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

Should you visit Carcassonne or Rome?

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 Rome. 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. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include food and museums.

Rome

Rome is a archeological, bustling, and fun-filled city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include live music, food, and shopping.

Carcassonne and Rome: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Carcassonne or Rome?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Rome than Carcassonne, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Rome is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, music, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Carcassonne is more popular for its historical sights and small town charm. Rome is more touristy than Carcassonne and is popular for its iconic archaeological sites such as the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, as well as its gelato, Italian cuisine, and strong religious roots. Also, Rome is famous for The Colosseum. Carcassonne is well known for its medieval history, walled fortifications, and well-known castle.

The Colosseum

How is Carcassonne different from Rome?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Rome 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 Rome?

Rome is very popular for its museums and history. Also, Carcassonne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Rome from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The historical sights around the city are among the most impressive in the world. Almost anywhere you look you'll find a notable landmark but some of the most famous include the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, the Vatican, and the Roman Forum.

Carcassonne offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The town is filled with medieval sights including the Château Comtal, the Basilica of Saints Nazarius and Celsus, and the Carcassonne Cathedral.

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

Rome is very popular for its restaurants. Also, Carcassonne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Eat your way through Rome, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Homemade pasta, fresh sauces, and fine wine all make the food scene among the best. Also make sure you try the gelato.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Carcassonne. 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.

Is Carcassonne or Rome Better for Nightlife?

Rome is very popular for nightlife. However, Carcassonne is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Rome is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. You'll find a huge concentration of bars and clubs in the Testaccio area. There are late night clubs with salsa dancing, merengue, and live DJ's spinning every type of music.

Carcassonne is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Carcassonne or Rome Better for Music?

Rome is very popular for live music. However, Carcassonne is not a live music destination.

Rome is known as a music capital around the world. Popular music venues include Live Alcazar, Atlantico Live, and Beba do Samba.

Carcassonne is not a live music destination.

Is Carcassonne or Rome Better for its Old Town?

Carcassonne is a town with good options for its historic old town charm. However, Rome does not have a historic old town.

Carcassonne offers a nice historic old town area. The medieval walled city is seeped in history and filled with atmosphere. Cars are not allowed in town.

Rome does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Carcassonne or Rome?

Rome is very popular for shopping. However, Carcassonne is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Rome. For the biggest brand names, head to Via del Corso, which is near the Spanish Steps. Popular items to buy include Italian ceramics, shoes, leather goods, and jewelry.

Carcassonne is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Carcassonne or Rome Better for Families?

Rome is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Carcassonne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Rome is a very family-friendly destination. What kid wouldn't be thrilled to be surrounded by pizza and spaghetti restaurants? In addition to kid-friendly food options, there are also a number of great activities that the whole family can enjoy including exploring the Colosseum, taking a gladiator class, and eating gelato.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Carcassonne. Kids who love castles will enjoy wandering the maze of rooms and getting lost in the medieval atmosphere.

Is Carcassonne or Rome Better for Couples?

Rome is a very popular place for romance. Also, Carcassonne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

Rome makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. With many beautiful buildings, world class restaurants, and world renowned sights, this city makes a great romantic destination.

Carcassonne makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Is Carcassonne or Rome Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Rome is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Carcassonne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Rome. Backpackers will find no shortage of hostels where they can stay, particularly near the main train station where accommodation is particularly cheap (but not always the best quality).

Carcassonne is a great town to visit for backpackers. There are interesting hostels in the area including a converted 17th century convent.

Is Carcassonne or Rome Better for Students?

Rome is very popular for its student-friendly activities. However, Carcassonne is not popular with students.

Rome is a very popular place to visit for students. The city is a popular study abroad destination and you'll find plenty of international students here.

Carcassonne is not popular with students.

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

Rome is very popular for times when you don't have a car. Also, Carcassonne is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Rome has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. There's a metro system, trams, and a comprehensive bus system that goes around the city.

You'll find some public transit in Carcassonne, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. You can reach the town by train from Dijon, Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse, or Bordeaux and many people visit the town as a day trip.

Is Carcassonne or Rome a more walkable city?

Carcassonne and Rome are fantastic when it comes to walkability.

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

Getting around Rome on foot is easy. You'll find many of the most popular sights in a compact area that's easily explored on foot. Do watch out for traffic, which can be a bit chaotic at times.

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

Should I spend more time in Rome or Carcassonne?

How long in Carcassonne or Rome?

Both Carcassonne and Rome have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Rome than in Carcassonne. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Carcassonne, and 3-7 days is enough time in Rome.

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

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

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

One day in Carcassonne or Rome?

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

Rome is a archeological city where you can fill many days. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Carcassonne or Rome?

Carcassonne is a fun place to experience. 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.

Rome is a popular big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Carcassonne or Rome?

You'll find museums and food around the medieval destination of Carcassonne. This town offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Rome is a fun-filled city where you can fill many days. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Carcassonne or Rome?

The historical town of Carcassonne 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.

Rome is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this city.

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.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Carcassonne and Rome, we can see that Rome 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 Rome would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Rome 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 Rome Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Carcassonne or Rome?

Rome has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Carcassonne. When comparing the sizes of Carcassonne and Rome, 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 Rome?

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 Carcassonne or Rome in the Summer?

Both Rome and Carcassonne during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Carcassonne for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Rome because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Carcassonne is generally around the same temperature as Rome. Daily temperatures in Carcassonne average around 24°C (75°F), and Rome fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

In Rome, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Carcassonne. In the summer, Carcassonne often gets less sunshine than Rome. Carcassonne gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rome receives 338 hours of full sun.

Carcassonne usually gets less rain in July than Rome. Carcassonne gets 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Rome receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Carcassonne or Rome in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Carcassonne and Rome. The autumn months attract visitors to Carcassonne because of the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Rome this time of year.

Carcassonne is around the same temperature as Rome in the autumn. The daily temperature in Carcassonne averages around 17°C (62°F) in October, and Rome fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Carcassonne usually receives less sunshine than Rome during autumn. Carcassonne gets 161 hours of sunny skies, while Rome receives 198 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Carcassonne usually receives around the same amount of rain as Rome. Carcassonne gets 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Rome receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Carcassonne or Rome in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Carcassonne as well as Rome. The museums and the cuisine are the main draw to Carcassonne this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Rome for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Carcassonne is around the same temperature as Rome. Typically, the winter temperatures in Carcassonne in January average around 8°C (47°F), and Rome averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Carcassonne often gets less sunshine than Rome. Carcassonne gets 88 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rome receives 127 hours of full sun.

Carcassonne usually gets less rain in January than Rome. Carcassonne gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Rome receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Carcassonne or Rome in the Spring?

Both Rome and Carcassonne are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Carcassonne for the small town charm and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Rome in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Carcassonne is generally around the same temperature as Rome. Daily temperatures in Carcassonne average around 14°C (56°F), and Rome fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

It's quite sunny in Rome. Carcassonne usually receives less sunshine than Rome during spring. Carcassonne gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Rome receives 204 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Carcassonne usually receives more rain than Rome. Carcassonne gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Rome receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Rome and Carcassonne