A Travel Price Comparison for France Strasbourg vs. Montpellier for Old Town, Attractions, Food, and Couples

Should you visit Strasbourg or Montpellier?

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 Strasbourg and Montpellier can help you decide which place is right for you.

Strasbourg

Strasbourg is a charming, picturesque, and impressive city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Montpellier

Montpellier is a beautiful, friendly, and historic city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Strasbourg and Montpellier: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Strasbourg or Montpellier?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Montpellier than Strasbourg, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Montpellier is better known for its beaches, while Strasbourg is more popular for its food. Strasbourg is more touristy than Montpellier and is popular for its charming beauty, its impressive cathedral, and its quaint houses. Montpellier is well known for its relaxed atmosphere, grand boulevards, and authentic personality. Also, Montpellier is famous for The Place de la Comédie.

How is Strasbourg different from Montpellier?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Strasbourg or Montpellier?

Spend time exploring the high quality sights and museums in either Strasbourg or Montpellier.

Many visitors head to Strasbourg specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. It is filled with grand monuments and historic landmarks. Many are concentrated in La Petite France and highlights include Strasbourg Cathedral, Barrage Vauban, Ponts Couverts, and Église Saint-Thomas.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Montpellier can be an interesting and educational experience. With such a long history, the city has many landmarks and monuments. Also make sure you visit Musée Fabre and Saint-Pierre Cathedral.

Is the Food Better in Strasbourg or Montpellier? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Strasbourg is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Strasbourg is an experience not to be missed. The cuisine combines French and German flavors for rich and hearty flavors. Popular dishes include Tarte Flambée, Alsatian Sausages, and Baeckeoffe (meat and vegetable stew). Also make sure you sample the Sauerkraut, munster cheese, and Reisling wine.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Montpellier. The dishes are made with fresh ingredients produced in the agricultural areas just outside of town. The area is known for its seafood and fish stews.

Is Strasbourg or Montpellier Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find notable options in both Strasbourg and Montpellier.

If you're looking for night time activities Strasbourg has a few options to choose from. It's most famous for its monuments and charm, but the city also has plenty to do at night. The liveliest areas are The Krutenau (for students and tourists alike), The Grande-île, and La Petite France.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Montpellier. The weather is mild, making for a nice evening out. The population is also young, so you can expect a lot of activity during the evenings, particularly in the area around Place Jean Jaurés. Make sure you enjoy local wine and champagne while you're in town.

Is Strasbourg or Montpellier Better for Beaches?

Montpellier is a great city for its beaches. However, Strasbourg is not a beach destination.

Montpellier is a very popular place to visit for its beaches. The coastline near Montpellier feels pristine and beautiful. You can also visit Villeneuve-lès-Maguelone to the southwest of town, which is a protected area.

Strasbourg is not a beach destination.

Is Strasbourg or Montpellier Better for its Old Town?

Strasbourg and Montpellier are both popular destinations with charming historical areas.

The historic old town of Strasbourg is revered around the world. Known as La Petite France, the old town is filled with charming squares, historic monuments, and beautiful architecture.

With a famous historical old-town, Montpellier offers plenty to see. Known as L'Écusson the town's old town dates back to the Middle Ages. It is a pedestrian area that is filled with boutiques, restaurants, and churches.

Is the Shopping Better in Strasbourg or Montpellier?

If you're looking to go shopping, Strasbourg and Montpellier both offer plenty of high quality spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Strasbourg. The city center is filled with pedestrian shopping streets and boutique stores. For some of the best shopping make sure you check out the main thoroughfare of Grand'Rue. If you want to pick up some trinkets or souvenirs, head to Place de la Cathédrale, and for department store shopping head to Galeries Lafayette Strasbourg.

Montpellier is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Head to Rue de la Loge for some of the city's best shopping.

Is Strasbourg or Montpellier Better for Families?

You'll find notable kid-friendly activities in either Strasbourg or Montpellier.

Strasbourg offers lots of family activities. Kids who love animals will enjoy a visit to Zoo de l’Orangerie or La Montagne des Singes. If the kids need to stretch their legs you can head to Deux-Rives Garden or on a rainy day check out Planetarium De Strasbourg or the Historical Museum of the City of Strasbourg.

Montpellier is a family-friendly place to visit. Popular activities for kids include taking a ride on the carousel in the Comedie, visiting the playground - Jardin Champs de Mars, and visiting the botanical garden - Jardin des Plantes.

Is Strasbourg or Montpellier Better for Couples?

Both Strasbourg and Montpellier are high quality destinations to visit as a couple.

Strasbourg is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. It's arguably one of the most beautiful cities in the region and it is filled with romance. There is beautiful architecture, romantic restaurants, wine tours, and flower filled parks. The scenic squares and grand cathedrals offer a truly perfect couples getaway.

Montpellier is a very popular place to visit for couples. Rich in history and beautiful architecture, this city offers a romantic setting for a great couple's getaway.

Is Strasbourg or Montpellier Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Montpellier is a great city for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Strasbourg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Montpellier is very popular with the backpacker crowd. With a young population and a number of hostels to choose from, Montpellier attracts its share of backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Strasbourg. The city has a handful of hostels that offer affordable accommodation for those on a shoestring budget.

Is Strasbourg or Montpellier Better for Students?

Montpellier is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Strasbourg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Montpellier. Montpellier is a popular university town that is home to many trendy university students. It's also where you'll find the youngest population of any city in France.

Strasbourg is a good city to visit for students. Students appreciate the mix of traditional culture and international opportunities.

Is Strasbourg or Montpellier Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Strasbourg and Montpellier both offer high quality public transit to get you around.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Strasbourg. The city has six tramlines and a number of bus routes.

Public transit in Montpellier can get you to some places easily. There are a number of options for getting around town including the tramway, bus, and tourist train.

Is Strasbourg or Montpellier a more walkable city?

Strasbourg and Montpellier are high quality when it comes to walkability.

Strasbourg is very walkable. One of the best ways to explore the city is on foot.

Montpellier is a very walkable city. Many of the sights and attractions are easily accessible on foot and can be enjoyed as part of a self-guided walking tour.

For even more information, also check out Is Strasbourg Worth Visiting? and Is Montpellier Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Montpellier or Strasbourg?

How long in Strasbourg or Montpellier?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Strasbourg and Montpellier. In our opinion, Montpellier has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Montpellier than Strasbourg. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Strasbourg, and 1-3 days is enough time in Montpellier.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Montpellier than Strasbourg 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 Montpellier.

One day in Strasbourg or Montpellier?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the charming city of Strasbourg. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

With museums and nightlife around the historic city of Montpellier, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Montpellier, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Strasbourg or Montpellier?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the quaint destination of Strasbourg. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Montpellier, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 Strasbourg or Montpellier?

The historic city of Strasbourg offers shopping and museums. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Montpellier, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. 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 Strasbourg or Montpellier?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Strasbourg. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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.

Montpellier 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 10-Day Tours from Paris, The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to France, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Strasbourg or Montpellier?

Strasbourg has a larger population, and is about 11% larger than the population of Montpellier. When comparing the sizes of Strasbourg and Montpellier, 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 Strasbourg or Montpellier?

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 Strasbourg or Montpellier in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Strasbourg as well as Montpellier. Many visitors come to Strasbourg in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, most visitors come to Montpellier for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Strasbourg is generally cooler than Montpellier. Daily temperatures in Strasbourg average around 20°C (68°F), and Montpellier fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montpellier. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Strasbourg this time of the year. In the summer, Strasbourg often gets less sunshine than Montpellier. Strasbourg gets 240 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montpellier receives 351 hours of full sun.

Strasbourg usually gets more rain in July than Montpellier. Strasbourg gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Strasbourg or Montpellier in the Autumn?

Both Montpellier and Strasbourg are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Strasbourg for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Montpellier because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Strasbourg is cooler than Montpellier in the autumn. The daily temperature in Strasbourg averages around 12°C (53°F) in October, and Montpellier fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

Strasbourg usually receives less sunshine than Montpellier during autumn. Strasbourg gets 101 hours of sunny skies, while Montpellier receives 187 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Montpellier. In October, Strasbourg usually receives less rain than Montpellier. Strasbourg gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Strasbourg or Montpellier in the Winter?

Both Montpellier and Strasbourg during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Strasbourg because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Montpellier this time of year.

The weather in Strasbourg can be very cold. In the winter, Strasbourg is much colder than Montpellier. Typically, the winter temperatures in Strasbourg in January average around 2°C (35°F), and Montpellier averages at about 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Strasbourg often gets less sunshine than Montpellier. Strasbourg gets 42 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montpellier receives 147 hours of full sun.

Strasbourg usually gets less rain in January than Montpellier. Strasbourg gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Strasbourg or Montpellier in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Strasbourg and Montpellier. The natural beauty are the main draw to Strasbourg this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Montpellier for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Strasbourg is generally cooler than Montpellier. Daily temperatures in Strasbourg average around 11°C (51°F), and Montpellier fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montpellier this time of the year. Strasbourg usually receives less sunshine than Montpellier during spring. Strasbourg gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Montpellier receives 230 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Strasbourg usually receives less rain than Montpellier. Strasbourg gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Montpellier and Strasbourg