A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Utrecht vs. Honfleur for Food, Nightlife, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Utrecht or Honfleur?

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

Should I visit Utrecht or Honfleur? 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.

Utrecht

Utrecht is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums. See Utrecht travel costs.

Honfleur

Honfleur is a picturesque, scenic, and historic city. Honfleur is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and museums. See Honfleur travel costs.

Utrecht and Honfleur: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Utrecht or Honfleur?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Utrecht. Although Utrecht and Honfleur are both popular with visitors, Utrecht has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Utrecht is more popular for its nightlife, historical sights, shopping, and quaint atmosphere, while Honfleur is known for its food and beaches. Utrecht is more touristy than Honfleur and is popular for its beautiful canals, huge number of bikes, and charming old town. It is also home to the Dom Tower. Honfleur is popular for its influence over Impressionist art, its stunning harbor, and its beautiful buildings.

How is Utrecht different from Honfleur?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Utrecht or Honfleur?

Utrecht
Honfleur

Both Utrecht and Honfleur have good landmarks and museums for visitors.

Utrecht is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The Dom Tower and St. Martin's Cathedral is a highlight of the city, but you'll also find smaller, more local museums and several beautiful churches. If you're up for heading out of town, you can visit De Haar Castle, which is most accessible if you have a private vehicle.

Honfleur offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Some of the most notable sights around the town include Saint Catherine's Church, Le Vieux Bassin, Notre-Dame de Grace, and the Normandy Bridge.


Is the Food Better in Utrecht or Honfleur? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Utrecht
Honfleur

Honfleur is a world-class destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Utrecht is not as famous, but is still a good to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Honfleur is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Located on the coast of Normandy along the English Channel, seafood is a defining element for most dishes here. Foodies flock to this town for its Michelin starred restaurants as well as its local cafes and quaint eateries. For land-lovers, there's a popular local cider-braised pork that you must-try. And for dessert make sure you try the Tarte Tatin.

Utrecht has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are a number of interesting international restaurants around town including Greek, Italian, and Spanish tapas. It's particularly fun to dine canal-side and sip wine as the boats pass by.

Is Utrecht or Honfleur Better for Nightlife?

Utrecht
Honfleur

Utrecht is an excellent place to visit for nightlife. Also, Honfleur is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Utrecht has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The student population keeps the nightlife scene fun and lively. There are plenty of bars in the old town and you'll find tourists and locals hanging out at the same spots.

Honfleur has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. Restaurants come to life at night when music flows out onto the streets. The town is not known for its partying, but that doesn't mean that it's a sleepy place that shuts down when the sun sets.

Is Utrecht or Honfleur Better for Beaches?

Utrecht
Honfleur

Honfleur is a moderate city for its beaches. However, Utrecht is not a beach destination.

Honfleur is a good spot to see the beach. The town sits by the estuary of the Seine and there are two beaches not far from town. Butin Beach is the closest to town and the most popular, but Vasouy Beach is more relaxed and natural.

Utrecht is not a beach destination.


Is Utrecht or Honfleur Better for its Old Town?

Utrecht
Honfleur

Utrecht is an unbeatable place for its historic old town. However, Honfleur does not have a historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Utrecht offers plenty to see. The old town is large, charming, and filled with locals. There are canals that that see a frequent stream of boats and kayakers. There are also historic buildings and cobblestone streets. The city is unique because many cafes offer seating directly next to the canals.

Honfleur does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Utrecht or Honfleur?

Utrecht
Honfleur

Utrecht is an excellent place to visit for shopping. However, Honfleur is lacking in options for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Utrecht. You'll find both local shops and European chains throughout the old town. There's also a large mall right next to the main tourist area.

If you're looking to go shopping, Honfleur has some nice offerings. It's a charming town with boutique shops, chocolate shops, and the standard tourist places that sell souvenirs and t-shirts.

Is Utrecht or Honfleur More Beautiful?

Utrecht
Honfleur

Utrecht and Honfleur both are comparable with their great scenery and beauty.

Utrecht is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The town is filled with beautiful canals and cozy cafes. The lights in the evening are nice and the buildings have a historic charm.

The beauty of Honfleur is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. The town has what some people consider to be the most beautiful port in the region. The town is also filled with a long running history along a beautiful coastal setting.


Is Utrecht or Honfleur Better for Families?

Utrecht
Honfleur

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Utrecht or Honfleur.

Utrecht is a family-friendly place to visit. There are a few museums around town that are fun for kids. Make sure you check out the Miffy Museum, which is great for younger kids. The Museum Speelklok is fun for kids and adults alike. Families will also enjoy renting bikes for the day or taking a canal boat tour. Also make sure you try some local pancakes.

Honfleur is a family-friendly . Located on the coast of Normandy, the town has boat rides, quirky museums, and Vieux Bassin, which is a beautiful and lively harbor. For kids who need to stretch their legs, there are many parks and outdoor spaces to enjoy.

Is Utrecht or Honfleur Better for Couples?

Utrecht
Honfleur

With fun activities for couples, both Utrecht and Honfleur make for a great place to visit.

Utrecht is a very popular place to visit for couples. The charming old town and cozy cafes make for a wonderful date day. You can take a canal boat tour, sip coffee at a cafe by a canal, or explore the city as it lights up at night.

Honfleur makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It has, arguably, one of the area's most beautiful harbors. There are also many great seafood restaurants, relaxing gardens, and spas that are perfect for couples.

Is Utrecht or Honfleur Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Utrecht
Honfleur

Utrecht is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Honfleur is lacking in options for backpackers.

Utrecht is very popular with the backpacker crowd. It's a university city with a young population and plenty to do in the evening. There are also a decent number of hostels to choose from and a lively atmosphere with fun activities and festivals.

Honfleur is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. You'll likely have more luck looking for an apartment than a hostel, so if you're looking for a place to stay with a social setting, you may be out of luck.


Is Utrecht or Honfleur Better for Students?

Utrecht
Honfleur

Utrecht is an excellent place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Honfleur is not popular with students.

Utrecht is very popular with students. This is a great university city. The population is young, but housing can be challenging to find and very expensive.

Honfleur is not popular with students.

Is Utrecht or Honfleur Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Utrecht
Honfleur

Utrecht is an excellent place to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Honfleur is lacking in options for its public transit.

Visitors to Utrecht can move around easily with public transportation. There are buses around town and two tram lines that travel to the suburbs.

Public transit is generally limited in Honfleur. HO Buses travel from the outskirts or town into the center and are used mainly by locals. If you plan to head into Normandy to see the countryside, you'll want to have a car.

Is Utrecht or Honfleur a more walkable city?

Utrecht
Honfleur

Utrecht is an unbeatable place for its walkability. Also, Honfleur is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Utrecht. The old town is easy to explore on foot, but don't walk in a bike lane or you'll likely receive a firm scolding from a local. Utrecht is regularly ranked as one of the world's most bike-friendly cities.

Honfleur is a very walkable . The city center is compact and easy to explore on foot. There are also many coastal walks leading out of town.


For even more information, also check out Is Utrecht Worth Visiting? and Is Honfleur Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Honfleur or Utrecht?

How long in Utrecht or Honfleur?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Utrecht and Honfleur. In our opinion, Utrecht has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Utrecht than Honfleur. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Utrecht than Honfleur 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 Utrecht.


  • How many days in Utrecht or Honfleur? Ideal Length of Stay
    Utrecht 1-3 
    Honfleur 1-3

One day in Utrecht or Honfleur?

The beautiful of Utrecht offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Honfleur, you'll find museums and nightlife. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Utrecht or Honfleur?

Utrecht is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Utrecht, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

In Honfleur, you'll find nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Honfleur has to offer.

Five days in Utrecht or Honfleur?

Utrecht is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Honfleur is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.


A week in Utrecht or Honfleur?

Utrecht 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 offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Honfleur. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Honfleur. One reason most visitors come is for the food. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Netherlands, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Netherlands, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Honfleur or Utrecht?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.

The average daily cost (per person) in Utrecht is €231, while the average daily cost in Honfleur is €190. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Utrecht and Honfleur in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Utrecht 106
    Honfleur 70
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Utrecht 212
    Honfleur 140
Compare Hotels in Utrecht and Honfleur

Looking for a hotel in Utrecht or Honfleur? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Utrecht


Hotels in Honfleur


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Utrecht Hotel Prices and Honfleur Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Utrecht 23
    Honfleur 30

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Utrecht

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Utrecht:

  • Train Transfer Utrecht from/to Rotterdam: $17
  • Private taxi transfer from Utrecht to Amsterdam: $111
  • Private transfer from Utrecht to AMS Schiphol Airport: $131

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Honfleur

Also for Honfleur, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Transfer from the Ports of Le Havre or Honfleur to the Hotels: $30
  • Transfer Round Trip Between The Cruise And The Centre Of Le Havre: $42
  • Round trip transfer from Le Havre or Honfleur to Etretat: $141
  • Round-trip shuttle transfer between Le Havre and Honfleur: $141
  • Paris: Hassle-Free Round-Trip Transfer for Cruisers in Le Havre: $154
  • Paris On Your Own from Le Havre Port with Round Trip Bus Transfer: $154
  • Round-trip shuttle transfer from Le Havre to Deauville: $180

Is it cheaper to fly into Utrecht or Honfleur?

Prices for flights to both Honfleur and Utrecht change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Utrecht 100
    Honfleur 100

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Utrecht

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Utrecht.

  • Utrecht Food Tour on a Bicycle with local guide: $81
  • Utrecht Food Tour with local guide: $83

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Honfleur

For Honfleur, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • A Taste of Normandy Honfleur Market Food Tour: $78

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Utrecht 44
    Honfleur 19

Tours and Activities in Utrecht

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Utrecht are as follows:

  • A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Utrecht's Charming City Centre: $5.99
  • Castles, Canals and Good Folk: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Utrecht: $8.99
  • Cultural and Historical Audio Guided Walking Tour of Utrecht: $16
  • Discover Utrecht with a self-guided Outside Escape city game tour: $30
  • Discover Utrecht's Highlights: Your Self-Guided GPS Tour: $8.29
  • Discover Utrecht’s Zocherpark in this Outside Escape game tour!: $30
  • Escape Tours Utrecht; find the secret exit and win! : $24
  • Escape the City Game and City Walking Tour of Utrecht : $36
  • Historical Private Tour with Local Guide: $297
  • Our Utrecht City Tour (Limited group size & optional Lunch): $33
  • Pop Up Jazz Club Experience with City Stories & Jazz: $25
  • Private Utrecht Food Walking Tour with 8 Tastings: $197

Tours and Activities in Honfleur

For Honfleur, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Honfleur City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $8.35
  • Le Havre City Self Guided Walking Tour with an APP: $9.99
  • Le Havre Private Walking Tour with a Local: $57
  • Honfleur's Landmarks & Gems E-Bike Tour: $71
  • Honfleur's Landmarks & Gems E-Bike Tour: $76
  • Private tour: visit Deauville in a sidecar: $84
  • Deluxe Paris Shore Excursion from Le Havre with Seine Cruise: $85
  • Best Paris Tour from Le Havre Port with Seine River Cruise: $90
  • Paris Odyssey of Wonder from Le Havre including River Cruise: $92
  • Best Paris Tour from Le Havre with Notre-Dame and River Cruise: $93
  • Paris Full Day Journey from Le Havre Cruise Port & Seine Cruise: $93
  • Full Day Paris Shore Excursion from Le Havre with River Cruise: $94

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Utrecht 24
    Honfleur 23


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

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


Which is Bigger, Utrecht or Honfleur?

Utrecht has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Honfleur. When comparing the sizes of Utrecht and Honfleur, 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.