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

Should you visit Valencia or Nantes?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Valencia or Nantes, 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 friendly, coastal, and cultural coastal city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Nantes

Nantes is a friendly, historical, and beautiful city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Valencia and Nantes: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Valencia or Nantes?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Valencia than Nantes, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Valencia is more touristy than Nantes and is popular 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. Nantes is popular for its castles and historical landmarks, local wine, and beautiful parks and gardens.

How is Valencia different from Nantes?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Nantes 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 Nantes?

Plenty of people visit the superb sights and museums in both Valencia and Nantes.

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 Nantes. 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.

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

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Valencia and Nantes can be difficult as they are each amazing in their own way.

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

Many restaurants in Nantes have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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).

Is Valencia or Nantes Better for Nightlife?

Valencia is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. Also, Nantes is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

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 Valencia or Nantes Better for Resorts?

Valencia is a nice place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Nantes 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.

Nantes is not a resort destination.

Is Valencia or Nantes Better for Beaches?

Valencia is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Nantes is not a beach destination.

Valencia has a beach worth visiting. 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.

Nantes is not a beach destination.

Is Valencia or Nantes Better for its Old Town?

Valencia is an unbeatable place for its historic old town charm. Also, Nantes is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town.

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

Many visitors go to Nantes to see the historical old town. 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.

Is Valencia or Nantes Better for Hiking?

Valencia is a nice place to visit for its hiking trails. However, Nantes is not a hiking destination.

Valencia has hiking trails worth exploring. 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.

Nantes is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Valencia or Nantes?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Nantes 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 Nantes. 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 Valencia or Nantes Better for Families?

Valencia and Nantes are both superb destinations for the whole family.

Valencia is a very kid-friendly coastal city. 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.

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.

Is Valencia or Nantes Better for Couples?

Valencia and Nantes are both superb 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.

Nantes is a great coastal city if you're traveling as 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.

Is Valencia or Nantes Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Valencia is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Nantes is lacking in good options for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Valencia. 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.

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 Valencia or Nantes Better for Students?

Valencia is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Nantes is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

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

Nantes 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.

Nantes has some very good public transit options. There are both trams and buses throughout the city that are operated by TAN (Transport de l'Agglomeration Nantaise).

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 Nantes a more walkable city?

Valencia and Nantes both are superb 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.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Nantes or Valencia?

How long in Valencia or Nantes?

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

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

One day in Valencia or Nantes?

Valencia is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

The beautiful city of Nantes offers food and shopping. 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 Valencia or Nantes?

Valencia 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.

Nantes 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. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Nantes, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Valencia or Nantes?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Valencia. 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. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Nantes is a popular choice for travelers. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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 Nantes?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural big city of Valencia. This coastal city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

Nantes is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. 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 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.

When comparing the travel costs between Valencia and Nantes, 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 Nantes Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Valencia or Nantes?

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

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 Valencia or Nantes in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Valencia as well as Nantes. The summer months attract visitors to Valencia because of the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Nantes this time of year.

In the summer, Valencia is a little warmer than Nantes. Typically, the summer temperatures in Valencia in July average around 25°C (76°F), and Nantes averages at about 19°C (67°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nantes. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Valencia this time of the year. In the summer, Valencia often gets more sunshine than Nantes. Valencia gets 303 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nantes receives 267 hours of full sun.

Valencia usually gets less rain in July than Nantes. Valencia gets 9 mm (0.4 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Valencia or Nantes in the Autumn?

Both Nantes and Valencia are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Valencia this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Nantes for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Valencia is generally a little warmer than Nantes. Daily temperatures in Valencia average around 19°C (66°F), and Nantes fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Valencia usually receives more sunshine than Nantes during autumn. Valencia gets 198 hours of sunny skies, while Nantes receives 141 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Valencia usually receives more rain than Nantes. Valencia gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Valencia or Nantes in the Winter?

Both Nantes and Valencia during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Valencia for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Nantes in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Valencia is much warmer than Nantes in the winter. The daily temperature in Valencia averages around 12°C (53°F) in January, and Nantes fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Valencia often gets more sunshine than Nantes. Valencia gets 162 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nantes receives 72 hours of full sun.

Valencia usually gets less rain in January than Nantes. Valencia gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Valencia or Nantes in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Valencia and Nantes. Many visitors come to Valencia in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Nantes for the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Valencia is a little warmer than Nantes. Typically, the spring temperatures in Valencia in April average around 15°C (60°F), and Nantes averages at about 11°C (51°F).

In Valencia, it's very sunny this time of the year. Valencia usually receives more sunshine than Nantes during spring. Valencia gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Nantes receives 187 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Valencia usually receives less rain than Nantes. Valencia gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Nantes and Valencia