hvar?

Nice is a fun place to experience. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Hvar is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the nightlife. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 Hvar?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the trendy destination of Nice. This seaside destination offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the beautiful destination of Hvar. This island offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Nice or Hvar?

The glamourous seaside destination of Nice offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

The energetic island of Hvar offers shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in Croatia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Croatia.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nice and Hvar, we can see that Nice is more expensive. And not only is Hvar much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Hvar would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Hvar 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 Nice would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nice than you might in Hvar.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Nice Expensive? and Is Hvar Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Nice or Hvar?

Nice has a larger population, and is about 90 times larger than the population of Hvar. When comparing the sizes of Nice and Hvar, 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 Nice or Hvar?

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 Nice or Hvar in the Summer?

Both Hvar and Nice are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Nice because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Hvar this time of year.

Nice is cooler than Hvar in the summer. The daily temperature in Nice averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Hvar fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

In July, Nice usually receives less rain than Hvar. Nice gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Nice or Hvar in the Autumn?

Both Hvar and Nice during the autumn are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Nice this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Hvar for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Nice is around the same temperature as Hvar. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nice in October average around 17°C (63°F), and Hvar averages at about 18°C (64°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nice. Nice usually gets more rain in October than Hvar. Nice gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nice or Hvar in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nice and Hvar. Many travelers come to Nice for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Hvar in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Nice is generally around the same temperature as Hvar. Daily temperatures in Nice average around 9°C (48°F), and Hvar fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In January, Nice usually receives around the same amount of rain as Hvar. Nice gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Nice or Hvar in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Nice as well as Hvar. Many visitors come to Nice in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Additionally, most visitors come to Hvar for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

Nice is cooler than Hvar in the spring. The daily temperature in Nice averages around 13°C (56°F) in April, and Hvar fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

Nice usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Hvar. Nice gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Hvar and Nice