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

Should you visit Tokyo or Nice?

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

Should I visit Tokyo or Nice? 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.

Tokyo

Tokyo is a iconic, eclectic, and cutting edge city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, live music, and food.

Nice

Nice is a beautiful, opulent, and trendy seaside destination. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Since it has a quaint atmosphere, you'll want to spend time soaking it all in. It's also popular because of the scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Tokyo and Nice: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tokyo or Nice?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Tokyo than Nice, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Tokyo is more popular for its museums, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Nice is known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Nice is more touristy than Tokyo and is popular for its beachfront setting in the French Riviera as well as its popularity with A-list celebrities. Tokyo is popular for its ultramodern skyscrapers, neon lights, historic temples, lively karaoke bars, and peaceful parks. It is also home to The Sensō-ji Temple.

How is Tokyo different from Nice?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Tokyo are among the most recognizable in the world. This iconic city is filled with recognizable landmarks and world class museums including the Meiji Shrine, the Sensō-ji Temple, and the Tokyo Skytree.

Nice does not have museums and landmarks.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at terrific restaurants in both Tokyo and Nice.

For foodies, Tokyo is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. With an astonishing number of Michelin star restaurants, this is one of the most interesting and impressive food destinations in the world. Not all restaurants are high end though. You'll find plenty of cheap eateries that offer their own rewarding culinary experience. Must try local dishes include okonomiyaki, ramen, and of course, sushi.

Nice has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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 Tokyo or Nice Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is terrific in both Tokyo and Nice.

Tokyo is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. The professional urgency that you feel during the day morphs into a vibrant, laid back city at night. The neon lights turn on and locals head out to destress. There are karaoke bars, casual pubs, high energy nightclubs, and more. Popular areas for nightlife include Roppongi, Shibuya and Shinjuku.

Nice has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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 Tokyo or Nice Better for Music?

Tokyo is renowned for its live music scene. However, Nice is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Tokyo The music scene features both national and international artists and the music style is as eclectic as the city itself. You'll find many underground venues, vintage record stores, and local bars that have each created their own niche.

Nice is not a live music destination.

Is Tokyo or Nice Better for Resorts?

Nice is renowned for its luxury resorts. However, Tokyo is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Nice is a great choice. 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.

Tokyo is not a resort destination.

Is Tokyo or Nice Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Nice is a popular place for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Tokyo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Nice has a few good snorkeling spots. There are some places where you can arrange a snorkeling or dive trip to explore the underwater setting.

Tokyo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tokyo or Nice Better for Beaches?

Nice is great for the beach. However, Tokyo is not a beach destination.

Nice is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Tokyo is not a beach destination.

Is Tokyo or Nice Better for its Old Town?

Nice is great for its historic old town charm. However, Tokyo does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Nice. 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.

Tokyo does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Tokyo or Nice?

Tokyo is renowned for its shopping opportunities. Also, Nice is not as famous, but is still a good seaside destination to visit for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Tokyo make it a world-class shopping destination. The city is known for its electronics, anime products, and trendy fashion brands. Many neighborhoods are also shopping districts with malls or markets throughout. Prices can be steep, but products are generally high quality. For some of the city's best shopping, head to Shinjuku, Shibuya, or Ginza.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Nice. 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 Tokyo or Nice Better for Families?

Tokyo 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.

Tokyo is an extremely popular city to visit for families. This is an incredibly kid-friendly city. There's Disneyland, but there are also many other entertainment centers, amusement areas, a zoo, aquarium, and more. Kids will also enjoy experiencing the city's fascinating culture. They can visit temples, museums, and the Tokyo Tower. Another fun local experience is to go to a baseball game.

Nice is a family-friendly city. 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 Tokyo or Nice Better for Couples?

Nice is renowned for couples. Also, Tokyo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

Nice makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Tokyo is a very popular place to visit for couples. This high tech city offers luxury hotels and spas, award winning restaurants, and unique date night opportunities like karaoke or sushi making classes. The city has many parks and gardens as well as malls, dynamic neighborhoods, and interesting museums.

Is Tokyo or Nice Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Tokyo and Nice are good places to visit.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Tokyo. Known for it's high prices, it can be a bit difficult to visit this city on a budget. There are dorm rooms available but they still come with a high price tag. Food is a bit easier as the eateries are diverse with many options on the cheaper side.

Nice is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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 Tokyo or Nice Better for Students?

Tokyo is renowned for students. However, Nice is not popular with students.

Tokyo is a very popular city for students. The city attracts many international students and there are a number of prestigious universities to choose from. Perhaps the biggest challenge is navigating the language difference, but that is all part of the experience when studying abroad.

Nice is not popular with students.

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

Tokyo is renowned for its public transit. Also, Nice is not as famous, but is still a good seaside destination to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Tokyo has a great public transit system. Trains, subways, and buses make up the complex transportation system and, while it may seem overwhelming at first, the system is actually very clean, efficient, and reliable.

Nice offers a very effecient public transportation network. There are both buses and trams.

Is Tokyo or Nice a more walkable city?

Tokyo and Nice are terrific when it comes to walkability.

Tokyo is a very easy city to get around on foot. Many neighborhoods are very easy to explore on foot, so it's fun to just wander without a plan, seeing where you end up.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Nice or Tokyo?

How long in Tokyo or Nice?

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

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

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

One day in Tokyo or Nice?

Tokyo is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Nice, many people enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping that this chic destination offers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. This seaside destination offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Tokyo or Nice?

Tokyo is a fun place to experience. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nice. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Tokyo or Nice?

Tokyo is a cutting edge big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Nice is a fun place to experience. In Nice, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this quaint destination offers. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Tokyo or Nice?

Tokyo is a cutting edge city where you can fill many days. 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.

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the beautiful destination of Nice. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Japan, The Best Bicycle Tours in Japan, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.

When comparing the travel costs between Tokyo and Nice, we can see that Tokyo 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. Even though Tokyo is in Asia and Nice is in Europe, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Tokyo or Nice?

Tokyo has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Nice. When comparing the sizes of Tokyo 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 Tokyo 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 Tokyo or Nice in the Summer?

Both Nice and Tokyo during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Tokyo in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Nice for the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Tokyo is generally a little warmer than Nice. Daily temperatures in Tokyo average around 26°C (78°F), and Nice fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Tokyo. Tokyo usually gets more rain in July than Nice. Tokyo gets 127 mm (5 in) of rain, while Nice receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tokyo or Nice in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Tokyo and Nice. Most visitors come to Tokyo for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Nice because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Tokyo is around the same temperature as Nice in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tokyo averages around 18°C (64°F) in October, and Nice fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Nice receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Tokyo gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Tokyo usually receives more rain than Nice. Tokyo gets 165 mm (6.5 in) of rain, while Nice receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Tokyo or Nice in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Tokyo as well as Nice. The winter months attract visitors to Tokyo because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Nice this time of year.

In the winter, Tokyo is much colder than Nice. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tokyo in January average around 5°C (42°F), and Nice averages at about 9°C (48°F).

Tokyo usually gets less rain in January than Nice. Tokyo gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Nice receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tokyo or Nice in the Spring?

Both Nice and Tokyo are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Tokyo this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Nice for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Tokyo is generally around the same temperature as Nice. Daily temperatures in Tokyo average around 14°C (58°F), and Nice fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

It's quite rainy in Tokyo. In April, Tokyo usually receives more rain than Nice. Tokyo gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Nice receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Nice and Tokyo