A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Interlaken vs. Pisa for Families, Couples, Food, and Backpackers

Should you visit Interlaken or Pisa?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Interlaken and Pisa can help you decide which place is right for you.

Interlaken

Interlaken is a adrenaline-filled, breathtaking, and world-class town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. This destination also has one of those special and quaint feelings. Visitors also love the food, hiking, and skiing.

Pisa

Pisa is a charming, iconic, and world-famous city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Interlaken and Pisa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Interlaken or Pisa?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Pisa. Although Interlaken and Pisa are popular destinations, Pisa has more sights and attractions for tourists. Pisa is very popular for its museums, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, and shopping, while Interlaken attracts visitors for its skiing, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Interlaken is more touristy than Pisa and is known for its adventure sports, alpine setting, and beautiful lakes. Pisa is famous for its iconic Leaning Tower, its beautiful squares, and its lively atmosphere. It is also well known for The Leaning Tower of Pisa.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa

How is Interlaken different from Pisa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Interlaken or Pisa Better for Skiing?

Interlaken is a popular place for skiing. However, Pisa is not a skiing destination.

For winter sports and skiing, Interlaken is a great destination to visit. While the city itself has no skiing, there is access to several ski areas in Jungfrau. There are several different resorts in the area near Grindelwald, Wengen, and Mürren. You'll need to take a train or ski bus to get most places.

Pisa is not a skiing destination.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Interlaken or Pisa?

Pisa is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Pisa specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city is more than a one hit wonder. In addition to the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, you'll find many beautiful buildings and museums. Popular places to visit include the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, Campo Santo (Sacred Field), and Museo dell'Opera del Duomo.

Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Interlaken or Pisa? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Foodies will find both Interlaken and Pisa both to be great destinations.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Interlaken. Restaurants in the area serve local classics like fondue, local meats, cheeses, and chocolate. You can finish your meal off with strudel or head to a local bakery and try their samplings. Meals are expensive but the quality is good. You should also out into the countryside and enjoy a meal looking out over the mountains.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Pisa. The local cuisine is heavily influenced by the city's maritime roots. You'll find many seafood dishes as well as local classic recipes that have been passed down through the generations. A quintessential local dish is Bordatino alla Pisana, which is made with beans, cabbage, and cornflour. Also popular are Pasta e Ceci (chickpea pasta), Palette (a local polenta), and Trippa alla Pisana.

Is Interlaken or Pisa Better for Nightlife?

Pisa is an excellent place to visit for nightlife. However, Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Pisa has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. Head out to an aperitivo bar for an early drink, then head to one of the area's best nightlife neighborhoods. For the biggest party scene, go about 10 kilometers out of town to the Versilian coast. This area has the most popular clubs. If you decide to stay in town, there are still plenty of places to catch live music and dance.

Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Interlaken or Pisa Better for Beaches?

Pisa is very good for its beaches. However, Interlaken is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Pisa to enjoy the beach. Many people forget that there are beaches near Pisa, but the city is close to the sea. Some of the closest beaches include Marina di Vecchiano and Marina di Pisa.

Interlaken is not a beach destination.

Is Interlaken or Pisa Better for its Old Town?

Pisa is an excellent place to visit for its historic old town. However, Interlaken does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Pisa. The old town is where you'll find the city's classic charm and many of the best sights.

Interlaken does not have a historic old town.

Is Interlaken or Pisa Better for Hiking?

Interlaken is terrific for hiking. However, Pisa is not a hiking destination.

People visit Interlaken specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. Hikes in the area range from easy to challenging with every option in between. You can experience beautiful waterfalls, breathtaking views, and dramatic ridge hikes. Several of the best hikes in the area include Schynige Platte Ridge Trail, Mt Niesen Panorama Trail, and Giessbach Waterfalls.

Pisa is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Interlaken or Pisa?

Pisa is an excellent place to visit for shopping. However, Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Pisa. There's a great mix of traditional markets, high end stores, and indoor shopping malls where you can find anything that you might need. Corso Italia is one of the most popular shopping areas, but also worth checking out are Centro Commerciale Pisanova, Borgo Stretto and Borgo Largo.

Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Interlaken or Pisa Better for Families?

Interlaken is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Interlaken is a very family-friendly destination. While the city is beautiful, it's really the surrounding areas that you and your family will enjoy. There are amazing hikes, stunning views, playgrounds, lakes, and more. There's also an impressive ropes course that adventurous kids will love, funiculars, gondolas, and so many water sports!

Pisa is a family-friendly place to visit. It's a lively city with beautiful squares and the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. Kids will enjoy hanging out in the city center, visiting Parco Don Bosco, Giardino Scotto Park, or Marina di Pisa. If you have a car and are willing to venture a bit further away, there's the Piccolo Mondo Amusement Park and Parco Preistorico Peccioli.

Is Interlaken or Pisa Better for Couples?

Interlaken is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

Interlaken makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. The mountaintop views, breathtaking hikes, and beautiful lakes make this a top destination for couples. Make sure you head out of town and fully immerse yourself in everything that the area has to offer. Kayaking, canoeing, paragliding, and more will make this a trip of a lifetime.

Pisa is a good town for couples to visit. It's an iconic Italian destination that offers so much more than its most famous landmark. The city is filled with charming squares, beautiful architecture, and plenty of fun activities that couples can enjoy.

Is Interlaken or Pisa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Pisa is an excellent place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Interlaken is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Pisa is very popular with the backpacker crowd. Most backpackers pass through on their way to other towns, but for those that linger, there are plenty of hostels and a lively social scene.

It's common for backpackers to visit Interlaken. It's a world class destination with so many activities that backpackers will love, but it's also one of the most expensive areas in one of the most expensive countries. There are hostels in town as well as a few in the nearby towns and countryside, but prices are steep. Cook when you can and enjoy all of the free activities that the area has to offer.

Is Interlaken or Pisa Better for Students?

Pisa is a world-class destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Interlaken is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Pisa. Many study abroad students flock to Italy for its beautiful culture, art, and architecture. Pisa makes a nice base for international students, and it offers easy access to other parts of Italy. It's also home to an internationally acclaimed university, Scuola Normale Superiore, which was founded in 1810.

Interlaken is not popular with students.

Is Interlaken or Pisa Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Interlaken is a great town for times when you don't have a car. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

The public transit in Interlaken can get you around easily. Buses travel around town, but to get into the mountains there are trains, cog railways, funiculars, and gondolas.

Pisa has a few public transit options. There are public buses through town with the most popular lines being the Red and Green Lines.

Is Interlaken or Pisa a more walkable city?

Pisa is an excellent place to visit for its walkability. Also, Interlaken is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

Pisa is very walkable. The city is a great place to explore on foot.

Interlaken is a somewhat walkable place. The old town is relatively walkable.

For even more information, also check out Is Interlaken Worth Visiting? and Is Pisa Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Pisa or Interlaken?

How long in Interlaken or Pisa?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Interlaken and Pisa. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Interlaken than in Pisa. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Interlaken, and 1-3 days is enough time in Pisa.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Pisa than Interlaken 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 Pisa.

One day in Interlaken or Pisa?

Visitors enjoy the food and skiing when visiting the destination of Interlaken. 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.

With museums and nightlife around the world-famous city of Pisa, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Pisa, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Interlaken or Pisa?

Interlaken is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the hiking. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Pisa, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Interlaken or Pisa?

Visitors enjoy the food and skiing when visiting the adventurous destination of Interlaken. This town offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Pisa, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Interlaken or Pisa?

The adventurous town of Interlaken offers skiing 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.

Pisa is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Geneva, The Best 10-Day Tours from Zurich, The Best 2-Week Tours in Italy, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Interlaken or Pisa?

Pisa has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Interlaken. When comparing the sizes of Interlaken and Pisa, 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 Interlaken or Pisa?

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 Interlaken or Pisa in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Interlaken and Pisa. Most visitors come to Interlaken for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Pisa because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Interlaken is around the same temperature as Pisa. Typically, the summer temperatures in Interlaken in July average around 21°C (70°F), and Pisa averages at about 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pisa this time of the year. In Interlaken, it's very sunny this time of the year. Interlaken usually receives less sunshine than Pisa during summer. Interlaken gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Pisa receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Interlaken usually receives more rain than Pisa. Interlaken gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Interlaken or Pisa in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Interlaken as well as Pisa. The autumn months attract visitors to Interlaken because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Pisa this time of year.

In October, Interlaken is generally cooler than Pisa. Daily temperatures in Interlaken average around 13°C (56°F), and Pisa fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Interlaken often gets less sunshine than Pisa. Interlaken gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pisa receives 177 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Pisa. Interlaken usually gets less rain in October than Pisa. Interlaken gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Interlaken or Pisa in the Winter?

Both Pisa and Interlaken are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The skiing and the cuisine are the main draw to Interlaken this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Pisa for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Interlaken in the winter. Interlaken is much colder than Pisa in the winter. The daily temperature in Interlaken averages around 3°C (37°F) in January, and Pisa fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

Interlaken usually receives less sunshine than Pisa during winter. Interlaken gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Pisa receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Interlaken usually receives more rain than Pisa. Interlaken gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Interlaken or Pisa in the Spring?

Both Pisa and Interlaken during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Interlaken for the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Pisa in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Interlaken is cooler than Pisa. Typically, the spring temperatures in Interlaken in April average around 12°C (53°F), and Pisa averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Interlaken often gets less sunshine than Pisa. Interlaken gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pisa receives 192 hours of full sun.

Pisa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Interlaken usually gets less rain in April than Pisa. Interlaken gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Pisa and Interlaken