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

Should you visit Zurich or Nantes?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Zurich and Nantes. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Zurich

Zurich is a historic, liberal, and beautiful city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Nantes

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

Zurich and Nantes: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Zurich or Nantes?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Zurich than Nantes, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Zurich is more popular for its music, historical sights, and shopping, while Nantes is known for its food. Zurich is more touristy than Nantes and is popular for its beautiful setting on Lake Zurich as well as its cafes, restaurants, and high prices. It is also home to The Grossmünster. Nantes is popular for its castles and historical landmarks, local wine, and beautiful parks and gardens.

How is Zurich different from Nantes?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Zurich or Nantes?

Plenty of people visit the great sights and museums in both Zurich and Nantes.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Zurich. Make sure you check out the Museum of Fine Arts, the Fraumünster, as well as the Swiss National Museum.

Nantes offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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 Zurich or Nantes? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nantes is a must-visit destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Zurich is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Eat your way through Nantes, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. 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).

Zurich has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Many restaurants have a strong German influence, but you'll also find traditional Swiss dishes such as cheese and chocolate fondue. There are also several Michelin star restaurants in town.

Is Zurich or Nantes Better for Nightlife?

Both Zurich and Nantes are great when it comes to partying.

Zurich offers plenty to do in the evening. The city has some of the best nightlife in Switzerland. There are a high concentration of bars and clubs around town, or you could check out one of the badis, which are pools that also act as bars during the summer months. They're usually located by the lake.

Nantes has a large number of nightlife venues. 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 Zurich or Nantes Better for Music?

Zurich is a very popular place for its music scene. However, Nantes is not a live music destination.

It's worth checking out the music scene in Zurich while you're in town. There are many nightclubs that offer a variety of music types including electronic music, rock, and even reggae.

Nantes is not a live music destination.

Is Zurich or Nantes Better for its Old Town?

Zurich 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, Zurich offers plenty to see. The city has an old town that is split into two parts on each side of the Limmat River. The historic districts are filled with churches, squares, and charming areas that are fun to explore. Walking tours are the best way to explore the 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 the Shopping Better in Zurich or Nantes?

Zurich is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Nantes is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many people travel to Zurich specifically to go shopping. Visitors often buy chocolate, watches, and jewelry in this city. You'll find brand names and luxury items that are of high quality. Each neighborhood has its own character with stores ranging from traditional to international.

Nantes is an extremely popular place for shoppers. 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 Zurich or Nantes Better for Families?

Both Zurich and Nantes are great family-friendly destinations.

Zurich is a very kid-friendly city. It's a surprisingly mellow city with a relaxing vibe that makes it easy to explore with kids. Popular family-friendly activities include swimming in the Limmat River, sailing on Lake Zurich, and visiting Josefwiese park, which has a large playground.

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 Zurich or Nantes Better for Couples?

Zurich and Nantes both great destinations for a couple.

Zurich is a very popular place to visit for couples. One of the most romantic experiences you can have in town is visiting the Zurich Thermal Baths and Spa. There's an outdoor rooftop thermal pool as well as many ways that you can pamper yourselves.

Nantes makes for a fun place to visit for 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 Zurich or Nantes Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Zurich is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Nantes is lacking in good options for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Zurich. The city has a number of hostels to choose from, but, like most of Switzerland, the city is expensive in general.

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 Zurich or Nantes Better for Students?

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

Zurich is a great destination for students. The city offers a number of unique experiences for international students. The academics are good and the university campuses are nice.

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

Both Zurich and Nantes offer great public transit options.

Zurich has some very good public transit options. The system is made up of streetcars and buses.

The public transit in Nantes can get you to most places easily. There are both trams and buses throughout the city that are operated by TAN (Transport de l'Agglomeration Nantaise).

Is Zurich or Nantes a more walkable city?

Zurich and Nantes both are great when exploring on foot.

Zurich is a very walkable city. There are paths that lead along the rivers and the lake connecting the old town areas to other parts of the city.

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 Zurich Worth Visiting? and Is Nantes Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nantes or Zurich?

How long in Zurich or Nantes?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Zurich and Nantes. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Zurich than in Nantes. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Zurich, and 2-3 days is enough time in Nantes.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Zurich 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 Zurich.

One day in Zurich or Nantes?

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Zurich. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Nantes. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Zurich or Nantes?

Zurich is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Nantes is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Zurich or Nantes?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Zurich. Don't miss the shopping, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nantes. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. 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.

A week in Zurich or Nantes?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the beautiful destination of Zurich. This 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the welcoming destination of Nantes. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Sightseeing Tours in Switzerland, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Switzerland, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Zurich or Nantes?

Zurich has a larger population, and is about 23% larger than the population of Nantes. When comparing the sizes of Zurich 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 Zurich 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 Zurich or Nantes in the Summer?

Both Nantes and Zurich during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Zurich in the summer for the music scene and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Nantes for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Zurich is around the same temperature as Nantes. Typically, the summer temperatures in Zurich in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Nantes averages at about 19°C (67°F).

In Nantes, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Zurich. In the summer, Zurich often gets less sunshine than Nantes. Zurich gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nantes receives 267 hours of full sun.

Zurich usually gets more rain in July than Nantes. Zurich gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zurich or Nantes in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Zurich and Nantes. Most visitors come to Zurich for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Nantes because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Zurich is generally around the same temperature as Nantes. Daily temperatures in Zurich average around 13°C (56°F), and Nantes fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Zurich usually receives less sunshine than Nantes during autumn. Zurich gets 120 hours of sunny skies, while Nantes receives 141 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Zurich usually receives less rain than Nantes. Zurich gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Zurich or Nantes in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Zurich as well as Nantes. The winter months attract visitors to Zurich because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Nantes this time of year.

The weather in Zurich can be very cold. Zurich is much colder than Nantes in the winter. The daily temperature in Zurich averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Nantes fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Zurich often gets less sunshine than Nantes. Zurich gets 55 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nantes receives 72 hours of full sun.

Zurich usually gets less rain in January than Nantes. Zurich gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Zurich or Nantes in the Spring?

Both Nantes and Zurich are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The natural beauty are the main draw to Zurich this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Nantes for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Zurich is around the same temperature as Nantes. Typically, the spring temperatures in Zurich in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Nantes averages at about 11°C (51°F).

Zurich usually receives less sunshine than Nantes during spring. Zurich gets 150 hours of sunny skies, while Nantes receives 187 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Zurich usually receives more rain than Nantes. Zurich gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Nantes and Zurich