A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers York vs. Saint-Etienne for Food, Families, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit York or Saint-Etienne?

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

Should I visit York or Saint-Etienne? 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 medieval, fanciful, and historic city. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Saint-Etienne

Saint-Etienne is a historic, park-filled, and industrial city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for nightlife, hiking, and museums.

York and Saint-Etienne: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in York or Saint-Etienne?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in York than Saint-Etienne. While Saint-Etienne is larger than York, York has more sights and attractions for tourists. York is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Saint-Etienne attracts visitors for its hiking and impressive beauty. York is more touristy than Saint-Etienne and is popular for its markets, old town, and its many ghost tours. It is also well known for The Shambles. Saint-Etienne is famous for its industrial and manufacturing past.

How is York different from Saint-Etienne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne?

York is great for its historical sights. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around York. Popular museums include the York Castle Museum, the National Railway Museum, Castle Howard, and JORVIK Viking Centre.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Saint-Etienne. There are several great museums in town including the Musée d'Art et d'Industrie, Musée de la Mine, Musée des Verts, and the planetarium.

Is the Food Better in York or Saint-Etienne? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

York is an amazing city to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Saint-Etienne may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Try the many local cheeses which are a defining part of the cuisine in the area. You'll find some local restaurants around town where you can sample local flavors.

Is York or Saint-Etienne Better for Nightlife?

York is great for nightlife and partying. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

Many people head to York for the nightlife scene. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Saint-Etienne. The nightlife is centered around sipping wine or visiting one of the clubs in town.

Is York or Saint-Etienne Better for its Old Town?

York is an amazing city to visit for its old town. However, Saint-Etienne does not have a historic old town.

York offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. 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.

Saint-Etienne does not have a historic old town.

Is York or Saint-Etienne Better for Hiking?

Saint-Etienne is a popular place for the nearby hiking options. However, York is not a hiking destination.

Saint-Etienne is a good destination for hiking. You'll find several great hikes just outside of town. It's a great way to experience the surrounding countryside.

York is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in York or Saint-Etienne?

York is a good destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its shopping areas.

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.

Saint-Etienne has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. Shopping malls and several boutique shopping areas make up the city's shopping scene.

Is York or Saint-Etienne Better for Families?

York is an amazing city to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-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.

Saint-Etienne is a family-friendly place to visit. There are several kid-friendly museums as well as plenty of natural settings just outside of town. Your kids can run around and stretch their legs nearby at Crest of the Partridge or on a rainy day, the planetarium is a fun place to visit.

Is York or Saint-Etienne Better for Couples?

York is great for its romantic activities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for couples.

York is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

Saint-Etienne is not always the best place to visit for a couple. There are museums, parks, gardens, and beautiful architecture that make this a wonderful place for couples.

Is York or Saint-Etienne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

York is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for backpackers.

Many backpackers 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.

Saint-Etienne is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not high on the backpacker trail, but there are hostels and plenty of activities to enjoy.

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

Both York and Saint-Etienne offer nice public transit options.

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

Saint-Etienne has some public transit options. There are tram and bus options available in town.

Is York or Saint-Etienne a more walkable city?

York and Saint-Etienne both are nice when exploring on foot.

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

Saint-Etienne is a somewhat walkable place. There are several walkable areas in the city.

For even more information, also check out Is York Worth Visiting? and Is Saint-Etienne Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Saint-Etienne or York?

How long in York or Saint-Etienne?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in York or Saint-Etienne to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in York than Saint-Etienne because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for York, and 1-2 days is enough time in Saint-Etienne.

Families should spend more time in York than Saint-Etienne. 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 York than Saint-Etienne. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in York that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in York than Saint-Etienne 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 York.

One day in York or Saint-Etienne?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the fanciful destination of York. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Saint-Etienne. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in York or Saint-Etienne?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in York. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Saint-Etienne is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. 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 Saint-Etienne?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historic destination of York. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the authentic destination of Saint-Etienne. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in York or Saint-Etienne?

You'll find food and shopping around the city of York. 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. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

The undiscovered city of Saint-Etienne offers nightlife and museums. 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 from Paris, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris.

When comparing the travel costs between York and Saint-Etienne, 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 Saint-Etienne Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, York or Saint-Etienne?

Saint-Etienne has a larger population, and is about 22% larger than the population of York. When comparing the sizes of York and Saint-Etienne, 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 Saint-Etienne?

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 York or Saint-Etienne in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to York as well as Saint-Etienne. Most visitors come to York for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Saint-Etienne because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, York is cooler than Saint-Etienne. Typically, the summer temperatures in York in July average around 16°C (62°F), and Saint-Etienne averages at about 22°C (71°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint-Etienne. In the summer, York often gets less sunshine than Saint-Etienne. York gets 196 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint-Etienne receives 285 hours of full sun.

York usually gets less rain in July than Saint-Etienne. York gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit York or Saint-Etienne in the Autumn?

Both Saint-Etienne and York are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to York because of the shopping scene. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Saint-Etienne this time of year.

In October, York is generally cooler than Saint-Etienne. Daily temperatures in York average around 11°C (52°F), and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

York usually receives less sunshine than Saint-Etienne during autumn. York gets 112 hours of sunny skies, while Saint-Etienne receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, York usually receives less rain than Saint-Etienne. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit York or Saint-Etienne in the Winter?

Both Saint-Etienne and York during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to York this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Saint-Etienne for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Saint-Etienne. It's quite cold in York in the winter. York is around the same temperature as Saint-Etienne in the winter. The daily temperature in York averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Saint-Etienne fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, York often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Saint-Etienne. York gets 61 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Saint-Etienne receives 62 hours of full sun.

York usually gets less rain in January than Saint-Etienne. York gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit York or Saint-Etienne in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both York and Saint-Etienne. Furthermore, many visitors come to Saint-Etienne in the spring for the natural beauty.

In the spring, York is cooler than Saint-Etienne. Typically, the spring temperatures in York in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Saint-Etienne averages at about 11°C (53°F).

York usually receives less sunshine than Saint-Etienne during spring. York gets 151 hours of sunny skies, while Saint-Etienne receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, York usually receives less rain than Saint-Etienne. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Saint-Etienne receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Saint-Etienne and York