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

Should you visit Lisse or Nantes?

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

Should I visit Lisse or Nantes? 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.

Lisse

Lisse is a stunning, colorful, and picturesque town. Lisse is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Lisse travel costs.

Nantes

Nantes is a vibrant, welcoming, and friendly city. The beauty of Nantes is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food. See Nantes travel costs.

Lisse and Nantes: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lisse or Nantes?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Lisse. Although Lisse and Nantes are both popular with visitors, Lisse has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Lisse is more popular for its impressive beauty, while Nantes is known for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping. Lisse is more touristy than Nantes and is known for its stunning flowers and iconic tulip fields. It is also home to the Keukenhof Gardens. Nantes is popular for its castles and historical landmarks, local wine, and beautiful parks and gardens.

How is Lisse different from Nantes?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Nantes is great for its historical sights. Also, Lisse is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Lisse. There are a handful of museums in the area, like the Museum de Zwarte Tulp (Museum of the Black Tulip), which showcases the history and art of the Dutch flower-growing industry, including exhibits on tulips, bulbs, and floral culture. And, of course, there's the Keukenhof Gardens, which is the main draw to the area during the spring season and one of the most popular attractions in the Netherlands.

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

Nantes is a world-class destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Lisse is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

For foodies, Nantes is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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).

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Lisse area. The town has a variety of food options, from traditional Dutch snacks to international cuisine. Local cafes and restaurants often serve classic Dutch dishes, such as poffertjes (mini pancakes) and bitterballen (fried meatballs), perfect for a quick bite or a relaxed meal. In Keukenhof Gardens you'll find food stalls, trucks, and a cafe, but they can get crowded during peak times.

Is Lisse or Nantes Better for Nightlife?

Nantes is great for nightlife and partying. Also, Lisse is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its evening party scene.

Many people head to Nantes for the nightlife scene. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Lisse. Most people don't think about nightlife when they visit town but there's a surprising number of thinks to do like cozy bars and charming cafes. Visitors can enjoy live music, great drinks, and a friendly atmosphere, especially in the town's central areas.

Is Lisse or Nantes Better for its Old Town?

Nantes is a popular place for its old town. However, Lisse does not have a historic old town.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Nantes. 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.

Lisse does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Lisse or Nantes?

Nantes is great for its shopping opportunities. Also, Lisse is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its shopping areas.

Nantes is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Many visitors go to Lisse to go shopping. The town offers a range of shopping opportunities, especially in its charming town center. You’ll find boutique stores, gift shops, and specialty shops selling local products, such as Dutch cheeses, flowers, and souvenirs.

Is Lisse or Nantes More Beautiful?

Lisse is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. Also, Nantes is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its scenery and beauty.

Lisse is considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Most visitors come for the Keukenhof Gardens, which are a breathtaking spectacle, renowned for their vibrant and meticulously arranged displays of millions of tulips and other flowers. The gardens are designed with picturesque pathways, tranquil ponds, and themed flower beds, making it feel like a living painting in every corner.

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.

Is Lisse or Nantes Better for Families?

Nantes is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Lisse is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Nantes is very family-friendly. 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.

Lisse is a family-friendly place to visit. The Keukenhof Gardens has a few things to keep the kids entertained, like a play area and boat rides. Some kids will also enjoy seeing the millions of colorful tulips and other flowers. For a more interactive experience, families can head to the Flowerstrip, where children can explore local farms and see how flowers are grown. Also near town is Lisse is the Duinrell theme park, which has thrilling rides and a water park that’s perfect for a family day out.

Is Lisse or Nantes Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Lisse and Nantes make for a very good place to visit.

Lisse is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. Couples will enjoy this area, especially during the spring when the Keukenhof Gardens come alive with vibrant tulip fields and flower displays. There are also boat rides through the nearby canals, surrounded by beautiful countryside. A visit to the nearby Keukenhof Castle provides a charming atmosphere, with its elegant gardens and tea room. perfect for relaxing together. Couples can also explore the local flower fields by bike.

Nantes is a very popular place to visit for couples. 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 Lisse or Nantes Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lisse 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 Lisse. The entrance fee to Keukenhof Gardens can be a bit pricey, but there are plenty of free or low-cost activities to enjoy nearby, like cycling through the beautiful tulip fields or exploring the nearby countryside. Budget accommodations, such as hostels or guesthouses, can be found in Lisse or in nearby towns like Leiden, offering affordable options for travelers.

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 Lisse or Nantes Better for Students?

Nantes is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Lisse is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Nantes. There's a decent sized student population and the city has a welcoming atmosphere. It's also easy to get around with public transportation.

Lisse is not popular with students.

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

Nantes is great for times when you don't have a car. Also, Lisse is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its public transit.

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

Lisse has a few public transit options. There are buses that travel from Schiphol Airport and elsewhere in the country to Keukenhof Gardens. It's best to book your tickets in advance.

Is Lisse or Nantes a more walkable city?

Nantes is great for its high level of walkability. Also, Lisse is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its ease of walking around.

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

Lisse is a somewhat walkable town. Many visitors bike through the tulip fields outside of the Keukenhof Gardens. You could walk, but you'll cover more ground with a bicycle.

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

Should I spend more time in Nantes or Lisse?

How long in Lisse or Nantes?

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

Families should spend more time in Nantes than Lisse. 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 Lisse. 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 Lisse 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 Lisse or Nantes?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Lisse. 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 Lisse or Nantes?

Lisse 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 Lisse or Nantes?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lisse. 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 Lisse or Nantes?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the colorful destination of Lisse. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lisse and Nantes, we can see that Lisse 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 Lisse would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Lisse 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 Lisse Expensive? and Is Nantes Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Lisse or Nantes?

Nantes has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Lisse. When comparing the sizes of Lisse 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 Lisse 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 Lisse or Nantes in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Lisse and Nantes. Many travelers come to Lisse for the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Nantes in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Lisse is cooler than Nantes. Typically, the summer temperatures in Lisse in July average around 17°C (62°F), and Nantes averages at about 19°C (67°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Nantes this time of the year. In Lisse, it's very sunny this time of the year. Lisse usually receives less sunshine than Nantes during summer. Lisse gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Nantes receives 267 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Lisse usually receives more rain than Nantes. Lisse 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 Lisse or Nantes in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Lisse as well as Nantes. Many visitors come to Lisse in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, most visitors come to Nantes for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Lisse is generally cooler than Nantes. Daily temperatures in Lisse average around 11°C (51°F), and Nantes fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In the autumn, Lisse often gets less sunshine than Nantes. Lisse gets 99 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nantes receives 141 hours of full sun.

Lisse usually gets less rain in October than Nantes. Lisse 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 Lisse or Nantes in the Winter?

Both Nantes and Lisse are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Lisse for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Nantes because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Lisse can be very cold during winter. Lisse is much colder than Nantes in the winter. The daily temperature in Lisse averages around 2°C (36°F) in January, and Nantes fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

Lisse usually receives less sunshine than Nantes during winter. Lisse gets 46 hours of sunny skies, while Nantes receives 72 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Lisse usually receives less rain than Nantes. Lisse 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 Lisse or Nantes in the Spring?

Both Nantes and Lisse during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Lisse because of the natural beauty. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Nantes this time of year.

In the spring, Lisse is cooler than Nantes. Typically, the spring temperatures in Lisse in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Nantes averages at about 11°C (51°F).

In the spring, Lisse often gets less sunshine than Nantes. Lisse gets 166 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Nantes receives 187 hours of full sun.

Lisse usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Nantes. Lisse 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 Lisse