A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Windsor vs. Biarritz for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Windsor or Biarritz?

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

Should I visit Windsor or Biarritz? 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.

Windsor

Windsor is a royal, traditional, and touristy town. You'll find plenty of local activities in this small town. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the food, museums, and nightlife.

Biarritz

Biarritz is a dynamic, cultural, and relaxing seaside town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Windsor and Biarritz: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Windsor Castle
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights


Is there more to do in Windsor or Biarritz?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Biarritz than Windsor, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Biarritz is better known for its food, nightlife, resorts, beaches, and shopping, while Windsor is more popular for its museums, historical sights, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Windsor is well known for being home to the largest and oldest operating castle in the world. Biarritz is well known for its surfing culture, long beaches, and seaside atmosphere. Also, Biarritz is famous for Grande Plage.

How is Windsor different from Biarritz?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Windsor or Biarritz?

Windsor
Biarritz

Windsor is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Biarritz is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

Windsor offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The main draw is the Windsor Castle, which many people explore in a few hours. Then you can pass some time wandering around the town.

Biarritz offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most people pass their time relaxing on the beach or taking a walk, but you can also visit the Biarritz Aquarium or the Biarritz Lighthouse.


Is the Food Better in Windsor or Biarritz? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Windsor
Biarritz

Biarritz is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Biarritz. The food is a delicious mix of French, Spanish, and Basque flavors. Seafood is an obvious influence, but you'll also find meat and bread in many dishes. Local specialties include the oysters, pintxos (a snack of bread topped with ham, cheese, or vegetables), and marmitako (tuna stew).

Windsor is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are cafes, pubs, and local restaurants that let you sample regional dishes. There are also chain restaurants and international options including Japanese and Thai food.

Is Windsor or Biarritz Better for Nightlife?

Windsor
Biarritz

Biarritz is well known for nightlife and partying. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Biarritz is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city center has the most bars and clubs if you're looking for a party. Head to Port Vieux or Les Halles for some of the city's best nightlife. For a more relaxed night out, there are night markets as well as beach front terraces and rooftops where you can sip wine in a mellow atmosphere.

If you're looking for night time activities Windsor has a few options to choose from. There's a low key nightlife scene with local pubs and a theater. Dinner cruises are also a fun activity.

Is Windsor or Biarritz Better for Resorts?

Windsor
Biarritz

Biarritz is well known for its resorts. However, Windsor is not a resort destination.

Biarritz is known as a popular and fun resort destination. You'll find a mix of holiday cottages, vacation rentals, and beachfront hotels. There are also hostels around town for those on a budget.

Windsor is not a resort destination.


Is Windsor or Biarritz Better for Beaches?

Windsor
Biarritz

Biarritz is well known for the beache. However, Windsor is not a beach destination.

Biarritz is considered a top beach destination. There are plenty of sandy beaches near the town that offer great surfing. For calmer water you can head to some of the smaller bays. Some of the most popular beaches in the area include Le Grande Plage, Plage du Miramar, and Plage Port Vieux.

Windsor is not a beach destination.

Is Windsor or Biarritz Better for its Old Town?

Windsor
Biarritz

Windsor is a popular place for its old town. However, Biarritz does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Windsor. The old town is opposite the castle and caters specifically to tourists with its restaurants, pubs, and a few shops.

Biarritz does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Windsor or Biarritz?

Windsor
Biarritz

Biarritz is well known for its shopping opportunities. However, Windsor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Biarritz is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The town has many market halls, boutiques, and department stores. Head to Avenue de Verdun for some quirky local stores or Place Georges Clemenceau for more high end shopping.

Windsor is not a noteworthy shopping destination.


Is Windsor or Biarritz Better for Families?

Windsor
Biarritz

Biarritz is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Windsor is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Biarritz is a very kid-friendly seaside town. The sandy beaches are great for surfing, but you'll also find some calm water where kids can play. There are plenty of surf schools in the area that will help kids learn if they're just beginning to surf. Kids who love the ocean will find tons of entertainment in this seaside town.

Windsor offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy seeing a working castle when they visit Windsor Castle. While a visit to Windsor Castle is the obvious draw to the town, there are also river cruises, parks, and even the Royal Windsor Maze at the Goswells Park that the whole family will enjoy. There is also a Legoland in the area for those who have more time.

Is Windsor or Biarritz Better for Couples?

Windsor
Biarritz

With fun activities for couples, both Windsor and Biarritz make for a high quality place to visit.

Couples visit Windsor frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Exploring the Windsor Castle, taking a river cruise, and wandering the parks and gardens hand in hand make this a great place for a couples retreat.

Biarritz is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. There are many coastal walks, sandy beaches, and surfing opportunities that couples can enjoy. Combine that with great French cuisine and a lively atmosphere, and you won't find a better couples getaway.

Is Windsor or Biarritz Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Windsor
Biarritz

Biarritz is well known for backpackers. However, Windsor is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Biarritz is a great seaside town to visit for backpackers. The town attracts surfers and there are plenty of hostels and other accommodation options for budget travelers or backpackers.

Windsor is not a backpacker-friendly destination.


Is Windsor or Biarritz Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Windsor
Biarritz

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Windsor and Biarritz.

You'll find some public transit in Windsor, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a bus system around town.

While Biarritz offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are regional bus lines to nearby towns operated by Chronoplus and PESA.

Is Windsor or Biarritz a more walkable city?

Windsor
Biarritz

Windsor and Biarritz both are high quality when exploring on foot.

Windsor is a very walkable town. The town is compact and relatively easy to walk around. There are also several walking routes in the area.

Biarritz is a very walkable destination. The city center is very walkable and you can reach many of the beaches on foot as well.

For even more information, also check out Is Windsor Worth Visiting? and Is Biarritz Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Biarritz or Windsor?

How long in Windsor or Biarritz?

Both Windsor and Biarritz have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Biarritz than in Windsor. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Windsor, and 3-7 days is enough time in Biarritz.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Biarritz than Windsor 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 Biarritz.


  • How many days in Windsor or Biarritz? Ideal Length of Stay
    Windsor 1-2 
    Biarritz 3-7

One day in Windsor or Biarritz?

Windsor is a small town where visitors enjoy the nightlife and food. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Biarritz, you'll find shopping and nightlife. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This seaside town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.


A weekend in Windsor or Biarritz?

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

In Biarritz, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Most people come for the beaches. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Windsor or Biarritz?

Windsor 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.

Biarritz is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Biarritz has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Windsor or Biarritz?

Windsor is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Biarritz. In Biarritz, you'll find shopping and nightlife. It's also a relaxing resort destination. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in United Kingdom, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Tours for Seniors to France, and The Best Contiki Tours to France.


Which place is cheaper, Biarritz or Windsor?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Windsor is £150, while the average daily cost in Biarritz is £112. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Windsor and Biarritz in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Windsor £70
    Biarritz £63
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Windsor £140
    Biarritz £126
Compare Hotels in Windsor and Biarritz

Looking for a hotel in Windsor or Biarritz? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Windsor


Hotels in Biarritz


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Windsor Hotel Prices and Biarritz Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Windsor £66
    Biarritz £33

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Windsor

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Windsor:

  • Windsor Castle Ticket & Private Transfer: $319
  • London: Windsor Castle Private Tour with Hotel Transfers: $562
  • London: Transfer to Southampton with Windsor Castle Visit: $161
  • "Private Transfer: From London Heathrow Airport to Windsor": $56

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Biarritz

Also for Biarritz, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Arrival Private Transfer BIQ Airport to Biarritz by Luxury Vehicle: $85
  • Biarritz : Optimized transfer to/from Bordeaux: $749
  • Biarritz : Private transfer to/from airport & train Station: $70
  • Chauffeured Transfer between Biarritz Airport, Train Station and City Center: $71
  • Private Transfer from Biarritz city to San Sebastian : $167
  • Private Transfer from Biarritz city to San Sebastian Airport: $167
  • Private transfer from Biarritz BIQ airport to San Sebastian: $229
  • San Sebastian: Optimized transfer to Biarritz & surroundings: $262

Is it cheaper to fly into Windsor or Biarritz?

Prices for flights to both Biarritz and Windsor change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Windsor £39
    Biarritz £29
Typical Food Prices in Windsor

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Windsor:


  • Morning Tea
    £2.50

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Biarritz

For Biarritz, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Biarritz Food Tour Gastronomique- Taste 10 Basque specialties: $76
  • Bayonne Food Tour: Journey Through Flavors (with food and drinks): $97
  • Traditional Bayonne Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $104
  • Basque Country Food Tour: $240

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Windsor £26
    Biarritz £14

Tours and Activities in Windsor

Here are a few actual costs in Windsor for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 1,000 Years of Royal History from Windsor to Eton: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • 3 Hour Private Tour in Windsor Old Town and Castle: $191
  • From London: Half-Day Trip to Windsor with Castle Tickets: $111
  • From Southampton: Bath and Windsor Tour with London Drop-Off: $230
  • LEGOLAND Windsor Resort 2 Day Admission Ticket: $66
  • LEGOLAND Windsor Resort: Entrance Ticket: $44
  • Private Tour Windsor, Eton & Hampton Court: $650
  • Private Windsor Town & Guided Castle Walking Tour: $350
  • Private Windsor Walking Tour: $146
  • Royal Windsor & Stonehenge Private Tour: $1,998
  • Royal Windsor Castle Tour Private including tickets: $362
  • Stonehenge and Windsor Castle Tour from London With Entry Tickets: $126

Tours and Activities in Biarritz

For Biarritz, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Pierre IBAIALDE: Guided Tour Ham Workshop, tasting: $5.46
  • City Exploration Game & Tour on your Phone: $6.36
  • Complete Self-guided Audio Tour on your Phone: $8.45
  • Walking tours of Biarritz: $22
  • E-bike Guided Tour With Sunset local Aperitif Ride: $32
  • E-bike Guided Tour to Small California: $37
  • Basque tour of Biarritz: $49
  • Unusual Guided Tour in a Segway in Biarritz: $59
  • Biarritz guided walking & gourmet tour: $74
  • Bayonne Food Gastronomic Tour - Taste 10 Basque specialties: $97
  • Guided Tapas Tour Hondarribia from Hendaye with Food and Drinks: $108
  • Private E-bike Guided Tour: $155

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Windsor £7.55
    Biarritz £6.89


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Windsor and Biarritz, we can see that Windsor is more expensive. And not only is Biarritz much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Biarritz would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Biarritz 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 Windsor would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Windsor than you might in Biarritz.

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


Which is Bigger, Windsor or Biarritz?

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

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 Windsor or Biarritz in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Windsor as well as Biarritz. The summer months attract visitors to Windsor because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Biarritz this time of year.

Windsor is cooler than Biarritz in the summer. The daily temperature in Windsor averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, and Biarritz fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Biarritz. In the summer, Windsor often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Biarritz. Windsor gets 195 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Biarritz receives 209 hours of full sun.

Windsor usually gets less rain in July than Biarritz. Windsor gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Windsor 18°C (64°F) 
    Biarritz 20°C (68°F)

Should I visit Windsor or Biarritz in the Autumn?

Both Biarritz and Windsor are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Windsor this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Biarritz for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

In the autumn, Windsor is cooler than Biarritz. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Windsor in October average around 12°C (53°F), and Biarritz averages at about 16°C (60°F).

Windsor usually receives less sunshine than Biarritz during autumn. Windsor gets 107 hours of sunny skies, while Biarritz receives 144 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Biarritz. In October, Windsor usually receives less rain than Biarritz. Windsor gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Windsor 12°C (53°F) 
    Biarritz 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Windsor or Biarritz in the Winter?

Both Biarritz and Windsor during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Windsor for the museums and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Biarritz in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Windsor. In January, Windsor is generally much colder than Biarritz. Daily temperatures in Windsor average around 4°C (40°F), and Biarritz fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Windsor often gets less sunshine than Biarritz. Windsor gets 52 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Biarritz receives 85 hours of full sun.

Biarritz gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Windsor usually gets less rain in January than Biarritz. Windsor gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Windsor 4°C (40°F) 
    Biarritz 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Windsor or Biarritz in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Windsor and Biarritz. Many visitors come to Windsor in the spring for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Biarritz for the beaches and the small town charm during these months.

Windsor is cooler than Biarritz in the spring. The daily temperature in Windsor averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Biarritz fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Windsor usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Biarritz during spring. Windsor gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Biarritz receives 141 hours of full sun in the spring.

Biarritz receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Windsor usually receives less rain than Biarritz. Windsor gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Biarritz receives 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Windsor 9°C (48°F) 
    Biarritz 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Biarritz and Windsor

Windsor Biarritz
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (40°F) 52 mm (2 in) 8°C (47°F) 183 mm (7.2 in)
Feb 5°C (40°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 9°C (49°F) 147 mm (5.8 in)
Mar 7°C (44°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 10°C (51°F) 148 mm (5.8 in)
Apr 9°C (48°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 12°C (54°F) 163 mm (6.4 in)
May 13°C (55°F) 51 mm (2 in) 15°C (59°F) 139 mm (5.5 in)
Jun 16°C (61°F) 51 mm (2 in) 18°C (64°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 20°C (68°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Aug 18°C (64°F) 51 mm (2 in) 20°C (68°F) 115 mm (4.5 in)
Sep 15°C (59°F) 51 mm (2 in) 18°C (65°F) 134 mm (5.3 in)
Oct 12°C (53°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 16°C (60°F) 155 mm (6.1 in)
Nov 7°C (45°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 11°C (52°F) 190 mm (7.5 in)
Dec 5°C (42°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 9°C (49°F) 184 mm (7.2 in)


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