A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Orkney Islands vs. Nice for Food, Couples, Beaches, and Backpackers

Should you visit Orkney Islands or Nice?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Orkney Islands and Nice can help you decide which place is right for you.

Orkney Islands

Orkney Islands is a serene, tranquil, and natural archipelago. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food, beaches, and hiking.

Nice

Nice is a opulent, trendy, and chic 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 beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Orkney Islands and Nice: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Orkney Islands or Nice?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Nice. Although Orkney Islands and Nice 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, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Orkney Islands is known for its museums and hiking. Nice is more touristy than Orkney Islands 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. Orkney Islands is popular for its sandy beaches, serene landscape, and well-preserved Neolithic sights.

How is Orkney Islands different from Nice?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Orkney Islands or Nice?

Orkney Islands is a archipelago with good options for its sights and museums. However, Nice does not have museums and landmarks.

Orkney Islands offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The islands is home to a number of archaeological ruins including the stone age village of Skara Brae and the neolithic chambered cairn of Maes Howee. Also check out impressive Ring of Brodgar stone circle as well as the oldest dwelling in the UK, the Knap of Howar on Papa Westray.

Nice does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Nice is renowned for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Orkney Islands is not as popular, but is still a nice archipelago for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Nice has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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, Orkney Islands makes for a great culinary experience. You'll find so many local products on the islands. It's famous for its local beef, lamb, salmon, and seafood, but you'll also find cheeses and produce. There are two breweries on the island as well. Many people pick up some items that they take home with them.

Is Orkney Islands or Nice Better for Nightlife?

Nice is renowned for its evening party scene. However, Orkney Islands is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Nice is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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.

Orkney Islands is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Orkney Islands or Nice Better for Resorts?

Nice is renowned for its luxury resorts. However, Orkney Islands is not a resort destination.

If you're looking for a fantastic resort destination, Nice is a perfect choice. The city has boutique hotels as well high end luxury resorts. Popular options include Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée, Hôtel Suisse, and AC Hotel by Marriott.

Orkney Islands is not a resort destination.

Is Orkney Islands or Nice Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Nice is very good for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Orkney Islands is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Nice. There are some places where you can arrange a snorkeling or dive trip to explore the underwater setting.

Orkney Islands is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Orkney Islands or Nice Better for Beaches?

Orkney Islands and Nice are superb choices for a beach vacation.

Orkney Islands is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. The archipelago has hundreds of miles of beaches that feel serene and remote. If you're looking for a tranquil setting that is natural and untouched, you'll have many to choose from. Some of the best beaches on the islands include Tresness Beach, Grobust Beach, and Sands of Evie Beach.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Nice. 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.

Is Orkney Islands or Nice Better for its Old Town?

Nice is great for its historic old town charm. However, Orkney Islands does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Nice. Wandering around the charming old town is a quintessential part of visiting this city. There are many historic churches and squares, as well as great restaurants and shops that you can pop in.

Orkney Islands does not have a historic old town.

Is Orkney Islands or Nice Better for Hiking?

Orkney Islands is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Nice is not a hiking destination.

Orkney Islands is a popular spot for hiking. Rolling hills and rugged landscapes make for relaxing and beautiful walks. There are also many archaeological ruins that you can explore. Favorite hikes in the area include Balfour Village and Mill Dam, Birsay Whalebone, and Birwick to Barth Head.

Nice is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Orkney Islands or Nice?

Nice is great for its shopping areas. However, Orkney Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Orkney Islands is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Orkney Islands or Nice Better for Families?

You'll find good kid-friendly activities in either Orkney Islands or Nice.

Orkney Islands offers lots of family activities. Exploring the beaches is one of the best way to spend your days with kids. There are also several places you can take the kids like Barony Mill, Skate Rumple Alpaca Farm, Corrigall Farm Museum, and Kirbuster Farm Museum.

Nice is a family-friendly place to visit. The town has many fun playgrounds, kid-friendly beaches, and unique cultural opportunities that kids can enjoy. It also makes a great base for exploring the French Riviera and everything that it has to offer.

Is Orkney Islands or Nice Better for Couples?

Nice is renowned for couples. Also, Orkney Islands is not as popular, but is still a nice archipelago for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Nice 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.

Orkney Islands is a very popular place to visit for couples. Nature lovers will enjoy the stunning beaches and beautiful natural setting. There are also some great restaurants and even live music performances that make for a fun date night.

Is Orkney Islands or Nice Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Orkney Islands 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.

Orkney Islands is a great archipelago to visit for backpackers. If camping is your style, you'll find some great campgrounds and campsites that make the most of this beautiful natural setting.

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

Nice is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Orkney Islands is not as popular, but is still a nice archipelago for its public transit.

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

Orkney Islands has a few public transit options. Buses travel to many parts of the islands and many islands are connected by ferries.

Is Orkney Islands or Nice a more walkable city?

Nice is renowned for its ease of walking around. However, Orkney Islands is not a walkable destination.

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.

Orkney Islands is not a walkable destination.

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

Should I spend more time in Nice or Orkney Islands?

How long in Orkney Islands or Nice?

In either Orkney Islands or Nice, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Orkney Islands than Nice because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Orkney Islands, and 3-5 days is enough time in Nice.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Nice than Orkney Islands 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.

One day in Orkney Islands or Nice?

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Orkney Islands. 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.

In Nice, you'll find shopping and nightlife. Visiting the old town is also a must. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Orkney Islands or Nice?

Orkney Islands 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.

Nice is a great place to explore. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Anyone can find something fun to do here. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Orkney Islands or Nice?

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the natural destination of Orkney Islands. This archipelago 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nice. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. It offers something for everyone. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

A week in Orkney Islands or Nice?

Visitors enjoy the food and museums when visiting the remote archipelago of Orkney Islands. 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.

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the quaint seaside destination of Nice. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Your budget might influence how long you stay. 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 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Kingdom, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.

When comparing the travel costs between Orkney Islands and Nice, we can see that Orkney Islands 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 Orkney Islands Expensive? and Is Nice Expensive?.

When is the best time to visit Orkney Islands or Nice?

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 Orkney Islands or Nice in the Summer?

Both Nice and Orkney Islands during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Orkney Islands for the beaches, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Nice in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Orkney Islands is generally much colder than Nice. Daily temperatures in Orkney Islands average around 12°C (54°F), and Nice fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

Orkney Islands usually gets more rain in July than Nice. Orkney Islands gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Nice receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Nice in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Orkney Islands and Nice. Many visitors come to Orkney Islands in the autumn for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Nice for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Orkney Islands is much colder than Nice in the autumn. The daily temperature in Orkney Islands averages around 9°C (48°F) in October, and Nice fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Nice receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Orkney Islands gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Orkney Islands usually receives around the same amount of rain as Nice. Orkney Islands gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Nice receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Nice in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Orkney Islands as well as Nice. Most visitors come to Orkney Islands for the museums and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Nice because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Orkney Islands can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Orkney Islands is much colder than Nice. Typically, the winter temperatures in Orkney Islands in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Nice averages at about 9°C (48°F).

Orkney Islands receives a lot of rain in the winter. Orkney Islands usually gets more rain in January than Nice. Orkney Islands gets 106 mm (4.2 in) of rain, while Nice receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Orkney Islands or Nice in the Spring?

Both Nice and Orkney Islands are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Orkney Islands because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Nice this time of year.

In April, Orkney Islands is generally much colder than Nice. Daily temperatures in Orkney Islands average around 6°C (43°F), and Nice fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In April, Orkney Islands usually receives less rain than Nice. Orkney Islands gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Nice receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Nice and Orkney Islands