A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Auxerre vs. Pisa for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Backpackers

Should you visit Auxerre or Pisa?

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 Auxerre and Pisa can help you decide which place is right for you.

Auxerre

Auxerre is a under-rated, undiscovered, and authentic town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Visitors also love the food and museums.

Pisa

Pisa is a world-famous, classic, and charming city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Auxerre and Pisa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Auxerre or Pisa?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Pisa. Although Auxerre and Pisa are both popular with visitors, Pisa has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Pisa is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Auxerre is known for its small town charm. Pisa is more touristy than Auxerre and is known for its iconic Leaning Tower, its beautiful squares, and its lively atmosphere. It is also home to The Leaning Tower of Pisa. Auxerre is popular for its food, wine, and art history.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa

How is Auxerre different from Pisa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Auxerre or Pisa?

Pisa is great for its historical sights. Also, Auxerre is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

Many visitors head to Pisa specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city is more than a one hit wonder. In addition to the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, you'll find many beautiful buildings and museums. Popular places to visit include the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, Campo Santo (Sacred Field), and Museo dell'Opera del Duomo.

Auxerre is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Although the town is often overlooked by tourists, there are many nice cathedrals and churches around town.

Is the Food Better in Auxerre or Pisa? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Pisa is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Auxerre is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Pisa has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The local cuisine is heavily influenced by the city's maritime roots. You'll find many seafood dishes as well as local classic recipes that have been passed down through the generations. A quintessential local dish is Bordatino alla Pisana, which is made with beans, cabbage, and cornflour. Also popular are Pasta e Ceci (chickpea pasta), Palette (a local polenta), and Trippa alla Pisana.

Auxerre offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. The town is a the heart of the wine industry, so you'll find many great restaurants where you can enjoy local food and wine.

Is Auxerre or Pisa Better for Nightlife?

Pisa is great for its evening party scene. However, Auxerre is not a good destination for nightlife.

Many people head to Pisa for the nightlife scene. Head out to an aperitivo bar for an early drink, then head to one of the area's best nightlife neighborhoods. For the biggest party scene, go about 10 kilometers out of town to the Versilian coast. This area has the most popular clubs. If you decide to stay in town, there are still plenty of places to catch live music and dance.

Most people don't head to Auxerre specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. It has a quiet nightlife with some nice bars and pubs.

Is Auxerre or Pisa Better for Beaches?

Pisa is very good for the beach. However, Auxerre is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Pisa to enjoy the beach. Many people forget that there are beaches near Pisa, but the city is close to the sea. Some of the closest beaches include Marina di Vecchiano and Marina di Pisa.

Auxerre is not a beach destination.

Is Auxerre or Pisa Better for its Old Town?

Pisa is great for its historic old town charm. However, Auxerre does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Pisa. The old town is where you'll find the city's classic charm and many of the best sights.

Auxerre does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Auxerre or Pisa?

Pisa is great for its shopping areas. However, Auxerre is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Pisa. There's a great mix of traditional markets, high end stores, and indoor shopping malls where you can find anything that you might need. Corso Italia is one of the most popular shopping areas, but also worth checking out are Centro Commerciale Pisanova, Borgo Stretto and Borgo Largo.

Auxerre is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Auxerre or Pisa Better for Families?

You'll find good kid-friendly activities in either Auxerre or Pisa.

Auxerre offers lots of family activities. There's the Zoo de La Fleche and the Aquarium de Touraine. You can also wander through Musee de l'Avallon or des Plantes.

Pisa is a family-friendly place to visit. It's a lively city with beautiful squares and the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. Kids will enjoy hanging out in the city center, visiting Parco Don Bosco, Giardino Scotto Park, or Marina di Pisa. If you have a car and are willing to venture a bit further away, there's the Piccolo Mondo Amusement Park and Parco Preistorico Peccioli.

Is Auxerre or Pisa Better for Couples?

Both Auxerre and Pisa are good destinations to visit as a couple.

Auxerre is a good town for couples to visit. There are many great eateries as well nice architecture and, of course, excellent wine.

Pisa is a nice destination for couples. It's an iconic Italian destination that offers so much more than its most famous landmark. The city is filled with charming squares, beautiful architecture, and plenty of fun activities that couples can enjoy.

Is Auxerre or Pisa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Pisa is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Auxerre is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Pisa. Most backpackers pass through on their way to other towns, but for those that linger, there are plenty of hostels and a lively social scene.

Auxerre is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not a popular stop off on the backpacker circuit, but you will find some affordable accommodation options.

Is Auxerre or Pisa Better for Students?

Pisa is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Auxerre is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Pisa. Many study abroad students flock to Italy for its beautiful culture, art, and architecture. Pisa makes a nice base for international students, and it offers easy access to other parts of Italy. It's also home to an internationally acclaimed university, Scuola Normale Superiore, which was founded in 1810.

Auxerre is not popular with students.

Is Auxerre or Pisa Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Auxerre and Pisa both offer good public transit to get you around.

While Auxerre offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses around town.

Pisa has a few public transit options. There are public buses through town with the most popular lines being the Red and Green Lines.

Is Auxerre or Pisa a more walkable city?

Pisa is great for its ease of walking around. Also, Auxerre is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its walkability.

Pisa is a very walkable destination. The city is a great place to explore on foot.

Auxerre is somewhat walkable. The center is walkable but it is a bit more difficult to navigate than some nearby towns.

For even more information, also check out Is Auxerre Worth Visiting? and Is Pisa Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Pisa or Auxerre?

How long in Auxerre or Pisa?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Auxerre and Pisa. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Pisa than in Auxerre. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Auxerre, and 1-3 days is enough time in Pisa.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Pisa than Auxerre 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 Pisa.

One day in Auxerre or Pisa?

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

In Pisa, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Auxerre or Pisa?

Auxerre 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.

In Pisa, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Pisa has to offer.

Five days in Auxerre or Pisa?

You'll find museums and food around the under-rated destination of Auxerre. This town offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Pisa is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Auxerre or Pisa?

The under-rated town of Auxerre offers food and museums. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Pisa. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Pisa. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, The Best 2-Week Tours in France, The Best 2-Week Tours in Italy, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Auxerre and Pisa, we can see that Pisa is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Auxerre or Pisa?

Pisa has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Auxerre. When comparing the sizes of Auxerre and Pisa, 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 Auxerre or Pisa?

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 Auxerre or Pisa in the Summer?

Both Pisa and Auxerre are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Auxerre for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Pisa because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Auxerre is generally cooler than Pisa. Daily temperatures in Auxerre average around 19°C (66°F), and Pisa fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Pisa. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Auxerre. Auxerre usually receives less sunshine than Pisa during summer. Auxerre gets 255 hours of sunny skies, while Pisa receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Auxerre usually receives more rain than Pisa. Auxerre gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Auxerre or Pisa in the Autumn?

Both Pisa and Auxerre during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Auxerre because of the small town atmosphere. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Pisa this time of year.

Auxerre is cooler than Pisa in the autumn. The daily temperature in Auxerre averages around 13°C (55°F) in October, and Pisa fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Auxerre often gets less sunshine than Pisa. Auxerre gets 126 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pisa receives 177 hours of full sun.

Pisa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Auxerre usually gets less rain in October than Pisa. Auxerre gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Auxerre or Pisa in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Auxerre and Pisa. The museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Auxerre this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Pisa for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Auxerre in the winter. In the winter, Auxerre is much colder than Pisa. Typically, the winter temperatures in Auxerre in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Pisa averages at about 7°C (45°F).

Auxerre usually receives less sunshine than Pisa during winter. Auxerre gets 53 hours of sunny skies, while Pisa receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Auxerre usually receives less rain than Pisa. Auxerre gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Auxerre or Pisa in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Auxerre as well as Pisa. Many travelers come to Auxerre for the small town charm. Additionally, many visitors come to Pisa in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In April, Auxerre is generally cooler than Pisa. Daily temperatures in Auxerre average around 10°C (50°F), and Pisa fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Auxerre often gets less sunshine than Pisa. Auxerre gets 167 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pisa receives 192 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Pisa. Auxerre usually gets less rain in April than Pisa. Auxerre gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Pisa and Auxerre