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

Should you visit Alicante or Rome?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Alicante and Rome can help you decide which place is right for you.

Alicante

Alicante is a colorful, authentic, and vibrant city. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and beaches.

Rome

Rome is a fun-filled, popular, and ancient city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Alicante and Rome: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Alicante or Rome?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Rome than Alicante, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Rome is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Alicante is known for its beaches and historical sights. Rome is more touristy than Alicante 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 home to The Colosseum. Alicante is popular for its sandy beaches, vibrant nightlife, and authentic restaurants.

The Colosseum

How is Alicante different from Rome?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Rome is terrific for its museums and landmarks. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Rome are among the most recognizable in the world. 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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Alicante can be an interesting and educational experience. This port city has a number of cultural and historical sights that are worth checking out. Castillo de Santa Bárbara, Museo Arqueológico Provincial de Alicante, and Basilica de Santa María are among the most well known.

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

Rome is terrific for its restaurant scene. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Rome has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Homemade pasta, fresh sauces, and fine wine all make the food scene among the best. Also make sure you try the gelato.

Alicante has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. It's by the sea, so you'll find plenty of seafood. Rice is the main staple for many dishes in town. This is also a vegetable growing region, so many recipes incorporate fresh vegetables. Popular dishes include arroz a banda, arroz con costra, and olleta alicantina.

Is Alicante or Rome Better for Nightlife?

Rome is terrific for nightlife and partying. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Rome is a must-see party destination. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Alicante has a few options to choose from. For the city's best nightlife, head to El Barrio Antiguo, which is the old district. This is where you'll find the highest concentration of bars and clubs, many of them having live music.

Is Alicante or Rome Better for Music?

Rome is terrific for its live music scene. However, Alicante is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Rome Popular music venues include Live Alcazar, Atlantico Live, and Beba do Samba.

Alicante is not a live music destination.

Is Alicante or Rome Better for Beaches?

Alicante is a city with good options for the beach. However, Rome is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Alicante. If you step away from the touristy areas, you'll find some nice sandy beaches with blue water. Playa la Fustera is northeast of the city and popular with families and couples. If you have a car you can drive to the town of Moraira, which is near several nice beaches as well.

Rome is not a beach destination.

Is Alicante or Rome Better for its Old Town?

Alicante is a city with good options for its historic old town charm. However, Rome does not have a historic old town.

Alicante offers a nice historic old town area. The old district is filled with charming streets and some interesting museums. There are also a number of good restaurants in the area.

Rome does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Alicante or Rome?

Rome is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Rome make it a world-class shopping destination. 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.

Alicante has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The city is known for its leather goods, but you'll also find international brands and shopping streets with fashion and different European names.

Is Alicante or Rome Better for Families?

You'll find superb kid-friendly activities in either Alicante or Rome.

Alicante is a very kid-friendly city. This seaside city has many kid-friendly resorts, long sandy beaches, and adrenaline-filled theme parks. There's the Terra Mitica Park as well as a waterpark - Aqua Natura. Tabarca Island is also well worth a visit.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Rome. 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.

Is Alicante or Rome Better for Couples?

Both Alicante and Rome are superb destinations to visit as a couple.

Couples visit Alicante frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Nice resorts, long sandy beaches, and nearby vineyard tours make this a wonderful place for a couple's getaway. There are good restaurants and nice places where couples can take a stroll, hand in hand.

Rome is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. With many beautiful buildings, world class restaurants, and world renowned sights, this city makes a great romantic destination.

Is Alicante or Rome Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Rome is terrific for backpackers. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Rome. 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).

It's common for backpackers to visit Alicante. There are hostels around town, as well as many budget-friendly hotels, so this is an affordable oceanfront destination for the budget-minded.

Is Alicante or Rome Better for Students?

Rome is terrific for students. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Students come from all over the world to visit Rome. The city is a popular study abroad destination and you'll find plenty of international students here.

It's common for students to visit Alicante. It's by the water and it's an affordable city, making it a good option for students. The beaches and active nightlife will keep you entertained when you take a break from your studies.

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

Rome is terrific for its public transit. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Rome can take you anywhere. There's a metro system, trams, and a comprehensive bus system that goes around the city.

While Alicante offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a comprehensive bus system through the city and region.

Is Alicante or Rome a more walkable city?

Rome is terrific for its high level of walkability. Also, Alicante is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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.

Alicante is a somewhat walkable city. There are many parts of the city that can be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Rome or Alicante?

How long in Alicante or Rome?

Both Alicante 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 Alicante. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Alicante, and 3-7 days is enough time in Rome.

Families should spend more time in Rome than Alicante. 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 Alicante. 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 Alicante 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 Alicante or Rome?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Alicante. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Rome is a big city with plenty to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Alicante or Rome?

Alicante 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 popular place that is full of things to see and experience. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Alicante or Rome?

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

Rome is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Rome, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Alicante or Rome?

The authentic city of Alicante 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 great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Rome has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Week Tours in Spain, The Best Bicycle Tours in Spain, The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Alicante and Rome, we can see that Rome is more expensive. And not only is Alicante much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Alicante would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Alicante 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 Alicante.

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

Which is Bigger, Alicante or Rome?

Rome has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Alicante. When comparing the sizes of Alicante 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 Alicante 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 Alicante or Rome in the Summer?

Both Rome and Alicante are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Alicante for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Rome in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Alicante is around the same temperature as Rome. Typically, the summer temperatures in Alicante in July average around 25°C (77°F), and Rome averages at about 25°C (77°F).

It's quite sunny in Rome. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Alicante. Alicante usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Rome during summer. Alicante gets 341 hours of sunny skies, while Rome receives 338 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Alicante usually receives less rain than Rome. Alicante gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Rome receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Alicante or Rome in the Autumn?

Both Rome and Alicante during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Alicante in the autumn for the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Rome for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Alicante is generally a little warmer than Rome. Daily temperatures in Alicante average around 20°C (68°F), and Rome fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite sunny in Alicante. In the autumn, Alicante often gets more sunshine than Rome. Alicante gets 225 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rome receives 198 hours of full sun.

Alicante usually gets less rain in October than Rome. Alicante gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Rome receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Alicante or Rome in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Alicante and Rome. Most visitors come to Alicante for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Rome because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Alicante is a little warmer than Rome in the winter. The daily temperature in Alicante averages around 11°C (52°F) in January, and Rome fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Alicante usually receives more sunshine than Rome during winter. Alicante gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Rome receives 127 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Alicante usually receives less rain than Rome. Alicante gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Rome receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Alicante or Rome in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Alicante as well as Rome. The spring months attract visitors to Alicante because of the beaches. Additionally, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Rome this time of year.

In the spring, Alicante is a little warmer than Rome. Typically, the spring temperatures in Alicante in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Rome averages at about 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 Alicante this time of the year. In the spring, Alicante often gets more sunshine than Rome. Alicante gets 243 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rome receives 204 hours of full sun.

Alicante usually gets less rain in April than Rome. Alicante gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Rome receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Rome and Alicante