A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Nice vs. Urbino for Food, Nightlife, Couples, and Old Town

Should you visit Nice or Urbino?

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 Urbino 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. 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 nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Urbino

Urbino is a undiscovered, authentic, and laid back town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping.

Nice and Urbino: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Nice or Urbino?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Nice. Although Nice and Urbino 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 Urbino is known for its museums. Nice is more touristy than Urbino 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. Urbino is popular for its Renaissance walls, historic center, and authentic atmosphere.

How is Nice different from Urbino?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Nice
Urbino

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

Urbino offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. At the heart of the city are its historical sights. The cathedral is worth a visit, as is The Ducal Palace, but for most visitors, simply soaking up the town's atmosphere is the best experience.

Nice does not have museums and landmarks.


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

Nice
Urbino

Nice is an amazing seaside destination to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Urbino is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Urbino makes for a great culinary experience. The city's history has influenced its cuisine. Traditional foods include cornbread, truffles, and meat sausage. While these options aren't as common today, you can still find them if you seek them out.

Is Nice or Urbino Better for Nightlife?

Nice
Urbino

Nice is an amazing seaside destination to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Urbino is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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 Urbino. Because of the large student population, there are usually some fun activities going on at night. You'll find some good bars around town that are fun to hang out at.

Is Nice or Urbino Better for Resorts?

Nice
Urbino

Nice is an amazing seaside destination to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Urbino 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.

Urbino is not a resort destination.


Is Nice or Urbino Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Nice
Urbino

Nice is a seaside destination with good options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Urbino is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

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.

Urbino is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Nice or Urbino Better for Beaches?

Nice
Urbino

Nice is great for the beach. However, Urbino is not a beach destination.

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.

Urbino is not a beach destination.

Is Nice or Urbino Better for its Old Town?

Nice
Urbino

Nice is great for its historic old town charm. Also, Urbino is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its 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.

Many visitors go to Urbino to see the historical old town. The historic center feels a bit undiscovered by Italian standards. There are stone houses and the town is built on a steep hill, giving it a beautiful setting.


Is the Shopping Better in Nice or Urbino?

Nice
Urbino

Nice is great for its shopping areas. Also, Urbino is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Urbino is a great destination for shopping. You'll find galleries, book shops, and jewelry stores around town that are fun to pop into.

Is Nice or Urbino Better for Families?

Nice
Urbino

Nice is a seaside destination with good options for its kid-friendly activities. However, Urbino is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

Nice offers lots of family activities. 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.

Urbino is not the most family-friendly destination. The city is filled with history and architecture, which may be lost on the kids. There are the classic Italian restaurants which is a favorite among kids and adults alike.

Is Nice or Urbino Better for Couples?

Nice
Urbino

Nice is an amazing seaside destination to visit for couples. Also, Urbino is not as popular, but is still a nice town for romance.

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.

Urbino is a very popular place to visit for couples. This walled city is fun to explore and can make for a great romantic stop. The city is walled and has many historical buildings which couples will enjoy learning about together.


Is Nice or Urbino Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Nice
Urbino

Nice is a seaside destination with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Urbino is not a good destination 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.

Urbino is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not well known by backpackers and there are a very limited number of hostels in the area.

Is Nice or Urbino Better for Students?

Nice
Urbino

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

Students come from all over to stay in Urbino. The student population is a large part of this small city. University students are usually happy and enjoy many activities and outings into the surrounding area.

Nice is not popular with students.

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

Nice
Urbino

Nice is great for times when you don't have a car. However, Urbino is not a good destination for its public transit.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Nice. There are both buses and trams.

Public transit is generally limited in Urbino. The town is accessible by bus but not by train.


Is Nice or Urbino a more walkable city?

Nice
Urbino

Nice is an amazing seaside destination to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Urbino is not as popular, but is still a nice town 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.

Urbino is somewhat walkable. Many parts of the city are easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Urbino or Nice?

How long in Nice or Urbino?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Nice or Urbino to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Nice than Urbino 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 Urbino.

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

One day in Nice or Urbino?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the quaint destination of Nice. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

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

A weekend in Nice or Urbino?

Nice is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Urbino 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 Urbino?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nice. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the laid back destination of Urbino. 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 Urbino?

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the trendy destination of Nice. This seaside destination offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

The laid back town of Urbino 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 2-Week Tours in Italy, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Urbino 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 Urbino is €118. 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 Urbino in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nice 59
    Urbino 53
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nice 118
    Urbino 106
Compare Hotels in Nice and Urbino

Looking for a hotel in Nice or Urbino? 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 Urbino


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 Urbino Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nice 25
    Urbino 44

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nice

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nice:

  • Private Transfer from Nice to Milan: $1,390
  • Private Transfer from Nice to Milan: $1,171
  • Private Transfer from Nice to Marseille: $856
  • Airport transfer to Marseille: $749
  • Airport transfer to Genoa: $749
  • Airport transfer to Aix en Provence: $695
  • Nice Intl Airport (NCE): Private Transfer to Cannes hotels: $517
  • Nice Intl Airport (NCE): Private Transfer to Monaco hotels: $443
  • Airport transfer to St Tropez: $406
  • Nice Airport Transfer to SAINT-TROPEZ: $396
  • Airport transfer to Port Grimaud: $374
  • Airport transfer to San Remo: $321

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Urbino

Also for Urbino, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Borgo Maggiore to Rimini (RMI) Airport: $108

Is it cheaper to fly into Nice or Urbino?

Prices for flights to both Urbino 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
    Urbino 39
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
    Urbino 15

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 Urbino

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Urbino.

  • San Marino: A Self Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Entrance Ticket - Titanus Museum: Multimedia Experience: $8.68
  • San Marino Scavenger Hunt and Sightseeing Tour: $8.97
  • Private Guided Tour with Aperitif in Winebar in San Marino: $92
  • Guided group tour of Ducal Palace and National Gallery: $94
  • E-BIKE Tour San Marino for couples: $114
  • Private tour with Welcome KIT in San Marino: $136
  • 2-Hour Private Walking Tour with certified guide: $139
  • Private Walking Tour with Ducal Palace Ticket: $150
  • San Marino’s Starlit Stroll: A Christmas Walking Tour: $153
  • Private Tour of San Marino: UNESCO World Heritage Site: $172
  • Guided Tour of San Marino at Sunset with aperitif included: $184

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nice 17
    Urbino 14

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 Urbino, we can see that Nice 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 Urbino Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Nice or Urbino?

Nice has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Urbino. When comparing the sizes of Nice and Urbino, 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 Urbino?

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 Urbino in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Nice as well as Urbino. The summer months attract visitors to Nice because of the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Urbino this time of year.

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

Nice usually gets less rain in July than Urbino. Nice gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Urbino receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nice 23°C (73°F) 
    Urbino 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Nice or Urbino in the Autumn?

Both Urbino and Nice are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Nice this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Urbino for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Nice is generally a little warmer than Urbino. Daily temperatures in Nice average around 17°C (63°F), and Urbino fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

It's quite rainy in Nice. In October, Nice usually receives more rain than Urbino. Nice gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Urbino receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nice 17°C (63°F) 
    Urbino 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit Nice or Urbino in the Winter?

Both Urbino and Nice during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Nice for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Urbino in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Urbino can get quite cold in the winter. Nice is much warmer than Urbino in the winter. The daily temperature in Nice averages around 9°C (48°F) in January, and Urbino fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Nice usually gets more rain in January than Urbino. Nice gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Urbino receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nice 9°C (48°F) 
    Urbino 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Nice or Urbino in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Nice and Urbino. Many visitors come to Nice in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Urbino for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Nice is around the same temperature as Urbino. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nice in April average around 13°C (56°F), and Urbino averages at about 12°C (54°F).

In April, Nice usually receives more rain than Urbino. Nice gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Urbino receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nice 13°C (56°F) 
    Urbino 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Urbino and Nice

Nice Urbino
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 9°C (48°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 3°C (37°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Feb 9°C (49°F) 76 mm (3 in) 5°C (42°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 11°C (51°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 9°C (49°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Apr 13°C (56°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 12°C (54°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
May 16°C (62°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 16°C (61°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jun 20°C (68°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 20°C (68°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 16 mm (0.6 in) 23°C (73°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Aug 23°C (73°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 22°C (71°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 21°C (69°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 19°C (67°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Oct 17°C (63°F) 108 mm (4.3 in) 15°C (59°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Nov 12°C (54°F) 104 mm (4.1 in) 9°C (49°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Dec 10°C (49°F) 78 mm (3.1 in) 4°C (39°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)