A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bari vs. Mont-Saint-Michel for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Families

Should you visit Bari or Mont-Saint-Michel?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Bari and Mont-Saint-Michel. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Bari

Bari is a local, cultural, and authentic port city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Mont-Saint-Michel

Mont-Saint-Michel is a religious, historic, and breathtaking island. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, food, and hiking.

Bari and Mont-Saint-Michel: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bari or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bari. Although Bari and Mont-Saint-Michel are both popular with visitors, Bari has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Bari is more popular for its food, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Mont-Saint-Michel is known for its museums, hiking, and impressive beauty. Mont-Saint-Michel is more touristy than Bari and is popular for its Gothic-style abbey and its medieval village that stands at its base. Bari is popular for its authentic old town and its role as a ferry port for travelers headed across the Adriatic. It is also home to San Nicola.

How is Bari different from Mont-Saint-Michel?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Mont-Saint-Michel and Bari. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Bari or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Mont-Saint-Michel is terrific for its historical sights. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Mont-Saint-Michel has many famous sights for visitors. Visitors come to see the iconic Abbaye du Mont Saint-Michel which has been the inspiration for tourists and religious pilgrims for centuries. Make sure you see the Ramparts and La Grande Rue.

Bari offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is filled with historical sights and archeological ruins. San Nicola is the main basilica in town and a popular tourist sight. The Castello is also a highlight, as is San Sabino.

Is the Food Better in Bari or Mont-Saint-Michel? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bari is a world-class destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Mont-Saint-Michel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Bari has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. It's off-the-beaten-path vibe means that you won't find the overpriced tourist restaurants that have taken over more touristy cities. Instead you'll find locally owned pasta shops that cater to the town's residents. You can taste authentic Pugliese cuisine, which is centered around wheat and olive oil. Orecchiette is the local pasta and seafood is one of the most common staples.

Mont-Saint-Michel is becoming an appealing option for foodies. There are a number of local restaurants to choose from that serve authentic French cuisine including the pre-salted sheep, which is a local specialty.

Is Bari or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Nightlife?

Bari is a great destination for nightlife and partying. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is a island with minimal options for its evening party scene.

The people in Bari know how to have a good time. The city really comes to life at night with many dance clubs, bars, and other fun venues. There's plenty of live music as well as jazz clubs and other local bars.

The nightlife scene is quiet in Mont-Saint-Michel Most people visit the island as a daytrip and nightlife is essentially nonexistent.

Is Bari or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Beaches?

Bari is very good for the beache. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Bari to enjoy the beach. There's a sandy beach that you can reach by bus outside of the city center. There are also many great beaches around Puglia if you're willing to take a day trip or travel a bit farther.

Mont-Saint-Michel is not a beach destination.

Is Bari or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for its Old Town?

Bari is a great destination for its old town. However, Mont-Saint-Michel does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Bari. The old town is filled with historic sights, mazelike streets, and great food. It's pedestrian-only and, because Bari is not as popular with tourists, it holds on to its authentic charm.

Mont-Saint-Michel does not have a historic old town.

Is Bari or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Hiking?

Mont-Saint-Michel is a good destination for hiking. However, Bari is not a hiking destination.

Mont-Saint-Michel offers some nice hiking trails. There's a 4.2 mile out and back trail that can be walked in about 1.5 hours.

Bari is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bari or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Bari is very good for its shopping opportunities. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Bari offers some nice shopping areas. You won't find the souvenir shops that you find in more touristy cities, so if you take the time to do some shopping while you're in town, you can enjoy a truly authentic and cultural experience.

Mont-Saint-Michel is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Bari or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Families?

Bari is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is a island with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

Bari is a very kid-friendly port city. There are historical sites and castles to explore as well as the fun-filled Miragica amusement park. There's also an impressive underground city that will spark the kid's imagination. Other fun activities include visiting the nearby beaches, taking a kayak tour, or wandering around the old town.

For families, Mont-Saint-Michel is not always the best place to visit. Kids may enjoy a horse drawn carriage ride or exploring the grounds, but it can make for a long day for kids with short attention spans.

Is Bari or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Couples?

Mont-Saint-Michel is terrific for couples. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for romance.

Mont-Saint-Michel is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. It's a stunning setting and makes a romantic backdrop for a couples holiday, whether it's part of a longer trip to France or a short weekend away.

Bari is a nice destination for couples. The old town is filled with mazelike streets and the city has many unique activities that appeal to history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Is Bari or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bari is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Mont-Saint-Michel is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Bari is a great port city to visit for backpackers. There's plenty of hostels around town and the prices are usually very reasonable. Many backpackers pass through this port city on their way to Greece or other Adriatic destinations.

It's common for backpackers to visit Mont-Saint-Michel. You'll find a couple of hostels an cheap hotels in the area.

Is Bari or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Students?

Bari is a great destination for students. However, Mont-Saint-Michel is not popular with students.

Bari is very popular with students. It's a great student city that offers access to many nearby Mediterranean destinations. There are also a number of historical sights within town that students can visit.

Mont-Saint-Michel is not popular with students.

Is Bari or Mont-Saint-Michel Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Bari and Mont-Saint-Michel both offer good public transit to get you around.

While Bari offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses around town that are operated by the AMTAB.

Mont-Saint-Michel has a few public transit options. There's a free shuttle bus that connects Mont-Saint-Michel to the mainland.

Is Bari or Mont-Saint-Michel a more walkable city?

Bari and Mont-Saint-Michel are high quality when it comes to walkability.

Bari is a very walkable destination. The old town is pedestrian-only and best explored on foot. It's also about a 20 minute walk from the central train station.

Mont-Saint-Michel is very walkable. There are many stunning walks in the area.

For even more information, also check out Is Bari Worth Visiting? and Is Mont-Saint-Michel Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Mont-Saint-Michel or Bari?

How long in Bari or Mont-Saint-Michel?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Bari or Mont-Saint-Michel to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Bari than Mont-Saint-Michel because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Bari, and 1-2 days is enough time in Mont-Saint-Michel.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bari than Mont-Saint-Michel 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 Bari.

One day in Bari or Mont-Saint-Michel?

With shopping and museums around the destination of Bari, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One day is often enough time to do most activities. It offers something for everyone.

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

A weekend in Bari or Mont-Saint-Michel?

With museums and nightlife around the authentic port city of Bari, there's plenty to do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. Visiting the old town is also a must. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here.

Mont-Saint-Michel is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the museums. 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.

Five days in Bari or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural destination of Bari. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

You'll find museums and food around the breathtaking destination of Mont-Saint-Michel. This island offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Bari or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Bari is a popular choice for travelers. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One of the main draws to the area is the food. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

The historic island of Mont-Saint-Michel 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in Italy, The Best 10-Day Tours in Italy, The Best River Cruises in France, and The Best Bicycle Tours in France.

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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Bari Expensive? and Is Mont-Saint-Michel Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Bari or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Bari has a larger population, and is about 3960 times larger than the population of Mont-Saint-Michel. When comparing the sizes of Bari and Mont-Saint-Michel, 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 Bari or Mont-Saint-Michel?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Bari or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Bari as well as Mont-Saint-Michel. Many travelers come to Bari for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Mont-Saint-Michel in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Bari is generally a little warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel. Daily temperatures in Bari average around 25°C (76°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Mont-Saint-Michel. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Bari this time of the year. In the summer, Bari often gets more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel. Bari gets 336 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 246 hours of full sun.

Bari usually gets less rain in July than Mont-Saint-Michel. Bari gets 9 mm (0.3 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bari or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Autumn?

Both Mont-Saint-Michel and Bari are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Bari in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Mont-Saint-Michel for the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Bari is a little warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel in the autumn. The daily temperature in Bari averages around 18°C (65°F) in October, and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Bari usually receives more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel during autumn. Bari gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 134 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Bari usually receives more rain than Mont-Saint-Michel. Bari gets 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Bari or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Winter?

Both Mont-Saint-Michel and Bari during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Bari for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Mont-Saint-Michel because of the museums and the cuisine.

In the winter, Bari is much warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel. Typically, the winter temperatures in Bari in January average around 10°C (49°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel averages at about 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Bari often gets more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel. Bari gets 110 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 70 hours of full sun.

Bari usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Mont-Saint-Michel. Bari gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bari or Mont-Saint-Michel in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Bari and Mont-Saint-Michel. The spring months attract visitors to Bari because of the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, the natural beauty are the main draw to Mont-Saint-Michel this time of year.

In April, Bari is generally a little warmer than Mont-Saint-Michel. Daily temperatures in Bari average around 14°C (58°F), and Mont-Saint-Michel fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In Bari, it's very sunny this time of the year. Bari usually receives more sunshine than Mont-Saint-Michel during spring. Bari gets 203 hours of sunny skies, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 180 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Bari usually receives less rain than Mont-Saint-Michel. Bari gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Mont-Saint-Michel receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Mont-Saint-Michel and Bari