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

Should you visit Messina or Auxerre?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Messina and Auxerre can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

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 museums, nightlife, and food.

Auxerre

Auxerre is a authentic, under-rated, and undiscovered town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. It's also known for food and museums.

Messina and Auxerre: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Messina or Auxerre?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Messina than Auxerre, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Messina is better known for its nightlife, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Auxerre is more popular for its small town charm. Messina is more touristy than Auxerre and is popular for being the entry and departure point to Sicily for those traveling by ferry. Also, Messina is famous for Piazza del Duomo. Auxerre is well known for its food, wine, and art history.

How is Messina different from Auxerre?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Both Messina and Auxerre have notable landmarks and museums for visitors.

Messina is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

Auxerre offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Although the town is often overlooked by tourists, there are many nice cathedrals and churches around town.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at notable restaurants in both Messina and Auxerre.

Messina offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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).

Auxerre has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The town is a the heart of the wine industry, so you'll find many great restaurants where you can enjoy local food and wine.

Is Messina or Auxerre Better for Nightlife?

Messina is great for its evening party scene. However, Auxerre is not a good destination for nightlife.

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.

Most people don't head to Auxerre specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. It has a quiet nightlife with some nice bars and pubs.

Is Messina or Auxerre Better for Beaches?

Messina is adequate for the beach. However, Auxerre is not a beach destination.

The beach in Messina is worth checking out. There are pebbly beaches in the area that are becoming more popular with tourists.

Auxerre is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Messina or Auxerre?

Messina is very good for its shopping areas. However, Auxerre is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Messina has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. 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.

Auxerre is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Messina or Auxerre Better for Families?

Messina is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Auxerre is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Messina. 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.

Auxerre is a family-friendly place to visit. There's the Zoo de La Fleche and the Aquarium de Touraine. You can also wander through Musee de l'Avallon or des Plantes.

Is Messina or Auxerre Better for Couples?

Both Messina and Auxerre are notable destinations for a couple's getaway.

Messina is a nice destination for couples. 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.

Auxerre makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many great eateries as well nice architecture and, of course, excellent wine.

Is Messina or Auxerre Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Messina is very good for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Auxerre is not a good destination for backpackers.

Messina is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. 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.

Auxerre is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not a popular stop off on the backpacker circuit, but you will find some affordable accommodation options.

Is Messina or Auxerre Better for Students?

Messina is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Auxerre is not popular with 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.

Auxerre is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Messina and Auxerre.

You'll find some public transit in Messina, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. If your legs are tired then there's an efficient bus system that you can use.

While Auxerre offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses around town.

Is Messina or Auxerre a more walkable city?

Messina is great for its ease of walking around. Also, Auxerre is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its walkability.

Messina is a very walkable destination. 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.

Auxerre is somewhat walkable. The center is walkable but it is a bit more difficult to navigate than some nearby towns.

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

Should I spend more time in Auxerre or Messina?

How long in Messina or Auxerre?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Messina or Auxerre to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Messina than Auxerre because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Messina, and 1-2 days is enough time in Auxerre.

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

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

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

One day in Messina or Auxerre?

In Messina, you'll find nightlife and food. This port city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Auxerre, you'll find food and museums. This town offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Messina or Auxerre?

In Messina, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Messina has to offer.

In Auxerre, you'll find museums and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Auxerre has to offer.

Five days in Messina or Auxerre?

Messina is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Auxerre is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Messina or Auxerre?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Messina. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Messina. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Auxerre. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Auxerre. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, and The Best 2-Week Tours in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Messina or Auxerre?

Messina has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Auxerre. When comparing the sizes of Messina and Auxerre, 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 Messina or Auxerre?

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 Messina or Auxerre in the Summer?

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

In July, Messina is generally a little warmer than Auxerre. Daily temperatures in Messina average around 27°C (80°F), and Auxerre fluctuates around 19°C (66°F).

In Auxerre, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Messina. In the summer, Messina often gets more sunshine than Auxerre. Messina gets 332 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auxerre receives 255 hours of full sun.

Messina usually gets less rain in July than Auxerre. Messina gets 19 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Auxerre receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Messina or Auxerre in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Messina and Auxerre. Most visitors come to Messina for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Auxerre because of the small town atmosphere.

Messina is much warmer than Auxerre in the autumn. The daily temperature in Messina averages around 21°C (69°F) in October, and Auxerre fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Messina usually receives more sunshine than Auxerre during autumn. Messina gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Auxerre receives 126 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Messina gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Messina usually receives more rain than Auxerre. Messina gets 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Auxerre receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Messina or Auxerre in the Winter?

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

It's quite cold in Auxerre in the winter. In the winter, Messina is much warmer than Auxerre. Typically, the winter temperatures in Messina in January average around 13°C (55°F), and Auxerre averages at about 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Messina often gets more sunshine than Auxerre. Messina gets 115 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Auxerre receives 53 hours of full sun.

Messina receives a lot of rain in the winter. Messina usually gets more rain in January than Auxerre. Messina gets 113 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Auxerre receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Messina or Auxerre in the Spring?

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

In April, Messina is generally much warmer than Auxerre. Daily temperatures in Messina average around 16°C (60°F), and Auxerre fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Messina. Messina usually receives more sunshine than Auxerre during spring. Messina gets 207 hours of sunny skies, while Auxerre receives 167 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Messina usually receives more rain than Auxerre. Messina gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Auxerre receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Auxerre and Messina