A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Manchester vs. Cinque Terre for Food, Couples, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Manchester or Cinque Terre?

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 Manchester and Cinque Terre can help you decide which place is right for you.

Manchester

Manchester is a diverse, cultural, and vibrant city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is a charming, picturesque, and idyllic coastal region. Since it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors, too. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. Other reasons to visit include hiking, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Manchester and Cinque Terre: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Manchester or Cinque Terre?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Manchester than Cinque Terre, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Manchester is better known for its museums, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Cinque Terre is more popular for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Cinque Terre is more touristy than Manchester and is known for its charming villages, beautiful vineyards, picturesque waterfront setting, and stunning walking trail. Manchester is well known for its strong music culture as well as being home to the world-renowned Manchester United Football Club. Also, Manchester is famous for The National Football Museum.

How is Manchester different from Cinque Terre?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Manchester or Cinque Terre?

Manchester is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Manchester can be an interesting and educational experience. Head to the Science and Industry Museum, the Imperial War Museum North, Manchester Cathedral, or John Rylands Library & Manchester Central Library to see some of the cities most interesting sights.

Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Manchester or Cinque Terre? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cinque Terre is very popular for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Manchester is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Cinque Terre has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Like much of Italy, the area focuses on local flavors that include lots of seafood, as well as local fruits, vegetables, and herbs. The towns are known for their focaccia, which actually originated in nearby Genoa. Anchovies are a favorite here as well, and don't be turned off by your experience with anchovies outside of Italy. They don't compare. Also make sure you sample the pesto, mussels, and any fresh caught seafood.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Manchester. You'll find a great food scene with diverse restaurant options that include international flavors, vegetarian options, and more. There are also many great places to try craft beer.

Is Manchester or Cinque Terre Better for Nightlife?

Manchester is a very popular place for its evening party scene. However, Cinque Terre is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Manchester has a large number of nightlife venues. The nightlife scene is diverse and high energy. Head to Deansgate or the Northern Quarter for some of the best nightlife venues. You'll also find a huge rave scene in town.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Cinque Terre. The whole point of a trip to the area is to soak up the quiet village atmosphere. There is basically no nightlife in most of the towns, but you will find a few bars in Monterosso.

Is Manchester or Cinque Terre Better for Music?

Manchester is a very popular place for its music scene. However, Cinque Terre is not a live music destination.

It's worth checking out the music scene in Manchester while you're in town. There's a long running music reputation here. Some of the iconic bands that began here include Oasis and Stone Roses.

Cinque Terre is not a live music destination.

Is Manchester or Cinque Terre Better for Resorts?

Cinque Terre is mediocre for its luxury resorts. However, Manchester is not a resort destination.

While Cinque Terre is not known as a resort destination, there are some nice places to stay. Most people stay in apartments or rooms in local hotels or family homes. There aren't many resorts in the traditional sense, but again, that's part of the charm of the area.

Manchester is not a resort destination.

Is Manchester or Cinque Terre Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cinque Terre is very good for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Manchester is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving in Cinque Terre. The surrounding waters are part of the of the Pelagos Sanctuary. The area has many rocky coves which are fun to explore with a mask and snorkel. There are also boat excursions available that may let you stop to snorkel, as well as a few dive spots in the area.

Manchester is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Manchester or Cinque Terre Better for Beaches?

Cinque Terre is very good for its beaches. However, Manchester is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Cinque Terre to enjoy the beach. The area is more about the towns than the beaches. The most typical beach setting is in the newer part of Monterosso. There's a long sandy beach with chairs and umbrellas available. There's also a beach near the town's old town. Several of the other towns have swimming areas, including a small stretch of pebbly sand in Vernazza. It's fun to swim between the months of May and October, when the water temperatures are fairly warm.

Manchester is not a beach destination.

Is Manchester or Cinque Terre Better for its Old Town?

Cinque Terre is very popular for its historic old town. However, Manchester does not have a historic old town.

Cinque Terre has a world-famous historical area. Each of the five towns have their own charming old town which have restaurants and local boutique shops.

Manchester does not have a historic old town.

Is Manchester or Cinque Terre Better for Hiking?

Cinque Terre is very popular for hiking. However, Manchester is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Cinque Terre specifically for its hiking. The five towns are part of Cinque Terre National Park and there are 120 kilometers of hiking trails in the park. Most people hike along the trails that follow the coastline and connect the towns. There are fees for the most popular stretch of trails which connect Monterosso to Vernazza and then go from Vernazza to Corniglia. All other hiking is free in the area.

Manchester is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Manchester or Cinque Terre?

Manchester is a very popular place for its shopping areas. However, Cinque Terre is lacking in good options for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Manchester. From jewelry to boutique clothing outlets, there are many places to shop around town. Head to Manchester Arndale, Trafford Centre, or Market Street for some of the best shopping.

Cinque Terre is a good destination for shopping. The towns are more about the atmosphere than the shops, but the best shopping can be found in the largest town of Monterosso. You'll find jewelry, clothing, and local food items that are fun to take home as souvenirs.

Is Manchester or Cinque Terre Better for Families?

Manchester is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Cinque Terre is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Manchester. You'll find a number of kid-friendly activities around town including the popular Legoland Discovery Center. Another fun activity is taking a behind the scenes CBBC interactive tour at MediaCityUK. Animal lovers will enjoy visiting the SeaLife Aquarium or the Chester Zoo and sports enthusiasts will not want to miss a visit to the National Football Museum or doing a tour of Old Trafford where you can also visit the Manchester United Museum.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Cinque Terre. The five towns are all about exploring on foot, so if that's your kid's thing, then they're in for a treat. The hilly terrain can be a bit tricky, particularly for the little ones, but for older kids this area offers the perfect amount of challenge. There are also a couple of beaches and swimming spots as well as a playground or two around. Food, like most of Italy, is very kid-friendly.

Is Manchester or Cinque Terre Better for Couples?

Cinque Terre is very popular for romance. Also, Manchester is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Cinque Terre has plenty to offer. These stunning five Italian villages are perched precariously on the water's edge. They're surrounded by beautiful vineyards and connected by impressive hiking trails. This area is truly a dream honeymoon destination and it is sure to make a memorable vacation for any couple who enjoys exploring charming village.

Manchester is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples can enjoy a visit to a spa, a nice meal out, or simply wandering down the canal. For a unique experience, you can hit to slopes at Chill Factore.

Is Manchester or Cinque Terre Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Manchester and Cinque Terre are notable places to visit.

Manchester is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. You'll find hostels around town and a number of visitors, particularly during the sports season.

It's common for backpackers to visit Cinque Terre. There are a number of rooms available in the towns and there are even a couple of hostels including one in Riomaggiore and one in Corniglia. It's possible to find affordable food and accommodation, and your entertainment is simply wandering the area, which is perfect for budget travelers.

Is Manchester or Cinque Terre Better for Students?

Manchester is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Cinque Terre is not popular with students.

Manchester is a great city to visit as a student. There's a large number of students as well as a great music scene and tons of festivals that make this a great city to do your studies.

Cinque Terre is not popular with students.

Is Manchester or Cinque Terre Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Manchester is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Cinque Terre is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

The public transit in Manchester can get you to most places easily. The city has bus, train, and tram options for travel.

You'll find some public transit in Cinque Terre, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Most people arrive by train but there are also ferries available.

Is Manchester or Cinque Terre a more walkable city?

Cinque Terre is very popular for its walkability. Also, Manchester is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of walkability.

Cinque Terre is a very easy coastal region to get around on foot. Vehicle traffic in the towns are heavily restricted so it's very enjoyable to explore on foot. The terrain is hilly and uneven, but that's part of the charm. There are also hiking trails that connect each of the five towns.

Manchester is a somewhat walkable place. Some neighborhoods are more walkable than others.

For even more information, also check out Is Manchester Worth Visiting? and Is Cinque Terre Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cinque Terre or Manchester?

How long in Manchester or Cinque Terre?

In either Manchester or Cinque Terre, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Cinque Terre than Manchester because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Manchester, and 2-5 days is enough time in Cinque Terre.

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

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

One day in Manchester or Cinque Terre?

Each neighborhood in Manchester has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Cinque Terre might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Manchester or Cinque Terre?

Manchester is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Even though Cinque Terre is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this coastal region.

Five days in Manchester or Cinque Terre?

You'll find nightlife and live music around the dynamic big city of Manchester. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Cinque Terre, a popular coastal region, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this coastal region. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Manchester or Cinque Terre?

Manchester is a popular place to visit. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Cinque Terre is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Manchester or Cinque Terre?

Manchester has a larger population, and is about 250 times larger than the population of Cinque Terre. When comparing the sizes of Manchester and Cinque Terre, 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 Manchester or Cinque Terre?

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 Manchester or Cinque Terre in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Manchester and Cinque Terre. The city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Manchester this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Cinque Terre for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Manchester is generally cooler than Cinque Terre. Daily temperatures in Manchester average around 16°C (62°F), and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cinque Terre this time of the year. Manchester usually receives less sunshine than Cinque Terre during summer. Manchester gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Cinque Terre receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Manchester usually receives more rain than Cinque Terre. Manchester gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Manchester or Cinque Terre in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Manchester as well as Cinque Terre. Many travelers come to Manchester for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Additionally, many visitors come to Cinque Terre in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Manchester is much colder than Cinque Terre in the autumn. The daily temperature in Manchester averages around 11°C (52°F) in October, and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Manchester often gets less sunshine than Cinque Terre. Manchester gets 97 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 177 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Cinque Terre. Manchester usually gets less rain in October than Cinque Terre. Manchester gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Manchester or Cinque Terre in the Winter?

Both Cinque Terre and Manchester are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Manchester in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Cinque Terre for the shopping scene and the cuisine during these months.

Manchester can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Manchester is much colder than Cinque Terre. Typically, the winter temperatures in Manchester in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Cinque Terre averages at about 8°C (46°F).

Manchester usually receives less sunshine than Cinque Terre during winter. Manchester gets 53 hours of sunny skies, while Cinque Terre receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cinque Terre. In January, Manchester usually receives less rain than Cinque Terre. Manchester gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Manchester or Cinque Terre in the Spring?

Both Cinque Terre and Manchester during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Manchester for the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Cinque Terre because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In April, Manchester is generally much colder than Cinque Terre. Daily temperatures in Manchester average around 8°C (46°F), and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

In the spring, Manchester often gets less sunshine than Cinque Terre. Manchester gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 192 hours of full sun.

Manchester usually gets less rain in April than Cinque Terre. Manchester gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Cinque Terre and Manchester