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

Should you visit Nice or Sorrento?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Nice and Sorrento 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.

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. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Nice travel costs.

Sorrento

Sorrento is a laid back, colorful, and historic small city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. The beauty of Sorrento is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and beaches. See Sorrento travel costs.

Nice and Sorrento: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nice or Sorrento?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Sorrento. Although Nice and Sorrento are popular destinations, Sorrento has more sights and attractions for tourists. Sorrento is very popular for its hiking and big city activities, while Nice attracts visitors for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Nice is more touristy than Sorrento and is known for its beachfront setting in the French Riviera as well as its popularity with A-list celebrities. Sorrento is famous for its lemon groves and limoncello, charming cafes, and access to the Amalfi coast. It is also well known for Marina Grande and Marina Piccola.

How is Nice different from Sorrento?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at world-class restaurants in both Nice and Sorrento.

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

Eat your way through Sorrento, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The food is world class and you'll find most Italian classics here including pizza, fine cheeses, and fresh seafood. Many visitors enjoy taking a pasta or pizza making class while they're in town. You'll also find Limoncello everywhere, made from the locally grown lemons, which are impressive in both their size and flavor. Also make sure you allow for plenty of stops at gelato shops.

Is Nice or Sorrento Better for Nightlife?

Nice is renowned for nightlife. Also, Sorrento is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

Nice is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Sorrento has a few options to choose from. The city is known for its laid back atmosphere, but there are still a number of clubs where you can dance the night away. While the main city center has its share of bars and activities, some of the best known clubs are actually a bit outside of the city center. Many visitors dress to impress and don't show up until after midnight, which is when the party really starts.

Is Nice or Sorrento Better for Resorts?

Nice is renowned for its resorts. Also, Sorrento is still popular, but not quite as popular for its luxury resorts.

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.

There are plenty of resorts in Sorrento to choose from. The city offers a wide selection of luxury and budget hotels, particularly in the Piazza Tasso area. Because of its accessibility, many people use it as a base for exploring the area, or stop off for a day or two in route to other towns.

Is Nice or Sorrento Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Nice is a seaside destination with good options for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Sorrento is a small city with minimal options for its diving and snorkeling.

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.

There are few places where you can go snorkeling in Sorrento. There are snorkeling excursions that you can book in the area, but this is often an overlooked activity for many visitors.

Is Nice or Sorrento Better for Beaches?

Nice is a great destination for its beaches. Also, Sorrento is still popular, but not quite as popular for the beach.

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.

Sorrento offers a nice beach destination. The rugged coastline is filled with dramatic hills and rocky inlets that offer hidden beaches. Many of the most unique beaches can be challenging to access and the beaches closer to town get very crowded. Some of the best beaches in the area include Marina Piccola Beach, Regina Giovanna, and Puolo. Some beaches are public while others are private and come at a price.

Is Nice or Sorrento Better for its Old Town?

Nice is a great destination for its historic old town. However, Sorrento 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.

Sorrento does not have a historic old town.

Is Nice or Sorrento Better for Hiking?

Sorrento is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Nice is not a hiking destination.

Sorrento is a popular spot for hiking. The area has a number of walking trails that you can explore. Many follow historic donkey trails that once connected the villages and today offer a well-established route with stunning views and pristine landscapes. The trails navigate the region's steep hills and offer a breathtaking look at the rugged coastline.

Nice is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Nice or Sorrento?

Both Nice and Sorrento are great shopping destinations.

Nice is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Sorrento. Head to the heart of the city around Piazza Tasso for the best shopping opportunities. You can simply enjoy window shopping or pop in one of the many local boutiques or larger European brand stores. Popular items to purchase include leather goods, Limoncello, and inlaid wood items.

Is Nice or Sorrento More Beautiful?

Nice is renowned for its scenery and beauty. Also, Sorrento 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.

The beauty of Sorrento is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The city offers spectacular views of Mount Vesuvius as well as a scenic waterfront. You can stop by one of the many cafes around town and soak up the quintessential Italian atmosphere.

Is Nice or Sorrento Better for Families?

Sorrento is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Nice is not as famous, but is still a good seaside destination to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Sorrento is a very kid-friendly small city. It makes a good base or first stop for families who want to enjoy the area. It's well connected with transportation and has all the kid approved foods you could need. The whole family will also enjoy taking a pasta making class or going for a swim in the Mediterranean. And make sure you allow plenty of time for everyone to eat their fill of gelato.

Nice is a family-friendly seaside destination. 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 Nice or Sorrento Better for Couples?

Both Nice and Sorrento are world-class destinations for a couple's getaway.

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.

Sorrento is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. This beautiful romantic destination is one of the world's top honeymoon areas. It's a small city that offers access to the many nearby destinations, so it makes a good base or gateway city for visiting places like Capri and the Blue Grotto as well as the Amalfi Coast. You can enjoy romantic hikes full of stunning views, explore by kayak, dine at romantic restaurants, or experience a one-of-a-kind farm tour. If you base yourself in Sorrento, you'll likely be doing a lot of day trips.

Is Nice or Sorrento Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sorrento is renowned for backpackers. Also, Nice is not as famous, but is still a good seaside destination to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Sorrento. Because its a small city with accessible transportation, you'll find a decent number of hostels that make it an affordable base for exploring the area. You can hit many nearby sights as day trips or use this as a first stop off point as you make your way along the coast.

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

Both Nice and Sorrento offer great public transit options.

The public transit in Nice can get you around easily. There are both buses and trams.

Sorrento offers a very effecient public transportation network. Buses travel around town and you can also visit nearby areas using the Circumvesuviana train line, EAV and Sita buses, Cooperativa Tasso minibuses, or one of the many ferry companies.

Is Nice or Sorrento a more walkable city?

Nice is renowned for its walkability. Also, Sorrento is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

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

Sorrento is a very walkable seaside destination. The old town is fun to walk around and window shop, but bring good walking shoes as the area has a lot of hills.

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

Should I spend more time in Sorrento or Nice?

How long in Nice or Sorrento?

Both Nice and Sorrento have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Sorrento than in Nice. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Nice, and 3-7 days is enough time in Sorrento.

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

One day in Nice or Sorrento?

The beautiful seaside destination of Nice offers food and scuba diving and snorkeling. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Sorrento. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Nice or Sorrento?

Nice is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Sorrento is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the food. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. 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.

Five days in Nice or Sorrento?

Nice is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Nice, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the colorful destination of Sorrento. This small city offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Nice or Sorrento?

Nice is a great place to explore. 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. This seaside destination offers something for everyone.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the accessible small city of Sorrento. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in France, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, The Best Adventure Tours to Italy, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Nice or Sorrento?

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

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 Nice or Sorrento in the Summer?

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

In July, Nice is generally around the same temperature as Sorrento. Daily temperatures in Nice average around 23°C (73°F), and Sorrento fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

In July, Nice usually receives less rain than Sorrento. Nice gets 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Nice or Sorrento in the Autumn?

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

Nice is around the same temperature as Sorrento in the autumn. The daily temperature in Nice averages around 17°C (63°F) in October, and Sorrento fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite rainy in Sorrento. Nice receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Nice usually gets less rain in October than Sorrento. Nice gets 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nice or Sorrento in the Winter?

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

In the winter, Nice is around the same temperature as Sorrento. Typically, the winter temperatures in Nice in January average around 9°C (48°F), and Sorrento averages at about 8°C (47°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sorrento. In January, Nice usually receives less rain than Sorrento. Nice gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Nice or Sorrento in the Spring?

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

In April, Nice is generally around the same temperature as Sorrento. Daily temperatures in Nice average around 13°C (56°F), and Sorrento fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Nice usually gets less rain in April than Sorrento. Nice gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Sorrento and Nice