A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Carcassonne vs. Livorno for Attractions, Food, Backpackers, and Families

Should you visit Carcassonne or Livorno?

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 Carcassonne and Livorno. 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.

Carcassonne

Carcassonne is a fairytale, medieval, and historical town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food and museums.

Livorno

Livorno is a down-to-earth, waterfront, and friendly port city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. Other reasons to visit include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Carcassonne and Livorno: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Carcassonne or Livorno?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Livorno than Carcassonne, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Livorno is better known for its nightlife, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Carcassonne is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Carcassonne is more touristy than Livorno and is known for its medieval history, walled fortifications, and well-known castle. Livorno is well known for its large port and its great seafood. Also, Livorno is famous for The Waterfront Promenade.

How is Carcassonne different from Livorno?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Carcassonne or Livorno?

Carcassonne
Livorno

Carcassonne is great for its historical sights. However, Livorno is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Carcassonne can be an interesting and educational experience. The town is filled with medieval sights including the Château Comtal, the Basilica of Saints Nazarius and Celsus, and the Carcassonne Cathedral.

Livorno offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. The waterfront promenade and New Venice are nice to explore. There's an aquarium in town as well as a fun central market.


Is the Food Better in Carcassonne or Livorno? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Carcassonne
Livorno

Carcassonne is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Livorno is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Carcassonne has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. There are a number of local restaurants that serve regional specialties such as cassoulet. You can spend a few hours exploring the castle and then grab a delicious bite to eat.

Livorno offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. As a port city, this is the place to try seafood. Many dishes include calamari, shrimp, or freshly caught fish. The city is less touristy than most in Italy, so even the food has an authentic and down-to-earth vibe.

Is Carcassonne or Livorno Better for Nightlife?

Carcassonne
Livorno

Livorno is a good destination for nightlife. However, Carcassonne is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Livorno. Most visitors arrive by cruise ship, and depart in the evening, but the city is large and for those that stay the night, there are a number of bars and clubs around town.

Carcassonne is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Carcassonne or Livorno Better for Beaches?

Carcassonne
Livorno

Livorno is a decent place to visit for its beaches. However, Carcassonne is not a beach destination.

Livorno is a good spot to see the beach. The beaches are pebbly or rocky, so you won't really find a long stretch of sandy beach where you can relax. They can also stay very crowded.

Carcassonne is not a beach destination.


Is Carcassonne or Livorno Better for its Old Town?

Carcassonne
Livorno

Carcassonne is a nice place to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Livorno does not have a historic old town.

Carcassonne has an old town worth visiting. The medieval walled city is seeped in history and filled with atmosphere. Cars are not allowed in town.

Livorno does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Carcassonne or Livorno?

Carcassonne
Livorno

Livorno is a good destination for shopping. However, Carcassonne is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Livorno. The main shopping street in town is Via Grande. It's generally filled with major chain stores and familiar brands.

Carcassonne is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Carcassonne or Livorno Better for Families?

Carcassonne
Livorno

Both Carcassonne and Livorno are notable family-friendly destinations.

Carcassonne is a family-friendly town. Kids who love castles will enjoy wandering the maze of rooms and getting lost in the medieval atmosphere.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Livorno. The city has a nice aquarium as well as outdoor recreational activities like cycling and boating. There's a beach and parks where kids can stretch their legs and run around as well.


Is Carcassonne or Livorno Better for Couples?

Carcassonne
Livorno

Carcassonne and Livorno both notable destinations for a couple.

Carcassonne is a nice destination for couples. It's a medieval city with an impressive castle and walled fortifications. It's a uniquely European sight that is great for couples who enjoy history.

Livorno makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are some nice museums as well as parks and boat rides that couples can enjoy. There's also an aquarium and a beach.

Is Carcassonne or Livorno Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Carcassonne
Livorno

Carcassonne is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Livorno is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Carcassonne. There are interesting hostels in the area including a converted 17th century convent.

Livorno is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most backpackers skip this city, so you won't find many hostels around town. It's a relatively affordable place to stay with some fun entertainment options if you do pass through.

Is Carcassonne or Livorno Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Carcassonne
Livorno

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Carcassonne and Livorno.

Carcassonne has some public transit options. You can reach the town by train from Dijon, Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse, or Bordeaux and many people visit the town as a day trip.

You'll find some public transit in Livorno, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses around town including lines that run from the central train station to the port.


Is Carcassonne or Livorno a more walkable city?

Carcassonne
Livorno

Carcassonne is renowned for its ease of walking around. Also, Livorno is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its walkability.

Carcassonne is a very easy town to get around on foot. Cars aren't allowed in the medieval city so it's best to explore on foot.

Livorno is somewhat walkable. Parts of the city are walkable, but if you're arriving by cruise ship, you'll want to take a shuttle bus from the port.

For even more information, also check out Is Carcassonne Worth Visiting? and Is Livorno Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Livorno or Carcassonne?

How long in Carcassonne or Livorno?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Carcassonne or Livorno to fill your time. In our opinion, Carcassonne has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Carcassonne than Livorno. However, 1-2 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Carcassonne than Livorno 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 Carcassonne.


  • How many days in Carcassonne or Livorno? Ideal Length of Stay
    Carcassonne 1-2 
    Livorno 1-2

One day in Carcassonne or Livorno?

In Carcassonne, you'll find food and museums. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the down-to-earth port city of Livorno. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this port city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Carcassonne or Livorno?

In Carcassonne, you'll find museums and food. 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 Carcassonne has to offer.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the down-to-earth destination of Livorno. This port city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.


Five days in Carcassonne or Livorno?

Carcassonne 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.

The friendly port city of Livorno offers shopping and nightlife. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Carcassonne or Livorno?

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

Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting Livorno. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in France, The Best Historical Tours in France, The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Livorno or Carcassonne?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Carcassonne is €106, while the average daily cost in Livorno is €135. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Carcassonne and Livorno in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Carcassonne 61
    Livorno 75
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Carcassonne 122
    Livorno 150
Compare Hotels in Carcassonne and Livorno

Looking for a hotel in Carcassonne or Livorno? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Carcassonne


Hotels in Livorno


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Carcassonne Hotel Prices and Livorno Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Carcassonne 7.14
    Livorno 24

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Livorno

Also for Livorno, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Livorno Port to Florence Hotels: $197
  • Private Transfer from Livorno Cruise Port to Florence City Hotels: $110
  • Private Transfer - Livorno Cruise Port to Florence Airport (FLR): $110
  • Livorno Private Arrival Transfer: Cruise Port to Central Florence: $173
  • Livorno Port to Pisa Airport (PSA) - Arrival Private Transfer: $100
  • Livorno Cruise Port to Pisa city hotels -Arrival Private Transfer: $100
  • From Florence and Pisa Roundtrip Transfer: $48
  • From Bus Transfer to the Leaning Tower of Pisa: $20
  • From Livorno Cruise Port: Bus Transfer to Pisa and Lucca: $34

Is it cheaper to fly into Carcassonne or Livorno?

Prices for flights to both Livorno and Carcassonne change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Carcassonne 39
    Livorno 42

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Livorno

For Livorno, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Private Home Cooking Class and Meal with a Local: $155
  • Cesarine: Cooking Class at a Cesarina's Home in Livorno: $158

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Carcassonne 14
    Livorno 26

Tours and Activities in Carcassonne

For Carcassonne, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • A Self-Guided Tour of Carcassonne’s Ancient Basilica: $20
  • Best of Cathar Country: Full-Day Private Tour.: $207
  • Carcassonne 's Medieval Walls: A Self-Guided Tour: $20
  • Carcassonne Private Guided Walking Tour: $294
  • 2-Hour Private Walking Tour : $201
  • Castle and Ramparts Entry Ticket: $12
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
  • Fortress Walking Tour: $171
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $6.42
  • Medieval Walls Self-Guided Smartphone App Tour: $20
  • Photoshoot Experience: $160
  • Private Walking Tour with Cité de Carcassonne: $187

Tours and Activities in Livorno

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Livorno.

  • 2-Hour Private Guided Tour with Tasting of Bolgheri DOCs: $38
  • 2-Hour Private Tour with Photo Shoot in 500 to Bolgheri: $272
  • Cinque Terre small group tour max 15 people from Livorno port: $168
  • Cruise Excursion to Florence from Livorno/La Spezia by Car: $1,550
  • Epicurean Experience Private Diner with a Local and Local Food: $150
  • From Pisa and Florence Trip from Cruise Port: $1,369
  • Full-Day Private Tour of Cinque Terre with Personal Photographer from Pisa: $196
  • Half Day Pisa and Jewel of the Cinque Terre Tour From Livorno: $68
  • Livorno Food and Market Tour: $87
  • 24-Hour Hop-on Hop-off Bus Ticket Experience: $20
  • Aquarium Entrance Ticket: $16
  • Florence and Pisa Private Shore Tour: $856

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Carcassonne 13
    Livorno 24

Sample the Local Flavors in Carcassonne

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Carcassonne:

  • Wine tour Cathar country: $471

Sample the Local Flavors in Livorno

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Livorno:

  • Wine Tour Experience at Agricola Tamburini: $49
  • PRIVATE EXCURSION: Pisa and Lucca with Lunch and wine tastings : $272
  • From Siena and Chianti Day Trip with Wine Tasting: $477


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

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


Which is Bigger, Carcassonne or Livorno?

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

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 Carcassonne or Livorno in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Carcassonne and Livorno. Many visitors come to Carcassonne in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Livorno for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Carcassonne is generally around the same temperature as Livorno. Daily temperatures in Carcassonne average around 24°C (75°F), and Livorno fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Livorno this time of the year. In Carcassonne, it's very sunny this time of the year. Carcassonne usually receives less sunshine than Livorno during summer. Carcassonne gets 275 hours of sunny skies, while Livorno receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Carcassonne usually receives less rain than Livorno. Carcassonne gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Livorno receives 24 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Carcassonne 24°C (75°F) 
    Livorno 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Carcassonne or Livorno in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Carcassonne as well as Livorno. Most visitors come to Carcassonne for the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Livorno because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Carcassonne is around the same temperature as Livorno in the autumn. The daily temperature in Carcassonne averages around 17°C (62°F) in October, and Livorno fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Carcassonne often gets less sunshine than Livorno. Carcassonne gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Livorno receives 177 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Livorno. Carcassonne usually gets less rain in October than Livorno. Carcassonne gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Livorno receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Carcassonne 17°C (62°F) 
    Livorno 16°C (61°F)

Should I visit Carcassonne or Livorno in the Winter?

Both Livorno and Carcassonne are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to Carcassonne because of the museums and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Livorno this time of year.

In the winter, Carcassonne is a little warmer than Livorno. Typically, the winter temperatures in Carcassonne in January average around 8°C (47°F), and Livorno averages at about 7°C (45°F).

Carcassonne usually receives less sunshine than Livorno during winter. Carcassonne gets 88 hours of sunny skies, while Livorno receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Carcassonne usually receives less rain than Livorno. Carcassonne gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Livorno receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Carcassonne 8°C (47°F) 
    Livorno 7°C (45°F)

Should I visit Carcassonne or Livorno in the Spring?

Both Livorno and Carcassonne during the spring are popular places to visit. The small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Carcassonne this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Livorno for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Carcassonne is generally around the same temperature as Livorno. Daily temperatures in Carcassonne average around 14°C (56°F), and Livorno fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Carcassonne often gets less sunshine than Livorno. Carcassonne gets 178 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Livorno receives 192 hours of full sun.

Carcassonne usually gets less rain in April than Livorno. Carcassonne gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Livorno receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Carcassonne 14°C (56°F) 
    Livorno 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Livorno and Carcassonne

Carcassonne Livorno
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 8°C (47°F) 51 mm (2 in) 7°C (45°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Feb 9°C (49°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 8°C (46°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 11°C (52°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 10°C (50°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Apr 14°C (56°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 13°C (55°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
May 17°C (63°F) 50 mm (2 in) 16°C (61°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 21°C (70°F) 28 mm (1.1 in) 20°C (68°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)
Jul 24°C (75°F) 17 mm (0.7 in) 23°C (73°F) 24 mm (0.9 in)
Aug 24°C (74°F) 32 mm (1.3 in) 23°C (73°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Sep 21°C (69°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 20°C (68°F) 88 mm (3.5 in)
Oct 17°C (62°F) 90 mm (3.5 in) 16°C (61°F) 120 mm (4.7 in)
Nov 12°C (53°F) 59 mm (2.3 in) 11°C (52°F) 122 mm (4.8 in)
Dec 9°C (49°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 8°C (46°F) 85 mm (3.3 in)