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

Should you visit Valencia or Montpellier?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Valencia or Montpellier, 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.

Valencia

Valencia is a cultural, historic, and architectural coastal city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Montpellier

Montpellier is a friendly, historic, and vibrant city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and food.

Valencia and Montpellier: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Valencia or Montpellier?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Valencia than Montpellier, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Valencia is more popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, hiking, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Montpellier is known for its beaches. Valencia is more touristy than Montpellier and is known for its rich cultural, world class museums, beautiful old town, and local cuisine (which includes paella). It is also home to La Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències. Montpellier is popular for its relaxed atmosphere, grand boulevards, and authentic personality.

How is Valencia different from Montpellier?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the great sights and museums in both Valencia and Montpellier.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Valencia can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is famous for its architecture and culture. Most of the main attractions are concentrated in Ciutat Vella and can be easily accessed on foot. Notable landmarks include La Lonja de Seda, Catedral de València, and Plaza de la Virgen. There are also several world class museums including Oceanogràfic de València and La Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències de València.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Montpellier. With such a long history, the city has many landmarks and monuments. Also make sure you visit Musée Fabre and Saint-Pierre Cathedral.

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

Valencia is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eat your way through Valencia, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The city is famous as the birthplace of paella, which is one of Spain's most famous dishes. Beyond the paella, there are a number of other amazing traditional dishes. Fideuà is similar to paella but made with noodles instead of rice. All i pebre is an eel and potato dish and clóchinas are tiny local mussels. For dessert make sure you try the flan de calabaza, which is pumpkin flavored. Many restaurants also have tapas that can be shared. Restaurants in the old town are charming and delicious, but out by the beaches the quality isn't as good.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Montpellier. 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 Valencia or Montpellier Better for Nightlife?

Valencia is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

The nightlife in Valencia is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. Dinner starts late, so you can expect the nightlife to pick up even later. During the summer there are all night terrace parties and year round you'll find nightclubs filled from evening to dawn. If all night raves aren't really your thing, you'll also find plenty of local bars where you can hang out with friends in a more relaxed setting. The nightlife scene really is varied enough that there's something for everyone.

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 Valencia or Montpellier Better for Resorts?

Valencia is a good destination for its resorts. However, Montpellier is not a resort destination.

Valencia has a few great resort options. You can choose between staying near the old town (Ciutat Vella) or out by the beach. One of the best beach areas is El Cabanyal. It's still close enough in to be well connected by public transit but offers a great coastal vibe as well.

Montpellier is not a resort destination.

Is Valencia or Montpellier Better for Beaches?

Montpellier is well known for the beache. Also, Valencia is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beach.

You'll have a great beach vacation in Montpellier. 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.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Valencia. There are several urban beaches in town that are accessible by public transit. Many offer surprisingly long stretches of sand with wide beaches and plenty of activity. The beaches can get crowded during the summer months, but they are generally large enough to accommodate the crowds. La Malvarrosa Beach is one of the most popular because of its proximity to the city. El Saler Beach is further out and popular with the locals and Port Saplaya is a colorful area with shopping and beaches.

Is Valencia or Montpellier Better for its Old Town?

Valencia and Montpellier both have world-class historical old towns that attract visitors.

Valencia offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. For culture, history, and the majority of the city's attractions, you'll want to spend your time in Ciutat Vella (old town).

Montpellier has a world-famous historical area. 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 Valencia or Montpellier Better for Hiking?

Valencia is a good destination for its hiking experiences. However, Montpellier is not a hiking destination.

Valencia offers some nice hiking trails. Most people miss out on the beautiful hikes through the nearby countryside, but if you venture out of town you can enjoy some beautiful walking trails. Many run along the coastline or pass through rolling hills. There is varied landscape in the area with pine forests, orange groves, and vineyards all common.

Montpellier is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Valencia or Montpellier?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Montpellier and Valencia.

Valencia is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. As the third largest city in Spain, you'll find most designer brands around town. The main shopping street is Calle Colon where you'll find the well-known European brands mixed in with the lesser-known Spanish brands. For a more local experience head to Mercado Central where you'll find local produce, colorful seafood, and a unique foodie vibe.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Montpellier. Head to Rue de la Loge for some of the city's best shopping.

Is Valencia or Montpellier Better for Families?

Valencia is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Valencia is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has some kid-friendly museums, an impressive zoo, and the largest aquarium in Europe (with its own dolphin show). Head to the Science Museum or simply wander around the museum complex. There are water activities and a beautiful futuristic style that attracts families and influencers with its photogenic atmosphere. There are also countless playgrounds of all sizes around town and a number of parks and outdoor spaces where kids can run around. There's a city park that runs through town and has playgrounds and bike trails. You can also spend a fun-filled day at the beach.

Montpellier offers lots of family activities. 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 Valencia or Montpellier Better for Couples?

Valencia and Montpellier are both great to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Valencia frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The city is filled with interesting culture, beautiful weather, and delightful cuisine. There are sandy beaches and luxury hotels that will make for an amazing romantic getaway. There are also many beautiful gardens and charming neighborhoods that you can explore. Couples can split a paella and sip sangrias in one of the many charming restaurants around town.

Montpellier is a great coastal city if you're traveling as a couple. Rich in history and beautiful architecture, this city offers a romantic setting for a great couple's getaway.

Is Valencia or Montpellier Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Valencia and Montpellier are great places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Valencia is a great coastal city to visit for backpackers. It's often overlooked for more popular destinations, but this city has plenty to offer in the form of affordable accommodation and food as well as interesting sights.

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

Is Valencia or Montpellier Better for Students?

Valencia and Montpellier are world-class places to visit for students.

Valencia is a great destination for students. The city is young and vibrant with a lot of culture and beautiful neighborhoods. It's also well connected to the rest of Spain with a convenient central train station.

Montpellier is a very popular coastal city for students. 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.

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

Montpellier is well known for its public transit. Also, Valencia is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Montpellier has some very good public transit options. There are a number of options for getting around town including the tramway, bus, and tourist train.

While Valencia offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Public transit is available in the form of buses and a tram/metro system but the system isn't as comprehensive as it could be and much of the city is surprisingly dependent on cars.

Is Valencia or Montpellier a more walkable city?

Valencia and Montpellier both are great when exploring on foot.

Valencia is a very walkable coastal city. Walking is the best way to explore many parts of the city and you can walk from one side of the Ciutat Vella to the other in about 20 minutes. This area is where you'll find most of the city's main attractions. There are other neighborhoods that are a bit less pedestrian-friendly.

Montpellier is a very walkable destination. 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 Valencia Worth Visiting? and Is Montpellier Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Montpellier or Valencia?

How long in Valencia or Montpellier?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Valencia and Montpellier. In our opinion, Valencia has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Valencia than Montpellier. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Valencia, and 1-3 days is enough time in Montpellier.

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

Couples should spend more time in Valencia than Montpellier. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Valencia that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Valencia than Montpellier 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 Valencia.

One day in Valencia or Montpellier?

Valencia is a cultural coastal city where you can fill many days. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

The beautiful city of Montpellier offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Valencia or Montpellier?

Valencia is a friendly big city where you can fill many days. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This coastal city 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.

Montpellier is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Montpellier, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Valencia or Montpellier?

The cultural coastal city of Valencia 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 popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Valencia or Montpellier?

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

Montpellier 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 city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best G Adventures Tours to Spain, The Best 3-Day Tours from Madrid, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, and The Best 2-Week Tours in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Valencia or Montpellier?

Valencia has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Montpellier. When comparing the sizes of Valencia 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 Valencia 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 Valencia or Montpellier in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Valencia is around the same temperature as Montpellier. Typically, the summer temperatures in Valencia in July average around 25°C (76°F), and Montpellier averages at about 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Montpellier. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Valencia. Valencia usually receives less sunshine than Montpellier during summer. Valencia gets 303 hours of sunny skies, while Montpellier receives 351 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Valencia usually receives less rain than Montpellier. Valencia gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Valencia or Montpellier in the Autumn?

Both Montpellier and Valencia during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Valencia in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Montpellier for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Valencia is generally a little warmer than Montpellier. Daily temperatures in Valencia average around 19°C (66°F), and Montpellier fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Valencia often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Montpellier. Valencia gets 198 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montpellier receives 187 hours of full sun.

Montpellier gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Valencia usually gets less rain in October than Montpellier. Valencia gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Valencia or Montpellier in the Winter?

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

Valencia is much warmer than Montpellier in the winter. The daily temperature in Valencia averages around 12°C (53°F) in January, and Montpellier fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Valencia usually receives more sunshine than Montpellier during winter. Valencia gets 162 hours of sunny skies, while Montpellier receives 147 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Valencia usually receives less rain than Montpellier. Valencia gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Valencia or Montpellier in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Valencia as well as Montpellier. The spring months attract visitors to Valencia because of the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty. Additionally, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Montpellier this time of year.

In the spring, Valencia is a little warmer than Montpellier. Typically, the spring temperatures in Valencia in April average around 15°C (60°F), and Montpellier averages at about 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montpellier. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Valencia this time of the year. In the spring, Valencia often gets less sunshine than Montpellier. Valencia gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montpellier receives 230 hours of full sun.

Valencia usually gets less rain in April than Montpellier. Valencia gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Montpellier and Valencia