A Travel Price Comparison for France Strasbourg vs. Nantes for Food, Old Town, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit Strasbourg or Nantes?

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 Nantes can help you decide which place is right for you.

Strasbourg

Strasbourg is a quaint, historic, and charming city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Nantes

Nantes is a welcoming, friendly, and historical city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Strasbourg and Nantes: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Strasbourg or Nantes?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Strasbourg than Nantes, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Strasbourg is better known for its historical sights, while Nantes is more popular for its food and nightlife. Strasbourg is more touristy than Nantes and is known for its charming beauty, its impressive cathedral, and its quaint houses. Also, Strasbourg is famous for The Strasbourg Cathedral. Nantes is well known for its castles and historical landmarks, local wine, and beautiful parks and gardens.

How is Strasbourg different from Nantes?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Nantes 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 Nantes?

Spend time exploring the excellent sights and museums in either Strasbourg or Nantes.

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 Nantes can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

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

Nantes is a world-class destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Strasbourg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Nantes has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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).

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Strasbourg. 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.

Is Strasbourg or Nantes Better for Nightlife?

Nantes is a great city for nightlife. Also, Strasbourg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

The nightlife in Nantes has something for everybody. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Strasbourg. 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.

Is Strasbourg or Nantes Better for its Old Town?

Strasbourg is an unbeatable place for its historic old town charm. Also, Nantes is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Strasbourg offers plenty to see. Known as La Petite France, the old town is filled with charming squares, historic monuments, and beautiful architecture.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Strasbourg or Nantes?

If you're looking to go shopping, Strasbourg and Nantes both offer plenty of excellent 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.

Nantes is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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 Strasbourg or Nantes Better for Families?

Nantes is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Strasbourg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Nantes is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Strasbourg is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Is Strasbourg or Nantes Better for Couples?

Both Strasbourg and Nantes are excellent 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.

Nantes is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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.

Is Strasbourg or Nantes Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Strasbourg is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Nantes is lacking in good options for 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.

Nantes is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't as many hostels as you would expect in the area, so finding an affordable and social place to stay may be a bit challenging.

Is Strasbourg or Nantes Better for Students?

For students, both Strasbourg and Nantes are notable places to visit.

It's common for students to visit Strasbourg. Students appreciate the mix of traditional culture and international opportunities.

Nantes is a good city to visit for 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.

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

Strasbourg and Nantes both offer excellent 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 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 Strasbourg or Nantes a more walkable city?

Strasbourg and Nantes are excellent when it comes to walkability.

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

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 Strasbourg Worth Visiting? and Is Nantes Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nantes or Strasbourg?

How long in Strasbourg or Nantes?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Strasbourg and Nantes. In our opinion, Nantes has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Nantes than Strasbourg. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Nantes than Strasbourg. 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 Strasbourg. 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 Strasbourg than Nantes 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 Strasbourg.

One day in Strasbourg or Nantes?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Strasbourg. 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.

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 Strasbourg or Nantes?

Strasbourg 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 Strasbourg or Nantes?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Strasbourg. 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. 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 Strasbourg or Nantes?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Strasbourg. This city 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.

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 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 Nantes, we can see that Strasbourg 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 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 Nantes.

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

Which is Bigger, Strasbourg or Nantes?

Nantes has a larger population, and is about 1% larger than the population of Strasbourg. When comparing the sizes of Strasbourg 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 Strasbourg or Nantes?

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 Strasbourg or Nantes in the Summer?

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

In July, Strasbourg is generally around the same temperature as Nantes. Daily temperatures in Strasbourg average around 20°C (68°F), and Nantes fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nantes this time of the year. In Strasbourg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Strasbourg usually receives less sunshine than Nantes during summer. Strasbourg gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while Nantes receives 267 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Strasbourg usually receives more rain than Nantes. Strasbourg gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Strasbourg or Nantes in the Autumn?

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

Strasbourg is cooler than Nantes in the autumn. The daily temperature in Strasbourg averages around 12°C (53°F) in October, and Nantes fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Strasbourg often gets less sunshine than Nantes. Strasbourg gets 101 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nantes receives 141 hours of full sun.

Strasbourg usually gets less rain in October than Nantes. Strasbourg gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Strasbourg or Nantes in the Winter?

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

Strasbourg can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Strasbourg is much colder than Nantes. Typically, the winter temperatures in Strasbourg in January average around 2°C (35°F), and Nantes averages at about 6°C (42°F).

Strasbourg usually receives less sunshine than Nantes during winter. Strasbourg gets 42 hours of sunny skies, while Nantes receives 72 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Strasbourg usually receives less rain than Nantes. Strasbourg gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Strasbourg or Nantes in the Spring?

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

In April, Strasbourg is generally around the same temperature as Nantes. Daily temperatures in Strasbourg average around 11°C (51°F), and Nantes fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the spring, Strasbourg often gets less sunshine than Nantes. Strasbourg gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nantes receives 187 hours of full sun.

Strasbourg usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Nantes. Strasbourg gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Nantes and Strasbourg