A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bath vs. Cinque Terre for Food, Old Town, Couples, and Families

Should you visit Bath or Cinque Terre?

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 Bath and Cinque Terre can help you decide which place is right for you.

Bath

Bath is a beautiful, architectural, and charming spa town. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is a idyllic, quaint, and seaside coastal region. Since it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors, too. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. Other reasons to visit include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Bath and Cinque Terre: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bath or Cinque Terre?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Cinque Terre than Bath, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Cinque Terre is better known for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere, while Bath is more popular for its museums, nightlife, and shopping. Cinque Terre is more touristy than Bath and is known for its charming villages, beautiful vineyards, picturesque waterfront setting, and stunning walking trail. Also, Cinque Terre is famous for Vernazza Harbor. Bath is well known for its world-renowned Roman built baths as well as its historical architecture and many museums.

Vernazza Harbor

How is Bath different from Cinque Terre?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Bath or Cinque Terre?

Bath is renowned for its museums and history. However, Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Bath has many famous sights for visitors. The main draw to Bath is the rich history and most sights are focused on the area's spa city past. The Roman Baths are a highlight of a trip to the city, but other not to be missed places include Bath Abbey, the Royal Crescent, and Pulteney Bridge.

Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Bath or Cinque Terre? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cinque Terre is an unbeatable place for its restaurants. Also, Bath is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Cinque Terre has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Like much of Italy, the area focuses on local flavors that include lots of seafood, as well as local fruits, vegetables, and herbs. The towns are known for their focaccia, which actually originated in nearby Genoa. Anchovies are a favorite here as well, and don't be turned off by your experience with anchovies outside of Italy. They don't compare. Also make sure you sample the pesto, mussels, and any fresh caught seafood.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Bath. Sample afternoon tea or try some local fish and chips. There are a diversity of restaurants to choose from so it's easy to find local favorites, vegetarian options, or international cuisine.

Is Bath or Cinque Terre Better for Nightlife?

Bath is a nice place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Cinque Terre is lacking in good options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Bath. Head to George Street, which is the liveliest part of the city at night. You'll find a mix of high end restaurants, pubs, and cocktail bars that keep the energy high. One of the most popular nightlife venues in Bath is Bath Komedia, which is a popular music and comedy club.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Cinque Terre. The whole point of a trip to the area is to soak up the quiet village atmosphere. There is basically no nightlife in most of the towns, but you will find a few bars in Monterosso.

Is Bath or Cinque Terre Better for Resorts?

Cinque Terre is not a good area for its luxury resorts. However, Bath is not a resort destination.

While Cinque Terre is not known as a resort destination, there are some nice places to stay. Most people stay in apartments or rooms in local hotels or family homes. There aren't many resorts in the traditional sense, but again, that's part of the charm of the area.

Bath is not a resort destination.

Is Bath or Cinque Terre Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cinque Terre is very good for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Bath is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Cinque Terre. The surrounding waters are part of the of the Pelagos Sanctuary. The area has many rocky coves which are fun to explore with a mask and snorkel. There are also boat excursions available that may let you stop to snorkel, as well as a few dive spots in the area.

Bath is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Bath or Cinque Terre Better for Beaches?

Cinque Terre is very good for its beaches. However, Bath is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Cinque Terre to enjoy the beach. The area is more about the towns than the beaches. The most typical beach setting is in the newer part of Monterosso. There's a long sandy beach with chairs and umbrellas available. There's also a beach near the town's old town. Several of the other towns have swimming areas, including a small stretch of pebbly sand in Vernazza. It's fun to swim between the months of May and October, when the water temperatures are fairly warm.

Bath is not a beach destination.

Is Bath or Cinque Terre Better for its Old Town?

Cinque Terre is an unbeatable place for its historic old town. Also, Bath is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Cinque Terre offers plenty to see. Each of the five towns have their own charming old town which have restaurants and local boutique shops.

Many visitors go to Bath to see the historical old town. The Roman old town has charming streets and a vibrant environment. On pleasant weekends you'll find tourists and locals alike filling the restaurants and town squares, giving the city an energy and lively atmosphere.

Is Bath or Cinque Terre Better for Hiking?

Cinque Terre is an unbeatable place for its hiking trails. However, Bath is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Cinque Terre specifically for its hiking. The five towns are part of Cinque Terre National Park and there are 120 kilometers of hiking trails in the park. Most people hike along the trails that follow the coastline and connect the towns. There are fees for the most popular stretch of trails which connect Monterosso to Vernazza and then go from Vernazza to Corniglia. All other hiking is free in the area.

Bath is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Bath or Cinque Terre?

Bath is a very popular place for its shopping areas. However, Cinque Terre is lacking in good options for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Bath. Head to Stall Street and Union Street for the most popular shopping streets in town. Many visitors pick up jewelry, glass, and fudge or other sweets while exploring the area.

Cinque Terre is a good destination for shopping. The towns are more about the atmosphere than the shops, but the best shopping can be found in the largest town of Monterosso. You'll find jewelry, clothing, and local food items that are fun to take home as souvenirs.

Is Bath or Cinque Terre Better for Families?

You'll find notable kid-friendly activities in either Bath or Cinque Terre.

Bath is a family-friendly spa town. The city is all about history and architecture, so at times it can be challenging for the kids to stay entertained. For a change of pace, take a boat on the canal or explore one of the beautiful gardens.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Cinque Terre. The five towns are all about exploring on foot, so if that's your kid's thing, then they're in for a treat. The hilly terrain can be a bit tricky, particularly for the little ones, but for older kids this area offers the perfect amount of challenge. There are also a couple of beaches and swimming spots as well as a playground or two around. Food, like most of Italy, is very kid-friendly.

Is Bath or Cinque Terre Better for Couples?

Both Bath and Cinque Terre are terrific destinations to visit as a couple.

For those traveling as a couple, Bath has plenty to offer. With its beautiful architecture and fascinating history, this city is perfect for couples. Take a canal cruise or wander through the scenic areas to enjoy a romantic trip.

Cinque Terre has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. These stunning five Italian villages are perched precariously on the water's edge. They're surrounded by beautiful vineyards and connected by impressive hiking trails. This area is truly a dream honeymoon destination and it is sure to make a memorable vacation for any couple who enjoys exploring charming village.

Is Bath or Cinque Terre Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bath and Cinque Terre are both notable destinations for backpackers.

Bath is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. You'll find a surprising number of hostels around town so it's not hard to meet other backpackers while you're in the area.

It's common for backpackers to visit Cinque Terre. There are a number of rooms available in the towns and there are even a couple of hostels including one in Riomaggiore and one in Corniglia. It's possible to find affordable food and accommodation, and your entertainment is simply wandering the area, which is perfect for budget travelers.

Is Bath or Cinque Terre Better for Students?

Bath is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Cinque Terre is not popular with students.

Bath is a great spa town to visit as a student. The University of Bath offers a number of different programs so this is a popular city for local and international students.

Cinque Terre is not popular with students.

Is Bath or Cinque Terre Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Bath and Cinque Terre.

Bath has some public transit options. You likely won't need public transit because it's easy to walk most places, but there are buses around town.

You'll find some public transit in Cinque Terre, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Most people arrive by train but there are also ferries available.

Is Bath or Cinque Terre a more walkable city?

Bath and Cinque Terre are terrific when it comes to walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Bath. It is a very walkable city with most sights and activities packed into a very compact area. There are also many pedestrian areas that are easy to explore on foot.

Getting around Cinque Terre on foot is easy. Vehicle traffic in the towns are heavily restricted so it's very enjoyable to explore on foot. The terrain is hilly and uneven, but that's part of the charm. There are also hiking trails that connect each of the five towns.

For even more information, also check out Is Bath Worth Visiting? and Is Cinque Terre Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cinque Terre or Bath?

How long in Bath or Cinque Terre?

In either Bath or Cinque Terre, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Cinque Terre than Bath because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Bath, and 2-5 days is enough time in Cinque Terre.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cinque Terre than Bath 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 Cinque Terre.

One day in Bath or Cinque Terre?

In Bath, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this architectural spa town offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this spa town.

Cinque Terre is a small town where visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Bath or Cinque Terre?

Bath is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the museums. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Cinque Terre is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Bath or Cinque Terre?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historical destination of Bath. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the museums. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Cinque Terre might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. This coastal region offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Bath or Cinque Terre?

Bath is a popular place to visit. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Because Cinque Terre is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 One Week (7-Day) Tours in United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Bath or Cinque Terre?

Bath has a larger population, and is about 60 times larger than the population of Cinque Terre. When comparing the sizes of Bath and Cinque Terre, 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.