A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Aegina vs. Rome for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Backpackers

Should you visit Aegina or Rome?

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

Should I visit Aegina or Rome? 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.

Aegina

Aegina is a fun, active, and relaxing island. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and beaches.

Rome

Rome is a bustling, fun-filled, and popular city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include food, shopping, and museums.

Aegina and Rome: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Aegina or Rome?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Rome. Although Aegina and Rome are popular destinations, Rome has more sights and attractions for tourists. Rome is very popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Aegina attracts visitors for its beaches and small town charm. Rome is more touristy than Aegina and is known for its iconic archaeological sites such as the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, as well as its gelato, Italian cuisine, and strong religious roots. It is also well known for The Colosseum. Aegina is famous for its local pistachio nuts, its nice seaside setting, and its easy access from Athens.

The Colosseum

How is Aegina different from Rome?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Aegina or Rome?

Rome is an amazing city to visit for its museums and landmarks. Also, Aegina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Rome on the map. The historical sights around the city are among the most impressive in the world. Almost anywhere you look you'll find a notable landmark but some of the most famous include the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, the Vatican, and the Roman Forum.

Many visitors head to Aegina specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are several temples on the island such as the Temple of Athena Aphaia and the Temple of Apollo. There's also and Archeological Museum that is nice to visit.

Is the Food Better in Aegina or Rome? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Rome is an amazing city to visit for its restaurant scene. Also, Aegina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

For foodies, Rome is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Homemade pasta, fresh sauces, and fine wine all make the food scene among the best. Also make sure you try the gelato.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Aegina. There's a vibrant restaurant scene that includes traditional eateries serving seafood and refreshing ice cream shops where you can cool off with a scoop of your favorite flavor.

Is Aegina or Rome Better for Nightlife?

Rome is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Aegina is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

Rome has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. You'll find a huge concentration of bars and clubs in the Testaccio area. There are late night clubs with salsa dancing, merengue, and live DJ's spinning every type of music.

The nightlife in Aegina has something for everybody. There's a great nightlife scene on the island. Most of the dance clubs are found in Agia Marina and you'll find more relaxing lounges around Aegina Town and other villages on the island.

Is Aegina or Rome Better for Music?

Rome is an amazing city to visit for its music scene. However, Aegina is not a live music destination.

In Rome you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. Popular music venues include Live Alcazar, Atlantico Live, and Beba do Samba.

Aegina is not a live music destination.

Is Aegina or Rome Better for Beaches?

Aegina is a island with good options for the beach. However, Rome is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Aegina. While most of the beaches are small and crowded, they do offer a number of tourist facilities such as nearby bars and restaurants, as well as hotels. The most popular beaches on the island are Souvala and Agia Marina.

Rome is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Aegina or Rome?

Rome is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Aegina is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Rome is a world class destination for shoppers. For the biggest brand names, head to Via del Corso, which is near the Spanish Steps. Popular items to buy include Italian ceramics, shoes, leather goods, and jewelry.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Aegina. You'll find the standard souvenir shops around town where you can buy trinkets or other items you may have forgotten.

Is Aegina or Rome Better for Families?

Rome is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Aegina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Rome is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. What kid wouldn't be thrilled to be surrounded by pizza and spaghetti restaurants? In addition to kid-friendly food options, there are also a number of great activities that the whole family can enjoy including exploring the Colosseum, taking a gladiator class, and eating gelato.

Aegina offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy the ferry ride from Athens as well as the pirate stories they'll hear throughout their trip. There are places that the whole family can swim and great restaurants with kid-friendly food.

Is Aegina or Rome Better for Couples?

Rome is a great destination for couples. Also, Aegina is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Couples visit Rome frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. With many beautiful buildings, world class restaurants, and world renowned sights, this city makes a great romantic destination.

Aegina is a nice destination for couples. Couples will appreciate the beauty and great restaurants that this beautiful island offers. It's a charming day trip from Athens that is filled with impressive historical sights and a nice atmosphere.

Is Aegina or Rome Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Rome is an amazing city to visit for backpackers. Also, Aegina is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Rome is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. Backpackers will find no shortage of hostels where they can stay, particularly near the main train station where accommodation is particularly cheap (but not always the best quality).

Aegina is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. Like most visitors, backpackers can hop on a ferry in Athens and visit the island as a day trip. It makes a nice excursion with many affordable restaurants and fun activities.

Is Aegina or Rome Better for Students?

Rome is an amazing city to visit for students. However, Aegina is not popular with students.

Many students frequent Rome. The city is a popular study abroad destination and you'll find plenty of international students here.

Aegina is not popular with students.

Is Aegina or Rome Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Rome is an amazing city to visit for its public transit. Also, Aegina is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Public transit in Rome is top-notch. There's a metro system, trams, and a comprehensive bus system that goes around the city.

While Aegina offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. You'll find the central bus station in Aegina Town and there you can catch buses that travel around the island.

Is Aegina or Rome a more walkable city?

Rome is an amazing city to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Aegina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Getting around Rome on foot is easy. You'll find many of the most popular sights in a compact area that's easily explored on foot. Do watch out for traffic, which can be a bit chaotic at times.

Aegina is somewhat walkable. The town is walkable, but to explore elsewhere on the island, it's easiest to have your own vehicle.

For even more information, also check out Is Aegina Worth Visiting? and Is Rome Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Rome or Aegina?

How long in Aegina or Rome?

Both Aegina and Rome have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Rome than in Aegina. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Aegina, and 3-7 days is enough time in Rome.

Families should spend more time in Rome than Aegina. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Rome, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Rome than Aegina 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 Rome.

One day in Aegina or Rome?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Aegina. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Rome is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Aegina or Rome?

Aegina is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Rome is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Aegina or Rome?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the active destination of Aegina. This island offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Rome. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Aegina or Rome?

The vibrant island of Aegina offers nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

Rome is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in Greece, The Best 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Aegina or Rome?

Rome has a larger population, and is about 330 times larger than the population of Aegina. When comparing the sizes of Aegina and Rome, 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 Aegina or Rome?

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 Aegina or Rome in the Summer?

Both Rome and Aegina are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Aegina in the summer for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Rome for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Aegina is around the same temperature as Rome in the summer. The daily temperature in Aegina averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Rome fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

It's quite sunny in Rome. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Aegina. Aegina usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Rome during summer. Aegina gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Rome receives 338 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Aegina usually receives less rain than Rome. Aegina gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Rome receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Aegina or Rome in the Autumn?

Both Rome and Aegina during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Aegina for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Rome because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Aegina is a little warmer than Rome. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Aegina in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Rome averages at about 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Aegina. In the autumn, Aegina often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Rome. Aegina gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rome receives 198 hours of full sun.

Aegina usually gets less rain in October than Rome. Aegina gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Rome receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Aegina or Rome in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Aegina and Rome. The winter months attract visitors to Aegina because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Rome this time of year.

In January, Aegina is generally a little warmer than Rome. Daily temperatures in Aegina average around 10°C (51°F), and Rome fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Aegina usually receives more sunshine than Rome during winter. Aegina gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Rome receives 127 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Aegina usually receives less rain than Rome. Aegina gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Rome receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Aegina or Rome in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Aegina as well as Rome. The beaches and the small town charm are the main draw to Aegina this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Rome for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Aegina is a little warmer than Rome in the spring. The daily temperature in Aegina averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Rome fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Rome. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Aegina this time of the year. In the spring, Aegina often gets more sunshine than Rome. Aegina gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rome receives 204 hours of full sun.

Aegina usually gets less rain in April than Rome. Aegina gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Rome receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Rome and Aegina