A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Lagos vs. Urbino for Families, Couples, Backpackers, and Food

Should you visit Lagos or Urbino?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Lagos and Urbino. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Lagos

Lagos is a dramatic, vibrant, and beautiful resort town. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the shopping, nightlife, and food.

Urbino

Urbino is a laid back, historic, and undiscovered town. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Lagos and Urbino: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lagos or Urbino?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Lagos than Urbino, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Lagos is better known for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty, while Urbino is more popular for its museums and historical sights. Lagos is more touristy than Urbino and is popular for its dramatic beaches, all-inclusive resorts, and vibrant nightlife. Also, Lagos is famous for Ponta da Piedade. Urbino is well known for its Renaissance walls, historic center, and authentic atmosphere.

How is Lagos different from Urbino?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Lagos or Urbino?

Urbino is a good destination for its museums and landmarks. However, Lagos does not have museums and landmarks.

Urbino is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. At the heart of the city are its historical sights. The cathedral is worth a visit, as is The Ducal Palace, but for most visitors, simply soaking up the town's atmosphere is the best experience.

Lagos does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Lagos or Urbino? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Lagos and Urbino offer a number of very good restaurants to choose from.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Lagos makes for a great culinary experience. The city offers some of the best food in the Algarve. The old town has plenty of restaurants that are both affordable and high quality. Seafood is the obvious choice, but you'll also find tapas, paellas, and local dishes such as cataplana (a seafood and chorizo stew). Most restaurants serve up a local fish of the day as well as prawns and other seafood items.

Urbino has a huge number of terrific restaurants. The city's history has influenced its cuisine. Traditional foods include cornbread, truffles, and meat sausage. While these options aren't as common today, you can still find them if you seek them out.

Is Lagos or Urbino Better for Nightlife?

Lagos is great for its evening party scene. Also, Urbino is not as popular, but is still a nice town for nightlife.

Many people head to Lagos for the nightlife scene. The city has a mellow vibe, even at night, but that's not to say there aren't good parties going on, particularly during the peak of the travel season. There's a local charm to the nightlife scene here and you'll likely start to recognize other party-goers. Many of the bars are housed in character-filled old buildings which can feel a bit cramped, but that's all part of the charm.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Urbino. Because of the large student population, there are usually some fun activities going on at night. You'll find some good bars around town that are fun to hang out at.

Is Lagos or Urbino Better for Resorts?

Lagos is an amazing resort town to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Urbino is not a resort destination.

Lagos is a world class resort vacation destination. As a resort town, you'll find no shortage of places to stay in the area. If you don't have a car, your best options are in the historic center. If transportation isn't a concern, then you'll find plenty of great resorts in the Marina, Meia Praia, Dona Ana Beach, Camilo Beach, and Porto de Mós Beach.

Urbino is not a resort destination.

Is Lagos or Urbino Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Lagos is great for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Urbino is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Lagos is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. With its unique rock formations and caves, there are many spots where you can snorkel or scuba dive nearby. There's also sparkling blue waters and plenty of marine life including lobster, shrimp, anemones, octopuses, and brightly colored fish.

Urbino is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Lagos or Urbino Better for Beaches?

Lagos is an amazing resort town to visit for the beach. However, Urbino is not a beach destination.

Lagos is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The beaches are long, flat and sandy with beautifully dramatic rock formations. The largest beach in the area is Meia Praia and arguably one of the best beaches is Praia Dona Ana. For convenience, Praia da Batata is the closest beach to town. Praia de Porto de Mós is one of the more quiet beaches, but it's still along a bus line. For beautiful nature head to either Praia dos Estudantes or Praia dos Pinheiros.

Urbino is not a beach destination.

Is Lagos or Urbino Better for its Old Town?

Urbino is a good destination for its historic old town. However, Lagos does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors go to Urbino to see the historical old town. The historic center feels a bit undiscovered by Italian standards. There are stone houses and the town is built on a steep hill, giving it a beautiful setting.

Lagos does not have a historic old town.

Is Lagos or Urbino Better for Hiking?

Lagos is great for hiking. However, Urbino is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Lagos for the hiking trails. The city makes an excellent base for exploring some of the nearby hikes and walks. Favorite places to hike include the famous Ponte de Piedade Trail, which is the last part of the multi-day Fisherman's Trail. It takes you by many beautiful rock formations and scenic viewpoints. Another scenic hike is The Alvor Walkways, which is a series of boardwalks through sand dunes.

Urbino is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Lagos or Urbino?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Urbino and Lagos.

Lagos is a great destination for shopping. The town has a long history of local artisan crafts. You can head to the seafront promenade and find local traditional items such as ceramics, leather goods, and jewelry.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Urbino. You'll find galleries, book shops, and jewelry stores around town that are fun to pop into.

Is Lagos or Urbino Better for Families?

Lagos is an amazing resort town to visit for its kid-friendly activities. However, Urbino is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

Lagos is an extremely popular resort town to visit for families. You can spend days hanging out on the beautiful beaches, but there are so many other activities that the whole family will enjoy. Explore the caves in kayaks, take surfing lessons, head for the zoo, or go dolphin watching. There are also plenty of playgrounds and kid-friendly restaurants around town.

Urbino is not the most family-friendly destination. The city is filled with history and architecture, which may be lost on the kids. There are the classic Italian restaurants which is a favorite among kids and adults alike.

Is Lagos or Urbino Better for Couples?

Lagos is an amazing resort town to visit for couples. Also, Urbino is not as popular, but is still a nice town for romance.

Lagos is a great resort town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The beaches and hotels in the area offer a truly romantic setting for couples, whether you're on a honeymoon or a couple's weekend getaway. Spend some time on the beach or go kayaking through the caves. Get a spa treatment at a luxury hotel or go wine tasting through the countryside. You can also enjoy the beautiful sunsets on a sunset boat cruise while sipping a glass of local wine.

Urbino is a very popular place to visit for couples. This walled city is fun to explore and can make for a great romantic stop. The city is walled and has many historical buildings which couples will enjoy learning about together.

Is Lagos or Urbino Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lagos is an amazing resort town to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Urbino is not a good destination for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Lagos, as it is a very popular resort town for budget travelers. The area is a favorite for backpackers who come to hang out on the beaches during the day or party late into the night after the sun goes down. There are plenty of hostels around town and many offer a social vibe where it's easy to meet other travelers.

Urbino is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not well known by backpackers and there are a very limited number of hostels in the area.

Is Lagos or Urbino Better for Students?

Urbino is well known for students. However, Lagos is not popular with students.

Many students visit Urbino. The student population is a large part of this small city. University students are usually happy and enjoy many activities and outings into the surrounding area.

Lagos is not popular with students.

Is Lagos or Urbino Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Lagos and Urbino.

Public transit is generally limited in Lagos. The area has buses, but they are limited in where they go. There is also reduced service on weekends and holidays.

Public transit is mostly limited in Urbino. The town is accessible by bus but not by train.

Is Lagos or Urbino a more walkable city?

Urbino is a good destination for its walkability. However, Lagos is not particularly known for its high level of walkability.

Urbino is somewhat walkable. Many parts of the city are easy to explore on foot.

Lagos is not a very walkable resort town. Most people prefer to have a car as some areas are very hilly and many resorts are outside of town. Depending on your fitness level and motivation, you may be able to get by without a vehicle, but it is generally not recommended.

For even more information, also check out Is Lagos Worth Visiting? and Is Urbino Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Urbino or Lagos?

How long in Lagos or Urbino?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Lagos or Urbino to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Lagos than Urbino because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-5 days is a good amount of time for Lagos, and 1-2 days is enough time in Urbino.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Lagos than Urbino 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 Lagos.

One day in Lagos or Urbino?

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Lagos. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Urbino, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this authentic destination offers. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Lagos or Urbino?

Lagos is a great place to explore. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Urbino. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Lagos or Urbino?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lagos. Don't miss the beaches, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Urbino is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Urbino. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Lagos or Urbino?

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the vibrant destination of Lagos. This resort town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

You'll find food and shopping around the undiscovered destination of Urbino. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Portugal, The Best 2-Week Tours in Italy, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Lagos and Urbino, we can see that Lagos 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 Lagos Expensive? and Is Urbino Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Lagos or Urbino?

Lagos has a larger population, and is about 23% larger than the population of Urbino. When comparing the sizes of Lagos and Urbino, 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 Lagos or Urbino?

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 Lagos or Urbino in the Summer?

Both Urbino and Lagos during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Lagos for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Urbino because of the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Lagos is generally around the same temperature as Urbino. Daily temperatures in Lagos average around 25°C (77°F), and Urbino fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Lagos. Lagos usually gets more rain in July than Urbino. Lagos gets 243 mm (9.6 in) of rain, while Urbino receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lagos or Urbino in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Lagos and Urbino. The autumn months attract visitors to Lagos because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Urbino this time of year.

Lagos is much warmer than Urbino in the autumn. The daily temperature in Lagos averages around 26°C (79°F) in October, and Urbino fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

Lagos gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Lagos usually receives more rain than Urbino. Lagos gets 125 mm (4.9 in) of rain, while Urbino receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Lagos or Urbino in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Lagos as well as Urbino. The shopping scene and the cuisine are the main draw to Lagos this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Urbino for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Urbino. In the winter, Lagos is much warmer than Urbino. Typically, the winter temperatures in Lagos in January average around 27°C (81°F), and Urbino averages at about 3°C (37°F).

Lagos usually gets less rain in January than Urbino. Lagos gets 13 mm (0.5 in) of rain, while Urbino receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lagos or Urbino in the Spring?

Both Urbino and Lagos are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Lagos for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Urbino in the spring for the natural beauty.

In April, Lagos is generally much warmer than Urbino. Daily temperatures in Lagos average around 28°C (82°F), and Urbino fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

It's quite rainy in Lagos. In April, Lagos usually receives more rain than Urbino. Lagos gets 146 mm (5.7 in) of rain, while Urbino receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Urbino and Lagos