A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Beijing vs. Nice for Food, Nightlife, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Beijing or Nice?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Beijing and Nice can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Beijing

Beijing is a historic, massive, and jam-packed city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Beijing is a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and shopping. See Beijing travel costs.

Nice

Nice is a chic, glamourous, and beautiful seaside destination. The famous beauty of Nice is one of the main draws. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Nice travel costs.

Beijing and Nice: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Beijing or Nice?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Beijing than Nice, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Beijing is more popular for its museums and attractions and big city activities, while Nice is known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Beijing is popular for its rich culture, many historical landmarks, its long running history, and its world class cuisine. It is also home to The Forbidden City. Nice is popular for its beachfront setting in the French Riviera as well as its popularity with A-list celebrities.

How is Beijing different from Nice?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Beijing or Nice?

Beijing is renowned for its sights and museums. However, Nice does not have museums and landmarks.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Beijing are among the most recognizable in the world. The city is filled with iconic landmarks including the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, and The Temple of Heaven. It's also essential that you plan a trip outside of town to the world renowned Great Wall of China. The trip takes about an hour and you can organize a tour through almost any hotel or tour company.

Nice does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Beijing or Nice? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Beijing and Nice can be an enjoyable experience.

Many restaurants in Beijing have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The city has a number of iconic dishes that have put it on the culinary map. The most notable dish is Peking Duck, which is a delectable crispy roast duck that is usually served with cucumber, scallions, sweet bean sauce and pancakes or other steamed buns. Hot pots are another must-try experience in the city, and, of course, you have to experience the dumplings. A huge part of a visit to Beijing is experiencing its long running culinary history.

Eat your way through Nice, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The cuisine brings together fresh regional ingredients and mixes Provençal and Niçoise flavors. You'll find a lot of Italian influence as well. Fresh seafood is the thing to try while you're in town, but other local favorites include socca, Ratatouille, and Salade niçoise.

Is Beijing or Nice Better for Nightlife?

Nice is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

The nightlife in Nice is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. The city has some of the best nightlife on the Cote d'Azur. You'll find a number of nightclubs along the seaside as well a bars and pubs in the Old Town. Some of the best clubs are along Promenade des Anglais.

The nightlife in Beijing has something for everybody. Live performances are popular in the city, and range from concerts to magic shows and acrobatics. There is also an active bar scene around town. Some of the most popular nightlife areas include Sanlitun and Houhai.

Is Beijing or Nice Better for Resorts?

Nice is an unbeatable place for its resorts. However, Beijing is not a resort destination.

Nice is a world class resort vacation destination. The city has boutique hotels as well high end luxury resorts. Popular options include Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée, Hôtel Suisse, and AC Hotel by Marriott.

Beijing is not a resort destination.

Is Beijing or Nice Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Nice is a seaside destination with good options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Beijing is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Nice. There are some places where you can arrange a snorkeling or dive trip to explore the underwater setting.

Beijing is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Beijing or Nice Better for Beaches?

Nice is a great destination for the beach. However, Beijing is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Nice attract visitors from all over. The city has about 4 miles of beach along its coastline and there are both public and private beaches available. La Réserve is a public beach with a laid back and fun vibe. Plage Beau Rivage is a private beach with many amenities, making it a favorite for visitors. Blue Beach is another private beach that is very family-friendly.

Beijing is not a beach destination.

Is Beijing or Nice Better for its Old Town?

Nice is a great destination for its historic old town charm. However, Beijing does not have a historic old town.

Nice is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. Wandering around the charming old town is a quintessential part of visiting this city. There are many historic churches and squares, as well as great restaurants and shops that you can pop in.

Beijing does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Beijing or Nice?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Nice and Beijing.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Beijing. There are many unique handicrafts that you can purchase around town. Popular souvenirs include silk, pearls, and snuff bottles with pictures inside. The city has many shopping streets as well as markets and shopping malls that are worth visiting.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Nice. The city has long been a favorite for the rich and famous, so you'll find plenty of shopping opportunities around town. The boutique shops are chic, trendy, and fashionable, but for those on a budget, you can sometimes find a unique local purchase in your budget.

Is Beijing or Nice More Beautiful?

Nice is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

The famous beauty of Nice is one of the main draws. A premiere destination in the French Riviera, this town is known for it's luxury, glitz, charm, and personality.

Beijing is a gorgeous place to visit. The parks, gardens, palaces, and temples all offer a glimpse into the past, while also letting you enjoy the city and culture that exists today.

Is Beijing or Nice Better for Families?

Both Beijing and Nice are good to visit with kids.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Beijing. The city offers a unique cultural immersion that kids and adults can enjoy. Wander through the Forbidden City or watch your kids be mesmerized by a Chinese acrobatics show. It's also fun to get lost in the Hutongs or test their culinary palates by visiting a snack street.

Nice offers lots of family activities. The town has many fun playgrounds, kid-friendly beaches, and unique cultural opportunities that kids can enjoy. It also makes a great base for exploring the French Riviera and everything that it has to offer.

Is Beijing or Nice Better for Couples?

Nice is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Beijing is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Nice is a great seaside destination for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The old town is filled with romance and charm. You can also take a walk along the Promenade Des Anglais or soak up the romantic countryside that surrounds the town.

Beijing is a nice destination for couples. The culture, history, and food all make this a stunning place to visit. While romance doesn't immediately spring to mind when you think of Beijing, there are shows and fine dining restaurants that couples will enjoy. There are also many luxury hotels with spas and other amenities.

Is Beijing or Nice Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Beijing is a well-known place for backpackers. Also, Nice is not as famous, but is still a good seaside destination to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Beijing is a great city to visit for backpackers. The city has many hostels and budget-friendly options. There isn't the backpacker community vibe that you may get in other Asian cities, but if you organize an excursion through your hostel, you're sure to make a few friends along the way.

Plenty of backpackers visit Nice. Because it's one of the most popular tourist destinations in France, many backpackers make their way here. Nice is known for its high end vibe, so it can be challenging to find affordable options, but if you know where to look, they are around.

Is Beijing or Nice Better for Students?

Beijing is a well-known place for students. However, Nice is not popular with students.

Students come from all over to stay in Beijing. Students will enjoy the culture, food, and academic opportunities that the universities offer. There is also a decent nightlife scene and affordable places where students can live.

Nice is not popular with students.

Is Beijing or Nice Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Beijing and Nice.

Beijing offers a very effecient public transportation network. The system can be crowded and confusing at first, but it's one of the most convenient and affordable ways to get around town. There's a subway system as well as buses, trolleybuses, and suburban rail.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Nice. There are both buses and trams.

Is Beijing or Nice a more walkable city?

Nice is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. However, Beijing is a city with minimal options for its walkability.

Getting around Nice on foot is easy. You should definitely spend some time exploring the 7 kilometer long Promenade des Anglais.

Beijing is generally not a very walkable city. While parts of the city are fun to explore on foot, the city itself is very large with long blocks that aren't pedestrian-friendly.

For even more information, also check out Is Beijing Worth Visiting? and Is Nice Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nice or Beijing?

How long in Beijing or Nice?

In either Beijing or Nice, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Beijing than Nice because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Beijing, and 3-5 days is enough time in Nice.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Beijing than Nice 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 Beijing.

One day in Beijing or Nice?

Beijing is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

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

A weekend in Beijing or Nice?

Beijing is a fun place to experience. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Nice, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Beijing or Nice?

Beijing is a historic big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Nice 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 Nice has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Beijing or Nice?

Beijing is a massive city where you can fill many days. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nice. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Nice. It's also a relaxing resort destination. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Beijing, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to China, 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 Beijing and Nice, we can see that Nice is more expensive. And not only is Beijing much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Beijing is in Asia and Nice is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Beijing would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Beijing 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 Nice would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Nice than you might in Beijing.

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

Which is Bigger, Beijing or Nice?

Beijing has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Nice. When comparing the sizes of Beijing and Nice, 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 Beijing or Nice?

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 Beijing or Nice in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Beijing and Nice. The summer months attract visitors to Beijing because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Nice this time of year.

In July, Beijing is generally a little warmer than Nice. Daily temperatures in Beijing average around 27°C (80°F), and Nice fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

Beijing gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In July, Beijing usually receives more rain than Nice. Beijing gets 176 mm (6.9 in) of rain, while Nice receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Beijing or Nice in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Beijing as well as Nice. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Beijing this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Nice for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Beijing is cooler than Nice in the autumn. The daily temperature in Beijing averages around 14°C (56°F) in October, and Nice fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite rainy in Nice. Beijing usually gets less rain in October than Nice. Beijing gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Nice receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Beijing or Nice in the Winter?

Both Nice and Beijing are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Beijing for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Nice in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Beijing. In the winter, Beijing is much colder than Nice. Typically, the winter temperatures in Beijing in January average around -4°C (26°F), and Nice averages at about 9°C (48°F).

In January, Beijing usually receives less rain than Nice. Beijing gets 3 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Nice receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Beijing or Nice in the Spring?

Both Nice and Beijing during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Beijing in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Nice for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Beijing is generally around the same temperature as Nice. Daily temperatures in Beijing average around 14°C (57°F), and Nice fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Beijing usually gets less rain in April than Nice. Beijing gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Nice receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Nice and Beijing