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

Should you visit Nice or Imperia?

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 Imperia 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 beautiful, opulent, and trendy seaside destination. You'll find world class beauty here as well. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Imperia

Imperia is a charming, undiscovered, and authentic town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Nice and Imperia: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Nice or Imperia?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Nice. Although Nice and Imperia 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 Imperia is known for its museums. Nice is more touristy than Imperia and is known 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. Imperia is popular for its access to the Ligurian coastline.

How is Nice different from Imperia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Nice
Imperia

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

Imperia offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several interesting buildings of importance around town.

Nice does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Nice
Imperia

Nice is a must-visit destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Nice is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Imperia. Food ranges from typical Italian dishes to local recipes that use local ingredients. Unique ingredients in the area include trumpet zucchini, flat breads, and anchovies.

Is Nice or Imperia Better for Nightlife?

Nice
Imperia

Nice is a must-visit destination for its evening party scene. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for nightlife.

Nice is a world class party destination. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Imperia. There are some bars and lively restaurants around town where you can spend an enjoyable evening.

Is Nice or Imperia Better for Resorts?

Nice
Imperia

Nice is a must-visit destination for its resorts. However, Imperia is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Nice is a great 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.

Imperia is not a resort destination.


Is Nice or Imperia Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Nice
Imperia

Nice is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Imperia is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Nice has a few good snorkeling spots. There are some places where you can arrange a snorkeling or dive trip to explore the underwater setting.

Imperia is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Nice or Imperia Better for Beaches?

Nice
Imperia

Nice is notable for the beach. However, Imperia is not a beach destination.

Nice is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Imperia is not a beach destination.

Is Nice or Imperia Better for its Old Town?

Nice
Imperia

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

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting 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.

Imperia does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Nice or Imperia?

Nice
Imperia

Nice is notable for its shopping areas. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Imperia. There are some shopping streets in town that have a mix of local brands and standard clothing shops.

Is Nice or Imperia Better for Families?

Nice
Imperia

Both Nice and Imperia are good 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.

Imperia is a family-friendly seaside destination. There's some nice walking trails in the countryside that the kids will enjoy.

Is Nice or Imperia Better for Couples?

Nice
Imperia

Nice is a must-visit destination for couples. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for romance.

Nice makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Imperia is a nice destination for couples. It's a beautiful town with a nice atmosphere that offers a nice break from the tourist crowds.


Is Nice or Imperia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nice
Imperia

Both Nice and Imperia 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 Imperia. Accommodation tends to be affordable and there's an off-the-beaten-path vibe that some backpackers will appreciate.

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

Nice
Imperia

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

The public transit in Nice can get you to most places easily. There are both buses and trams.

Imperia has some public transit options. There are buses that connect the city to different areas.

Is Nice or Imperia a more walkable city?

Nice
Imperia

Nice is a must-visit destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Imperia is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its walkability.

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

Imperia is somewhat walkable. Parts of the town are convenient to walk around.


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

Should I spend more time in Imperia or Nice?

How long in Nice or Imperia?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Nice or Imperia to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Nice than Imperia because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Nice, and 1-2 days is enough time in Imperia.

Families should spend more time in Nice than Imperia. 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 Imperia. 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 Imperia 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 Imperia? Ideal Length of Stay
    Nice 3-5 
    Imperia 1-2

One day in Nice or Imperia?

In Nice, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This seaside destination offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

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

A weekend in Nice or Imperia?

In Nice, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Imperia is a fun place to experience. 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 Imperia?

Nice is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Nice has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the charming destination of Imperia. This town offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


A week in Nice or Imperia?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nice. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Nice. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

The undiscovered town of Imperia offers nightlife and food. 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 Walking Tours in Italy, and The Best Luxury Tours to Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Imperia 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 Imperia is €108. 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 Imperia in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nice 59
    Imperia 51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nice 118
    Imperia 102
Compare Hotels in Nice and Imperia

Looking for a hotel in Nice or Imperia? 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 Imperia


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 Imperia Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nice 25
    Imperia 36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nice

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nice:

  • Private Departure Transfer: Hotel to Nice Airport: $37
  • Private Transfer: Nice City Center to Côte d'Azur Airport(NCE): $40
  • Departure Transfer from Nice City to Côte d'Azur Airport NCE in Private Car: $44
  • Arrival Transfer from Côte d'Azur Airport NCE to Nice City in Private Car: $44
  • Monaco to Hercule Monte Carlo Port Departure Private Transfer: $46
  • Private transfer from Nice to Cannes: $47
  • Port de la Santé to Nice Intl Airport (NCE) - Private Departure Transfer: $49
  • Villefranche-sur-Mer - Port de la Santé to Nice hotels- Arrival Private Transfer: $49
  • Villefranche Port to Nice Intl Airport (NCE) - Departure Transfer: $49
  • Villefranche-sur-Mer - Port to Nice hotels- Arrival Transfer: $49
  • Nice Intl Airport (NCE) to Port de la Santé- Arrrival Private Transfer: $49
  • Nice hotels to Port de la Santé - Departure Private Transfer: $49

Is it cheaper to fly into Nice or Imperia?

Prices for flights to both Imperia 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
    Imperia 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
  • 3.5-Hour Original Old Town Food Tour: $107
  • Viator Exclusive: Local Cooking Class & Dinner with View of Nice: $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: $191
  • Dinner in the Vineyard French Riviera: $206

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nice 12
    Imperia 13

Tours and Activities in Nice

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

  • Nice : Discovery Stroll and Reading Walking Tour: $2.12
  • Vieux Nice : Discovery Stroll and Reading Walking Tour: $2.12
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.20
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.38
  • Ticket to Musée National du Sport: $6.39
  • Monaco Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.52
  • Nice Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.55
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Walking Tour: $6.93
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.93
  • Navigating A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Nice's Old Town Highlights: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Nice city tour: audio guide app in your smartphone: $7.46

Tours and Activities in Imperia

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

  • Imperia - Old Town Private Historic Walking Tour: $426

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nice 17
    Imperia 7.50

Sample the Local Flavors in Nice

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

  • Pub Crawl/Bar Crawl NICE - The Ultimate Night: $2.93
  • Nice Bar Crawl | Ultimate night experience: $8.52
  • Pub Crawl Party with VIP Entry and Free Shots: $16
  • Pub Crawl Nice with Drinking Games and Optional Drink special: $17
  • Riviera Bar Crawl Party with Free Shots and VIP Entry: $23
  • Riviera Bar Crawl Nice: $25
  • Brewery Tour and Craft Beer Tasting: $32
  • 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
  • New Years Eve Pub Crawl in Nice: $53
  • Provence Organic Wine Tasting Half Day Tour from Nice: $65


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nice and Imperia, we can see that Nice is more expensive. And not only is Imperia much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Imperia would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Imperia 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 Imperia.

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


Which is Bigger, Nice or Imperia?

Nice has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Imperia. When comparing the sizes of Nice and Imperia, 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 Imperia?

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 Imperia in the Summer?

Both Imperia and Nice are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Nice for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Imperia in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Nice is around the same temperature as Imperia. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nice in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Imperia averages at about 25°C (76°F).

In July, Nice usually receives more rain than Imperia. Nice gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Imperia receives 12 mm (0.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nice 23°C (73°F) 
    Imperia 25°C (76°F)

Should I visit Nice or Imperia in the Autumn?

Both Imperia and Nice during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Nice in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Imperia for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Nice is generally cooler than Imperia. Daily temperatures in Nice average around 17°C (63°F), and Imperia fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nice. Nice usually gets more rain in October than Imperia. Nice gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Imperia receives 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nice 17°C (63°F) 
    Imperia 19°C (66°F)

Should I visit Nice or Imperia in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Nice and Imperia. Most visitors come to Nice for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Imperia because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Nice is cooler than Imperia in the winter. The daily temperature in Nice averages around 9°C (48°F) in January, and Imperia fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In January, Nice usually receives more rain than Imperia. Nice gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Imperia receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nice 9°C (48°F) 
    Imperia 11°C (51°F)

Should I visit Nice or Imperia in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Nice as well as Imperia. The spring months attract visitors to Nice because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Additionally, the natural beauty are the main draw to Imperia this time of year.

In the spring, Nice is cooler than Imperia. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nice in April average around 13°C (56°F), and Imperia averages at about 15°C (58°F).

Nice usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Imperia. Nice gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Imperia receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nice 13°C (56°F) 
    Imperia 15°C (58°F)

Typical Weather for Imperia and Nice

Nice Imperia
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 9°C (48°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 11°C (51°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Feb 9°C (49°F) 76 mm (3 in) 11°C (51°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Mar 11°C (51°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 12°C (54°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 13°C (56°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 15°C (58°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 16°C (62°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 18°C (64°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Jun 20°C (68°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 21°C (71°F) 33 mm (1.3 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 25°C (76°F) 12 mm (0.5 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 25°C (77°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Sep 21°C (69°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 22°C (72°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Oct 17°C (63°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 19°C (66°F) 97 mm (3.8 in)
Nov 12°C (54°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 14°C (58°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Dec 10°C (49°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 12°C (53°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)