A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Stuttgart vs. Nantes for Food, Attractions, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Stuttgart or Nantes?

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

Should I visit Stuttgart or Nantes? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Stuttgart

Stuttgart is a authentic, commercial, and diverse city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Nantes

Nantes is a vibrant, welcoming, and friendly city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Stuttgart and Nantes: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Big city activities
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers


Is there more to do in Stuttgart or Nantes?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Stuttgart than Nantes. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Stuttgart is very popular for its big city activities, while Nantes attracts visitors for its museums, food, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Nantes is more touristy than Stuttgart and is known for its castles and historical landmarks, local wine, and beautiful parks and gardens. Stuttgart is famous for its many automobile museums including the Mercedes-Benz Museum and the Porsche Museum. It is also well known for The Mercedes-Benz Museum.

How is Stuttgart different from Nantes?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Stuttgart or Nantes?

Stuttgart
Nantes

Nantes is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Stuttgart is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Nantes offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Stuttgart is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The city's influence over the car industry is reflected in the museums in town. You can visit both the Mercedes-Benz Museum and the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart. Also check out Schlossplatz, the Ludwigsburg Palace, and Altes Schloss and Landesmuseum while you're in town.


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

Stuttgart
Nantes

Nantes is an amazing city to visit for its restaurants. Also, Stuttgart is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Nantes is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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).

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Stuttgart makes for a great culinary experience. The city blends traditional German flavors with modern twists. You'll find much more than the standard bratworsts that so many people associate with German cuisine. One favorite dish is maultaschen, which is like a ravioli. Also make sure you try spätzle, zwiebelrostbraten (roast and onions) and flädlesuppe (soup with long pasta).

Is Stuttgart or Nantes Better for Nightlife?

Stuttgart
Nantes

The very good nightlife scene is relatively similar in Stuttgart and Nantes.

Stuttgart has a large number of nightlife venues. The nightlife scene stays active late into the evening. You'll find no shortage of clubs, bars, music venues, and beer gardens. You'll meet a combination of locals, tourists, students, and expats at many venues.

Nantes is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

Is Stuttgart or Nantes Better for its Old Town?

Stuttgart
Nantes

Nantes is a popular place for its historic old town charm. However, Stuttgart does not have a historic old town.

Nantes has an old town worth visiting. 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.

Stuttgart does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Stuttgart or Nantes?

Stuttgart
Nantes

Shoppers can find a variety of very good stores in both Stuttgart and Nantes.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Stuttgart. The city is filled with pedestrian shopping streets as well as flea markets and major shopping malls. The main shopping street in town is Koenigstrasse, where you'll find many upscale boutiques. For a local food market head to Markthalle Stuttgart. The flagship store of the Breuninger chain is also found in Stuttgart.

Nantes is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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 Stuttgart or Nantes Better for Families?

Stuttgart
Nantes

Nantes is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Stuttgart is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Nantes. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Stuttgart. Like many German city's, there's a great zoo to explore. There's also some unique museums like the Mercedes-Benz Museum and the Porsche Museum. Kids will also enjoy taking in the view from the top of the Fernsehturm.

Is Stuttgart or Nantes Better for Couples?

Stuttgart
Nantes

Nantes is a very popular place for couples. Also, Stuttgart is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Nantes makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Stuttgart is a nice destination for couples. The city is large enough to have some nice romantic hotels, spas, luxury restaurants, and other activities that make for a great date night.


Is Stuttgart or Nantes Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Stuttgart
Nantes

Stuttgart 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 Stuttgart. It's not on the backpacker circuit for most people but there are still plenty of hostels and affordable accommodation options. You'll also find plenty of activities and affordable restaurants to choose from.

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 Stuttgart or Nantes Better for Students?

Stuttgart
Nantes

Stuttgart is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Nantes is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Stuttgart is a great city to visit as a student. It's an international city with great universities and a friendly and central location. There's also a lively nightlife and plenty of things to do.

Nantes is popular with 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 Stuttgart or Nantes Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Stuttgart
Nantes

Visitors will find very good public transit in both Stuttgart and Nantes.

The public transit in Stuttgart can get you to most places easily. The city's transit system includes buses, the U‑Bahn and the S‑Bahn. The U-Bahn is a denser train system in the city center and the S-Bahn covers more distance and reaches into the suburbs with stops that are more spread out.

Visitors to Nantes can move around easily with public transportation. There are both trams and buses throughout the city that are operated by TAN (Transport de l'Agglomeration Nantaise).


Is Stuttgart or Nantes a more walkable city?

Stuttgart
Nantes

Nantes is a very popular place for its ease of walking around. Also, Stuttgart is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

Nantes is a very walkable destination. The city is very walkable. Both locals and tourists alike choose to walk in Nantes.

Stuttgart is somewhat walkable. There are parts of the city that are more walkable than others.

For even more information, also check out Is Stuttgart Worth Visiting? and Is Nantes Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nantes or Stuttgart?

How long in Stuttgart or Nantes?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Stuttgart and Nantes. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Stuttgart than in Nantes. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Stuttgart, and 2-3 days is enough time in Nantes.

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


  • How many days in Stuttgart or Nantes? Ideal Length of Stay
    Stuttgart 2-4 
    Nantes 2-3

One day in Stuttgart or Nantes?

Stuttgart is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Nantes. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Stuttgart or Nantes?

Stuttgart 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the welcoming destination of Nantes. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.


Five days in Stuttgart or Nantes?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Stuttgart. 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.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the welcoming city of Nantes. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Most people head to the area for the food. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Stuttgart or Nantes?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the dynamic big city of Stuttgart. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Nantes is a popular choice for travelers. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Berlin, The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Nantes or Stuttgart?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Stuttgart is €164, while the average daily cost in Nantes is €108. 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 Stuttgart and Nantes in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Stuttgart 101
    Nantes 60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Stuttgart 202
    Nantes 120
Compare Hotels in Stuttgart and Nantes

Looking for a hotel in Stuttgart or Nantes? 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 Stuttgart


Hotels in Nantes


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: Stuttgart Hotel Prices and Nantes Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Stuttgart 25
    Nantes 36

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Stuttgart

Also for Stuttgart, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer from Stuttgart Airport to Baden-Baden: $291
  • Private Transfer to/from Stuttgart Airport (STR): $103
  • Stuttgart Airport(STR) to Baden-Baden Thermal Round-Trip Transfer: $153
  • Stuttgart Airport to Titisee-Neustadt Thermal Private Transfer: $153
  • Stuttgart Airport to Titisee-Neustadt Thermal - Arrival Transfer: $76
  • Stuttgart Airport to Oberstdorf Alpsee Grünten Arrival Transfer: $87
  • Stuttgart Airport to Oberstdorf Alpse Grünten Round Trip Transfer: $175
  • Stuttgart Airport (STR) to Baden-Baden Thermal - Arrival Transfer: $76
  • Special Private Transfer from Stuttgart to Mercedes-Benz Museum: $91
  • Private Transfer: Stuttgart to Stuttgart Airport STR by MB Van: $91
  • Private Transfer: Stuttgart to Stuttgart Airport STR by MB Sedan: $91
  • Private Transfer: Stuttgart Airport STR to Stuttgart by MB Van: $91

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Nantes

Also for Nantes, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Nantes Hotels to La Rochelle Cruise Port: $88
  • Private Transfer from Nantes Atlantique Airport NTE to Puy du Fou Park: $174
  • Private Transfer from Nantes Airport (NTE) to La Rochelle Port: $88
  • Private Transfer from Airports to Nantes: $33
  • Nantes to Nantes Airport (NTE) - Departure Private Transfer: $26
  • Nantes Private Transfer from Nantes city centre to Nantes Airport: $65
  • Nantes Private Transfer from Nantes Airport to City centre: $65
  • Nantes Airport (NTE) to Nantes hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $26
  • Nantes Airport (NTE) to Nantes - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $52

Is it cheaper to fly into Stuttgart or Nantes?

Prices for flights to both Nantes and Stuttgart 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
    Stuttgart 37
    Nantes 27
Typical Food Prices in Stuttgart

For Stuttgart, here are some examples of average food and meal prices for travelers:


  • Panini To Go
    2.00

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Nantes

For Nantes, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Nantes Traditional Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience : $104
  • All Inclusive Food Tour of Nantes Old Town with Local Guide: $145

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Stuttgart 24
    Nantes 13

Tours and Activities in Stuttgart

For Stuttgart, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • City Tour Heilbronn in a double-decker bus: $22
  • Mulled winetour before christmas in Stuttgart: $46
  • Private Guided Walking Tour in Stuttgart: $71
  • Private Shopping Tour from Stuttgart City to Outletcity Metzingen: $163
  • Private Shopping Tour from Stuttgart to Outletcity Metzingen: $147
  • Private digital puzzle tour in the Stuttgart Höhenpark Killesberg: $37
  • SUP BASIC COURSE Stuttgart Neckar Stand Up Paddling / Paddling Adventure Jones Tours: $54
  • Stuttgart 24-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Tour: $21
  • Stuttgart City walk - Private tour: $356
  • Stuttgart Crime Experience: self-guided crime tour: $42
  • Stuttgart Hop-On Hop-Off City Tour in a double-decker bus: $22
  • Stuttgart Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $52

Tours and Activities in Nantes

For Nantes, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Exploring London's Natural Marvels: Museum Adventure: $83
  • Guided treetop adventure course in the heart of Nantes: $31
  • Half-Day Tour in Nantes: $291
  • Nantes : Must-see Attractions Walking Tour: $75
  • Nantes : Private Walking Tour With A Local : $51
  • Nantes Like a Local: Customized Private Tour: $52
  • Nantes Private Guided Walking Tour: $307
  • Nantes Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.54
  • Nantes Traditional Food Group Walking Tour: $102
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Panoramic Tour by Electric Bike: $59

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Stuttgart 22
    Nantes 6.43

Sample the Local Flavors in Stuttgart

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Stuttgart:

  • Vineyard hike along one of the most beautiful hiking trails in Stuttgart with wine tasting: $28
  • Wine hike with wine tasting: $31
  • Guided Wine Walk & Wine Tasting: $44
  • Wine Tour with wines of the best winemakers: $46
  • Fußball Weintour - Football & Wine Tour: $46
  • Private Premium Pub Crawl Tour: $513

Sample the Local Flavors in Nantes

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Nantes:

  • Château du Bois-Huaut: Cellar Tour and Wine Tasting Class: $35


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Stuttgart and Nantes, we can see that Stuttgart 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 Stuttgart would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Stuttgart 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 Stuttgart Expensive? and Is Nantes Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Stuttgart or Nantes?

Stuttgart has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Nantes. When comparing the sizes of Stuttgart 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 Stuttgart 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 Stuttgart or Nantes in the Summer?

Both Nantes and Stuttgart are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Stuttgart for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Nantes in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

Stuttgart is a little warmer than Nantes in the summer. The daily temperature in Stuttgart averages around 22°C (71°F) in July, and Nantes fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

It's quite sunny in Nantes. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Stuttgart. Stuttgart usually receives less sunshine than Nantes during summer. Stuttgart gets 238 hours of sunny skies, while Nantes receives 267 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Stuttgart usually receives more rain than Nantes. Stuttgart gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Stuttgart 22°C (71°F) 
    Nantes 19°C (67°F)

Should I visit Stuttgart or Nantes in the Autumn?

Both Nantes and Stuttgart during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Stuttgart in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Nantes for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Stuttgart is around the same temperature as Nantes. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Stuttgart in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Nantes averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Stuttgart often gets less sunshine than Nantes. Stuttgart gets 122 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nantes receives 141 hours of full sun.

Stuttgart usually gets less rain in October than Nantes. Stuttgart gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Stuttgart 13°C (56°F) 
    Nantes 13°C (56°F)

Should I visit Stuttgart or Nantes in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Stuttgart and Nantes. Most visitors come to Stuttgart for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Nantes because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Stuttgart can be very cold during winter. In January, Stuttgart is generally much colder than Nantes. Daily temperatures in Stuttgart average around 3°C (38°F), and Nantes fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Stuttgart usually receives less sunshine than Nantes during winter. Stuttgart gets 60 hours of sunny skies, while Nantes receives 72 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Stuttgart usually receives less rain than Nantes. Stuttgart gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Stuttgart 3°C (38°F) 
    Nantes 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Stuttgart or Nantes in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Stuttgart as well as Nantes. The spring months attract visitors to Stuttgart because of the activities around the city. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Nantes this time of year.

Stuttgart is around the same temperature as Nantes in the spring. The daily temperature in Stuttgart averages around 11°C (53°F) in April, and Nantes fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the spring, Stuttgart often gets less sunshine than Nantes. Stuttgart gets 154 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nantes receives 187 hours of full sun.

Stuttgart usually gets more rain in April than Nantes. Stuttgart gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Stuttgart 11°C (53°F) 
    Nantes 11°C (51°F)

Typical Weather for Nantes and Stuttgart

Stuttgart Nantes
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 6°C (42°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 6°C (44°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 8°C (47°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 8°C (47°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Apr 11°C (53°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 11°C (51°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 16°C (61°F) 83 mm (3.3 in) 14°C (57°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Jun 19°C (66°F) 85 mm (3.3 in) 17°C (63°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Jul 22°C (71°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 19°C (67°F) 46 mm (1.8 in)
Aug 21°C (70°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 19°C (66°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Sep 18°C (65°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 17°C (63°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 13°C (56°F) 51 mm (2 in) 13°C (56°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 9°C (48°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Dec 5°C (41°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 6°C (43°F) 84 mm (3.3 in)