Budget/Backpacker Travel Guide: Nantes

Accommodation

$15-35 per night

Dorm beds in hostels, budget guesthouses, shared rooms, or basic private rooms with shared bathrooms

Food & Dining

$12-28 per day

Local markets, bakeries, self-catering from supermarkets, occasional bistros and brasseries, student areas

Transportation

$3-8 per day

Public trams and buses, walking, occasional bike rentals, TAN network passes

Activities

$5-20 per day

Free walking tours, public parks, some museums on free days, self-guided exploration, occasional paid attractions

Shop at local markets and supermarkets instead of tourist areas - typically 40-60% cheaper for food

Use the TAN public transport network instead of taxis - saves 70-80% on transportation costs

Visit museums on first Sunday mornings when many offer free admission

Eat lunch at local brasseries rather than dinner - same food typically costs 30-50% less

Book accommodation in residential areas rather than city center - usually 25-40% cheaper

Take advantage of happy hour at wine bars typically 4-7pm for 30-50% drink discounts

Use bike-sharing systems for short trips - much cheaper than taxis and faster than walking

Eating only in the historic Bouffay district tourist zone - typically 100-150% markup over local neighborhoods

Taking taxis for all transportation instead of the efficient tram system - costs 4-5x more

Booking last-minute accommodation during events like La Folle Journée - prices increase 200-300%

Only doing organized tours instead of self-guided exploration - guided tours typically cost 3-4x more

Drinking wine only at restaurants instead of wine bars during happy hour - restaurant markup is typically 200-400%