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

Should you visit Granada or Rome?

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

Should I visit Granada or Rome? 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.

Granada

Granada is a charming, cultural, and historic city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and hiking.

Rome

Rome is a bustling, fun-filled, and popular 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 food, shopping, and museums.

Granada and Rome: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Granada or Rome?

You'll generally find more things to do in Rome than Granada. Rome is bigger than Granada, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Rome is better known for its food, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Granada is more popular for its historical sights and hiking. Rome is more touristy than Granada 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. Granada is well known for its Islamic architecture, charming old town, and the stunningly impressive Alhambra.

The Colosseum

How is Granada different from Rome?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Granada or Rome?

Spend time exploring the terrific sights and museums in either Granada or Rome.

Travelers visit Granada from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. Many visitors head to Granada specifically to visit the famed Alhambra. The palace and fortress complex will not disappoint. The gardens are beautifully maintained and the palace is filled with intricate details. It's easy to spend hours wandering around. In addition to The Alhambra, the Granada Cathedral is also impressive to visit. If you have kids or extra time to fill, head to Parque de las Ciencias, which is the city's Science Park.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Rome are among the most recognizable in the world. 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.

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

Rome is a world-class destination for its restaurants. Also, Granada is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Rome is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Homemade pasta, fresh sauces, and fine wine all make the food scene among the best. Also make sure you try the gelato.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Granada. It's a very touristy city so restaurants can be hit or miss. There are some amazing local eateries, but you'll also find a number of places with lower quality, overpriced food. Classic local dishes include Churros, Plato Alpujarreño, and Habas con Jamón. Tapas are very popular and many restaurants provide free tapas with drink orders. There are also a number of Moroccan restaurants around town.

Is Granada or Rome Better for Nightlife?

Rome is a world-class destination for nightlife. Also, Granada is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

People head to Rome just to party. 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.

The people in Granada know how to have a good time. The nightlife scene kicks off around 11 pm, when most people have finished up a late dinner. There's a laid-back atmosphere with pubs, live music, and dance clubs that stay open late into the night. There are several popular streets at night including Calle Elvira, Calle Reyes Católicos, and the Realejo District.

Is Granada or Rome Better for Music?

Rome is a world-class destination for live music. However, Granada 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.

Granada is not a live music destination.

Is Granada or Rome Better for its Old Town?

Granada is an unbeatable place for its historic old town charm. However, Rome does not have a historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Granada offers plenty to see. The Old Town spills out around the Granada Cathedral and is filled with charming pedestrian streets, lively plazas, and many great shops.

Rome does not have a historic old town.

Is Granada or Rome Better for Hiking?

Granada is a great destination for its hiking experiences. However, Rome is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Granada. Ruta de Los Cahorros is a great hike about 25 minutes outside of Granada that begins in the town of Monochil. It crosses many bridges and weaves through dramatic canyons. There are places where you can wade in the water or check out a hidden waterfall. It's well worth the time and can be reached by taxi or public bus.

Rome is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Granada or Rome?

Rome is a world-class destination for shopping. Also, Granada is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

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.

Granada offers some nice shopping areas. The town is filled with souvenir shops and places to buy local items. It's fun to wander through the old town and pop into the many different shops.

Is Granada or Rome Better for Families?

Rome is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Granada 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 Granada. While the highlight of the city is the Alhambra, kids will likely enjoy exploring the shops or seeing a Flamenco show a bit more. Just outside of town is a wonderful hike, Ruta de Los Cahorros. It begins near the town of Monachil which is easily accessible by taxi or public bus. The hike goes through canyons and across bridges and its a wonderful activity for the whole family.

Is Granada or Rome Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Granada and Rome make for a excellent place to visit.

Granada makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It is a beautiful city that is filled with charm and history. Couples will enjoy exploring the Alhambra, taking in a Flamenco show, or sipping Sangria with tapas. The city is incredibly beautiful with stunning views and many great restaurants.

Couples visit Rome frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. With many beautiful buildings, world class restaurants, and world renowned sights, this city makes a great romantic destination.

Is Granada or Rome Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Rome is a world-class destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Granada 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).

Granada is a great city to visit for backpackers. It's a touristy city and it's a popular destination for backpackers as well. There are plenty of hostels around town and the city has social atmosphere with many opportunities to meet other travelers.

Is Granada or Rome Better for Students?

Rome is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. Also, Granada is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for students.

Many students frequent Rome. The city is a popular study abroad destination and you'll find plenty of international students here.

Granada is very popular with students. It's a popular study abroad destination. Accommodation for students is usually affordable and this is also a great city for integrating into the local culture. You may even end up with a Spanish roommate.

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

Rome is a world-class destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Granada is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

With a huge network, the transit system in Rome can get you around easily. There's a metro system, trams, and a comprehensive bus system that goes around the city.

You'll find some public transit in Granada, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a comprehensive bus system around town that many tourists take advantage of. Taxis are also very affordable, so for many visitors, that is an easy option.

Is Granada or Rome a more walkable city?

Rome is a world-class destination for its walkability. Also, Granada is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Rome. 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.

Granada is a very walkable city. Most of the touristy areas are easy to explore on foot, but there are some steep hills so put on your walking shoes.

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

Should I spend more time in Rome or Granada?

How long in Granada or Rome?

Both Granada 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 Granada. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Granada, and 3-7 days is enough time in Rome.

Families should spend more time in Rome than Granada. 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 Granada. 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 Granada 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 Granada or Rome?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Granada. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Because Rome is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Granada or Rome?

Granada is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the museums. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

Because Rome is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Granada or Rome?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the cultural destination of Granada. This city offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Rome is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Rome has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Granada or Rome?

The historic city of Granada offers nightlife and food. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Rome. Because Rome is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

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

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Granada and Rome, we can see that Rome is more expensive. And not only is Granada much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Granada would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Granada 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 Granada.

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

Which is Bigger, Granada or Rome?

Rome has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Granada. When comparing the sizes of Granada 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 Granada 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 Granada or Rome in the Summer?

Both Rome and Granada during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Granada in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Rome for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Granada is generally around the same temperature as Rome. Daily temperatures in Granada average around 25°C (77°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 Granada. In the summer, Granada often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Rome. Granada gets 348 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rome receives 338 hours of full sun.

Granada usually gets less rain in July than Rome. Granada gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Rome receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Granada or Rome in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Granada and Rome. Most visitors come to Granada for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Rome because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Granada is a little warmer than Rome in the autumn. The daily temperature in Granada averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Rome fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In Granada, it's very sunny this time of the year. Granada usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Rome during autumn. Granada gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Rome receives 198 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Granada usually receives less rain than Rome. Granada gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Rome receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Granada or Rome in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Granada as well as Rome. The winter months attract visitors to Granada because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Rome this time of year.

In the winter, Granada is a little warmer than Rome. Typically, the winter temperatures in Granada in January average around 12°C (54°F), and Rome averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Granada often gets more sunshine than Rome. Granada gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rome receives 127 hours of full sun.

Granada usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Rome. Granada gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Rome receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Granada or Rome in the Spring?

Both Rome and Granada are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The natural beauty are the main draw to Granada this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Rome for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Granada is generally a little warmer than Rome. Daily temperatures in Granada average around 16°C (60°F), and Rome fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

It's quite sunny in Rome. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Granada. Granada usually receives more sunshine than Rome during spring. Granada gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Rome receives 204 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Granada usually receives less rain than Rome. Granada gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Rome receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Rome and Granada