A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Limerick vs. Sorrento for Food, Couples, Backpackers, and Families

Should you visit Limerick or Sorrento?

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 Limerick and Sorrento can help you decide which place is right for you.

Limerick

Limerick is a historic, outdoorsy, and fun-filled city. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Sorrento

Sorrento is a relaxing, accessible, and laid back small city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Limerick and Sorrento: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Limerick or Sorrento?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Sorrento than Limerick, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Sorrento is better known for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Limerick is more popular for its museums. Sorrento is more touristy than Limerick and is popular for its lemon groves and limoncello, charming cafes, and access to the Amalfi coast. Also, Sorrento is famous for Marina Grande and Marina Piccola. Limerick is well known for its castle, old town, and outdoor activities.

How is Limerick different from Sorrento?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Limerick or Sorrento?

Limerick is a city with good options for its museums and landmarks. However, Sorrento does not have museums and landmarks.

Limerick is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The town is famous for King John's Castle as well as St. Mary's Cathedral, and St. John's Square and Cathedral.

Sorrento does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Limerick or Sorrento? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Sorrento has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The food is world class and you'll find most Italian classics here including pizza, fine cheeses, and fresh seafood. Many visitors enjoy taking a pasta or pizza making class while they're in town. You'll also find Limoncello everywhere, made from the locally grown lemons, which are impressive in both their size and flavor. Also make sure you allow for plenty of stops at gelato shops.

Limerick offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find a mix of traditional Irish restaurants and more modern international cuisine. Local specialties to try include Limerick Ham, Cahill's Whiskey Cheese, and Walnut Cheddar.

Is Limerick or Sorrento Better for Nightlife?

If the nightlife is your priority, you'll find notable options in both Limerick and Sorrento.

If you're looking for night time activities Limerick has a few options to choose from. It's a student town so much of the nightlife scene centers around the student population. There are lively pubs and clubs around town so it's not hard to have a fun night out.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Sorrento. The city is known for its laid back atmosphere, but there are still a number of clubs where you can dance the night away. While the main city center has its share of bars and activities, some of the best known clubs are actually a bit outside of the city center. Many visitors dress to impress and don't show up until after midnight, which is when the party really starts.

Is Limerick or Sorrento Better for Resorts?

Sorrento is a great small city for its luxury resorts. However, Limerick is not a resort destination.

Vacationers can choose from a number of terrific resorts in Sorrento. The city offers a wide selection of luxury and budget hotels, particularly in the Piazza Tasso area. Because of its accessibility, many people use it as a base for exploring the area, or stop off for a day or two in route to other towns.

Limerick is not a resort destination.

Is Limerick or Sorrento Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Sorrento is adequate for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Limerick is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are few places where you can go snorkeling in Sorrento. There are snorkeling excursions that you can book in the area, but this is often an overlooked activity for many visitors.

Limerick is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Limerick or Sorrento Better for Beaches?

Sorrento is very good for the beach. However, Limerick is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Sorrento to enjoy the beach. The rugged coastline is filled with dramatic hills and rocky inlets that offer hidden beaches. Many of the most unique beaches can be challenging to access and the beaches closer to town get very crowded. Some of the best beaches in the area include Marina Piccola Beach, Regina Giovanna, and Puolo. Some beaches are public while others are private and come at a price.

Limerick is not a beach destination.

Is Limerick or Sorrento Better for Hiking?

Sorrento is a great small city for hiking. However, Limerick is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Sorrento for the hiking trails. The area has a number of walking trails that you can explore. Many follow historic donkey trails that once connected the villages and today offer a well-established route with stunning views and pristine landscapes. The trails navigate the region's steep hills and offer a breathtaking look at the rugged coastline.

Limerick is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Limerick or Sorrento?

Sorrento is a great small city for its shopping areas. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Sorrento. Head to the heart of the city around Piazza Tasso for the best shopping opportunities. You can simply enjoy window shopping or pop in one of the many local boutiques or larger European brand stores. Popular items to purchase include leather goods, Limoncello, and inlaid wood items.

Limerick is a great destination for shopping. You'll find a mix of brand name chains and independent boutiques in the city center. There are several major shopping streets in town including O'Connell Street, and the pedestrian streets of Bedford Row and Cruises Street.

Is Limerick or Sorrento Better for Families?

Sorrento is a great small city for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Sorrento. It makes a good base or first stop for families who want to enjoy the area. It's well connected with transportation and has all the kid approved foods you could need. The whole family will also enjoy taking a pasta making class or going for a swim in the Mediterranean. And make sure you allow plenty of time for everyone to eat their fill of gelato.

Limerick is a family-friendly place to visit. Families will enjoy visiting King John's Castle but for kids who need a break from the sightseeing, there are kid-friendly activities around town like Curraghchase Forest Park and the Peoples Park. Families should also check out the Dreamland Fun Center. Museums like Foynes Flying Boat & Maritime Museum are also fun for the whole family.

Is Limerick or Sorrento Better for Couples?

Sorrento is terrific for couples. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

For those traveling as a couple, Sorrento has plenty to offer. This beautiful romantic destination is one of the world's top honeymoon areas. It's a small city that offers access to the many nearby destinations, so it makes a good base or gateway city for visiting places like Capri and the Blue Grotto as well as the Amalfi Coast. You can enjoy romantic hikes full of stunning views, explore by kayak, dine at romantic restaurants, or experience a one-of-a-kind farm tour. If you base yourself in Sorrento, you'll likely be doing a lot of day trips.

Limerick is a nice destination for couples. There are river cruises, kayaking, and nature to explore. Head to the Curraghchase Forest Park or any of the many beautiful parks around town. Couples can combine history with nature and enjoy a nice, romantic trip through Limerick.

Is Limerick or Sorrento Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sorrento is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Limerick is not known for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Sorrento, as it is a very popular small city for budget travelers. Because its a small city with accessible transportation, you'll find a decent number of hostels that make it an affordable base for exploring the area. You can hit many nearby sights as day trips or use this as a first stop off point as you make your way along the coast.

Limerick is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. There aren't many hostels in the area so it can be hard to find other likeminded travelers.

Is Limerick or Sorrento Better for Students?

Limerick is a city with good options for students. However, Sorrento is not popular with students.

Limerick is popular with students. The city has a nice student scene with plenty of areas to explore.

Sorrento is not popular with students.

Is Limerick or Sorrento Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

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

The public transit in Sorrento can get you to most places easily. Buses travel around town and you can also visit nearby areas using the Circumvesuviana train line, EAV and Sita buses, Cooperativa Tasso minibuses, or one of the many ferry companies.

Limerick has a few public transit options. There's a city bus service that travels around town.

Is Limerick or Sorrento a more walkable city?

Sorrento is a great small city for its ease of walking around. Also, Limerick is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

Sorrento is a very walkable destination. The old town is fun to walk around and window shop, but bring good walking shoes as the area has a lot of hills.

Limerick is somewhat walkable. There are compact and walkable parts to the city that can be explored on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Limerick Worth Visiting? and Is Sorrento Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Sorrento or Limerick?

How long in Limerick or Sorrento?

Both Limerick and Sorrento have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Sorrento than in Limerick. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Limerick, and 3-7 days is enough time in Sorrento.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Sorrento than Limerick 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 Sorrento.

One day in Limerick or Sorrento?

The city of Limerick offers food and shopping. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

The beautiful small city of Sorrento offers nightlife and food. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Limerick or Sorrento?

Limerick is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Limerick, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Sorrento is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Limerick or Sorrento?

Limerick is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Sorrento is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Sorrento, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Limerick or Sorrento?

Limerick is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Sorrento is a great place to explore. It's no surprise that food is why people visit. It is common to spend one week here. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Sorrento has to offer. This small city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Dublin, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Ireland, The Best Adventure Tours to Italy, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Limerick or Sorrento?

Limerick has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Sorrento. When comparing the sizes of Limerick and Sorrento, 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 Limerick or Sorrento?

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 Limerick or Sorrento in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Limerick as well as Sorrento. Many travelers come to Limerick for the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Sorrento in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Limerick is cooler than Sorrento. Typically, the summer temperatures in Limerick in July average around 16°C (60°F), and Sorrento averages at about 23°C (74°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sorrento. In the summer, Limerick often gets less sunshine than Sorrento. Limerick gets 142 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sorrento receives 313 hours of full sun.

Limerick usually gets more rain in July than Sorrento. Limerick gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Limerick or Sorrento in the Autumn?

Both Sorrento and Limerick are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Limerick in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Sorrento for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Limerick is generally much colder than Sorrento. Daily temperatures in Limerick average around 11°C (52°F), and Sorrento fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Limerick usually receives less sunshine than Sorrento during autumn. Limerick gets 82 hours of sunny skies, while Sorrento receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sorrento. In October, Limerick usually receives less rain than Sorrento. Limerick gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Limerick or Sorrento in the Winter?

Both Sorrento and Limerick during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Limerick for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Sorrento because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Limerick is cooler than Sorrento in the winter. The daily temperature in Limerick averages around 6°C (42°F) in January, and Sorrento fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Limerick often gets less sunshine than Sorrento. Limerick gets 49 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sorrento receives 115 hours of full sun.

Sorrento gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Limerick usually gets less rain in January than Sorrento. Limerick gets 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Limerick or Sorrento in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Limerick and Sorrento. The spring months attract visitors to Limerick because of the natural beauty. Also, the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Sorrento this time of year.

In the spring, Limerick is cooler than Sorrento. Typically, the spring temperatures in Limerick in April average around 9°C (48°F), and Sorrento averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Limerick usually receives less sunshine than Sorrento during spring. Limerick gets 148 hours of sunny skies, while Sorrento receives 189 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Limerick usually receives less rain than Sorrento. Limerick gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Sorrento receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Sorrento and Limerick