A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Bucharest vs. Palermo for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Attractions

Should you visit Bucharest or Palermo?

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 Bucharest and Palermo. 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.

Bucharest

Bucharest is a less touristy, undiscovered, and cultural city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Palermo

Palermo is a dynamic, fun, and colorful city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Bucharest and Palermo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Bucharest or Palermo?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Palermo than Bucharest. While Bucharest is larger than Palermo, Palermo has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Palermo is more popular for its food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Bucharest is known for its historical sights. Palermo is more touristy than Bucharest and is known for its mild climate, beautiful architecture, fun atmosphere, and fascinating culture. It is also home to The Cathedral. Bucharest is popular for its wide avenues and longstanding religious institutions.

How is Bucharest different from Palermo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Bucharest or Palermo?

Plenty of people visit the good sights and museums in both Bucharest and Palermo.

Bucharest offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. The city is rich in landmarks and historical buildings. Popular sights include the Romanian Athenaeum, the Palace of the Parliament, Stavropoleos Church, and Curtea Veche.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Palermo. There are a number of grand buildings and impressive architectural buildings that you should visit. The cathedral, the Norman Palace, and Cappella Palatina are among the best.

Is the Food Better in Bucharest or Palermo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Palermo is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Palermo. The islands long history and occupation by a range of different groups means that the cuisine is heavily influenced by many different cultures. You'll see influences from Phonecians, Greeks, Arabs and Normans. Local dishes include Pasta alla Norma (pasta and vegetables), Arancine (rice balls), and Cannoli.

Bucharest is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Many Romanian recipes have been passed down through the generations and they still use traditional flavors. You'll see some German or Hungarian influences, but the flavors are still uniquely Romanian. Popular dishes include ciorba (tripe soup), cabbage rolls, and mici (grilled meat rolls).

Is Bucharest or Palermo Better for Nightlife?

Palermo is well known for nightlife and partying. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Palermo is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The nightlife scene is surprisingly varied with everything from wine bars by the ocean to dance parties that flood into the street. Some of the most popular areas for nightlife include the old town, Politeama, and Mondello.

If you're looking for night time activities Bucharest has a few options to choose from. The city has come to life with its party scene, with many bars and clubs that you can choose from. There are rooftop bars, chic dance clubs, and cozy pubs where you can pass the evening. You'll find most of the upscale clubs in the northern part of the city, with a more casual scene found in the downtown areas around Universitate and Romanā.

Is Bucharest or Palermo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Palermo is a good destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Bucharest is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Palermo. The dive season lasts most of the year and there are many beautiful dive spots that are accessible from the city. The water is clear and there is a variety of flora and fauna to see.

Bucharest is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Bucharest or Palermo Better for Beaches?

Palermo is well known for the beache. However, Bucharest is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Palermo for it's beautiful beaches. The city has a number of beautiful beaches, some of which are accessible by public transit. Mondello is a popular option with beautiful views. Capo Gallo is a relaxing option on a nature reserve that is good for divers and nature lovers. Addaura is a lively beach with a number of clubs.

Bucharest is not a beach destination.

Is Bucharest or Palermo Better for its Old Town?

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

Bucharest offers a nice historic old town area. The old town dates back to the 15th and 16th centuries, with much of the historical charm seen in the architecture. Many of the buildings have been restored, but others are still awaiting repairs. This gives the area a sense of authenticity that you often miss in other old towns.

Palermo does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Bucharest or Palermo?

Palermo is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

Palermo is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The city offers a mix of high end shopping streets as well as colorful markets that have the feel of a traditional bazaar. Whether you're looking for European brands or local merchandise, this city has an eclectic mix with something for everyone.

Bucharest has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The residents love fashion, and you'll find many shopping centers around town where you can find a good deal. In addition to the many malls, there are also antique shops, flea markets and boutique clothing stores where you might find a hidden gem.

Is Bucharest or Palermo Better for Families?

Palermo is well known for its family-friendly activities. However, Bucharest is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

Palermo is a very kid-friendly city. The city has beaches where everyone can cool off and play in the relaxing waves. There's also a botanical garden and the fascinating Catacombs of the Capuchins. Kids will also enjoy exploring the many diverse markets throughout the city.

For families, Bucharest is not always the best place to visit. Kid-friendly activities include kid's play areas, museums such as the Museum of the Senses, and water centered activities like rowing in the park or visiting the wellness center Therme.

Is Bucharest or Palermo Better for Couples?

Palermo is a good destination for its romantic activities. However, Bucharest is not particularly known for couples.

Palermo makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The city is filled with fun adventures, unique markets, and relaxing beaches. It makes a great city escape for couples who enjoy spending time outdoors but also having access to an urban setting.

Bucharest is not always the best place to visit for a couple. The city has some romantic settings such as wandering down Victory Avenue or exploring the historic Cotroceni Neighbourhood. There are also several gardens and a number of nice cafes to explore.

Is Bucharest or Palermo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bucharest and Palermo are good places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Bucharest. The city is affordable, but it's often overlooked by backpackers. Part of the charm for many is the sense of authenticity that can often be hard to find in travel these days.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Palermo. There are a decent number of affordable hostels around town as well as plenty of backpackers that keep the scene fun and social.

Is Bucharest or Palermo Better for Students?

Palermo is a good destination for students. However, Bucharest is not popular with students.

Palermo is popular with students. It's an affordable student destination with a relaxing and laid back vibe. There's enough activity to keep it interesting without a high pressure setting.

Bucharest is not popular with students.

Is Bucharest or Palermo Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Bucharest is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Palermo is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Bucharest. Public transit options include trams, buses, and trolley buses.

Public transit is mostly limited in Palermo. If you stick to the main city center then you can get around by city bus, but if you're headed anywhere else, you'll likely want to take a taxi or Uber.

Is Bucharest or Palermo a more walkable city?

Palermo is well known for its high level of walkability. Also, Bucharest is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

Palermo is a very walkable city. The city is walkable with a number of streets closed to cars and pedestrian only.

Bucharest is a somewhat walkable city. Many of the tourist attractions are within a walkable area.

For even more information, also check out Is Bucharest Worth Visiting? and Is Palermo Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Palermo or Bucharest?

How long in Bucharest or Palermo?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Bucharest and Palermo. In our opinion, Palermo has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Palermo than Bucharest. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Palermo than Bucharest 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 Palermo.

One day in Bucharest or Palermo?

In Bucharest, you'll find nightlife and food. 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.

You'll find nightlife and food around the city of Palermo. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Palermo has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Bucharest or Palermo?

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

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the colorful destination of Palermo. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Bucharest or Palermo?

Bucharest is a great place to explore. 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.

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the fun city of Palermo. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Bucharest or Palermo?

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

Palermo is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Bucharest, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Romania, The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Bucharest or Palermo?

Bucharest has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Palermo. When comparing the sizes of Bucharest and Palermo, 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 Bucharest or Palermo?

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 Bucharest or Palermo in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Bucharest and Palermo. Most visitors come to Bucharest for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Palermo because of the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Bucharest is around the same temperature as Palermo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Bucharest in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Palermo averages at about 25°C (76°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Palermo this time of the year. In Bucharest, it's very sunny this time of the year. Bucharest usually receives less sunshine than Palermo during summer. Bucharest gets 289 hours of sunny skies, while Palermo receives 347 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Bucharest usually receives more rain than Palermo. Bucharest gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Palermo receives 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Bucharest or Palermo in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Bucharest as well as Palermo. The autumn months attract visitors to Bucharest because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Additionally, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Palermo this time of year.

In October, Bucharest is generally much colder than Palermo. Daily temperatures in Bucharest average around 13°C (55°F), and Palermo fluctuates around 20°C (67°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Palermo. In the autumn, Bucharest often gets less sunshine than Palermo. Bucharest gets 177 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Palermo receives 204 hours of full sun.

Bucharest usually gets less rain in October than Palermo. Bucharest gets 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Palermo receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Bucharest or Palermo in the Winter?

Both Palermo and Bucharest are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Bucharest this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Palermo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Bucharest in the winter. Bucharest is much colder than Palermo in the winter. The daily temperature in Bucharest averages around -1°C (29°F) in January, and Palermo fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

Bucharest usually receives less sunshine than Palermo during winter. Bucharest gets 71 hours of sunny skies, while Palermo receives 133 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Bucharest usually receives less rain than Palermo. Bucharest gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Palermo receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Bucharest or Palermo in the Spring?

Both Palermo and Bucharest during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Bucharest for the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Palermo in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Bucharest is cooler than Palermo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Bucharest in April average around 12°C (54°F), and Palermo averages at about 15°C (58°F).

In Palermo, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Bucharest often gets less sunshine than Palermo. Bucharest gets 185 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Palermo receives 219 hours of full sun.

Bucharest usually gets more rain in April than Palermo. Bucharest gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Palermo receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Palermo and Bucharest