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

Should you visit Tenerife or Nice?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Tenerife 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.

Tenerife

Tenerife is a beautiful, volcanic, and scenic island. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Nice

Nice is a trendy, chic, and glamourous seaside destination. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. Other reasons to visit include shopping, nightlife, and food.

Tenerife and Nice: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tenerife or Nice?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Tenerife. Although Tenerife and Nice are popular destinations, Tenerife has more sights and attractions for tourists. Tenerife is very popular for its museums, scuba diving & snorkeling, and hiking, while Nice attracts visitors for its food, resorts, historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Tenerife is famous for its volcanic landscapes, built-up resorts, and fun-filled beaches. It is also well known for Mount Teide. Nice is famous for its beachfront setting in the French Riviera as well as its popularity with A-list celebrities.

How is Tenerife different from Nice?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Tenerife is not a good place to visit for its sights and museums. However, Nice does not have museums and landmarks.

Tenerife offers a few options for museum-goers. The island is filled with national parks, beautiful landscapes, and stunning beaches, but if you're not into outdoor activities, then you won't find many museums or other historical sights to visit.

Nice does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Nice is very popular for its restaurants. Also, Tenerife is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Nice is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Tenerife. Many visitors stick to the major touristy areas, eating in their resorts or other nearby restaurants. If you want to try a bit of the island's authentic Canarian cuisine, you'll need to do a little research. Head into the local areas near the markets for the best chance of finding something a little more authentic. Local dishes often include fish and seafood as well as local meats, but you'll rarely find beef as there isn't a lot of land for cows to graze on the island.

Is Tenerife or Nice Better for Nightlife?

The first-rate nightlife scene is relatively similar in Tenerife and Nice.

Tenerife is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. The island has a variety of nightclubs that range in style and personality. There are all night wild beach parties as well as laid back beach clubs and hole-in-the-wall pubs. Many bars have happy hours where you can relax with a drink and many nightclubs host famous DJs that keep the party going into the early morning hours.

People head to Nice just to party. 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.

Is Tenerife or Nice Better for Resorts?

Nice is very popular for its luxury resorts. Also, Tenerife is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its resorts.

Nice offers an unforgettable resort vacation. 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.

In Tenerife, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. You'll find everything from world-class resorts like the Ritz to more budget-friendly hotels and even some hostels around the island. You'll find most of the resorts on the south side of the island, which is also where you'll find the best weather.

Is Tenerife or Nice Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tenerife is a well-known place for its diving and snorkeling. Also, Nice is not as famous, but is still a good seaside destination to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving.

Tenerife is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. A highlight of snorkeling in this area is the opportunity to swim with sea turtles. Some of the best snorkeling is in El Puertito, which is known for its many turtles and there is no shortage of organized snorkeling trips to the area. The island also has excellent scuba diving trips with a variety of shipwrecks and marine species.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Nice. There are some places where you can arrange a snorkeling or dive trip to explore the underwater setting.

Is Tenerife or Nice Better for Beaches?

Both Tenerife and Nice have high quality beaches worth visiting.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Tenerife. The island has a large number of beaches that attract tourists, particularly during the peak winter months. The island's volcanic nature means that many of its natural beaches have black sand. The golden sand from the more developed beaches typically comes from the Sahara Desert. A favorite beach on the island is the 2 kilometer long Playa de las Teresitas.

The beaches at Nice attract visitors from all over. 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 Tenerife or Nice Better for its Old Town?

Nice is a very popular place for its historic old town. However, Tenerife does not have a historic 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.

Tenerife does not have a historic old town.

Is Tenerife or Nice Better for Hiking?

Tenerife is renowned for the nearby hiking options. However, Nice is not a hiking destination.

Around Tenerife visitors will find world-class hiking trails. The island's volcanic landscapes mean that there are dramatic and breathtaking hikes throughout the island. Some of the best hikes are found in the Anaga Rural Park, Teide National Park, and the Teno Mountains.

Nice is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tenerife or Nice?

Shoppers can find a variety of high quality stores in both Tenerife and Nice.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Tenerife. The island's low tax rates make it a popular shopping destination for tourists. The are shopping streets, local markets, and luxury malls that you can explore.

Nice is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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 Tenerife or Nice Better for Families?

Tenerife is renowned 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.

Tenerife is an extremely popular island to visit for families. The island has many great waterparks for kids, with one of the best being Siam Park. Other family-friendly destinations include Aqualand, Loro Parque, Jungle Park, and Monkey Park. There are whale watching trips, outdoor adventures, and kid-friendly beaches as well.

Nice is a family-friendly island. 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 Tenerife or Nice Better for Couples?

Nice is very popular for romance. Also, Tenerife is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Nice has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Couples visit Tenerife frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The natural beauty, great landscapes, and lively beaches make this a great island for a romantic getaway. There's hiking and outdoor adventures as well as swimming, boat rides, and even whale watching.

Is Tenerife or Nice Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Tenerife and Nice are both nice destinations for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Tenerife. The island is large enough that there are a decent number of hostels and budget-friendly places to stay for backpackers.

Nice is a good island to visit for backpackers. 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 Tenerife or Nice Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Nice is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Tenerife is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Public transit in Nice is fairly effecient and thorough. There are both buses and trams.

You'll find some public transit in Tenerife, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The island has a decent bus service that is operated by a company called "TITSA".

Is Tenerife or Nice a more walkable city?

Nice is very popular for its walkability. Also, Tenerife is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Nice. You should definitely spend some time exploring the 7 kilometer long Promenade des Anglais.

Tenerife is a somewhat walkable place. There are many walks on the island that make for a fun way to explore the setting.

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

Should I spend more time in Nice or Tenerife?

How long in Tenerife or Nice?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Nice than Tenerife. 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 Tenerife 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 Tenerife or Nice?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Tenerife. 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.

The beautiful seaside destination of Nice offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Tenerife or Nice?

Tenerife 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 popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Tenerife or Nice?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the adventure-filled destination of Tenerife. This island 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.

Nice is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Nice, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Tenerife or Nice?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the beautiful island of Tenerife. 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.

Nice is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This seaside destination offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Spain, The Best 10-Day Tours in Spain, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.

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

When is the best time to visit Tenerife 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 Tenerife or Nice in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Tenerife as well as Nice. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Tenerife this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Nice for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Tenerife is around the same temperature as Nice. Typically, the summer temperatures in Tenerife in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Nice averages at about 23°C (73°F).

Tenerife usually gets less rain in July than Nice. Tenerife gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Nice receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tenerife or Nice in the Autumn?

Both Nice and Tenerife are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Tenerife for the hiking trails, 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, Tenerife is generally a little warmer than Nice. Daily temperatures in Tenerife average around 22°C (72°F), and Nice fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Nice. In October, Tenerife usually receives less rain than Nice. Tenerife gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Nice receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Tenerife or Nice in the Winter?

Both Nice and Tenerife during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Tenerife in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Nice for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Tenerife is much warmer than Nice in the winter. The daily temperature in Tenerife averages around 17°C (63°F) in January, and Nice fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

Tenerife usually gets less rain in January than Nice. Tenerife gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Nice receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tenerife or Nice in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Tenerife and Nice. Most visitors come to Tenerife for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Nice because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Tenerife is a little warmer than Nice. Typically, the spring temperatures in Tenerife in April average around 18°C (64°F), and Nice averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In April, Tenerife usually receives less rain than Nice. Tenerife gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Nice receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Nice and Tenerife