A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cinque Terre vs. Sao Paulo for Food, Couples, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Cinque Terre or Sao Paulo?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Cinque Terre or Sao Paulo, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is a picturesque, idyllic, and quaint coastal region. With amazing attractions and sights, it's also a fun small town not to be missed. Many visitors also come to Cinque Terre because of it's amazing beauty. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. It's also popular because of the hiking, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling. See Cinque Terre travel costs.

Sao Paulo

Sao Paulo is a dynamic, vibrant, and colorful city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums. See Sao Paulo travel costs.

Cinque Terre and Sao Paulo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cinque Terre or Sao Paulo?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Sao Paulo. Although Cinque Terre and Sao Paulo are popular destinations, Sao Paulo has more sights and attractions for tourists. Sao Paulo is very popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Cinque Terre attracts visitors for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Cinque Terre is more touristy than Sao Paulo and is known for its charming villages, beautiful vineyards, picturesque waterfront setting, and stunning walking trail. Sao Paulo is famous for its large size, vibrant neighborhoods, and world-class nightlife scene. It is also well known for Ibirapuera Park.

How is Cinque Terre different from Sao Paulo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Sao Paulo has many famous sights for visitors. While many visitors overlook Sao Paulo for other destinations in Brazil, those that do visit will be rewarded with a large number of museums and sights. It's the largest city in South America, and there's plenty to do. Highlights include Museu de Arte, Museu de Arte, Museu de Arte Contemporânea, and the cathedral

Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Cinque Terre is a world-class destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Sao Paulo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Cinque Terre is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Sao Paulo makes for a great culinary experience. The city offers a huge mix of fine dining restaurants, street food vendors, family-friendly restaurants, and large local markets. The cuisine has many influences such as the Portuguese, West Africa, and even the Middle East. Popular dishes include the street food coxinha, feijoada (black bean and beef stew), and cachooro-quente (local hot dogs).

Is Cinque Terre or Sao Paulo Better for Nightlife?

Sao Paulo is renowned for its evening party scene. However, Cinque Terre is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Sao Paulo is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. As the economic hub for Brazil, you'll find tons of bars, clubs, and venues throughout the city. The best neighborhood for a party is Vila Madalena, which is filled with restaurants and bars. For live music and food trucks, check out Rua Augusta. There are also many different neighborhoods in this megacity, and many have a lively energy and plenty to do at night. Every night you should be able to find something different to do.

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 Cinque Terre or Sao Paulo Better for Resorts?

Cinque Terre is mediocre for its luxury resorts. However, Sao Paulo is not a resort destination.

Not known for its high-end resorts, Cinque Terre offers a few options. 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.

Sao Paulo is not a resort destination.

Is Cinque Terre or Sao Paulo Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cinque Terre is a nice place to visit for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Sao Paulo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Cinque Terre has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. 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.

Sao Paulo is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Cinque Terre or Sao Paulo Better for Beaches?

Cinque Terre is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Sao Paulo is not a beach destination.

Cinque Terre has a beach worth visiting. 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.

Sao Paulo is not a beach destination.

Is Cinque Terre or Sao Paulo Better for its Old Town?

Cinque Terre is a world-class destination for its historic old town charm. However, Sao Paulo does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Cinque Terre is revered around the world. Each of the five towns have their own charming old town which have restaurants and local boutique shops.

Sao Paulo does not have a historic old town.

Is Cinque Terre or Sao Paulo Better for Hiking?

Cinque Terre is a world-class destination for hiking. However, Sao Paulo is not a hiking destination.

Known for its hiking, Cinque Terre draws a crowd to experience the nature and the trails. 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.

Sao Paulo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Cinque Terre or Sao Paulo?

Sao Paulo is renowned for its shopping areas. However, Cinque Terre is lacking in good options for shopping.

Many people travel to Sao Paulo specifically to go shopping. The shopping opportunities are diverse, from megamalls to local markets, and international boutiques. There are many great neighborhoods for shopping, like Jardins, where you'll find high end stores. The main shopping street is Rua Oscar Freire. Downtown Sao Paulo has a mix of retail stores and market stalls that sell everything from cheap fashion to inexpensive odds and ins.

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 Cinque Terre or Sao Paulo More Beautiful?

Cinque Terre is a world-class destination for its scenery and beauty. However, Sao Paulo is not a destination known for its beauty.

Many visitors also come to Cinque Terre because of it's amazing beauty. The region is famous for its striking beauty and dramatic hills that sit beautifully against the rich blue waters.

Sao Paulo is not a destination known for its beauty.

Is Cinque Terre or Sao Paulo Better for Families?

Cinque Terre and Sao Paulo are both nice destinations for the whole family.

Cinque Terre is a family-friendly coastal region. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Sao Paulo. Kids will enjoy a visit to the zoo or one of the kid-friendly museums around town. There are also a number of parks, some kid-friendly restaurants, and even an amusement park.

Is Cinque Terre or Sao Paulo Better for Couples?

Cinque Terre is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Sao Paulo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

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.

Sao Paulo is a nice destination for couples. The city is filled with culture and you'll find many great activities that will make for an exciting couples trip. There are parks and museums, bars and restaurants, and theaters where you can see a show. Many couples enjoy a visit to the Botanical Garden of Sao Paulo or a stroll through Ibirapuera Park. You can watch the sunset with a view of the city from one of the many rooftop bars and then enjoy some samba dancing on the town.

Is Cinque Terre or Sao Paulo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cinque Terre and Sao Paulo are both nice destinations for backpackers.

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.

Sao Paulo is a good coastal region to visit for backpackers. While it's overlooked by many travelers, backpackers who linger for awhile will enjoy the city's authenticity and cultural scene. There are also a number of hostels around town.

Is Cinque Terre or Sao Paulo Better for Students?

Sao Paulo is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Cinque Terre is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Sao Paulo. The city is large with a diverse population and plenty to offer students. There are good educational institutions and a great international vibe as well.

Cinque Terre is not popular with students.

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

Sao Paulo is renowned for times when you don't have a car. Also, Cinque Terre is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Sao Paulo has a great public transit system. It's a huge city, so you'll likely make use of the metro during your trip. There are six lines to the metro system and they provide convenient access to many of the city's top attractions. The city also has many bus routes as well.

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 Cinque Terre or Sao Paulo a more walkable city?

Cinque Terre is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Sao Paulo is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

Cinque Terre is a very easy coastal region to get around on foot. 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.

Sao Paulo is very walkable. It's a megacity that has a wide range of neighborhoods. The city center is generally very walkable, but because of its size, you'll want to have an itinerary planned out for each day.

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

Should I spend more time in Sao Paulo or Cinque Terre?

How long in Cinque Terre or Sao Paulo?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Cinque Terre and Sao Paulo. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Cinque Terre than in Sao Paulo. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Cinque Terre, and 2-3 days is enough time in Sao Paulo.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Cinque Terre than Sao Paulo 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 Cinque Terre or Sao Paulo?

Even though Cinque Terre is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Each neighborhood in Sao Paulo has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Cinque Terre or Sao Paulo?

Cinque Terre is a small town where visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal region has to offer. This coastal region offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Sao Paulo is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Cinque Terre or Sao Paulo?

Cinque Terre is a small town with plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this coastal region makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this coastal region has to offer.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the dynamic big city of Sao Paulo. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

A week in Cinque Terre or Sao Paulo?

Cinque Terre is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

Sao Paulo is a popular place to visit. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy, The Best 3-Day Tours from Manaus, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Brazil.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Cinque Terre and Sao Paulo, we can see that Cinque Terre is more expensive. And not only is Sao Paulo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Cinque Terre is in Europe and Sao Paulo is in South America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Sao Paulo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sao Paulo 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 Cinque Terre would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cinque Terre than you might in Sao Paulo.

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

Which is Bigger, Cinque Terre or Sao Paulo?

Sao Paulo has a larger population, and is about 6380 times larger than the population of Cinque Terre. When comparing the sizes of Cinque Terre and Sao Paulo, 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 Cinque Terre or Sao Paulo?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Sao Paulo is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Cinque Terre has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Cinque Terre or Sao Paulo in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Cinque Terre and Sao Paulo. The summer months attract visitors to Cinque Terre because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Sao Paulo this time of year.

Cinque Terre is around the same temperature as Sao Paulo in the summer. The daily temperature in Cinque Terre averages around 24°C (75°F) in July, and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 25°C (77°F)in January.

Sao Paulo receives a lot of rain in the summer. In July, Cinque Terre usually receives less rain than Sao Pauloin January. Cinque Terre gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 170 mm (6.7 in) of rain each month for the summer. Also, October to March is the rainy season in Sao Paulo.

Should I visit Cinque Terre or Sao Paulo in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Cinque Terre as well as Sao Paulo. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Cinque Terre this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Sao Paulo for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Cinque Terre is cooler than Sao Paulo. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Cinque Terre in October average around 17°C (63°F), and Sao Paulo averages at about 22°C (72°F)in April.

Cinque Terre receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Cinque Terre usually gets more rain in October than Sao Pauloin April. Cinque Terre gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, June to August in Sao Paulo is the dry season.

Should I visit Cinque Terre or Sao Paulo in the Winter?

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

In January, Cinque Terre is generally much colder than Sao Pauloin July. Daily temperatures in Cinque Terre average around 8°C (46°F), and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

It's quite rainy in Cinque Terre. In January, Cinque Terre usually receives more rain than Sao Pauloin July. Cinque Terre gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the winter. The dry season in Sao Paulo is June to August.

Should I visit Cinque Terre or Sao Paulo in the Spring?

Both Sao Paulo and Cinque Terre during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Cinque Terre in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Sao Paulo for the activities around the city during these months.

Cinque Terre is cooler than Sao Paulo in the spring. The daily temperature in Cinque Terre averages around 14°C (57°F) in April, and Sao Paulo fluctuates around 21°C (70°F)in October.

Cinque Terre usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Sao Pauloin October. Cinque Terre gets 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Sao Paulo receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year. October to March is the rainy season in Sao Paulo.

Typical Weather for Sao Paulo and Cinque Terre