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

Should you visit Nice or San Francisco?

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 San Francisco 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 trendy, chic, and glamourous seaside destination. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food.

San Francisco

San Francisco is a beautiful, outdoorsy, and quirky coastal city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the nightlife, live music, and food.

Nice and San Francisco: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nice or San Francisco?

Travelers will usually find more to do in San Francisco than Nice, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. San Francisco is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, music, hiking, shopping, and big city activities, while Nice is known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, historical sights, and quaint atmosphere. Nice is popular for its beachfront setting in the French Riviera as well as its popularity with A-list celebrities. San Francisco is popular for its striking bayfront setting, stunning urban hikes, quirky personality, and reputation within the tech industry. It is also home to The Golden Gate Bridge.

How is Nice different from San Francisco?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

San Francisco is renowned for its sights and museums. However, Nice does not have museums and landmarks.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in San Francisco are among the most recognizable in the world. The city's landmarks are as diverse as the people who live there. The most recognizable landmark is the famous Golden Gate Bridge, but visitors also enjoy seeing Alcatraz Island, the Legion of Honor, the Palace of Fine Arts, as well as the small but fascinating Cable Car Museum.

Nice does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Nice or San Francisco Better for Theater?

San Francisco is a coastal city with good options for its theatre productions. However, Nice is not a theatre destination.

San Francisco offers a number of shows and performances. The city has around a dozen theaters where you can enjoy musicals or plays.

Nice is not a theatre destination.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at first-rate restaurants in both Nice and San Francisco.

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 San Francisco, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. There are local dives as well as five star restaurants, with everything in between. Popular local dining experiences include sourdough bread bowls and Dungeness crab at Fisherman's Wharf, and dim sum in Chinatown. Head away from the touristy neighborhoods if you want to sample some of the more local restaurants around town.

Is Nice or San Francisco Better for Nightlife?

Nice is an amazing seaside destination to visit for its evening party scene. Also, San Francisco is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for nightlife.

Nice has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in San Francisco. It has a great nightlife with many local bars and trendy clubs. For the best nightlife away from the tourists, head to Valencia Street or Polk Street. If you want to be in a more touristy area, check out Union Square. Popular clubs in the city include Temple San Francisco, Monarch, and Audio Nightclub.

Is Nice or San Francisco Better for Music?

San Francisco is a coastal city with good options for its live music scene. However, Nice is not a live music destination.

You'll find some good live music in San Francisco. Well known music venues include the Great American Music Hall, Slim's, and The Chapel.

Nice is not a live music destination.

Is Nice or San Francisco Better for Resorts?

Nice is an amazing seaside destination to visit for its luxury resorts. However, San Francisco is not a resort destination.

Nice offers an unforgettable resort vacation. 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.

San Francisco is not a resort destination.

Is Nice or San Francisco Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Nice is a nice place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, San Francisco is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Nice has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. There are some places where you can arrange a snorkeling or dive trip to explore the underwater setting.

San Francisco is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Nice or San Francisco Better for Beaches?

Both Nice and San Francisco are considered to be high quality 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 San Francisco for it's beautiful beaches. Whether you're interested in surfing or simply taking in the dramatic views, the beaches of San Francisco will take your breath away. Some of the best beaches include Ocean Beach, Baker Beach, and Muir Beach.

Is Nice or San Francisco Better for its Old Town?

Nice is a great seaside destination for its historic old town charm. However, San Francisco does not have a historic old town.

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

San Francisco does not have a historic old town.

Is Nice or San Francisco Better for Hiking?

San Francisco is renowned for the nearby hiking options. However, Nice is not a hiking destination.

Around San Francisco visitors will find world-class hiking trails. The city's hikes take in the dramatic views of the bay and city. Just outside of town there are also countless hikes through the Redwoods and along the coastline. Popular hikes in the area include Lands End, Tomales Point Trail at Point Reyes National Seashore, and Muir Woods.

Nice is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nice or San Francisco?

San Francisco is renowned for its shopping opportunities. Also, Nice is not as famous, but is still a good seaside destination to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in San Francisco make it a world-class shopping destination. The city has excellent shopping from local vendors to recognizable brands. Union Square, Embarcadero, Fillmore Street and Haight Street are some of the best neighborhoods for shopping.

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.

Is Nice or San Francisco Better for Families?

San Francisco is renowned 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.

San Francisco is an extremely popular coastal city to visit for families. With its many outdoor parks, hiking trails, beaches, and kid-friendly museums, this city makes a great family-friendly destination. There are also many amazing playgrounds with stunning views of the bay and city. Head to Chinatown for some unique and kid-friendly food, or down to Pier 39 for fun activities that the whole family can enjoy.

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 San Francisco Better for Couples?

Nice is an amazing seaside destination to visit for couples. Also, San Francisco is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for romance.

Nice has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

San Francisco is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples enjoy the romantic backdrop of this beautiful city. There are world-class restaurants and plenty of spas that couples can enjoy during a honeymoon or romantic getaway. There are also many scenic walks and breathtaking views that couples can appreciate.

Is Nice or San Francisco Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

San Francisco is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Nice is not as famous, but is still a good seaside destination to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

San Francisco is a great coastal city to visit for backpackers. The city is one of the more backpacker friendly cities in the United States. There are a handful of hostels throughout, many concentrated in the popular Union Square and Downtown neighborhoods of the city.

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 San Francisco Better for Students?

San Francisco is a well-known place for students. However, Nice is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in San Francisco. As a large and dynamic city, the area is popular with international students who want to experience this unique side of the United States. Major universities in the area include University of San Francisco, San Francisco State University, and nearby, the University of California, Berkeley.

Nice is not popular with students.

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

San Francisco is renowned for its public transit. Also, Nice is not as famous, but is still a good seaside destination to visit for times when you don't have a car.

San Francisco has a great public transit system. The transit network includes a subway (the BART), trams, cable cars, ferries, and buses.

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

Is Nice or San Francisco a more walkable city?

Nice is an amazing seaside destination to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, San Francisco is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal city for its walkability.

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

San Francisco is very walkable. It is compact enough to explore on foot, but given the large hills, it's a bit of a challenge, even for the most fit among us.

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

Should I spend more time in San Francisco or Nice?

How long in Nice or San Francisco?

Both Nice and San Francisco have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in San Francisco than in Nice. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Nice, and 3-7 days is enough time in San Francisco.

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

Couples should spend more time in Nice than San Francisco. 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 San Francisco 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 San Francisco.

One day in Nice or San Francisco?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the opulent destination of Nice. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

San Francisco is a big city destination where you can fill many days. 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 San Francisco?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nice. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

San Francisco is a fun place to experience. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 San Francisco?

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the beautiful destination of Nice. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This seaside destination offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have five days, this is a great place to go. Five days is usually enough time to experience most activities.

San Francisco is a quirky big city where you can fill many days. This coastal city 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 San Francisco?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the beautiful seaside destination of Nice. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

San Francisco is a outdoorsy coastal city where you can fill many days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

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 Wildlife Tours to United States of America, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in United States of America.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Nice and San Francisco, we can see that San Francisco is more expensive. And not only is Nice much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Nice is in Europe and San Francisco is in North America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Nice would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Nice 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 San Francisco would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in San Francisco than you might in Nice.

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

Which is Bigger, Nice or San Francisco?

San Francisco has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Nice. When comparing the sizes of Nice and San Francisco, 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 San Francisco?

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 San Francisco in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Nice as well as San Francisco. Most visitors come to Nice for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to San Francisco because of the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Nice is a little warmer than San Francisco. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nice in July average around 23°C (73°F), and San Francisco averages at about 63°F (17°C).

Nice usually gets more rain in July than San Francisco. Nice gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 0.1 inches (2 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nice or San Francisco in the Autumn?

Both San Francisco and Nice are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Nice because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to San Francisco this time of year.

In October, Nice is generally around the same temperature as San Francisco. Daily temperatures in Nice average around 17°C (63°F), and San Francisco fluctuates around 63°F (17°C).

It's quite rainy in Nice. In October, Nice usually receives more rain than San Francisco. Nice gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.3 inches (33 mm) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Nice or San Francisco in the Winter?

Both San Francisco and Nice during the winter are popular places to visit. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Nice this time of year. Also, many travelers come to San Francisco for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

Nice is cooler than San Francisco in the winter. The daily temperature in Nice averages around 9°C (48°F) in January, and San Francisco fluctuates around 50°F (10°C).

Nice usually gets less rain in January than San Francisco. Nice gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 3.8 inches (96 mm) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nice or San Francisco in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Nice and San Francisco. Many travelers come to Nice for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to San Francisco in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Nice is around the same temperature as San Francisco. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nice in April average around 13°C (56°F), and San Francisco averages at about 58°F (14°C).

In April, Nice usually receives more rain than San Francisco. Nice gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while San Francisco receives 1.2 inches (31 mm) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for San Francisco and Nice