Bottom Line: Is Biarritz Expensive to Visit in 2024?
Biarritz is a charming city located on France’s picturesque west coast that’s renowned for its beautiful beaches and vibrant surf culture. And if you’re considering visiting the small seaside town for the first time, you may be wondering, “Is Biarritz expensive to visit? How much should you budget for a trip to Biarritz?” In this post, I’ll be providing some insights based on my recent experience in Biarritz. This way you’ll know what to expect and hopefully be able to better plan your expenses!
Is Biarritz Expensive to Visit?
To get straight to the point, I don’t consider Biarritz to be an expensive destination. Of course, this assessment varies depending on your financial background and the places you’ve visited before. But, in general, Biarritz is one of the more affordable cities I’ve explored in Western Europe.
For instance, when comparing Biarritz to other Western European areas like Milan, Monaco, or anywhere in Switzerland, you’ll find that Biarritz offers a relatively budget-friendly experience.
On the other hand, if you’re accustomed to traveling in Eastern Europe and visiting cities like the Croatian capital, cities in Poland, or Budapest, well… Biarritz is going to be a bit more expensive. Not too much, but certainly noticeable.
And with regards to Northern Europe, aka the Scandinavian region, Biarritz is SOOOO much cheaper than places such as Helsinki, Oslo, Stockholm, and Copenhagen. I mean I love the Nordic region because it’s gorgeous, but it was shockingly expensive compared to most everywhere else I had been in Europe!
Is Biarritz Expensive Compared to Paris or Nice?
For those who have traveled to France, there’s a decent chance you’ve visited Paris — Europe’s and France’s most popular destination, or the seaside town of Nice, France’s second most popular destination! If you have, you’ll be happy to know that visiting Biarritz is most likely going to be much cheaper to visit. I say most likely only because you can opt to have a luxury stay and ball out in Biarritz if you want to.
But, if you’re just passing through for a few days and looking to casually explore the town without all the bells and whistles, then you’ll likely find that Biarritz is a third of expensive as a stay in Paris and probably half as expensive as a stay in Nice.
During a recent trip, I paid over $1,200 for housing accommodations in Paris and I wasn’t even living it up! I stayed at The People Hostel – Nation (see the review here), TRIBE Hôtel – Saint Ouen (read my full review here), and Hôtel Moderniste (read about my stay). Don’t get me wrong, all the places were lovely, and I would highly recommend them. But, for those prices, I could’ve done a 4-star hotel stay in Biarritz for a week!
Similarly, I also recently traveled to Nice and doled out quite a bit of money on housing. It wasn’t nearly as bad as the situation in Paris, but still above average. So, in comparison to Nice and Paris, I’d say Biarritz is much more affordable to visit! It’s kinda of like Barcelona, it can be expensive if you want it to be, but it doesn’t have to be!
How Expensive Is Biarritz?
Besides the fact that Biarritz is not among the most expensive or cheapest cities to visit in Europe, you may be curious about how expensive Biarritz is…
Because the truth is that these comparisons can only provide a rough idea. They don’t give you nearly enough information for creating a precise budget, especially if you haven’t been to any of the places I mentioned previously or if it’s been a while.
So, to give you a better understanding and more tangible information, I’ll be delving into the different price points and estimates you can expect to pay while visiting Biarritz!
Cost of Getting to Biarritz
First, let’s talk about the many ways of getting to Biarritz. For those looking to fly into the small town, you’ll likely need to take a connecting flight if you’re coming from overseas. The Biarritz Airport (BIQ) is a smaller regional airport, so it pretty much only provides flight transportation to select destinations within Europe.
An example would be you could fly from one of the airports in Paris or the airport in Lyon and then catch a flight to Biarritz. Another option is to fly into the San Sebastian Airport in Spain, which is also a smaller airport that’s a half-hour drive away from Biarritz.
These flights cost less than €200 one way, but it’s honestly pretty pricey. Thus, for those traveling from overseas, I would recommend flying into a major airport, like Charles de Gaulle or Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport, and then taking public transport to Biarritz. You could even fly into Spain’s Bilbao International Airport since Bilbao is less than 2 hours away from Biarritz by car and 3 hours away via public transport.
And if you’re curious about what I did, I flew into Charles De Gaulle Airport from LAX airport. Then, after spending a little over a week in Paris, I took the train to Bordeaux for $68 to indulge in the city’s world-renowned wine. From Bordeaux, I rode the train 2 hours into the Biarritz train station for $24. So, there are lots of options!
🌊 PRO TIP: If you’re looking to make use of France’s super-efficient train station like I did, I recommend booking through Omio. This is the platform I’ve relied on for booking 90% of all my inter-Europe travels since 2019!
How Much Is Accommodation in Biarritz?
Once you’ve figured out how to get to Biarritz, you’ll probably need some housing! Fortunately, I’ve found that despite being a smaller town, when it comes to accommodation in accommodation in Biarritz, there are options available for different budgets and preferences.
For a comfortable stay in a 3-star hotel, prices typically range from about $130 to $150 or €120 to €140 per night. If you’re looking for a highly-rated 4-star hotel located near the city center, prices can vary from approximately $171 to $321 or €160 to €300 per night.
As for luxury stays, there are only a few 5-star hotels available, which makes sense given the town’s petite size. Prices for the handful of ultra-nice hotels range from $290 to $855 or €270 to €800 per night.
And if you’re thinking, “Holy crap” — same! But, upon asking some locals in Biarritz, they told me that a lot of the people who live in the area are old-world wealthy. As such, the town has historically catered to the upper echelons of society seeking that beachside getaway that isn’t too touristy. Thus, prices for accommodation in Biarritz do tend to be higher, but there’s a pretty wide spread depending on the level of luxury you’re after!
My Accommodation in Biarritz
In terms of personal costs, I split my stay in the city between the lovely 4-star hotel, Hôtel Littéraire Jules Vernes, and an adorable hostel called Surf Hostel Biarritz!
The Jules Vernes Hotel was honestly a steal for what I got, and I can’t recommend it enough. It was $115 per night and everything was so clean, chic, and just inviting. Plus, it was super close to the city center and beach, within 10 minutes of walking distance. This makes it a great choice if you want something that’s both affordable and offers a small taste of luxury!
Meanwhile, the quaint hostel costs me $57 a night and includes breakfast and free surfboard use! For those keen on hitting the water, the free surfboard bit is huge because rental shops typically charge €35 per day for a surfboard. Oh, and the hostel offers bike rentals, which is another plus since it’s about 20 – 25 minutes away from the city center.
Looking for Accommodation in Biarritz?
If you’re ready to start planning your trip and looking for accommodation in Biarritz, here are my recommendations! Everywhere, except for the hostel, is located near the city center so you’ll be within a few minutes walk from the pristine beaches 🙂
Low-Cost Stay
- Surf Hostel Biarritz — Quaint but clean and comfy hostel I loved staying at! | ⭐️ 9.5 / 10
- Hôtel Palmito — 3-star hotel near beach & with continental breakfast | ⭐️ 8.6 / 10
Mid-Range Stay
- Hôtel Littéraire Jules Verne — A delightful 4-star hotel that I enjoyed! | ⭐️ 8.5 / 10
- Feel free to read my complete and honest review here
- Hôtel Le Garage Biarritz — Excellent 4-star hotel near the beach | ⭐️ 9.8 / 10
Fancy Stays
- Regional Experimental Biarritz — Beautiful 5-star hotel on beach w/ spa | ⭐️ 9.2 / 10
- Hôtel du Palais Biarritz — 5-star hotel with 2 pools & spa | ⭐️ 9.3 / 10
Feel free to click these buttons to head to your favorite booking platform and see additional housing options there.
Are Biarritz Activities Expensive?
Although housing can be slightly more expensive compared to other places in Europe like nearby Bilbao or mountainous Andorra, the good news is that Biarritz’s activities are quite affordable! Honestly, it’s kind of hard to find expensive or overpriced things to do… not that I looked exceptionally hard for the luxury experiences LOL.
The main attractions in Biarritz revolve around its stunning coastline, making activities like surfing and enjoying the beach quite inexpensive. Other popular activities include experiencing the vibrant nightlife and partying at the Casino, which provides lots of entertainment and fun.
Moreover, the town’s architectural beauty is worth exploring as you soak in the atmosphere without spending a dime! A couple of the top sites to visit include Villa Belza, which is a Neo-Medieval Palace, the Biarritz lighthouse, and Rocher de la Vierge!
Even organized tours in Biarritz are reasonably priced. For example, I took a fantastic walking tour that was a little over $20. It provided great insights into the town’s fascinating history and enchanting culture. Private walking tours are also available at fairly affordable rates compared to similar walking tours in other European cities like Oslo.
✅ 🚶♀️Check rates & availability for sightseeing tours in Biarritz
My Favorite Day Trip from Biarritz
Another fun thing to do that’s great if you have spare time is a day trip or two from Biarritz! I enjoyed hopping across Spain’s border and visiting the coastal towns of San Sebastian and Bilbao! Both are less than 2 hours away via car and can even be accessed by train if you’d like. I personally only went to San Sebastian since I wanted to make sure I had enough time to fully take in the city.
But, there are guided day trips to both cities and I genuinely do recommend everyone visit Bilbao. It’s especially recommended if you’re a fan of lots of architectural styles and want to check out the world-renowned Guggenheim Museum!
✅ 🇪🇸 Check out this private tour from Biarritz to San Sebastian and Bilbao
Overall though, I’d say Biarritz offers plenty of affordable activities and tours for filling a 2 or 3 itinerary. This makes it a delightful destination for those seeking enjoyable experiences without excessive expenses.
💸 Budgeting: Based on my experiences, I’d recommend allotting at least $20 – $30 per day for activities! But, you could get away with less if you opt to only sightsee in Biarritz. Meanwhile, for tours and day trips, you’ll want to adjust accordingly.
How Expensive Is Food in Biarritz?
For me, the food in Biarritz was pretty similar to the prices I saw in Nice. It wasn’t astronomically expensive, but it wasn’t cheap enough that I could just feast at every meal. I know this is vague, but determining how expensive food is in Biarritz is a bit challenging because there are so many factors involved. What restaurant are you eating at? Are you being served multiple courses? Are drinks included?
That said, according to data, a meal at an inexpensive restaurant in Biarritz typically costs around $17. Based on my personal experiences dining out, this estimation seems pretty accurate. I typically spent between €19 and €24 per meal at dinner, excluding drinks. And for breakfast, I usually spent about €13 – €15 or $14 – 16. So not too bad…
For those on a tighter budget, I recommend visiting Les Halles, which is a covered food market. You’ll find lots of stalls selling fresh goods there, such as cheeses, meats, desserts, etc! As for restaurants, my friends and I enjoyed dining at Café du Commerce. It’s a spot located right in the city centre and the menu features lots of fresh seafood!
💸 Budgeting: I suggest allocating around $70 or €65 per day for food in Biarritz. This estimate assumes that you are not indulging heavily in drinks and are dining out about 2x a day.
And, this budget accounts for the fact French people normally eat a croissant and a cup of coffee for breakfast. However, if you prefer heartier breakfasts, there are also several great breakfast spots in Biarritz!
How Much Is a Beer in Biarritz?
A small beer in Biarritz will set you back about €7, but it depends from place to place.
🇫🇷 PRO TIP: Be sure to taste the local favorite dishes, such as Bayonne ham, Basque cake, and Axoa. Axoa is a Basque dish that’s essentially stew with veal, onions, tomatoes, and Espelette peppers!
Getting Around Biarritz Expensive?
In my opinion, Biarritz is a highly walkable city. During my stay, I easily explored the city center, its beaches, and pretty much all the main tourist attractions on foot. I say “pretty much” because I did use public transportation to get from the train station, Gare de Biarritz, to my hotel. This was because I wasn’t keen on walking 35 minutes with my luggage. And, with the bus, I cut that time in half for the price of only $1.30 or €1.20!
Speaking of public transportation, the main form of public transportation in Biarritz is the bus network, Chronoplus. This bus network extends quite a bit north and inland, so you can explore areas near Biarritz pretty fairly easily.
In terms of price, fares are super affordable. One trip costs €1.2, 10 trips cost €9.6, a day pass is €3.50, and a 7-day pass is €13. Also, the ticket is good for an hour and lets you switch between different bus routes during that hour. For more information on the bus network and fares, you can check out the official website.
Overall, you likely won’t spend much on getting around Biarritz unless you opt to stay for a longer period. I personally only spent €2.4 for transit to and from the train station!
✅ Explore Biarritz with this fun and highly-rated segway tour!
Is Biarritz Expensive: FAQ
Biarritz has a reputation for being on the more expensive side because it’s a popular holiday destination for wealthier people. Also, the residents are usually people with some old-world money, so that also likely contributes. That said, I didn’t think Biarritz was too expensive. It wasn’t the cheapest destination ever, but it wasn’t bad either. As a whole, my entire 5-day trip to Biarritz cost about $700, which includes food, accommodations, and excursions!
For me, I loved visiting Biarritz! There’s such an alluring, laid-back ambiance. Also, since Biarritz is much lesser-known than seaside towns in the South of France, you don’t have to deal with throngs of tourists everywhere you go. Don’t get me wrong, Nice is still one of my favorite destinations. But, it’s delightful to escape to the serene coast. Not to mention, the incredible surf! Yeah, there are honestly so many reasons why to visit Biarritz…
I can’t speak for all of Biarritz, but I felt super safe in Biarritz and had no trouble walking around alone. There weren’t any moments where I looked down an alley and thought something sketchy was going on. Therefore, I’d say Biarritz is pretty safe. Just remember to exercise basic caution and not leave your stuff unattended, especially at the beach!
Yes, I’ve found that most of the locals speak a bit of English and a good portion are fluent! That said, make sure to say, “Bonjour,” when greeting people as it’s the respectful thing to do even if you don’t know any other French!
Wrap-Up: Is Biarritz Expensive to Visit? (2024)
Biarritz is a charming seaside destination on France’s gorgeous west coast that often attracts visitors from all over the world. And despite having a history of being a popular holiday spot for the upper class, the destination offers visitors a pleasant balance between affordability and luxury.
Plus, with the assortment of things to do and extensive bus network, there’s no shortage of things to do to make your stay an unforgettable travel experience. So, if you’re keen on exploring its stunning beaches, indulging in delectable cuisine, or immersing yourself in the less-frequented side of France, I highly recommend visiting Biarritz. You’ll likely discover the destination provides a pleasant contrast to most places in France!
Discover France
- 🏰 Toulouse: Planning a trip to Toulouse? Find out about some of the fun excursions available and what there is to see and do!
- 🏖️ Nice: Venturing to the South of France and staying in Nice? The coastal town’s prime location near Monaco makes visiting the principality an easy day trip from Nice!
