A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Inverness vs. Pisa for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Backpackers

Should you visit Inverness 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 Inverness and Pisa can help you decide which place is right for you.

Inverness

Inverness is a historic, cultural, and traditional city. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Pisa

Pisa is a classic, charming, and iconic city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Inverness and Pisa: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Home to Loch Ness
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Leaning Tower of Pisa


Is there more to do in Inverness or Pisa?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Pisa than Inverness, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Pisa is better known for its nightlife, beaches, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Inverness is more popular for its small town charm. Inverness is well known for its surrounding countryside, but also its regional heritage, local festivals and proximity to the famous Loch Ness. Pisa is well known for its iconic Leaning Tower, its beautiful squares, and its lively atmosphere. Also, Pisa is famous for The Leaning Tower of Pisa.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa
The Leaning Tower of Pisa

How is Inverness different from Pisa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Inverness
Pisa

Plenty of people visit the great sights and museums in both Inverness and Pisa.

Many visitors head to Inverness specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. As a city rich in culture and heritage, you'll find a number of sights and museums in town. Check out the Highland House of Fraser, Culloden Moor, and Clava Cairns.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Pisa can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.


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

Inverness
Pisa

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Inverness and Pisa.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Inverness. The city makes a great spot to fill your belly after a few days exploring the Scottish Highlands. You'll find local restaurants that serve up regional specialties, and when the weather's nice, there are some spots with outdoor seating.

Pisa has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. 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 Inverness or Pisa Better for Nightlife?

Inverness
Pisa

Pisa is a well-known place for nightlife and partying. Also, Inverness is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Pisa offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Inverness. Nightlife isn't the first thing that comes to mind with this town, but there are actually lots of distilleries in the area and there's a surprising number of high quality bars and pubs that make for a fun evening.

Is Inverness or Pisa Better for Beaches?

Inverness
Pisa

Pisa is very good for the beache. However, Inverness 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.

Inverness is not a beach destination.


Is Inverness or Pisa Better for its Old Town?

Inverness
Pisa

Pisa is a well-known place for its old town. However, Inverness 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.

Inverness does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Inverness or Pisa?

Inverness
Pisa

Both Inverness and Pisa are great shopping destinations.

Inverness is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The town is at the cultural heart of the Scottish Highlands you'll find plenty of local shops where you can pick up local products. Make sure you check out the Inverness Victorian Market.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in 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.

Is Inverness or Pisa Better for Families?

Inverness
Pisa

You'll find notable kid-friendly activities in either Inverness or Pisa.

Inverness is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has some parks and activities that are great for kids. Make sure you explore Inverness Castle and the Inverness Mystery Treasure Trail.

Pisa is a family-friendly city. 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 Inverness or Pisa Better for Couples?

Inverness
Pisa

Both Inverness and Pisa are notable destinations to visit as a couple.

Inverness makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Located in the Scottish Highlands, there ae many scenic spots and nice activities that couples can enjoy in the area.

Pisa is a good city 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 Inverness or Pisa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Inverness
Pisa

Pisa is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Inverness is not a good city for backpackers and budget travelers.

Pisa is a great city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Inverness is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There a some hostels and student hotels, but this isn't one of the major backpacker spots in the UK.

Is Inverness or Pisa Better for Students?

Inverness
Pisa

Pisa is terrific for students. However, Inverness 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.

Inverness is not popular with students.


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

Inverness
Pisa

Pisa is very good for its public transit. However, Inverness is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

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

Public transit is mostly limited in Inverness. There are local buses that pass through the town.

Is Inverness or Pisa a more walkable city?

Inverness
Pisa

Inverness and Pisa both are great when exploring on foot.

Inverness is a very walkable city. It's compact enough that you can explore much of the town on foot.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Pisa or Inverness?

How long in Inverness or Pisa?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Inverness and Pisa. In our opinion, Pisa has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Pisa than Inverness. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

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


  • How many days in Inverness or Pisa? Ideal Length of Stay
    Inverness 1-3 
    Pisa 1-3

One day in Inverness or Pisa?

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

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Pisa. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Pisa has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.


A weekend in Inverness or Pisa?

Inverness 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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the charming destination of Pisa. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Inverness or Pisa?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the traditional destination of Inverness. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the charming city of Pisa. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Inverness or Pisa?

The traditional city of Inverness offers nightlife and food. 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 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.


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


Which place is cheaper, Pisa or Inverness?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Inverness is £168, while the average daily cost in Pisa is £103. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Inverness and Pisa in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Inverness £91
    Pisa £51
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Inverness £182
    Pisa £102
Compare Hotels in Inverness and Pisa

Looking for a hotel in Inverness or Pisa? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Inverness


Hotels in Pisa


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Inverness Hotel Prices and Pisa Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Inverness £33
    Pisa £9.38

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Inverness

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Inverness:

  • Inverness to Glasgow Direct transfer: $781
  • Inverness to Edinburgh Direct transfer: $781
  • Inverness to Isle of Skye Direct transfer: $623
  • Inverness to Fort William Direct transfer: $374
  • Inverness Private Transfer to Aviemore: $229
  • Transfers / Tour from , inverness, Edinburgh ,Glasgow ,Aberdeen : $184
  • Inverness Airport to Glenshee Ski Resort - Round-Trip Transfer: $131
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Inverness INV to Inverness City by luxury vehicle: $105
  • Inverness Airport (INV) to Glenshee Ski Resort - Arrival Transfer: $66
  • Inverness Airport (INV) to Lecht Ski Resort - Arrival Transfer: $33

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pisa

Also for Pisa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Pisa (PSA) Airport to San Giuliano Terme: $69
  • Private Transfer from Pisa (PSA) Airport to Vecchiano: $69
  • Pisa Airport (PSA) to Florence - Arrival Private Transfer: $74
  • Private Transfer from Pisa (PSA) Airport to Calambrone: $79
  • Private Transfer from Calambrone to Pisa (PSA) Airport: $79
  • Private Transfer from Pisa (PSA) Airport to Calci: $79
  • Private Transfer from Calci to Pisa (PSA) Airport: $79
  • Private Transfer: Pisa Airport PSA to Pisa city in Luxury Van: $85
  • Private Transfer: Pisa city to Pisa Airport PSA in Luxury Van: $85
  • Pisa Private Transfer from Pisa city centre to Pisa Airport: $87
  • Private Transfer from Pisa city hotels to Livorno Cruise Port: $91
  • Private Transfer from Pisa Airport (PSA) to La Spezia Cruise Port: $92

Is it cheaper to fly into Inverness or Pisa?

Prices for flights to both Pisa and Inverness change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Inverness £49
    Pisa £43

Typical Food Prices in Pisa

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Pisa:


  • Dinner
    £64

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pisa

For Pisa, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Chianni: wine and oil tasting with lunch or dinner: $39
  • Home-made Pasta Cooking Class: $75
  • Private Home-Made Pasta Cooking Class in Pisa.: $93
  • Dining experience at a local's home in Pontedera with cooking demo: $93
  • Pisa Food Tour: $95
  • Pisa Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $101
  • Hands-On Cooking Class at a Local's Home: $155
  • Private Cooking Class at a Cesarina's Home in Pisa: $158
  • Authentic Italian Food Tour in Pisa: $521

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Inverness £44
    Pisa £17

Tours and Activities in Inverness

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Inverness are as follows:

  • 1-Day Moray Coast Tour with Speyside Whisky from Inverness: $97
  • 2-Day Tour to Isle of Skye, The Fairy Pools & Highland Castles: $191
  • 2-Hour Private Celtic Handfasting Ceremony Experience: $108
  • 25 Shot Clay Pigeon Shooting Experience: $63
  • Applecross, Loch Carron & Wild Highlands Tour from Inverness: $69
  • Cawdor Castle, Inverness, Culloden, Outlander and Loch Ness Tour: $164
  • Chauffeur driven sightseeing Edinburgh to & from Inverness: $1,000
  • Clan Tour - Castle ,Whisky and History Tour: $172
  • Craigs Luxury Speyside Private Whisky Tour: $686
  • Day tour to Isle of Skye and Fairy Pools from Inverness: $126
  • From Cairngorms National Park and Whisky Tour: $76
  • From Glen Affric, Culloden and Clava Cairns Tour: $73

Tours and Activities in Pisa

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Pisa.

  • Tower of Pisa & Square of Miracles self guided audio tour: $4.27
  • From Italy eSIM Tourist Roaming Data Plan: $4.81
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.41
  • Private Audio Guided Walking Tour in Pisa: $8.72
  • Pisa Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.75
  • Pisa Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $8.95
  • The Best of Pisa Self Guided Audio Tour: $8.99
  • Pisa Cathedral Guided Tour and Optional Leaning Tower Ticket: $16
  • Square of Miracles guided tour with Leaning Tower ticket (option): $17
  • Baptistery and Cathedral Ticket with Audio Guide: $19
  • Camposanto and Cathedral Entry Tickets and Audio Guide: $19
  • Guided Walking Tour with Optional Leaning Tower Ticket: $19

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Inverness £23
    Pisa -

Sample the Local Flavors in Inverness

Also in Inverness, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • From Invergordon Port Dunrobin Castle, Clynelish Distillery Tour : $203
  • Speyside Distillery Tour From Inverness: $1,124

Sample the Local Flavors in Pisa

Also in Pisa, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Cathedral Guided Tour & Wine Tasting & Optional Tower: $48
  • Pisa guided tour and Wine tasting with Leaning Tower ticket (option): $50
  • Winery Tour and Wine Tasting with Local Food Pairing: $75
  • From Pisa or Lucca: Half-Day Tuscany Chianti Wine Tasting: $90
  • Chianti Half-day Wine Tour in the Tuscan's Hills from Pisa: $97
  • Guided tour in San Miniato and wine tasting!: $99
  • Tuscan Wine Tour in Pisa by shuttle: $163
  • Pisa & Lucca with wine Tasting and Lunch from Livorno: $663


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


Which is Bigger, Inverness or Pisa?

Pisa has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Inverness. When comparing the sizes of Inverness 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 Inverness or Pisa?

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 Inverness or Pisa in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Inverness as well as Pisa. Most visitors come to Inverness for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Pisa because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

Inverness is much colder than Pisa in the summer. The daily temperature in Inverness averages around 14°C (58°F) in July, and Pisa fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pisa. In the summer, Inverness often gets less sunshine than Pisa. Inverness gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pisa receives 316 hours of full sun.

Inverness usually gets more rain in July than Pisa. Inverness gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Inverness 14°C (58°F) 
    Pisa 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Inverness or Pisa in the Autumn?

Both Pisa and Inverness are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Inverness because of the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Pisa this time of year.

In the autumn, Inverness is much colder than Pisa. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Inverness in October average around 9°C (49°F), and Pisa averages at about 17°C (63°F).

Inverness usually receives less sunshine than Pisa during autumn. Inverness gets 84 hours of sunny skies, while Pisa receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Pisa. In October, Inverness usually receives less rain than Pisa. Inverness gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Inverness 9°C (49°F) 
    Pisa 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Inverness or Pisa in the Winter?

Both Pisa and Inverness during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Inverness this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Pisa for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Inverness in the winter. In January, Inverness is generally much colder than Pisa. Daily temperatures in Inverness average around 3°C (38°F), and Pisa fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In the winter, Inverness often gets less sunshine than Pisa. Inverness gets 42 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pisa receives 105 hours of full sun.

Inverness usually gets less rain in January than Pisa. Inverness gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Inverness 3°C (38°F) 
    Pisa 7°C (45°F)

Should I visit Inverness or Pisa in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Inverness and Pisa. Many travelers come to Inverness for the small town charm. Also, many visitors come to Pisa in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Inverness is much colder than Pisa in the spring. The daily temperature in Inverness averages around 7°C (44°F) in April, and Pisa fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Inverness usually receives less sunshine than Pisa during spring. Inverness gets 136 hours of sunny skies, while Pisa receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

Pisa receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Inverness usually receives less rain than Pisa. Inverness gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Inverness 7°C (44°F) 
    Pisa 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Pisa and Inverness

Inverness Pisa
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (38°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 7°C (45°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Feb 3°C (38°F) 39 mm (1.5 in) 8°C (46°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Mar 5°C (41°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 11°C (52°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 7°C (44°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 13°C (55°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
May 10°C (50°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 16°C (61°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jun 13°C (55°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 20°C (68°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 14°C (58°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 23°C (73°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Aug 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 23°C (73°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 58 mm (2.3 in) 21°C (70°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Oct 9°C (49°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) 17°C (63°F) 150 mm (5.9 in)
Nov 5°C (42°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 52 mm (2 in) 8°C (46°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)