A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Manchester vs. Pisa for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Manchester or Pisa?

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 Pisa can help you decide which place is right for you.

Manchester

Manchester is a vibrant, dynamic, and diverse city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Pisa

Pisa is a world-famous, classic, and charming city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Manchester and Pisa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Manchester or Pisa?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Manchester than Pisa. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Manchester is very popular for its music and big city activities, while Pisa attracts visitors for its beaches, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Pisa is more touristy than Manchester and is known for its iconic Leaning Tower, its beautiful squares, and its lively atmosphere. Manchester is famous for its strong music culture as well as being home to the world-renowned Manchester United Football Club. It is also well known for The National Football Museum.

How is Manchester different from Pisa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Spend time exploring the great sights and museums in either Manchester or Pisa.

Many visitors head to Manchester specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Pisa can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is more than a one hit wonder. In addition to the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, you'll find many beautiful buildings and museums. Popular places to visit include the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, Campo Santo (Sacred Field), and Museo dell'Opera del Duomo.

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

Both Manchester and Pisa offer great local cuisine and restaurants.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in 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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Pisa. The local cuisine is heavily influenced by the city's maritime roots. You'll find many seafood dishes as well as local classic recipes that have been passed down through the generations. A quintessential local dish is Bordatino alla Pisana, which is made with beans, cabbage, and cornflour. Also popular are Pasta e Ceci (chickpea pasta), Palette (a local polenta), and Trippa alla Pisana.

Is Manchester or Pisa Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is great in both Manchester and Pisa.

Many people head to Manchester for the nightlife scene. 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.

Pisa has plenty to do after the sun goes down. Head out to an aperitivo bar for an early drink, then head to one of the area's best nightlife neighborhoods. For the biggest party scene, go about 10 kilometers out of town to the Versilian coast. This area has the most popular clubs. If you decide to stay in town, there are still plenty of places to catch live music and dance.

Is Manchester or Pisa Better for Music?

Manchester is a great city for its live music scene. However, Pisa is not a live music destination.

Manchester has a thriving music scene. There's a long running music reputation here. Some of the iconic bands that began here include Oasis and Stone Roses.

Pisa is not a live music destination.

Is Manchester or Pisa Better for Beaches?

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

Many people head to Pisa to enjoy the beach. Many people forget that there are beaches near Pisa, but the city is close to the sea. Some of the closest beaches include Marina di Vecchiano and Marina di Pisa.

Manchester is not a beach destination.

Is Manchester or Pisa Better for its Old Town?

Pisa is great for its historic old town. However, Manchester does not have a historic old town.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Pisa. The old town is where you'll find the city's classic charm and many of the best sights.

Manchester does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Manchester or Pisa?

If you're looking to go shopping, Manchester and Pisa both offer plenty of great spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Pisa is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There's a great mix of traditional markets, high end stores, and indoor shopping malls where you can find anything that you might need. Corso Italia is one of the most popular shopping areas, but also worth checking out are Centro Commerciale Pisanova, Borgo Stretto and Borgo Largo.

Is Manchester or Pisa Better for Families?

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

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Manchester is very family-friendly. 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.

Pisa is a family-friendly place to visit. It's a lively city with beautiful squares and the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. Kids will enjoy hanging out in the city center, visiting Parco Don Bosco, Giardino Scotto Park, or Marina di Pisa. If you have a car and are willing to venture a bit further away, there's the Piccolo Mondo Amusement Park and Parco Preistorico Peccioli.

Is Manchester or Pisa Better for Couples?

Manchester is a great city for its romantic activities. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

Manchester is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

Pisa is a good city for couples to visit. It's an iconic Italian destination that offers so much more than its most famous landmark. The city is filled with charming squares, beautiful architecture, and plenty of fun activities that couples can enjoy.

Is Manchester or Pisa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Pisa is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Manchester is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Pisa is very popular with the backpacker crowd. Most backpackers pass through on their way to other towns, but for those that linger, there are plenty of hostels and a lively social scene.

It's common for backpackers to visit Manchester. You'll find hostels around town and a number of visitors, particularly during the sports season.

Is Manchester or Pisa Better for Students?

Pisa is very popular for its student-friendly activities. Also, Manchester is not as popular, but is still a nice city for students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Pisa. Many study abroad students flock to Italy for its beautiful culture, art, and architecture. Pisa makes a nice base for international students, and it offers easy access to other parts of Italy. It's also home to an internationally acclaimed university, Scuola Normale Superiore, which was founded in 1810.

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.

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

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

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

Pisa has a few public transit options. There are public buses through town with the most popular lines being the Red and Green Lines.

Is Manchester or Pisa a more walkable city?

Pisa is great for its walkability. Also, Manchester is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of walkability.

Pisa is very walkable. The city is a great place to explore on foot.

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 Pisa Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Pisa or Manchester?

How long in Manchester or Pisa?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Manchester and Pisa. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Manchester than in Pisa. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Manchester, and 1-3 days is enough time in Pisa.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Pisa than Manchester 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 Pisa.

One day in Manchester or Pisa?

Manchester is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

With museums and nightlife around the classic city of Pisa, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Pisa, one day is sufficent for most.

A weekend in Manchester or Pisa?

Manchester is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

With nightlife and food around the destination of Pisa, there's plenty to do. 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 city.

Five days in Manchester or Pisa?

You'll find food and shopping around the vibrant big city of Manchester. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Pisa, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Manchester or Pisa?

The vibrant city of Manchester offers shopping and museums. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.

Pisa 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 2-Week Tours in Italy, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Manchester and Pisa, we can see that Manchester is more expensive. And not only is Pisa much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Pisa would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Pisa 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 Pisa.

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

Which is Bigger, Manchester or Pisa?

Manchester has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Pisa. When comparing the sizes of Manchester and Pisa, 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 Pisa?

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 Pisa in the Summer?

Both Pisa and Manchester are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Manchester for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Pisa because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Manchester is cooler than Pisa. Typically, the summer temperatures in Manchester in July average around 16°C (62°F), and Pisa averages at about 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Pisa. Manchester usually receives less sunshine than Pisa during summer. Manchester gets 176 hours of sunny skies, while Pisa receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

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

Should I visit Manchester or Pisa in the Autumn?

Both Pisa and Manchester during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Manchester because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Pisa this time of year.

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

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

Pisa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Manchester usually gets less rain in October than Pisa. Manchester gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Manchester or Pisa in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Manchester and Pisa. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Manchester this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Pisa for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Manchester in the winter. Manchester is much colder than Pisa in the winter. The daily temperature in Manchester averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Pisa fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

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

In January, Manchester usually receives around the same amount of rain as Pisa. Manchester gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Manchester or Pisa in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Manchester as well as Pisa. Many travelers come to Manchester for the activities around the city. Additionally, many visitors come to Pisa in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Manchester is much colder than Pisa. Typically, the spring temperatures in Manchester in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Pisa averages at about 13°C (55°F).

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

It's quite rainy in Pisa. Manchester usually gets less rain in April than Pisa. Manchester gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Pisa and Manchester