A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers La Rochelle vs. Livorno for Food, Couples, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit La Rochelle or Livorno?

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

Should I visit La Rochelle or Livorno? 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.

La Rochelle

La Rochelle is a charming, peaceful, and relaxing coastal town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Livorno

Livorno is a waterfront, friendly, and down-to-earth port city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and nightlife.

La Rochelle and Livorno: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in La Rochelle or Livorno?

Visitors will generally find more to do in La Rochelle than Livorno. While Livorno is larger than La Rochelle, La Rochelle has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. La Rochelle is more popular for its museums, food, beaches, historical sights, hiking, and small town charm, while Livorno is known for its big city activities. La Rochelle is popular for its medieval towers, maritime history, and beautiful setting. It is also home to The Old Port. Livorno is popular for its large port and its great seafood.

How is La Rochelle different from Livorno?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in La Rochelle or Livorno?

La Rochelle is great for its historical sights. However, Livorno is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to La Rochelle can be an interesting and educational experience. Filled with history, the town itself is like a living museum. Within town there are many sights such as the Vieux Port, La Rochelle Aquarium, Musée d'Histoire Naturelle, and Musée du Nouveau Monde de La Rochelle.

Livorno offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. The waterfront promenade and New Venice are nice to explore. There's an aquarium in town as well as a fun central market.

Is the Food Better in La Rochelle or Livorno? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

La Rochelle is renowned for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Livorno is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, La Rochelle is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. It may be small, but its filled with delicious cafes, bistros, and local restaurants. Seafood is the obvious choice in this coastal town and many visitors head to Vieux Port to eat, as many restaurants there offer waterfront views. If you want something a little less touristy, head to the St. Nicolas District, which was the town's former fishing district. Rue de la Fourche is also a charming road with many places to grab a bite or a drink. Or head to Rue St Jean-du-Perot, which is just off the old port.

Livorno offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. As a port city, this is the place to try seafood. Many dishes include calamari, shrimp, or freshly caught fish. The city is less touristy than most in Italy, so even the food has an authentic and down-to-earth vibe.

Is La Rochelle or Livorno Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is good in both La Rochelle and Livorno.

If you're looking for night time activities La Rochelle has a few options to choose from. While it's known as a peaceful, seaside town, you'll still find wine bars, pubs, and even a club or two around town.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Livorno. Most visitors arrive by cruise ship, and depart in the evening, but the city is large and for those that stay the night, there are a number of bars and clubs around town.

Is La Rochelle or Livorno Better for Beaches?

La Rochelle is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Livorno is not a good destination for its beaches.

La Rochelle has a beach worth visiting. There are three main beaches in town that each attract a crowd on warm summer days. Plage de la Concurrence, Plage Chef de Baie, and Plage des Minimes are the closest beaches to La Rochelle, and they are popular for sunbathing and water sports. They have a mix of sand, pebbles, and cliffside views that attract locals and tourists alike.

Livorno is a good spot to see the beach. The beaches are pebbly or rocky, so you won't really find a long stretch of sandy beach where you can relax. They can also stay very crowded.

Is La Rochelle or Livorno Better for its Old Town?

La Rochelle is renowned for its historic old town charm. However, Livorno does not have a historic old town.

The old town of La Rochelle is one of the most recognized in the world. The old town is filled with wandering cobblestone streets, charming squares, and cafes that spill into the street.

Livorno does not have a historic old town.

Is La Rochelle or Livorno Better for Hiking?

La Rochelle is a nice place to visit for hiking. However, Livorno is not a hiking destination.

La Rochelle has hiking trails worth exploring. There are many coastal walks just outside of town that take you along the scenic coastline. It's beautiful to stroll through the countryside and pass through many quaint villages.

Livorno is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in La Rochelle or Livorno?

If you're looking to go shopping, La Rochelle and Livorno both offer plenty of good spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting La Rochelle. The old town is filled with boutique shops as well as some name brands. Another fun place to visit is Les Halles, which is an indoor market with fresh produce, seafood, and many local cheeses.

Many visitors go to Livorno to go shopping. The main shopping street in town is Via Grande. It's generally filled with major chain stores and familiar brands.

Is La Rochelle or Livorno Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either La Rochelle or Livorno.

La Rochelle offers lots of family activities. It's a coastal town with a port that you can explore. There's also an aquarium and many great seafood restaurants. A nice day trip is to go to l'Ile de Ré, which has nice beaches, some with playgrounds.

Livorno is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has a nice aquarium as well as outdoor recreational activities like cycling and boating. There's a beach and parks where kids can stretch their legs and run around as well.

Is La Rochelle or Livorno Better for Couples?

La Rochelle is renowned for couples. Also, Livorno is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for romance.

La Rochelle has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. This beautiful coastal town is seeped in history. There are beautiful squares, romantic parks, and cobblestone streets that you can wander down. It's also nice to take a coastal walk before grabbing dinner at a local seafood restaurant.

Livorno is a nice destination for couples. There are some nice museums as well as parks and boat rides that couples can enjoy. There's also an aquarium and a beach.

Is La Rochelle or Livorno Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

La Rochelle is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Livorno is not a good destination for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit La Rochelle. There aren't a ton of hostels in the area, but there are just enough that you should be able to find a place to stay.

Livorno is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most backpackers skip this city, so you won't find many hostels around town. It's a relatively affordable place to stay with some fun entertainment options if you do pass through.

Is La Rochelle or Livorno Better for Students?

La Rochelle is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Livorno is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit La Rochelle. It's a touristy city with a lot for students to see and do, but the atmosphere is generally quiet and peaceful.

Livorno is not popular with students.

Is La Rochelle or Livorno Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

La Rochelle and Livorno both offer good public transit to get you around.

While La Rochelle offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Public transit around town is operated by Yeló, and mostly consists of buses.

Livorno has a few public transit options. There are buses around town including lines that run from the central train station to the port.

Is La Rochelle or Livorno a more walkable city?

La Rochelle is great for its ease of walking around. Also, Livorno is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its walkability.

La Rochelle is a very walkable destination. It's filled with meandering cobblestone streets that are best explored on foot. Most places around town can be explored on foot.

Livorno is somewhat walkable. Parts of the city are walkable, but if you're arriving by cruise ship, you'll want to take a shuttle bus from the port.

For even more information, also check out Is La Rochelle Worth Visiting? and Is Livorno Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Livorno or La Rochelle?

How long in La Rochelle or Livorno?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in La Rochelle or Livorno to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in La Rochelle than Livorno because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for La Rochelle, and 1-2 days is enough time in Livorno.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in La Rochelle than Livorno 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 La Rochelle.

One day in La Rochelle or Livorno?

La Rochelle is a small town with plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This coastal town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the waterfront port city of Livorno. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this port city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in La Rochelle or Livorno?

La Rochelle might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that La Rochelle has to offer.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the friendly destination of Livorno. This port city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in La Rochelle or Livorno?

La Rochelle is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

The friendly port city of Livorno offers shopping and nightlife. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in La Rochelle or Livorno?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in La Rochelle. Since La Rochelle is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. One reason most visitors come is for the food. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Many people enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting Livorno. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Paris, The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, La Rochelle or Livorno?

Livorno has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of La Rochelle. When comparing the sizes of La Rochelle and Livorno, 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 La Rochelle or Livorno?

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 La Rochelle or Livorno in the Summer?

Both Livorno and La Rochelle are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to La Rochelle for the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Livorno in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, La Rochelle is cooler than Livorno. Typically, the summer temperatures in La Rochelle in July average around 20°C (67°F), and Livorno averages at about 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Livorno. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in La Rochelle. La Rochelle usually receives less sunshine than Livorno during summer. La Rochelle gets 267 hours of sunny skies, while Livorno receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, La Rochelle usually receives more rain than Livorno. La Rochelle gets 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Livorno receives 24 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit La Rochelle or Livorno in the Autumn?

Both Livorno and La Rochelle during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to La Rochelle in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere. Also, most visitors come to Livorno for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, La Rochelle is generally around the same temperature as Livorno. Daily temperatures in La Rochelle average around 15°C (59°F), and Livorno fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, La Rochelle often gets less sunshine than Livorno. La Rochelle gets 141 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Livorno receives 177 hours of full sun.

Livorno gets a good bit of rain this time of year. La Rochelle usually gets less rain in October than Livorno. La Rochelle gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Livorno receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit La Rochelle or Livorno in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both La Rochelle and Livorno. Most visitors come to La Rochelle for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Livorno because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

La Rochelle is around the same temperature as Livorno in the winter. The daily temperature in La Rochelle averages around 7°C (44°F) in January, and Livorno fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

La Rochelle usually receives less sunshine than Livorno during winter. La Rochelle gets 72 hours of sunny skies, while Livorno receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, La Rochelle usually receives more rain than Livorno. La Rochelle gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Livorno receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit La Rochelle or Livorno in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to La Rochelle as well as Livorno. The spring months attract visitors to La Rochelle because of the beaches and the small town charm. Also, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Livorno this time of year.

In the spring, La Rochelle is cooler than Livorno. Typically, the spring temperatures in La Rochelle in April average around 11°C (52°F), and Livorno averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, La Rochelle often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Livorno. La Rochelle gets 187 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Livorno receives 192 hours of full sun.

La Rochelle usually gets less rain in April than Livorno. La Rochelle gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Livorno receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Livorno and La Rochelle