A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Nottingham vs. Nantes for Food, Attractions, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Nottingham or Nantes?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Nottingham and Nantes 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.

Nottingham

Nottingham is a livable, cultural, and authentic city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Nantes

Nantes is a historical, beautiful, and vibrant city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Nottingham and Nantes: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Nottingham or Nantes?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Nottingham than Nantes, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Nottingham is better known for its music and big city activities, while Nantes is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Nottingham is well known for its authenticity and local cuisine. Also, Nottingham is famous for Old Market Square. Nantes is well known for its castles and historical landmarks, local wine, and beautiful parks and gardens.

How is Nottingham different from Nantes?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Nottingham or Nantes?

Nottingham
Nantes

Nantes is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Nottingham is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Nantes. The city is filled with historical monuments, particularly in the Bouffay District. Highlights include Cathédrale Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul, Château des Ducs de Bretagne, and the Musée d'Arts de Nantes.

Nottingham offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. You'll find history and culture around town. Some of the notable landmarks include Wollaton Hall, the National Justice Museum, Nottingham Castle, and Old Market Square.


Is the Food Better in Nottingham or Nantes? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nottingham
Nantes

Nantes is very popular for its restaurant scene. Also, Nottingham is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Many restaurants in Nantes have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The region lends itself to unique flavors with a great mix of seafood from the Atlantic, freshwater fish from the Loire, and dairy from the surrounding countryside. The region is also famous for its wine. Local dishes that you should try include Filet de Sandre au Beurre Blanc (fresh fish in butter sauce), Crepes Bretonnes (breakfast crepes), and Le Canard Nantais (duck with Muscadet wine).

Nottingham has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. You'll find a diversity of restaurants around town that range from local fish and chips shops to international options. Pubs, cafes, and fine dining are all available in town.

Is Nottingham or Nantes Better for Nightlife?

Nottingham
Nantes

Nantes is well known for nightlife. Also, Nottingham is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

Nantes is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The large student population heavily influences the nightlife scene. You'll find a young vibe with a lot of bars and clubs to choose from, particularly around Île de Nantes.

If you're looking for night time activities Nottingham has a few options to choose from. Head to the oldest pub in England, Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, for a pint or check out one of the trendy clubs around town. The city is also a big sports town, so see if there are any sporting events going on while you're visiting.

Is Nottingham or Nantes Better for Music?

Nottingham
Nantes

Nottingham is a nice place to visit for its music scene. However, Nantes is not a live music destination.

The music scene helps keep Nottingham active and fun. Many of the best music concerts in the UK make there way to Nottingham. Check out Rock City, which hosts all kinds of concerts.

Nantes is not a live music destination.


Is Nottingham or Nantes Better for its Old Town?

Nottingham
Nantes

Nantes is a city with good options for its historic old town. However, Nottingham does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Nantes to see the historical old town. The city's old town is in the Bouffay District and it is filled with half-timbered houses and a maze of streets and shops.

Nottingham does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Nottingham or Nantes?

Nottingham
Nantes

Shopping is a popular activity in both Nantes and Nottingham.

Nottingham is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Head to the Lace Market, which is a popular shopping area. You can also wander around the center of town on foot and head to the pedestrian streets that are often lined with independent shops or international chains.

Nantes is well-known for its shopping. There are impressive shopping streets, boutique stores, and grand shopping malls. Make sure you check out Rue Crébillon, Passage Pommeraye, and the shops around the Bouffay District. Talensac Market is also a historical covered market that you can explore.

Is Nottingham or Nantes Better for Families?

Nottingham
Nantes

Nantes is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Nottingham is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Nantes is a very family-friendly place to visit. It's filled with gardens, museums, and theme parks, making it a great combination of fascinating activities for adults and kids alike. Some of the top kid-friendly activities include a visit to Machine of the Isle of Nantes (both a theme park and a museum), seeing a show at Le Lieu Unique, or experiencing Naudières Park (a smaller theme park). Kids will also enjoy seeing Goulaine Castle or wandering around Jardin Extraordinaire or the Botanical Gardens.

Nottingham offers lots of family activities. There are a number of parks and play areas that younger kids will enjoy. You can check out Wheelgate Park, White Post Farm, Rufford Abbey, or Sherwood Pines. Sundown Adventureland is a small theme park that's designed for younger kids under 10. If your kids are into museums, head to the Newark Air Museum.


Is Nottingham or Nantes Better for Couples?

Nottingham
Nantes

Nantes is well known for romance. Also, Nottingham is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Nantes frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There is a mix of both natural and historical beauty. Couples can enjoy a nice meal, stroll through one of the many parks and gardens, or even spend the day at the spa.

Nottingham makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. You'll find the typical date night activities around town like arcades, minigolf, and some interesting restaurants. There are also parks where you can enjoy a stroll in nature.

Is Nottingham or Nantes Better for Students?

Nottingham
Nantes

Nantes is a city with good options for students. However, Nottingham is not popular with students.

Nantes is popular with students. There's a decent sized student population and the city has a welcoming atmosphere. It's also easy to get around with public transportation.

Nottingham is not popular with students.

Is Nottingham or Nantes Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Nottingham
Nantes

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Nottingham and Nantes.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Nottingham. There are buses and trams around town that connect into the rail network. The multi-operator system is organized by the Robin Hood Network.

Public transit in Nantes can get you to some places easily. There are both trams and buses throughout the city that are operated by TAN (Transport de l'Agglomeration Nantaise).


Is Nottingham or Nantes a more walkable city?

Nottingham
Nantes

Nottingham and Nantes both are high quality when exploring on foot.

Nottingham is very walkable. It is trying to transform itself into a pedestrian-friendly city, and you'll find some areas that are particularly walkable. The city center is very compact and generally walkable.

Nantes is a very walkable city. The city is very walkable. Both locals and tourists alike choose to walk in Nantes.

For even more information, also check out Is Nottingham Worth Visiting? and Is Nantes Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nantes or Nottingham?

How long in Nottingham or Nantes?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Nottingham and Nantes. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Nantes than in Nottingham. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Nottingham, and 2-3 days is enough time in Nantes.

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

Couples should spend more time in Nantes than Nottingham. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Nantes that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Nantes than Nottingham 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 Nantes.


  • How many days in Nottingham or Nantes? Ideal Length of Stay
    Nottingham 1-2 
    Nantes 2-3

One day in Nottingham or Nantes?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Nottingham. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

With museums and nightlife around the vibrant city of Nantes, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Nottingham or Nantes?

Nottingham is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Nantes, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the food. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.


Five days in Nottingham or Nantes?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nottingham. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Nantes, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Nottingham or Nantes?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the authentic destination of Nottingham. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Nantes is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One of the main draws to the area is the food. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Bicycle Tours in United Kingdom, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Nantes or Nottingham?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Nottingham is £117, while the average daily cost in Nantes is £93. 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 Nottingham and Nantes in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nottingham £64
    Nantes £51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nottingham £128
    Nantes £102
Compare Hotels in Nottingham and Nantes

Looking for a hotel in Nottingham or Nantes? 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 Nottingham


Hotels in Nantes


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: Nottingham Hotel Prices and Nantes Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nottingham £21
    Nantes £31

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nottingham

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nottingham:

  • Private Transfer from Nottingham to Manchester Airport (MAN): $224
  • Private Transfer from Loughborough to East Midlands Airport: $35
  • Private Transfer from Glossop to Manchester Airport (MAN): $80
  • Private Nottingham Departure Transfer - Hotel / Accommodation to Airport: $97
  • Private East Midlands Departure Transfer- Hotel / Accommodation to Airport: $55
  • Nottinghamshire to Manchester Airport (MAN) Luxury Transfers: $210
  • Nottingham to East Midlands Airport Private Departure Transfer: $38
  • East Midlands Airport to Nottingham City Private Transfer: $76
  • East Midlands Airport EMA to Nottingham City Private Transfer: $38
  • East Midlands Airport EMA to Loughborough City Transfer: $35
  • East Midlands Airport EMA to Leicester-RoundTrip Private Transfer: $76
  • Derby to East Midlands Airport (EMA) - Departure Private Transfer: $38

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nantes

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

  • Nantes Airport (NTE) to Nantes - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $52
  • Nantes Airport (NTE) to Nantes hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $26
  • Nantes Private Transfer from Nantes Airport to City centre: $65
  • Nantes Private Transfer from Nantes city centre to Nantes Airport: $65
  • Nantes to Nantes Airport (NTE) - Departure Private Transfer: $26
  • Private Transfer from Airports to Nantes: $33
  • Private Transfer from Nantes Airport (NTE) to La Rochelle Port: $88
  • Private Transfer from Nantes Atlantique Airport NTE to Puy du Fou Park: $174
  • Private Transfer from Nantes Hotels to La Rochelle Cruise Port: $88

Is it cheaper to fly into Nottingham or Nantes?

Prices for flights to both Nantes and Nottingham 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
    Nottingham £36
    Nantes £23

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nantes

For Nantes, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Nantes Traditional Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience : $104
  • All Inclusive Food Tour of Nantes Old Town with Local Guide: $145

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nottingham £28
    Nantes £11

Tours and Activities in Nottingham

Here are a few actual costs in Nottingham for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Gems of Boston (UK) – Private Walking Tour for Couples: $222
  • Baroness Bolsover's Town Tour with Afternoon Tea: $32
  • Half-Day Spa Experiences : $103
  • Lincoln Private Walking Tour: $140
  • Men's Yellow Belly Half-Day Spa Experience: $203
  • Nottingham Private Guided Walking Tour: $294
  • Nottingham Private Walking Tour with a Professional Guide: $279
  • Nottingham Walking Tour with a Local Guide: $17
  • Nottingham Walking Tour with a Local Guide: $18
  • Nottingham and Robin Hood Private Guided Walking Tour: $153
  • Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz Tour App: $19
  • Private City Walking Tour: $144

Tours and Activities in Nantes

For Nantes, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
  • Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Walking Tour: $6.42
  • Nantes Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.54
  • Guided treetop adventure course in the heart of Nantes: $31
  • Private custom tour with a local guide: $50
  • Nantes : Private Walking Tour With A Local : $51
  • Welcome to Private Tour with a Local: $51
  • Nantes Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $52
  • Panoramic Tour by Electric Bike: $59
  • PANORAMA TOUR OF NANTES by electric bike: $60
  • Nantes : Must-see Attractions Walking Tour: $75

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nottingham £7.10
    Nantes £5.50

Sample the Local Flavors in Nottingham

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Nottingham:

  • Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $47

Sample the Local Flavors in Nantes

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Nantes:

  • Château du Bois-Huaut: Cellar Tour and Wine Tasting Class: $35


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

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


Which is Bigger, Nottingham or Nantes?

Nantes has a larger population, and is about 12% larger than the population of Nottingham. When comparing the sizes of Nottingham and Nantes, 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 Nottingham or Nantes?

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 Nottingham or Nantes in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Nottingham as well as Nantes. Most visitors come to Nottingham for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Nantes because of the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Nottingham is generally cooler than Nantes. Daily temperatures in Nottingham average around 16°C (62°F), and Nantes fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nantes. In the summer, Nottingham often gets less sunshine than Nantes. Nottingham gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nantes receives 267 hours of full sun.

Nottingham usually gets more rain in July than Nantes. Nottingham gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nottingham 16°C (62°F) 
    Nantes 19°C (67°F)

Should I visit Nottingham or Nantes in the Autumn?

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

Nottingham is cooler than Nantes in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nottingham averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Nantes fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Nottingham usually receives less sunshine than Nantes during autumn. Nottingham gets 112 hours of sunny skies, while Nantes receives 141 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Nottingham usually receives less rain than Nantes. Nottingham gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nottingham 11°C (52°F) 
    Nantes 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Nottingham or Nantes in the Winter?

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

It's quite cold in Nottingham in the winter. In the winter, Nottingham is much colder than Nantes. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nottingham in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Nantes averages at about 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Nottingham often gets less sunshine than Nantes. Nottingham gets 61 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nantes receives 72 hours of full sun.

Nottingham usually gets less rain in January than Nantes. Nottingham gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nottingham 4°C (39°F) 
    Nantes 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Nottingham or Nantes in the Spring?

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

In April, Nottingham is generally cooler than Nantes. Daily temperatures in Nottingham average around 8°C (46°F), and Nantes fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

Nottingham usually receives less sunshine than Nantes during spring. Nottingham gets 151 hours of sunny skies, while Nantes receives 187 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Nottingham usually receives around the same amount of rain as Nantes. Nottingham gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nottingham 8°C (46°F) 
    Nantes 11°C (51°F)

Typical Weather for Nantes and Nottingham

Nottingham Nantes
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (39°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 6°C (42°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 6°C (44°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 8°C (47°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 11°C (51°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 11°C (53°F) 50 mm (2 in) 14°C (57°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jun 15°C (58°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 17°C (63°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Jul 16°C (62°F) 51 mm (2 in) 19°C (67°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Aug 16°C (61°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 19°C (66°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 17°C (63°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 13°C (56°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 7°C (44°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 9°C (48°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Dec 5°C (40°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 6°C (43°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)


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