A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Utrecht vs. Montpellier for Old Town, Attractions, Nightlife, and Couples

Should you visit Utrecht or Montpellier?

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

Should I visit Utrecht or Montpellier? 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.

Utrecht

With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Montpellier

Montpellier is a bustling, beautiful, and friendly city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for beaches, shopping, and museums.

Utrecht and Montpellier: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Utrecht or Montpellier?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Montpellier than Utrecht, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Montpellier is better known for its museums and beaches, while Utrecht is more popular for its nightlife and quaint atmosphere. Utrecht is more touristy than Montpellier and is known for its beautiful canals, huge number of bikes, and charming old town. 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 Utrecht different from Montpellier?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Montpellier is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Utrecht is not as famous, but is still a good to visit for its museums and history.

Montpellier offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. With such a long history, the city has many landmarks and monuments. Also make sure you visit Musée Fabre and Saint-Pierre Cathedral.

Utrecht offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The Dom Tower and St. Martin's Cathedral is a highlight of the city, but you'll also find smaller, more local museums and several beautiful churches. If you're up for heading out of town, you can visit De Haar Castle, which is most accessible if you have a private vehicle.

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

Foodies will find both Utrecht and Montpellier both to be notable destinations.

Utrecht offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are a number of interesting international restaurants around town including Greek, Italian, and Spanish tapas. It's particularly fun to dine canal-side and sip wine as the boats pass by.

Montpellier has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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 Utrecht or Montpellier Better for Nightlife?

Utrecht is a great destination for its evening party scene. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

The people in Utrecht know how to have a good time. The student population keeps the nightlife scene fun and lively. There are plenty of bars in the old town and you'll find tourists and locals hanging out at the same spots.

If you're looking for night time activities Montpellier has a few options to choose from. 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 Utrecht or Montpellier Better for Beaches?

Montpellier is a well-known place for its beaches. However, Utrecht is not a beach destination.

Montpellier is considered a top beach destination. 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.

Utrecht is not a beach destination.

Is Utrecht or Montpellier Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the amazing old towns in both Utrecht and Montpellier.

The historic old town of Utrecht is revered around the world. The old town is large, charming, and filled with locals. There are canals that that see a frequent stream of boats and kayakers. There are also historic buildings and cobblestone streets. The city is unique because many cafes offer seating directly next to the canals.

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 Utrecht or Montpellier?

Both Utrecht and Montpellier are superb shopping destinations.

Utrecht is an extremely popular place for shoppers. You'll find both local shops and European chains throughout the old town. There's also a large mall right next to the main tourist area.

Montpellier is well-known for its shopping. Head to Rue de la Loge for some of the city's best shopping.

Is Utrecht or Montpellier Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Utrecht or Montpellier.

Utrecht is a family-friendly place to visit. There are a few museums around town that are fun for kids. Make sure you check out the Miffy Museum, which is great for younger kids. The Museum Speelklok is fun for kids and adults alike. Families will also enjoy renting bikes for the day or taking a canal boat tour. Also make sure you try some local pancakes.

Montpellier is a family-friendly . 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 Utrecht or Montpellier Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Utrecht and Montpellier make for a superb place to visit.

Utrecht is a very popular place to visit for couples. The charming old town and cozy cafes make for a wonderful date day. You can take a canal boat tour, sip coffee at a cafe by a canal, or explore the city as it lights up at night.

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

Is Utrecht or Montpellier Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Utrecht and Montpellier are superb destinations for backpackers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Utrecht. It's a university city with a young population and plenty to do in the evening. There are also a decent number of hostels to choose from and a lively atmosphere with fun activities and festivals.

Many backpackers visit Montpellier. With a young population and a number of hostels to choose from, Montpellier attracts its share of backpackers.

Is Utrecht or Montpellier Better for Students?

Montpellier is a world-class destination for students. Also, Utrecht is not as famous, but is still a good to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Many students frequent 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.

Utrecht is very popular with students. This is a great university city. The population is young, but housing can be challenging to find and very expensive.

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

Both Utrecht and Montpellier offer superb public transit options.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Utrecht. There are buses around town and two tram lines that travel to the suburbs.

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 Utrecht or Montpellier a more walkable city?

Utrecht is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Getting around Utrecht on foot is easy. The old town is easy to explore on foot, but don't walk in a bike lane or you'll likely receive a firm scolding from a local. Utrecht is regularly ranked as one of the world's most bike-friendly cities.

Montpellier is very walkable. 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 Utrecht Worth Visiting? and Is Montpellier Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Montpellier or Utrecht?

How long in Utrecht or Montpellier?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Utrecht and Montpellier. In our opinion, Montpellier has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Montpellier than Utrecht. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Montpellier than Utrecht 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 Utrecht or Montpellier?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the canal-filled of Utrecht. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Montpellier, you'll find nightlife and food. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Utrecht or Montpellier?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the charming destination of Utrecht. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This 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.

In Montpellier, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Montpellier has to offer.

Five days in Utrecht or Montpellier?

The canal-filled of Utrecht 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 is a great place to explore. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Utrecht or Montpellier?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Utrecht. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Montpellier. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Montpellier. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Netherlands, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Netherlands, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, and The Best 2-Week Tours in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Utrecht or Montpellier?

Utrecht has a larger population, and is about 17% larger than the population of Montpellier. When comparing the sizes of Utrecht 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 Utrecht or Montpellier?

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 Utrecht or Montpellier in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Utrecht and Montpellier. Most visitors come to Utrecht for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Montpellier because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Utrecht is generally cooler than Montpellier. Daily temperatures in Utrecht average around 17°C (62°F), and Montpellier fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Montpellier this time of the year. Utrecht usually receives less sunshine than Montpellier during summer. Utrecht gets 194 hours of sunny skies, while Montpellier receives 351 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Utrecht usually receives more rain than Montpellier. Utrecht gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Utrecht or Montpellier in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Utrecht as well as Montpellier. The autumn months attract visitors to Utrecht because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Montpellier this time of year.

Utrecht is cooler than Montpellier in the autumn. The daily temperature in Utrecht averages around 11°C (51°F) in October, and Montpellier fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Utrecht often gets less sunshine than Montpellier. Utrecht gets 100 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montpellier receives 187 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Montpellier. Utrecht usually gets less rain in October than Montpellier. Utrecht gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Utrecht or Montpellier in the Winter?

Both Montpellier and Utrecht are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Utrecht this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Montpellier for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Utrecht in the winter. In the winter, Utrecht is much colder than Montpellier. Typically, the winter temperatures in Utrecht in January average around 2°C (36°F), and Montpellier averages at about 7°C (44°F).

Utrecht usually receives less sunshine than Montpellier during winter. Utrecht gets 38 hours of sunny skies, while Montpellier receives 147 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Utrecht usually receives less rain than Montpellier. Utrecht gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Utrecht or Montpellier in the Spring?

Both Montpellier and Utrecht during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Utrecht for the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Montpellier in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Utrecht is generally much colder than Montpellier. Daily temperatures in Utrecht average around 8°C (46°F), and Montpellier fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In Montpellier, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Utrecht often gets less sunshine than Montpellier. Utrecht gets 156 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montpellier receives 230 hours of full sun.

Utrecht usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Montpellier. Utrecht gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Montpellier and Utrecht