A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Aix-en-Provence vs. La Spezia for Food, Couples, Backpackers, and Attractions

Should you visit Aix-en-Provence or La Spezia?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Aix-en-Provence or La Spezia, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Aix-en-Provence

Aix-en-Provence is a vibrant, laid-back, and relaxing town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the shopping, museums, and food.

La Spezia

La Spezia is a lively, convenient, and cultural town. Other popular activities here include beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Aix-en-Provence and La Spezia: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Aix-en-Provence or La Spezia?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in La Spezia than Aix-en-Provence. While Aix-en-Provence is larger than La Spezia, La Spezia has more sights and attractions for tourists. La Spezia is more popular for its nightlife, beaches, and historical sights, while Aix-en-Provence is known for its museums, food, shopping, and impressive beauty. La Spezia is more touristy than Aix-en-Provence and is popular for being the gateway to Cinque Terre. It is also home to The Maritime Museum. Aix-en-Provence is popular for its Provençal cuisine made with local produce, its many art galleries, and its beautiful fountains and square.

How is Aix-en-Provence different from La Spezia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between La Spezia and Aix-en-Provence. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Aix-en-Provence or La Spezia?

Aix-en-Provence is a good destination for its museums and history. However, La Spezia is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Aix-en-Provence offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. In addition to its many squares and fountains, there is also Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur, Musée Granet, and Musée des Tapisseries.

La Spezia offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. The highlight of the area is the surrounding natural beauty, but in town you can visit the Maritime Museum, The castle of San Giorgio, and The Amedeo Lia Art Museum.

Is the Food Better in Aix-en-Provence or La Spezia? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Aix-en-Provence is very popular for its restaurants. Also, La Spezia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Eat your way through Aix-en-Provence, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. The range of restaurants includes everything from modern and trendy to traditional and casual. The town is surrounded by a region that is known for its local produce. There are also many markets worth checking out in town.

Dining out in La Spezia is an experience not to be missed. The town has many local flavors that incorporate seafood and other local ingredients. Focaccia is popular, as is Farinata, which is a chickpea flour pancake. Anchovies and mussels are also common ingredients.

Is Aix-en-Provence or La Spezia Better for Nightlife?

La Spezia is a nice place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Aix-en-Provence is not particularly known for nightlife.

La Spezia has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find more bars and clubs around town than you do in the smaller nearby towns. Some people head into La Spezia for the evening to grab a drink and socialize.

Aix-en-Provence doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. The nightlife scene that does exist is mostly influenced by the town's large student population.

Is Aix-en-Provence or La Spezia Better for Beaches?

La Spezia is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Aix-en-Provence is not a beach destination.

La Spezia has a beach worth visiting. The beaches in the area tend to be rocky and pebbly. For the best beaches, head out of town to nearby areas.

Aix-en-Provence is not a beach destination.

Is Aix-en-Provence or La Spezia Better for its Old Town?

La Spezia is a nice place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Aix-en-Provence does not have a historic old town.

La Spezia offers a nice historic old town area. The old town runs between the streets of Corso Cavour and Via Prione and is best explored on foot.

Aix-en-Provence does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Aix-en-Provence or La Spezia?

Aix-en-Provence is very popular for its shopping opportunities. Also, La Spezia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Known for shopping, Aix-en-Provence draws large crowds to its stores. It has some of the best shopping in France outside of Paris. There are many shopping streets where you can pick up trendy fashions or boutique local finds. Head to Rue Marius Reynard, Les Allées Provençales, or Rue Clemenceau for some of the best shopping.

Many visitors go to La Spezia to go shopping. There's a morning market at Piazza del Mercato as well as many clothing and souvenir shops around town.

Is Aix-en-Provence or La Spezia Better for Families?

La Spezia is a nice place to visit for its family-friendly activities. However, Aix-en-Provence is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in La Spezia. Visitors often use La Spezia as a base for visiting nearby Cinque Terre. The surrounding region has many kid-friendly activities like hiking, swimming, and beaches.

For families, Aix-en-Provence is not always the best place to visit. Many kids enjoy checking out the town's many fountains or taking a bike for a ride outside of town.

Is Aix-en-Provence or La Spezia Better for Couples?

Aix-en-Provence and La Spezia are both great to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Aix-en-Provence frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's among the most charming towns in southern France and couples will enjoy the romantic buildings, beautiful fountains, and relaxing countryside. Whether you're on a honeymoon or a couple's getaway, this is a great town.

La Spezia is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. It makes a nice base for visiting nearby sights if the more popular Cinque Terre area is too overwhelming.

Is Aix-en-Provence or La Spezia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

La Spezia is well known for backpackers. Also, Aix-en-Provence is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

La Spezia is a very popular town for backpackers and budget travelers. It's more affordable than the nearby towns in Cinque Terre, but they're still easily accessible from town.

Aix-en-Provence is a good town to visit for backpackers. There are a couple of hostels and cheap hotels that are good options for backpackers.

Is Aix-en-Provence or La Spezia Better for Students?

Aix-en-Provence is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, La Spezia is not popular with students.

Many students visit Aix-en-Provence. It's a university town with a lively but laid-back atmosphere. It's also a popular study abroad destination for American university students.

La Spezia is not popular with students.

Is Aix-en-Provence or La Spezia Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Aix-en-Provence and La Spezia.

You'll find some public transit in Aix-en-Provence, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. For the places you can't reach on foot, there is a bus network.

While La Spezia offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Buses, trains, and ferry boats offer the main forms of transportation in the area.

Is Aix-en-Provence or La Spezia a more walkable city?

Aix-en-Provence and La Spezia both are great when exploring on foot.

Aix-en-Provence is a very walkable destination. It's walkable, particularly in the heart of the city, so it's fun to explore on foot.

La Spezia is very walkable. The town is easy to walk around and you'll find a pedestrian-only area downhill from the train station.

For even more information, also check out Is Aix-en-Provence Worth Visiting? and Is La Spezia Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in La Spezia or Aix-en-Provence?

How long in Aix-en-Provence or La Spezia?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Aix-en-Provence and La Spezia. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Aix-en-Provence than in La Spezia. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Aix-en-Provence, and 2-3 days is enough time in La Spezia.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in La Spezia than Aix-en-Provence 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 La Spezia.

One day in Aix-en-Provence or La Spezia?

You'll find shopping and museums around the town of Aix-en-Provence. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The lively destination of La Spezia offers food and shopping. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Aix-en-Provence or La Spezia?

You'll find museums and food around the relaxing destination of Aix-en-Provence. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

The town of La Spezia offers shopping and nightlife. A weekend here is typical. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities.

Five days in Aix-en-Provence or La Spezia?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the laid-back town of Aix-en-Provence. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

La Spezia is a great place to explore. This town offers something for everyone. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Aix-en-Provence or La Spezia?

Aix-en-Provence is a popular choice for travelers. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many people enjoy the food and shopping when visiting La Spezia. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in France, The Best Coach Bus Tours in France, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Italy, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy.

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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Aix-en-Provence Expensive? and Is La Spezia Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Aix-en-Provence or La Spezia?

Aix-en-Provence has a larger population, and is about 61% larger than the population of La Spezia. When comparing the sizes of Aix-en-Provence and La Spezia, 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.