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

Should you visit Nottingham or Saint-Etienne?

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 Saint-Etienne 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 authentic, dynamic, and livable city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the live music, food, and shopping.

Saint-Etienne

Saint-Etienne is a undiscovered, authentic, and historic city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, hiking, and museums.

Nottingham and Saint-Etienne: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with couples


Is there more to do in Nottingham or Saint-Etienne?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Nottingham than Saint-Etienne. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Nottingham is very popular for its food, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Saint-Etienne attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. Nottingham is more touristy than Saint-Etienne and is popular for its authenticity and local cuisine. It is also well known for Old Market Square. Saint-Etienne is famous for its industrial and manufacturing past.

How is Nottingham different from Saint-Etienne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne?

Nottingham
Saint-Etienne

Both Nottingham and Saint-Etienne have nice landmarks and museums for visitors.

Nottingham is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

Saint-Etienne offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several great museums in town including the Musée d'Art et d'Industrie, Musée de la Mine, Musée des Verts, and the planetarium.


Is the Food Better in Nottingham or Saint-Etienne? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nottingham
Saint-Etienne

Nottingham is a good destination for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Saint-Etienne may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Try the many local cheeses which are a defining part of the cuisine in the area. You'll find some local restaurants around town where you can sample local flavors.

Is Nottingham or Saint-Etienne Better for Nightlife?

Nottingham
Saint-Etienne

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Nottingham and Saint-Etienne.

Nottingham has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Saint-Etienne has a few options to choose from. The nightlife is centered around sipping wine or visiting one of the clubs in town.

Is Nottingham or Saint-Etienne Better for Music?

Nottingham
Saint-Etienne

Nottingham is a good destination for its live music scene. However, Saint-Etienne is not a live music destination.

You don't have to look far to find a unique music venue in Nottingham. Many of the best music concerts in the UK make there way to Nottingham. Check out Rock City, which hosts all kinds of concerts.

Saint-Etienne is not a live music destination.


Is Nottingham or Saint-Etienne Better for Hiking?

Nottingham
Saint-Etienne

Saint-Etienne is a city with good options for its hiking experiences. However, Nottingham is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Saint-Etienne. You'll find several great hikes just outside of town. It's a great way to experience the surrounding countryside.

Nottingham is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nottingham or Saint-Etienne?

Nottingham
Saint-Etienne

Nottingham is great for its shopping opportunities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its shopping areas.

Nottingham is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Saint-Etienne has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. Shopping malls and several boutique shopping areas make up the city's shopping scene.

Is Nottingham or Saint-Etienne Better for Families?

Nottingham
Saint-Etienne

Both Nottingham and Saint-Etienne are nice to visit with kids.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Nottingham. 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.

Saint-Etienne offers lots of family activities. There are several kid-friendly museums as well as plenty of natural settings just outside of town. Your kids can run around and stretch their legs nearby at Crest of the Partridge or on a rainy day, the planetarium is a fun place to visit.


Is Nottingham or Saint-Etienne Better for Couples?

Nottingham
Saint-Etienne

Nottingham is a good destination for its romantic activities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for couples.

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.

Saint-Etienne is not always the best place to visit for a couple. There are museums, parks, gardens, and beautiful architecture that make this a wonderful place for couples.

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

Nottingham
Saint-Etienne

Nottingham is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Public transit in Nottingham can get you to some places easily. There are buses and trams around town that connect into the rail network. The multi-operator system is organized by the Robin Hood Network.

Saint-Etienne has a few public transit options. There are tram and bus options available in town.

Is Nottingham or Saint-Etienne a more walkable city?

Nottingham
Saint-Etienne

Nottingham is great for its high level of walkability. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its ease of walking around.

Nottingham is a very walkable city. 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.

Saint-Etienne is a somewhat walkable city. There are several walkable areas in the city.


For even more information, also check out Is Nottingham Worth Visiting? and Is Saint-Etienne Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Saint-Etienne or Nottingham?

How long in Nottingham or Saint-Etienne?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Nottingham or Saint-Etienne to fill your time. In our opinion, Nottingham has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Nottingham than Saint-Etienne. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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


  • How many days in Nottingham or Saint-Etienne? Ideal Length of Stay
    Nottingham 1-2 
    Saint-Etienne 1-2

One day in Nottingham or Saint-Etienne?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the authentic destination of Nottingham. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

With museums and nightlife around the park-filled city of Saint-Etienne, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Saint-Etienne, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Nottingham or Saint-Etienne?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nottingham. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

With nightlife and museums around the destination of Saint-Etienne, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Nottingham or Saint-Etienne?

Travelers enjoy the live music and food when visiting the livable destination of Nottingham. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days 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.

Saint-Etienne, 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 Saint-Etienne?

You'll find food and shopping around the city of Nottingham. 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.

Saint-Etienne is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Paris, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris.


Which place is cheaper, Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne is £92. 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 Saint-Etienne in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Nottingham £64
    Saint-Etienne £39
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Nottingham £128
    Saint-Etienne £78
Compare Hotels in Nottingham and Saint-Etienne

Looking for a hotel in Nottingham or Saint-Etienne? 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 Saint-Etienne


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.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Nottingham £21
    Saint-Etienne £38

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nottingham

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Nottingham:

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Nottingham or Saint-Etienne?

Prices for flights to both Saint-Etienne 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
    Saint-Etienne £29

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Nottingham £28
    Saint-Etienne £22

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

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Nottingham £7.10
    Saint-Etienne £8.68

Sample the Local Flavors in Nottingham

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Nottingham:

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


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

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


Which is Bigger, Nottingham or Saint-Etienne?

Nottingham has a larger population, and is about 40% larger than the population of Saint-Etienne. When comparing the sizes of Nottingham and Saint-Etienne, 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 Saint-Etienne?

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 Saint-Etienne in the Summer?

Both Saint-Etienne and Nottingham during the summer are popular places to visit. The city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Nottingham this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Saint-Etienne for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Nottingham is cooler than Saint-Etienne. Typically, the summer temperatures in Nottingham in July average around 16°C (62°F), and Saint-Etienne averages at about 22°C (71°F).

In Saint-Etienne, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Nottingham often gets less sunshine than Saint-Etienne. Nottingham gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint-Etienne receives 285 hours of full sun.

Nottingham usually gets less rain in July than Saint-Etienne. Nottingham gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Nottingham 16°C (62°F) 
    Saint-Etienne 22°C (71°F)

Should I visit Nottingham or Saint-Etienne in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Nottingham and Saint-Etienne. Many travelers come to Nottingham for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Also, many visitors come to Saint-Etienne in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Nottingham is generally cooler than Saint-Etienne. Daily temperatures in Nottingham average around 11°C (52°F), and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

Nottingham usually receives less sunshine than Saint-Etienne during autumn. Nottingham gets 112 hours of sunny skies, while Saint-Etienne receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Nottingham usually receives less rain than Saint-Etienne. Nottingham gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Nottingham 11°C (52°F) 
    Saint-Etienne 14°C (56°F)

Should I visit Nottingham or Saint-Etienne in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Nottingham as well as Saint-Etienne. Many visitors come to Nottingham in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Saint-Etienne for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Saint-Etienne can be very cold during winter. Nottingham can get quite cold in the winter. Nottingham is around the same temperature as Saint-Etienne in the winter. The daily temperature in Nottingham averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Nottingham often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Saint-Etienne. Nottingham gets 61 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint-Etienne receives 62 hours of full sun.

Nottingham usually gets less rain in January than Saint-Etienne. Nottingham gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Nottingham 4°C (39°F) 
    Saint-Etienne 4°C (39°F)

Should I visit Nottingham or Saint-Etienne in the Spring?

Both Saint-Etienne and Nottingham are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Nottingham for the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Saint-Etienne because of the natural beauty.

In the spring, Nottingham is cooler than Saint-Etienne. Typically, the spring temperatures in Nottingham in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Saint-Etienne averages at about 11°C (53°F).

Nottingham usually receives less sunshine than Saint-Etienne during spring. Nottingham gets 151 hours of sunny skies, while Saint-Etienne receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Nottingham usually receives less rain than Saint-Etienne. Nottingham gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Nottingham 8°C (46°F) 
    Saint-Etienne 11°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Saint-Etienne and Nottingham

Nottingham Saint-Etienne
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (39°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 4°C (39°F) 55 mm (2.1 in)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 6°C (42°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 8°C (47°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 11°C (53°F) 65 mm (2.6 in)
May 11°C (53°F) 50 mm (2 in) 15°C (60°F) 85 mm (3.4 in)
Jun 15°C (58°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 19°C (66°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Jul 16°C (62°F) 51 mm (2 in) 22°C (71°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 16°C (61°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 21°C (70°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 18°C (65°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 14°C (56°F) 78 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 7°C (44°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 8°C (46°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Dec 5°C (40°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 4°C (40°F) 57 mm (2.3 in)