A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers La Rochelle vs. Pisa for Food, Old Town, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit La Rochelle or Pisa?

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

Should I visit La Rochelle or Pisa? 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 laid-back, quaint, and charming coastal town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and hiking.

Pisa

Pisa is a world-famous, classic, and charming city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the beaches, shopping, and museums.

La Rochelle and Pisa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in La Rochelle or Pisa?

Visitors will usually find more to do in La Rochelle than Pisa, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. La Rochelle is better known for its food, historical sights, hiking, and small town charm, while Pisa is more popular for its nightlife, shopping, and impressive beauty. Pisa is more touristy than La Rochelle and is known for its iconic Leaning Tower, its beautiful squares, and its lively atmosphere. La Rochelle is well known for its medieval towers, maritime history, and beautiful setting. Also, La Rochelle is famous for The Old Port.

How is La Rochelle different from Pisa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Pisa 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 Pisa?

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both La Rochelle and Pisa.

La Rochelle offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

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.

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

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

For foodies, La Rochelle is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. 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.

Dining out in Pisa is an experience not to be missed. 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 La Rochelle or Pisa Better for Nightlife?

Pisa is great for nightlife and partying. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its evening party scene.

Many people head to Pisa for the nightlife scene. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in La Rochelle. While it's known as a peaceful, seaside town, you'll still find wine bars, pubs, and even a club or two around town.

Is La Rochelle or Pisa Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both La Rochelle and Pisa are notable choices.

La Rochelle is a good option for a beach vacation. 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.

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.

Is La Rochelle or Pisa Better for its Old Town?

La Rochelle is terrific for its old town. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its historic old town charm.

La Rochelle has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The old town is filled with wandering cobblestone streets, charming squares, and cafes that spill into the street.

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.

Is La Rochelle or Pisa Better for Hiking?

La Rochelle is a popular place for hiking. However, Pisa is not a hiking destination.

La Rochelle is a good destination for hiking. 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.

Pisa is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in La Rochelle or Pisa?

Pisa is great for its shopping opportunities. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for its shopping areas.

Pisa is well-known for its shopping. 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.

Many visitors go to La Rochelle to go shopping. 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.

Is La Rochelle or Pisa Better for Families?

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

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.

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 La Rochelle or Pisa Better for Couples?

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

La Rochelle makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Pisa is a good coastal 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 La Rochelle or Pisa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Pisa is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Pisa. 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.

La Rochelle is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Is La Rochelle or Pisa Better for Students?

Pisa is very popular for its student-friendly activities. Also, La Rochelle is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for students.

Many students frequent 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.

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

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

La Rochelle and Pisa both offer notable 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.

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 La Rochelle or Pisa a more walkable city?

La Rochelle and Pisa are high quality when it comes to walkability.

La Rochelle is a very walkable coastal town. It's filled with meandering cobblestone streets that are best explored on foot. Most places around town can be explored 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 La Rochelle Worth Visiting? and Is Pisa Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Pisa or La Rochelle?

How long in La Rochelle or Pisa?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both La Rochelle and Pisa. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in La Rochelle than in Pisa. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for La Rochelle, and 1-3 days is enough time in Pisa.

Families should spend more time in La Rochelle than Pisa. 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 Pisa. 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 Pisa than La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle or Pisa?

La Rochelle is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the charming city of Pisa. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this 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 Pisa?

La Rochelle is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the food. 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the world-famous destination of Pisa. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This 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 Pisa?

La Rochelle is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. This coastal town offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

The world-famous city of Pisa offers shopping and museums. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Pisa?

Because La Rochelle is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Pisa. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 2-Week Tours in Italy, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between La Rochelle and Pisa, we can see that Pisa 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 La Rochelle Expensive? and Is Pisa Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, La Rochelle or Pisa?

Pisa has a larger population, and is about 17% larger than the population of La Rochelle. When comparing the sizes of La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle or Pisa in the Summer?

Both Pisa and La Rochelle are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to La Rochelle because of the beaches, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Pisa this time of year.

La Rochelle is cooler than Pisa in the summer. The daily temperature in La Rochelle averages around 20°C (67°F) in July, and Pisa fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

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

In July, La Rochelle usually receives more rain than Pisa. La Rochelle gets 35 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit La Rochelle or Pisa in the Autumn?

Both Pisa and La Rochelle during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to La Rochelle this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Pisa for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, La Rochelle is cooler than Pisa. Typically, the autumn temperatures in La Rochelle in October average around 15°C (59°F), and Pisa averages at about 17°C (63°F).

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

Pisa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. La Rochelle usually gets less rain in October than Pisa. La Rochelle 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 La Rochelle or Pisa in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both La Rochelle and Pisa. Many travelers come to La Rochelle for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Pisa in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, La Rochelle is generally around the same temperature as Pisa. Daily temperatures in La Rochelle average around 7°C (44°F), and Pisa fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

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

In January, La Rochelle usually receives more rain than Pisa. La Rochelle gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit La Rochelle or Pisa in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to La Rochelle as well as Pisa. Many visitors come to La Rochelle in the spring for the beaches and the small town charm. Additionally, most visitors come to Pisa for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

La Rochelle is cooler than Pisa in the spring. The daily temperature in La Rochelle averages around 11°C (52°F) in April, and Pisa fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

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

It's quite rainy in Pisa. La Rochelle usually gets less rain in April than Pisa. La Rochelle gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Pisa and La Rochelle