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

Should you visit York or Montpellier?

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

Should I visit York 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.

York

York is a fanciful, historic, and medieval city. 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.

York and Montpellier: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in York or Montpellier?

You'll generally find more things to do in Montpellier than York. Montpellier is bigger than York, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Montpellier is better known for its beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty, while York is more popular for its food and nightlife. York is more touristy than Montpellier and is known for its markets, old town, and its many ghost tours. 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 York different from Montpellier?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Both York and Montpellier have superb landmarks and museums for visitors.

York offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Popular museums include the York Castle Museum, the National Railway Museum, Castle Howard, and JORVIK Viking Centre.

Many visitors head to Montpellier specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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 York or Montpellier? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

York 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 York, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Meat pies, fudge, and fish and chips are just some of the culinary experiences you'll find here. The Shambles Market has vendors that sell a wide variety of cuisines. There are also food trucks throughout town that offer affordable and delicious meal options.

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 York or Montpellier Better for Nightlife?

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

The people in York know how to have a good time. The young population and thriving tourist scene means there's no shortage of nightlife around town. Check out a pub or music venue to experience everything that city has to offer.

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 York or Montpellier Better for Beaches?

Montpellier is a well-known place for its beaches. However, York 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.

York is not a beach destination.

Is York or Montpellier Better for its Old Town?

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

The historic old town of York is revered around the world. The charming old town is filled with shops and restaurants. There are street performers, fudge shops, and all of the Harry Potter merchandise that a person could need.

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 York or Montpellier?

Montpellier is a well-known place for shopping. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Montpellier is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Head to Rue de la Loge for some of the city's best shopping.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting York. The old town has many great candy stores that sell fudge and other local specialties. There are also Harry Potter stores that sell potions, t-shirts, games, and more.

Is York or Montpellier Better for Families?

York is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

With a huge array of activities for kids, York is very family-friendly. The city does an amazing job bringing history to life in a way that kids will enjoy. The JORVIK Viking Centre transports visitors back in time and introduces them to a fully immersive viking experience. The York Dungeon is great for older kids as long as they don't scare easily. Actors and special effects offer a terrifying and entertaining visit through a York dungeon. Harry Potter fans will enjoy exploring the potion shops and broomstick stores along the iconic Shambles, which is said to be an inspiration for J.K. Rowling's Diagon Alley.

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 York or Montpellier Better for Couples?

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

York is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples can explore the history and entertainment venues that make York an enjoyable destination. There are museums, restaurants, and outdoor markets that make this a great weekend getaway.

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 York or Montpellier Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both York and Montpellier are superb destinations for backpackers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit York. There are a few hostels around town as well as nightlife venues and entertainment spots that appeal to backpackers and younger travelers. For great and affordable food, grab a meal at one of the many food trucks around town.

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

Is York or Montpellier Better for Students?

Montpellier is a world-class destination for students. However, York is not popular with students.

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.

York is not popular with students.

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

Montpellier is a well-known place for its public transit. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Montpellier is fairly effecient and thorough. There are a number of options for getting around town including the tramway, bus, and tourist train.

York has some public transit options. There is a reliable and efficient bus system around town.

Is York or Montpellier a more walkable city?

Montpellier is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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.

York is a somewhat walkable place. The old town has many pedestrian streets that are easily explored on food.

For even more information, also check out Is York Worth Visiting? and Is Montpellier Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Montpellier or York?

How long in York or Montpellier?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both York and Montpellier. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in York than in Montpellier. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for York, and 1-3 days is enough time in Montpellier.

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

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

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

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historic city of York. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Most people visit for the food. 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Montpellier. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in York or Montpellier?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the fanciful destination of York. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This 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 fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It's also a great beach destination, too. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Five days in York or Montpellier?

The fanciful city of York 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the vibrant destination of Montpellier. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in York or Montpellier?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting York. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people visit for the food. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

The historic city of Montpellier offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

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

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

Which is Bigger, York or Montpellier?

Montpellier has a larger population, and is about 72% larger than the population of York. When comparing the sizes of York 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 York 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 York or Montpellier in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both York and Montpellier. Most visitors come to York 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, York is generally cooler than Montpellier. Daily temperatures in York average around 16°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. York usually receives less sunshine than Montpellier during summer. York gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Montpellier receives 351 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, York usually receives more rain than Montpellier. York gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit York or Montpellier in the Autumn?

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

York is cooler than Montpellier in the autumn. The daily temperature in York averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Montpellier fluctuates around 15°C (60°F).

In the autumn, York often gets less sunshine than Montpellier. York gets 112 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montpellier receives 187 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Montpellier. York usually gets less rain in October than Montpellier. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit York or Montpellier in the Winter?

Both Montpellier and York 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 York this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Montpellier for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in York in the winter. In the winter, York is much colder than Montpellier. Typically, the winter temperatures in York in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Montpellier averages at about 7°C (44°F).

York usually receives less sunshine than Montpellier during winter. York gets 61 hours of sunny skies, while Montpellier receives 147 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, York usually receives less rain than Montpellier. York gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit York or Montpellier in the Spring?

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

In April, York is generally much colder than Montpellier. Daily temperatures in York 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, York often gets less sunshine than Montpellier. York gets 151 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Montpellier receives 230 hours of full sun.

York usually gets less rain in April than Montpellier. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Montpellier receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Montpellier and York