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

Should you visit Biarritz or Pisa?

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

Should I visit Biarritz or Pisa? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Biarritz

Biarritz is a cultural, relaxing, and quirky seaside town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Visitors also love the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Pisa

Pisa is a charming, iconic, and world-famous city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Biarritz and Pisa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Biarritz or Pisa?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Pisa than Biarritz, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Pisa is better known for its museums, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Biarritz is more popular for its resorts, beaches, and small town charm. Biarritz is well known for its surfing culture, long beaches, and seaside atmosphere. Pisa is well known for its iconic Leaning Tower, its beautiful squares, and its lively atmosphere. Also, Pisa is famous for The Leaning Tower of Pisa.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa

How is Biarritz different from Pisa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Pisa is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Biarritz is lacking in options for its museums and landmarks.

Pisa offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

Biarritz offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Most people pass their time relaxing on the beach or taking a walk, but you can also visit the Biarritz Aquarium or the Biarritz Lighthouse.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at high quality restaurants in both Biarritz and Pisa.

Biarritz has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The food is a delicious mix of French, Spanish, and Basque flavors. Seafood is an obvious influence, but you'll also find meat and bread in many dishes. Local specialties include the oysters, pintxos (a snack of bread topped with ham, cheese, or vegetables), and marmitako (tuna stew).

Dining out in Pisa is an experience not to be missed. 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.

Is Biarritz or Pisa Better for Nightlife?

Both Biarritz and Pisa have high quality vibes after the sun sets.

Biarritz has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The city center has the most bars and clubs if you're looking for a party. Head to Port Vieux or Les Halles for some of the city's best nightlife. For a more relaxed night out, there are night markets as well as beach front terraces and rooftops where you can sip wine in a mellow atmosphere.

The people in Pisa know how to have a good time. 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.

Is Biarritz or Pisa Better for Resorts?

Biarritz is a great seaside town for its luxury resorts. However, Pisa is not a resort destination.

Biarritz is known as a popular and fun resort destination. You'll find a mix of holiday cottages, vacation rentals, and beachfront hotels. There are also hostels around town for those on a budget.

Pisa is not a resort destination.

Is Biarritz or Pisa Better for Beaches?

Biarritz is a great seaside town for the beache. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for the beach.

Biarritz is considered a top beach destination. There are plenty of sandy beaches near the town that offer great surfing. For calmer water you can head to some of the smaller bays. Some of the most popular beaches in the area include Le Grande Plage, Plage du Miramar, and Plage Port Vieux.

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.

Is Biarritz or Pisa Better for its Old Town?

Pisa is an excellent place to visit for its old town. However, Biarritz does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Pisa. The old town is where you'll find the city's classic charm and many of the best sights.

Biarritz does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Biarritz or Pisa?

Shoppers can find a variety of high quality stores in both Biarritz and Pisa.

Biarritz is well-known for its shopping. The town has many market halls, boutiques, and department stores. Head to Avenue de Verdun for some quirky local stores or Place Georges Clemenceau for more high end shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity 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.

Is Biarritz or Pisa Better for Families?

Biarritz is a great seaside town for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Biarritz is very family-friendly. The sandy beaches are great for surfing, but you'll also find some calm water where kids can play. There are plenty of surf schools in the area that will help kids learn if they're just beginning to surf. Kids who love the ocean will find tons of entertainment in this seaside town.

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 Biarritz or Pisa Better for Couples?

Biarritz is a great seaside town for its romantic activities. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

Biarritz is a great seaside town if you're traveling as a couple. There are many coastal walks, sandy beaches, and surfing opportunities that couples can enjoy. Combine that with great French cuisine and a lively atmosphere, and you won't find a better couples getaway.

Pisa is a good seaside town for couples to visit. 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 Biarritz or Pisa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Biarritz and Pisa are both high quality destinations for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Biarritz. The town attracts surfers and there are plenty of hostels and other accommodation options for budget travelers or backpackers.

Pisa is a very popular seaside town for backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Is Biarritz or Pisa Better for Students?

Pisa is renowned for its student-friendly activities. However, Biarritz is not popular with students.

Many students frequent 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.

Biarritz is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Biarritz and Pisa.

Biarritz has some public transit options. There are regional bus lines to nearby towns operated by Chronoplus and PESA.

You'll find some public transit in Pisa, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are public buses through town with the most popular lines being the Red and Green Lines.

Is Biarritz or Pisa a more walkable city?

Biarritz and Pisa are high quality when it comes to walkability.

Biarritz is a very walkable seaside town. The city center is very walkable and you can reach many of the beaches on foot as well.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Pisa or Biarritz?

How long in Biarritz or Pisa?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Biarritz and Pisa. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Biarritz than in Pisa. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Biarritz, and 1-3 days is enough time in Pisa.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Pisa than Biarritz 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 Biarritz or Pisa?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Biarritz. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

The beautiful city of Pisa offers food and shopping. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Biarritz or Pisa?

Biarritz is a fun place to experience. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Pisa is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Pisa, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Biarritz or Pisa?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the cultural destination of Biarritz. This seaside town offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Pisa is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Biarritz or Pisa?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the quirky seaside town of Biarritz. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Pisa is a great place to explore. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Tours for Seniors to France, The Best Contiki Tours to France, The Best 2-Week Tours in Italy, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Biarritz and Pisa, we can see that Biarritz 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 Biarritz Expensive? and Is Pisa Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Biarritz or Pisa?

Pisa has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Biarritz. When comparing the sizes of Biarritz 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 Biarritz 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 Biarritz or Pisa in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Biarritz and Pisa. The summer months attract visitors to Biarritz because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Pisa this time of year.

Biarritz is cooler than Pisa in the summer. The daily temperature in Biarritz averages around 20°C (68°F) in July, and Pisa fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pisa this time of the year. In Biarritz, it's very sunny this time of the year. Biarritz usually receives less sunshine than Pisa during summer. Biarritz gets 209 hours of sunny skies, while Pisa receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Biarritz usually receives more rain than Pisa. Biarritz gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Biarritz or Pisa in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Biarritz as well as Pisa. The shopping scene and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Biarritz this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Pisa for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Biarritz is around the same temperature as Pisa. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Biarritz in October average around 16°C (60°F), and Pisa averages at about 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Biarritz often gets less sunshine than Pisa. Biarritz gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pisa receives 177 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Pisa. Biarritz receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Biarritz usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Pisa. Biarritz gets 155 mm (6.1 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Biarritz or Pisa in the Winter?

Both Pisa and Biarritz are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Biarritz for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Pisa in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Biarritz is generally a little warmer than Pisa. Daily temperatures in Biarritz average around 8°C (47°F), and Pisa fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

Biarritz usually receives less sunshine than Pisa during winter. Biarritz gets 85 hours of sunny skies, while Pisa receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Biarritz. In January, Biarritz usually receives more rain than Pisa. Biarritz gets 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Biarritz or Pisa in the Spring?

Both Pisa and Biarritz during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Biarritz in the spring for the beaches and the small town charm. Furthermore, most visitors come to Pisa for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

Biarritz is around the same temperature as Pisa in the spring. The daily temperature in Biarritz averages around 12°C (54°F) in April, and Pisa fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Biarritz often gets less sunshine than Pisa. Biarritz gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pisa receives 192 hours of full sun.

Pisa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Biarritz. Biarritz usually gets more rain in April than Pisa. Biarritz gets 163 mm (6.4 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Pisa and Biarritz