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

Should you visit Lisbon or Taormina?

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

Should I visit Lisbon or Taormina? 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 picturesque, colorful, and vibrant city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Taormina

Taormina is a opulent, historic, and beautiful town. It offers plenty of small town charm along with sights and activities, too. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the beaches, shopping, and museums.

Lisbon and Taormina: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lisbon or Taormina?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Lisbon. Although Lisbon and Taormina are popular destinations, Lisbon has more sights and attractions for tourists. Lisbon is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Taormina attracts visitors for its resorts and small town charm. Lisbon is famous for its hilltop vistos, beautiful old town, and lively Fado music. It is also well known for Castelo de São Jorge. Taormina is famous for its long history as a seaside resort town with luxury accommodation and beautiful views.

How is Lisbon different from Taormina?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Lisbon is very popular for its historical sights. Also, Taormina is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Lisbon has many famous sights for visitors. World renowned landmarks include St. George's Castle, Jerónimos monastery, the Belém Tower, Santa Justa Lift, and countless world class museums.

Taormina is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. The main landmark in town is the Greek Theater which dates back to the 3rd century BC. Also visit Madonna della Rocca as well as Castello di Taormina, which is perched above the sea.

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

Lisbon is very popular for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Taormina is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Taormina makes for a great culinary experience. The local dishes draw on traditional Italian flavors such as pasta, tomato sauce, and vegetables, but they're also heavily influenced by the island's many historical invaders. You'll find a variety of ingredients in recipes including red chilies, tuna, swordfish, sardines, pine nuts, capers, and olives.

Is Lisbon or Taormina Better for Nightlife?

Lisbon is very popular for its evening party scene. Also, Taormina is not as popular, but is still a nice town for nightlife.

Lisbon is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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.

Taormina offers plenty to do in the evening. The town has a bit of an exclusive vibe and that's felt in the nightlife scene as well. There are lounges and exclusive clubs that serve fine wine and cocktails. You'll also find some late night dance clubs around town.

Is Lisbon or Taormina Better for Music?

Lisbon is very popular for its music scene. However, Taormina is not a live music destination.

Lisbon has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. 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.

Taormina is not a live music destination.

Is Lisbon or Taormina Better for Resorts?

Taormina is a very popular place for its luxury resorts. However, Lisbon is not a resort destination.

Taormina is known as a popular and fun resort destination. There are a number of high end resorts and hotels in and near town that have pools and five star facilities.

Lisbon is not a resort destination.

Is Lisbon or Taormina Better for Beaches?

For a relaxing beach holiday, both Lisbon and Taormina are nice choices.

Lisbon is a good option for a beach vacation. 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.

Many people head to Taormina to enjoy the beach. The easiest beaches to access from town are Mazzaro Beach and Isola Bella Beach. The beaches are near hotels and there are restaurants as well as beach umbrellas and chairs that you can rent.

Is Lisbon or Taormina Better for its Old Town?

Lisbon is very popular for its historic old town charm. However, Taormina does not have a historic old town.

Lisbon has a world-famous historical area. 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.

Taormina does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Lisbon or Taormina?

Lisbon is very popular for its shopping areas. Also, Taormina is not as popular, but is still a nice town for shopping.

Many people travel to Lisbon specifically to go shopping. For high end shopping, head to The Avenida da Liberdade. It's lined with designer brands and luxury boutiques.

Taormina is a great destination for shopping. It's a fashion-conscious town and you'll find boutiques and shops that carry high end Italian brands. There are also shops that sell local pottery and other items.

Is Lisbon or Taormina Better for Families?

Lisbon is a great city for its kid-friendly activities. However, Taormina is not known for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Taormina is not the most family-friendly destination. Kids may not appreciate everything that the adults enjoy about this town, but they will likely have fun taking a ride on the cable car and visiting the Greek Theater. There are also wonderful desserts that kids will enjoy.

Is Lisbon or Taormina Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Lisbon and Taormina make for a excellent place to visit.

Lisbon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Couples visit Taormina frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's a truly beautiful town with impressive views and a great atmosphere. It makes a wonderful stop off for couples or honeymooners who want to soak up the region's beauty.

Is Lisbon or Taormina Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lisbon is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Taormina is not known for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Lisbon, as it is a very popular city for 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.

Taormina is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. There aren't many hostels around town and you won't find a large backpacker crowd here. The town has the feel of an exclusive resort community with high end resorts more common than anything else.

Is Lisbon or Taormina Better for Students?

Lisbon is a great city for its student-friendly activities. However, Taormina is not popular with students.

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

Taormina is not popular with students.

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

Lisbon is very popular for times when you don't have a car. Also, Taormina is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its public transit.

Lisbon has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. The metro has four lines that go around the city. There are also trams, buses, and the funiculars.

Taormina has a few public transit options. There are minibuses that travel to the more far-reaching parts of the town.

Is Lisbon or Taormina a more walkable city?

Lisbon is very popular for its ease of walking around. Also, Taormina is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its walkability.

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

Taormina is very walkable. Walking is one of the best ways to explore the town.

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

Should I spend more time in Taormina or Lisbon?

How long in Lisbon or Taormina?

It's fun to spend time in either Lisbon or Taormina. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Lisbon due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Lisbon, and 2-4 days is enough time in Taormina.

Families should spend more time in Lisbon than Taormina. 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 Taormina. 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 Taormina 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 Taormina?

Lisbon is a big city with plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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.

Taormina might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Lisbon or Taormina?

Lisbon is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

Taormina 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 Taormina?

Lisbon is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Lisbon, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Taormina. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Taormina?

Lisbon is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Lisbon has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.

Taormina is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, and The Best Walking Tours in Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Lisbon or Taormina?

Lisbon has a larger population, and is about 50 times larger than the population of Taormina. When comparing the sizes of Lisbon and Taormina, 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 Taormina?

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 Lisbon or Taormina in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Lisbon and Taormina. Many visitors come to Lisbon in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Taormina for the beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

Lisbon is cooler than Taormina in the summer. The daily temperature in Lisbon averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Taormina fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Taormina this time of the year. In Lisbon, it's very sunny this time of the year. Lisbon usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Taormina during summer. Lisbon gets 352 hours of sunny skies, while Taormina receives 332 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Lisbon usually receives less rain than Taormina. Lisbon gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Taormina receives 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Lisbon or Taormina in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Lisbon as well as Taormina. 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. Additionally, the autumn months attract visitors to Taormina because of the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Lisbon is around the same temperature as Taormina. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Lisbon in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Taormina averages at about 21°C (69°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Lisbon this time of the year. In the autumn, Lisbon often gets more sunshine than Taormina. Lisbon gets 213 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Taormina receives 189 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Taormina. Lisbon usually gets less rain in October than Taormina. Lisbon gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Taormina receives 128 mm (5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lisbon or Taormina in the Winter?

Both Taormina and Lisbon are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. 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 Taormina this time of year.

In January, Lisbon is generally around the same temperature as Taormina. Daily temperatures in Lisbon average around 12°C (53°F), and Taormina fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Lisbon usually receives more sunshine than Taormina during winter. Lisbon gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Taormina receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.

It's quite rainy in Lisbon. In January, Lisbon usually receives more rain than Taormina. Lisbon gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Taormina receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Lisbon or Taormina in the Spring?

Both Taormina and Lisbon during the spring are popular places to visit. 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 Taormina for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Lisbon is around the same temperature as Taormina in the spring. The daily temperature in Lisbon averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Taormina fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In Taormina, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Lisbon. In the spring, Lisbon often gets more sunshine than Taormina. Lisbon gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Taormina receives 207 hours of full sun.

Lisbon usually gets more rain in April than Taormina. Lisbon gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Taormina receives 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Taormina and Lisbon