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

Should you visit Manchester or Rome?

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

Manchester

Manchester is a cultural, vibrant, and dynamic city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Other popular activities here include nightlife, live music, and food.

Rome

Rome is a fun-filled, popular, and ancient city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Manchester and Rome: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Manchester or Rome?

You'll generally find more things to do in Rome than Manchester. Rome is bigger than Manchester, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Rome is more touristy than Manchester and is popular for its iconic archaeological sites such as the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, as well as its gelato, Italian cuisine, and strong religious roots. Also, Rome is famous for The Colosseum. Manchester is well known for its strong music culture as well as being home to the world-renowned Manchester United Football Club.

The Colosseum

How is Manchester different from Rome?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Rome is very popular for its historical sights. Also, Manchester is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

Travelers visit Rome from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The historical sights around the city are among the most impressive in the world. Almost anywhere you look you'll find a notable landmark but some of the most famous include the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, the Vatican, and the Roman Forum.

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.

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

Rome 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.

Rome has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Homemade pasta, fresh sauces, and fine wine all make the food scene among the best. Also make sure you try the gelato.

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 Rome Better for Nightlife?

Rome is very popular for nightlife. Also, Manchester is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife and partying.

Rome is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. You'll find a huge concentration of bars and clubs in the Testaccio area. There are late night clubs with salsa dancing, merengue, and live DJ's spinning every type of music.

Manchester has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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.

Is Manchester or Rome Better for Music?

Rome is very popular for live music. Also, Manchester is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its live music scene.

Rome is known as a music capital around the world. Popular music venues include Live Alcazar, Atlantico Live, and Beba do Samba.

If you love music, you'll find something to enjoy in Manchester. There's a long running music reputation here. Some of the iconic bands that began here include Oasis and Stone Roses.

Is the Shopping Better in Manchester or Rome?

Rome is very popular for shopping. Also, Manchester is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Rome. For the biggest brand names, head to Via del Corso, which is near the Spanish Steps. Popular items to buy include Italian ceramics, shoes, leather goods, and jewelry.

Manchester is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. 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.

Is Manchester or Rome Better for Families?

You'll find superb kid-friendly activities in either Manchester or Rome.

Manchester is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Rome is a very kid-friendly city. What kid wouldn't be thrilled to be surrounded by pizza and spaghetti restaurants? In addition to kid-friendly food options, there are also a number of great activities that the whole family can enjoy including exploring the Colosseum, taking a gladiator class, and eating gelato.

Is Manchester or Rome Better for Couples?

Both Manchester and Rome are superb destinations to visit as a couple.

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.

Rome is a very popular place to visit for couples. With many beautiful buildings, world class restaurants, and world renowned sights, this city makes a great romantic destination.

Is Manchester or Rome Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Many backpackers frequent Rome. Backpackers will find no shortage of hostels where they can stay, particularly near the main train station where accommodation is particularly cheap (but not always the best quality).

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 Rome Better for Students?

Rome 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 Rome. The city is a popular study abroad destination and you'll find plenty of international students here.

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 Rome Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

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

Rome has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. There's a metro system, trams, and a comprehensive bus system that goes around the city.

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

Is Manchester or Rome a more walkable city?

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

Rome is a very easy city to get around on foot. You'll find many of the most popular sights in a compact area that's easily explored on foot. Do watch out for traffic, which can be a bit chaotic at times.

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 Rome Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Rome or Manchester?

How long in Manchester or Rome?

Both Manchester and Rome have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Rome than in Manchester. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Manchester, and 3-7 days is enough time in Rome.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Rome 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 Rome.

One day in Manchester or Rome?

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 live music and food around the popular city of Rome, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Manchester or Rome?

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 food and shopping around the big city destination of Rome, there's plenty to do. It offers something for everyone. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything.

Five days in Manchester or Rome?

You'll find food and shopping around the cultural 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.

Rome, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Manchester or Rome?

The dynamic 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.

Rome is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this city makes for a great vacation. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. 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 Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Manchester or Rome?

Rome has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Manchester. When comparing the sizes of Manchester and Rome, 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 Rome?

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 Manchester or Rome in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Manchester as well as Rome. Many travelers come to Manchester for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Rome in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Manchester is generally much colder than Rome. Daily temperatures in Manchester average around 16°C (62°F), and Rome fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Rome. In the summer, Manchester often gets less sunshine than Rome. Manchester gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rome receives 338 hours of full sun.

Manchester usually gets more rain in July than Rome. Manchester gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Rome receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Manchester or Rome in the Autumn?

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

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

Manchester usually receives less sunshine than Rome during autumn. Manchester gets 97 hours of sunny skies, while Rome receives 198 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Manchester usually receives less rain than Rome. Manchester gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Rome receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Manchester or Rome in the Winter?

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

Manchester can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Manchester is much colder than Rome. Typically, the winter temperatures in Manchester in January average around 4°C (39°F), and Rome averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Manchester often gets less sunshine than Rome. Manchester gets 53 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rome receives 127 hours of full sun.

Manchester usually gets less rain in January than Rome. Manchester gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Rome receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Manchester or Rome in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Manchester and Rome. The spring months attract visitors to Manchester because of the activities around the city. Furthermore, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Rome this time of year.

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

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Rome this time of the year. Manchester usually receives less sunshine than Rome during spring. Manchester gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Rome receives 204 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Manchester usually receives around the same amount of rain as Rome. Manchester gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Rome receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Rome and Manchester