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

Should you visit Delft or Nantes?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Delft and Nantes 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.

Delft

Delft is a quaint, charming, and historic town. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and shopping. See Delft travel costs.

Nantes

Nantes is a historical, beautiful, and vibrant city. Nantes is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Nantes travel costs.

Delft and Nantes: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Delft or Nantes?

You'll generally find more things to do in Nantes than Delft. Nantes is bigger than Delft, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Nantes is better known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Delft is more popular for its historical sights. Delft is well known for its charming canals, cobblestone streets, and blue and white ceramic pottery. Nantes is well known for its castles and historical landmarks, local wine, and beautiful parks and gardens. Also, Nantes is famous for The Castle of the Dukes of Brittany.

How is Delft different from Nantes?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Nantes is a very popular place for its museums and history. Also, Delft is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Nantes. 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.

Delft offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are several museums that highlight the culture and history of the area. The Vermeer Center offers an immersive experience into the life and work of the famous Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer, who was born in the city. The Royal Delft Factory teaches visitors about the city's iconic blue-and-white pottery. The Delft Museum of Technology and the Old Church also provide insight into the city's engineering, cultural, and religious history.

Is the Food Better in Delft or Nantes? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Nantes is a must-visit destination for its restaurants. Also, Delft is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Many restaurants in Nantes have been singled out for their culinary prowess. 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).

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Delft. There are several local dishes like stamppot (mashed potatoes with vegetables) or a frikandel (a Dutch snack). The town has countless casual eateries and cozy cafes where you can enjoy pastries, coffee, and Dutch pancakes (pannenkoeken). There's also a selection of international restaurants around town that serve Italian, Asian, and Middle Eastern cuisines. Local markets and street food stalls provide affordable options, such as fresh herring or delicious Dutch cheese.

Is Delft or Nantes Better for Nightlife?

Nantes is a very popular place for nightlife. However, Delft is lacking in good options for nightlife and partying.

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.

Delft is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. It has a low-key and relaxed nightlife scene with a variety of cozy pubs, bars, and cafes, many of which are located along the scenic canals.

Is Delft or Nantes Better for its Old Town?

Delft is a very popular place for its historic old town charm. Also, Nantes is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town.

Many visitors go to Delft to see the historical old town. The city's old town is known for its picturesque canals, historic buildings, and cobblestone streets. The heart of the old town is centered around the Market Square, where you'll find iconic landmarks such as the New Church (Nieuwe Kerk) and the City Hall.

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 Delft or Nantes?

Nantes is a very popular place for shopping. Also, Delft is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Nantes. 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.

Delft offers some nice shopping areas. The city center is home to many unique shops selling local crafts, Dutch design, and traditional Delftware pottery, making it a great place for souvenirs. You'll also find popular international brands and stores along the main shopping streets. For a more local shopping experience, visit the weekly market in the Market Square, where you can buy fresh produce, flowers, and regional goods.

Is Delft or Nantes More Beautiful?

Nantes is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, Delft is not a destination known for its beauty.

Nantes is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The beauty of the surrounding countryside merges with the historical sights of the city center. You'll find many parks and gardens as well as impressive architecture and quaint streets.

Delft is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Delft or Nantes Better for Families?

Nantes is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Delft is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Nantes is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Delft. There are boat tours on the canals. There's also the Vermeer Center which has an interactive experience where you can learn about the famous artist, Johannes Vermeer, in a way that's engaging and educational. The Royal Delft Factory is another great stop, where children can see traditional blue-and-white pottery being made and even try painting their own ceramics. If your kids need to stretch their legs, there's the Delftse Hout park which has a large playground, nature trails, and even a petting zoo.

Is Delft or Nantes Better for Couples?

Nantes is a very popular place for romance. Also, Delft is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

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.

Delft makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many romantic activities for couples like walking through the picturesque canals and cobblestone streets. There are also quaint cafes and romantic restaurants. You can also take a boat ride along the canals or enjoy a peaceful walk through Delftse Hout park.

Is Delft or Nantes Better for Students?

Delft is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. Also, Nantes is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Delft is a great town to visit as a student. It is home to Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), which is a well respected technical university. The city has a vibrant student atmosphere, with plenty of student-friendly cafes, bars, and activities.

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

Visitors will find high quality public transit in both Delft and Nantes.

Public transit in Delft is fairly effecient and thorough. There's a bus network that is reliable and convenient. The city's train station is centrally located and offers direct connections to major cities in the Netherlands, making it a great hub for exploring the region.

Nantes has some very good public transit options. There are both trams and buses throughout the city that are operated by TAN (Transport de l'Agglomeration Nantaise).

Is Delft or Nantes a more walkable city?

Delft is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. Also, Nantes is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Delft. The town's compact size and charming layout mean that most of the main attractions, such as the Old Church, New Church, and Market Square, are within walking distance of each other.

Nantes is very walkable. The city is very walkable. Both locals and tourists alike choose to walk in Nantes.

For even more information, also check out Is Delft Worth Visiting? and Is Nantes Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nantes or Delft?

How long in Delft or Nantes?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Nantes than Delft 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 Nantes.

One day in Delft or Nantes?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the destination of Delft. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Nantes, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this friendly destination offers. Lots of people come for the food. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Delft or Nantes?

Delft is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Nantes. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Delft or Nantes?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Delft. 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. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Nantes is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Nantes. Lots of people come for the food. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Delft or Nantes?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the quaint destination of Delft. This town 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the historical destination of Nantes. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Delft or Nantes?

Nantes has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Delft. When comparing the sizes of Delft 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 Delft or Nantes?

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 Delft or Nantes in the Summer?

Both Nantes and Delft are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Delft for the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Nantes because of the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Delft is generally cooler than Nantes. Daily temperatures in Delft average around 17°C (62°F), and Nantes fluctuates around 19°C (67°F).

It's quite sunny in Nantes. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Delft. Delft usually receives less sunshine than Nantes during summer. Delft gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Nantes receives 267 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Delft usually receives more rain than Nantes. Delft gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Delft or Nantes in the Autumn?

Both Nantes and Delft during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Delft because of the shopping scene. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Nantes this time of year.

Delft is cooler than Nantes in the autumn. The daily temperature in Delft averages around 11°C (51°F) in October, and Nantes fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Delft often gets less sunshine than Nantes. Delft gets 105 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nantes receives 141 hours of full sun.

Delft usually gets less rain in October than Nantes. Delft gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Delft or Nantes in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Delft and Nantes. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Delft this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Nantes for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Delft in the winter. In the winter, Delft is much colder than Nantes. Typically, the winter temperatures in Delft in January average around 2°C (36°F), and Nantes averages at about 6°C (42°F).

Delft usually receives less sunshine than Nantes during winter. Delft gets 47 hours of sunny skies, while Nantes receives 72 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Delft usually receives less rain than Nantes. Delft gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Delft or Nantes in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Delft as well as Nantes. Also, many visitors come to Nantes in the spring for the natural beauty.

In April, Delft is generally cooler than Nantes. Daily temperatures in Delft average around 8°C (46°F), and Nantes fluctuates around 11°C (51°F).

In the spring, Delft often gets less sunshine than Nantes. Delft gets 158 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nantes receives 187 hours of full sun.

Delft usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Nantes. Delft gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Nantes receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Nantes and Delft