A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Paphos vs. Nice for Food, Nightlife, Resorts, and Beaches

Should you visit Paphos or Nice?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Paphos or Nice, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Paphos

Paphos is a beautiful, cultural, and coastal town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Nice

Nice is a trendy, chic, and glamourous seaside destination. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. It's also known for shopping, nightlife, and food.

Paphos and Nice: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Paphos or Nice?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Paphos. Although Paphos and Nice are popular destinations, Paphos has more sights and attractions for tourists. Paphos is very popular for its museums and beaches, while Nice attracts visitors for its nightlife, historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Nice is more touristy than Paphos and is known for its beachfront setting in the French Riviera as well as its popularity with A-list celebrities. Paphos is famous for its historical sights, rich culture, and beautiful churches. It is also well known for Paphos Archaeological Park.

How is Paphos different from Nice?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Paphos or Nice?

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

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Paphos are among the most recognizable in the world. The area is well known for its impressive archeological ruins, many of which are found at Paphos Archaeological Site. Other impressive sights include the Tombs of the Kings, the Chrysopolitissa Basilica & St. Paul's Pillar, Agia Paraskevi, and Paphos Fort.

Nice does not have museums and landmarks.

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

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

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Paphos is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Food is a huge part of the culture and family life in the area. The cuisine is influenced by the surrounding areas and you'll see similarities to Greek, Turkish, and Middle Eastern cuisines. Popular dishes include koupepia (vine leaves stuffed with a filling called gemista), souvlaki (a meat and salad filled pita), and makaronia tou fournou (a pasta dish made with halloumi and béchamel sauce).

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.

Is Paphos or Nice Better for Nightlife?

Nice is renowned for nightlife. Also, Paphos is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

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.

If you're looking for night time activities Paphos has a few options to choose from. Most people think of history, culture, beaches, and wine, but the city also has its share of clubs and bars. It's not the party-hard beach destination that you'll find at some Mediterranean tourist areas, but there are still plenty of bars and clubs with atmosphere and style. Head to Agiou Antoniou Street for the most action.

Is Paphos or Nice Better for Resorts?

With a similar set of options, first-rate resorts can be found in both Paphos and Nice.

Paphos offers an unforgettable resort vacation. The area is filled with all types of resorts. There are many all-inclusive resorts that cater to families, honeymooners, or luxury vacationers. If you want to experience more of the local culture, there are also smaller boutique hotels or local apartments available.

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.

Is Paphos or Nice Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

You'll find nice snorkeling or scuba diving in both Paphos and Nice.

Paphos has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. There are many snorkeling and dive spots that aren't far away. You'll also find a number of scuba or snorkeling excursions that you can join. The water conditions for snorkeling and diving are best during the summer months.

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.

Is Paphos or Nice Better for Beaches?

Paphos is renowned for the beache. Also, Nice is not as famous, but is still a good seaside destination to visit for the beach.

Paphos is considered to be a world-class beach destination. Many people head to the area specifically for the beaches. This region has the longest coastline of any region in Cyprus, but keep in mind that some of the best beaches are found outside of the main tourist areas. However, they most are usually accessible by city bus with many remote stretches found along the Akamas Peninsula. Within town the beaches are often rocky and pebbly.

Many people visit Nice for it's beautiful beaches. 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 Paphos or Nice Better for its Old Town?

Nice is a great destination for its historic old town. Also, Paphos is still popular, but not quite as popular for its 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Paphos. The old town is a pleasant area to walk around with a number of interesting buildings.

Is the Shopping Better in Paphos or Nice?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Nice and Paphos.

Paphos is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There are outdoor markets, major shopping streets, and international fashion brands. You can pick up local souvenirs or beach gear that you may have forgotten.

Nice is well-known for its shopping. 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 Paphos or Nice Better for Families?

Paphos is a well-known place 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.

Paphos is a very kid-friendly town. There are plenty of outdoor activities that kids will enjoy. Head to the beach or take a walk along the coastline. Animal lovers will appreciate a visit to the zoo, bird park, or aquarium and young thrill seekers will enjoy a day at the Aqua-park of Aphrodite. And, of course, there's also the ruins that kids can have fun exploring.

Nice is a family-friendly town. 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 Paphos or Nice Better for Couples?

Paphos and Nice are both first-rate to visit as a couple.

Paphos has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. Honeymooners who enjoy history, nature, beaches, and culture will find it all in the area. There are stunning beaches where you can relax in the sun, world renowned archeological ruins where you can immerse yourself in a historical world, and beautiful views around every corner. There are also excellent restaurants and wine tasting opportunities that will make for a memorable trip.

Nice is a great town 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.

Is Paphos or Nice Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Paphos 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.

Paphos is a great town to visit for backpackers. The area is generally accessible with a few good hostels and budget accommodation options sprinkled about. There are great beaches and restaurants as well as plenty of beautiful places to enjoy a walk.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Paphos and Nice.

Visitors to Paphos can move around easily with public transportation. It's possible to get around by city bus to most places. Buses connect many touristy areas such as Kato Paphos, Tombs of the Kings, Chloraka, Kissonerga, Coral Bay and Paphos Center.

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

Is Paphos or Nice a more walkable city?

Nice is renowned for its walkability. Also, Paphos is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Getting around Nice on foot is easy. You should definitely spend some time exploring the 7 kilometer long Promenade des Anglais.

Paphos is a somewhat walkable place. The main tourist area is Kato Paphos which is small, compact and easy to walk around, but if you want to head to areas further away then you likely won't be able to travel on foot. It's important to understand where your hotel is located if you're planning to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Nice or Paphos?

How long in Paphos or Nice?

In either Paphos or Nice, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. In our opinion, Paphos has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Paphos than Nice. However, 3-5 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Couples should spend more time in Nice than Paphos. 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 Paphos 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 Paphos.

One day in Paphos or Nice?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Paphos. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

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.

A weekend in Paphos or Nice?

Paphos is a fun place to experience. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Paphos or Nice?

Visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the cultural destination of Paphos. This town offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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. 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.

A week in Paphos or Nice?

The coastal town of Paphos offers shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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.

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the glamourous 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Cyprus, The Best Tours for Seniors to Cyprus, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Paphos or Nice?

Nice has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Paphos. When comparing the sizes of Paphos and Nice, 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 Paphos or Nice?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Paphos or Nice in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Paphos and Nice. The beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Paphos this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Nice for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Paphos is a little warmer than Nice. Typically, the summer temperatures in Paphos in July average around 27°C (80°F), and Nice averages at about 23°C (73°F).

In July, Paphos usually receives less rain than Nice. Paphos gets 0 mm (0 in) of rain, while Nice receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Paphos or Nice in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Paphos as well as Nice. Many travelers come to Paphos for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Nice in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Paphos is generally a little warmer than Nice. Daily temperatures in Paphos average around 21°C (70°F), and Nice fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite rainy in Nice. Paphos usually gets less rain in October than Nice. Paphos gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Nice receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Paphos or Nice in the Winter?

Both Nice and Paphos are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Paphos in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Nice for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Paphos is a little warmer than Nice in the winter. The daily temperature in Paphos averages around 12°C (53°F) in January, and Nice fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

In January, Paphos usually receives less rain than Nice. Paphos gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Nice receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Paphos or Nice in the Spring?

Both Nice and Paphos during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Paphos for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Nice because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Paphos is a little warmer than Nice. Typically, the spring temperatures in Paphos in April average around 17°C (62°F), and Nice averages at about 13°C (56°F).

Paphos usually gets less rain in April than Nice. Paphos gets 11 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Nice receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Nice and Paphos