A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Lisbon vs. Messina for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Backpackers

Should you visit Lisbon or Messina?

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

Should I visit Lisbon or Messina? 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.

Lisbon

Lisbon is a stunning, picturesque, and colorful city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Messina

Messina is a local, historic, and bustling port city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Lisbon and Messina: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lisbon or Messina?

You'll generally find more things to do in Lisbon than Messina. Lisbon is bigger than Messina, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Lisbon is more touristy than Messina and is popular for its hilltop vistos, beautiful old town, and lively Fado music. Also, Lisbon is famous for Castelo de São Jorge. Messina is well known for being the entry and departure point to Sicily for those traveling by ferry.

How is Lisbon different from Messina?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Lisbon or Messina?

Lisbon is renowned for its museums and landmarks. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Lisbon that are not to be missed. World renowned landmarks include St. George's Castle, Jerónimos monastery, the Belém Tower, Santa Justa Lift, and countless world class museums.

Messina offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a number of historic sights around town including the Cathedral and the Piazza del Duomo, the Bell Tower and Astronomical Clock, Santissima Annunziata dei Catalani, and the Regional Museum. There are also many ornate fountains around town.

Is the Food Better in Lisbon or Messina? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lisbon is renowned for its restaurant scene. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Many restaurants in Lisbon have been singled out for their culinary prowess. There are many local restaurants as well as food tours and cooking classes that you can enjoy. Make sure you try the local favorites like bacalhau à brás, frango no churrasco, and pastel de nata. Given the beautiful climate, outdoor seating is also popular. Head into the less touristy neighborhoods to try some local dishes or hit up a seafood market. There are also many cafes that offer great breakfasts with fresh ingredients.

Messina has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The city's cuisine is a mix of the cultures that have influenced Sicily over the centuries. The city has a longstanding fishing industry and one of the most popular dishes are swordfish rolls. Also try the pidone (similar to calzones with different fillings), and the focaccia (a local bread).

Is Lisbon or Messina Better for Nightlife?

Lisbon is renowned for nightlife. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

Lisbon is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. It is a bustling city with a lot of energy late into the night. There are countless bars, clubs, and music venues that cater to every personality type and style. Whether you want a more relaxed vibe or a raging party, there is likely an place for you.

Many people head to Messina for the nightlife scene. The nightlife scene is mostly centered around the old town and you'll find a mix of locals and tourists hanging out in pubs and bars. During the summer months there are often free outdoor concerts to enjoy.

Is Lisbon or Messina Better for Music?

Lisbon is renowned for live music. However, Messina is not a live music destination.

Lisbon is a world class music destination. The local folk music, fado, is popular here, but there are also venues that host almost any other style of music as well. You'll also find several fado museums around town.

Messina is not a live music destination.

Is Lisbon or Messina Better for Beaches?

Lisbon is a city with good options for its beaches. However, Messina is not particularly known for the beache.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Lisbon. The beaches are often overlooked by visitors, but the coastline near the city is lined with beautiful sandy beaches that are arguably among the best in the area. If you want to get away from city life, head for the water.

You can check out the beach in Messina. There are pebbly beaches in the area that are becoming more popular with tourists.

Is Lisbon or Messina Better for its Old Town?

Lisbon is renowned for its historic old town. However, Messina does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Lisbon is one of the most recognized in the world. The city is famous for the Alfama area, which is where you find the traditional buildings, cobblestoned streets, wandering alleyways, and steep hills. Make sure you take in the stunning view from various parts of town.

Messina does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Lisbon or Messina?

Lisbon is renowned for shopping. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Lisbon is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. For high end shopping, head to The Avenida da Liberdade. It's lined with designer brands and luxury boutiques.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Messina. The best shopping is around Piazza Cairoli with the main shopping streets being Viale Europa and Viale San Martino. There are many small boutiques that have cheaper prices than some of the more upscale Sicilian towns.

Is Lisbon or Messina Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Lisbon or Messina.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Lisbon. Popular family-friendly activities include exploring Castelo Sao Jorge, visiting the aquarium, hanging out on the beach, and of course, taking the funiculars. Kids of all ages will appreciate the intricate maze of streets and lively atmosphere that this city offers. There's also the famous Livraria Lello & Irmão, which is a beautiful bookshop that is said to be an inspiration for Harry Potter. Don't expect to simply walk in, as there is often a long line to enter.

Messina is a very family-friendly place to visit. There are a number outdoor activities that kids will enjoy including Parco Avventura Dei Peloritani, which has ropes and obstacle courses. There's also the Karting Center, which is fun for the whole family, or a small aquarium in town. If you're looking for an excursion outside of town, head to Cascata Cataolo waterfall, which is very kid-friendly.

Is Lisbon or Messina Better for Couples?

Lisbon is well known for romance. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Lisbon frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. With it's colorful buildings and dramatic hills, this city offers a truly romantic setting for couples. There are many romantic viewpoints as well as world class restaurants that couples will enjoy.

Messina makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Most visitors see the city as an arrival or departure point for Sicily, but those couples who linger will appreciate a number of historical sights and a nice atmosphere.

Is Lisbon or Messina Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lisbon is renowned for backpackers. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Lisbon is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. Hostels are abundant, and you'll have no trouble finding other backpackers to hang out with. Many hostels even organize activities and group meals for travelers. Prices are also reasonable for a large and vibrant city.

Plenty of backpackers visit Messina. If you're traveling by train or ferry, you'll likely arrive or depart from this city. There are a number of hostels and cheap guesthouses around town that offer affordable accommodation.

Is Lisbon or Messina Better for Students?

Lisbon is well known for students. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Students come from all over to stay in Lisbon. It's a lively city with a lot to see and do for international students.

It's common for students to visit Messina. There are a few study abroad opportunities that bring international students to town. The city also have good transportation connections and a friendly atmosphere that is welcoming to students.

Is Lisbon or Messina Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Lisbon is renowned for its public transit. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Lisbon has a great public transit system. The metro has four lines that go around the city. There are also trams, buses, and the funiculars.

While Messina offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. If your legs are tired then there's an efficient bus system that you can use.

Is Lisbon or Messina a more walkable city?

Lisbon is renowned for its walkability. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Getting around Lisbon on foot is easy. There are many walkable areas that aren't too hilly like Baixa, a stretch along the Tagus River, and Belém.

Messina is a very walkable city. Most of the city's attractions can be reached on foot and the port is a ten to fifteen minute walk from Piazza del Duomo.

For even more information, also check out Is Lisbon Worth Visiting? and Is Messina Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Messina or Lisbon?

How long in Lisbon or Messina?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Lisbon and Messina. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Lisbon than in Messina. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Lisbon, and 2-3 days is enough time in Messina.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Lisbon than Messina 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 Lisbon.

One day in Lisbon or Messina?

Because Lisbon is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Messina. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Lisbon or Messina?

Because Lisbon is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Messina is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Lisbon or Messina?

Lisbon is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Lisbon has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Messina. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Lisbon or Messina?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Lisbon. Because Lisbon is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the local destination of Messina. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. 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 in Portugal, The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Lisbon or Messina?

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

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 Lisbon or Messina in the Summer?

Both Messina and Lisbon during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Lisbon in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Messina for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Lisbon is cooler than Messina. Typically, the summer temperatures in Lisbon in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Messina averages at about 27°C (80°F).

In Messina, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Lisbon. In the summer, Lisbon often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Messina. Lisbon gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Messina receives 332 hours of full sun.

Lisbon usually gets less rain in July than Messina. Lisbon gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Messina receives 19 mm (0.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lisbon or Messina in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Lisbon and Messina. Most visitors come to Lisbon for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Messina because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Lisbon is generally around the same temperature as Messina. Daily temperatures in Lisbon average around 19°C (66°F), and Messina fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

In Lisbon, it's very sunny this time of the year. Lisbon usually receives more sunshine than Messina during autumn. Lisbon gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Messina receives 189 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Messina receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Lisbon usually receives less rain than Messina. Lisbon gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Messina receives 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Lisbon or Messina in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Lisbon as well as Messina. The winter months attract visitors to Lisbon because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Messina this time of year.

Lisbon is around the same temperature as Messina in the winter. The daily temperature in Lisbon averages around 12°C (53°F) in January, and Messina fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the winter, Lisbon often gets more sunshine than Messina. Lisbon gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Messina receives 115 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Messina. Lisbon receives a lot of rain in the winter. Lisbon usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Messina. Lisbon gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Messina receives 113 mm (4.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lisbon or Messina in the Spring?

Both Messina and Lisbon are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Lisbon this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Messina for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In the spring, Lisbon is around the same temperature as Messina. Typically, the spring temperatures in Lisbon in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Messina averages at about 16°C (60°F).

It's quite sunny in Messina. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lisbon. Lisbon usually receives more sunshine than Messina during spring. Lisbon gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Messina receives 207 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Lisbon usually receives around the same amount of rain as Messina. Lisbon gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Messina receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Messina and Lisbon