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

Should you visit Dijon or Cinque Terre?

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

Should I visit Dijon or Cinque Terre? 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.

Dijon

Dijon is a cultural, laid-back, and culinary city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is a seaside, stunning, and traditional coastal region. This is also a fantastic small town with plenty of charm and local activities. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. It's also known for food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Dijon and Cinque Terre: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dijon or Cinque Terre?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Cinque Terre than Dijon, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Cinque Terre is better known for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Dijon is more popular for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities. Cinque Terre is more touristy than Dijon and is popular for its charming villages, beautiful vineyards, picturesque waterfront setting, and stunning walking trail. Also, Cinque Terre is famous for Vernazza Harbor. Dijon is well known for its cuisine, wine, and nearby vineyards.

Vernazza Harbor

How is Dijon different from Cinque Terre?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Dijon is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Dijon can be an interesting and educational experience. This historic city is filled with sights worth checking. Palais des Ducs and the Musée des Beaux-Arts, Cathédrale Saint-Bénigne, and Eglise Notre-Dame are among the favorites.

Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Dijon and Cinque Terre.

For foodies, Dijon is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. It is one of the top foodie destinations in France, and you'll find amazing local markets, award winning restaurants, and world class cuisine. Make sure you check out Les Halles Market to try local flavors. In addition to its famous mustard, the city is also popular for gingerbread, truffles, escargot, and, of course, wine.

Cinque Terre has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

Is Dijon or Cinque Terre Better for Nightlife?

Dijon is a nice place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Cinque Terre is lacking in good options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Dijon. While it's not a active as the larger European cities, there's still an fun nightlife scene that is driven mostly by the large student population.

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 Dijon or Cinque Terre Better for Resorts?

Cinque Terre is not a good place to visit for its resorts. However, Dijon is not a resort destination.

While Cinque Terre is not known as a resort destination, there are some nice places to stay. 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.

Dijon is not a resort destination.

Is Dijon or Cinque Terre Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cinque Terre is a popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Dijon is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Cinque Terre has a few good snorkeling spots. 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.

Dijon is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Dijon or Cinque Terre Better for Beaches?

Cinque Terre is a popular place for its beaches. However, Dijon is not a beach destination.

Cinque Terre is a good option for a beach vacation. 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.

Dijon is not a beach destination.

Is Dijon or Cinque Terre Better for its Old Town?

Cinque Terre is terrific for its historic old town. However, Dijon does not have a historic old town.

Cinque Terre has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. Each of the five towns have their own charming old town which have restaurants and local boutique shops.

Dijon does not have a historic old town.

Is Dijon or Cinque Terre Better for Hiking?

Cinque Terre is terrific for the nearby hiking options. However, Dijon is not a hiking destination.

People visit Cinque Terre specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. 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.

Dijon is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Dijon or Cinque Terre?

Dijon is a nice place to visit for its shopping areas. However, Cinque Terre is lacking in good options for shopping.

Dijon has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. For the best shopping in town, head to the main shopping street - Rue de la Liberté. It's lined with everything from clothing stores to wine shops and larger department stores. You'll even be able to pick up some of the famed mustard while you're in town.

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 Dijon or Cinque Terre Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Dijon or Cinque Terre.

Dijon is a family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy the open space that the city offers. There are parks where they can run around, like The Parc de la Colombieres which has a carousel and a ropes course. There are also many museums including two favorites for young ones - Musee de la Vie Bourguignonne and Musee d'Histoire Naturelle.

Cinque Terre is a family-friendly city. 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.

Is Dijon or Cinque Terre Better for Couples?

Cinque Terre is terrific for romance. Also, Dijon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

Cinque Terre makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Dijon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Art, palaces, gardens, and fine wine make it a perfect couple's getaway. There is some of the best food in France, as well as a welcoming culture and many beautiful sights to explore.

Is Dijon or Cinque Terre Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Dijon and Cinque Terre are notable destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Dijon. It's a beautiful city with a touristy vibe, so you'll likely meet other travelers while you're in town.

Cinque Terre is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Is Dijon or Cinque Terre Better for Students?

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

Plenty of students visit Dijon. While it's quieter than the bigger cities, you'll find a young vibe and enough of a nightlife scene to keep it interesting.

Cinque Terre is not popular with students.

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

Both Dijon and Cinque Terre offer notable public transit options.

Dijon has a few public transit options. Tram and buses offer access to many parts of the city.

Cinque Terre has some public transit options. Most people arrive by train but there are also ferries available.

Is Dijon or Cinque Terre a more walkable city?

Cinque Terre is terrific for its walkability. Also, Dijon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

It is easy to get around Cinque Terre 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.

Dijon is a somewhat walkable place. Most of the inner city is walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Cinque Terre or Dijon?

How long in Dijon or Cinque Terre?

In either Dijon or Cinque Terre, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Cinque Terre than Dijon because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Dijon, and 2-5 days is enough time in Cinque Terre.

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

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

In Dijon, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this cultural city offers. 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.

Even though Cinque Terre is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This coastal region offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Dijon or Cinque Terre?

Dijon 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. Lots of people come for the food. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cinque Terre. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Dijon or Cinque Terre?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of Dijon. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Cinque Terre is a fun place to experience. Cinque Terre is a small town with plenty to do. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Dijon or Cinque Terre?

Dijon 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.

Cinque Terre is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to France, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in France, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Dijon and Cinque Terre, we can see that Dijon 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 Dijon Expensive? and Is Cinque Terre Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Dijon or Cinque Terre?

Dijon has a larger population, and is about 100 times larger than the population of Cinque Terre. When comparing the sizes of Dijon and Cinque Terre, 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 Dijon or Cinque Terre?

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 Dijon or Cinque Terre in the Summer?

Both Cinque Terre and Dijon during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Dijon for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Cinque Terre in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Dijon is generally cooler than Cinque Terre. Daily temperatures in Dijon average around 21°C (70°F), and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

In Cinque Terre, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Dijon. In the summer, Dijon often gets less sunshine than Cinque Terre. Dijon gets 266 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 316 hours of full sun.

Dijon usually gets more rain in July than Cinque Terre. Dijon gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dijon or Cinque Terre in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Dijon and Cinque Terre. Many visitors come to Dijon in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Cinque Terre for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Dijon is cooler than Cinque Terre in the autumn. The daily temperature in Dijon averages around 13°C (55°F) in October, and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Dijon usually receives less sunshine than Cinque Terre during autumn. Dijon gets 121 hours of sunny skies, while Cinque Terre receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Cinque Terre receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Dijon usually receives less rain than Cinque Terre. Dijon gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Dijon or Cinque Terre in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Dijon as well as Cinque Terre. Most visitors come to Dijon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Cinque Terre because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Dijon can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Dijon is much colder than Cinque Terre. Typically, the winter temperatures in Dijon in January average around 3°C (38°F), and Cinque Terre averages at about 8°C (46°F).

In the winter, Dijon often gets less sunshine than Cinque Terre. Dijon gets 53 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 105 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Cinque Terre. Dijon usually gets less rain in January than Cinque Terre. Dijon gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dijon or Cinque Terre in the Spring?

Both Cinque Terre and Dijon are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Dijon because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Cinque Terre this time of year.

In April, Dijon is generally cooler than Cinque Terre. Daily temperatures in Dijon average around 11°C (53°F), and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

Dijon usually receives less sunshine than Cinque Terre during spring. Dijon gets 178 hours of sunny skies, while Cinque Terre receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Dijon usually receives less rain than Cinque Terre. Dijon gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Cinque Terre and Dijon