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

Should you visit Messina or Avignon?

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 Avignon 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 food, shopping, and museums.

Avignon

Avignon is a historical, quaint, and charming town. This is also a fantastic small town with plenty of charm and local activities. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums.

Messina and Avignon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Messina or Avignon?

You'll generally find more things to do in Messina than Avignon. Messina is bigger than Avignon, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Messina is better known for its nightlife, beaches, and big city activities, while Avignon is more popular for its museums, food, historical sights, and small town charm. Avignon is more touristy than Messina and is popular for its architectural beauty and historical importance. Messina is well known for being the entry and departure point to Sicily for those traveling by ferry. Also, Messina is famous for Piazza del Duomo.

How is Messina different from Avignon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Avignon is renowned for its museums and landmarks. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Avignon that are not to be missed. The town is filled with historical landmarks such as Palais des Papes, Pont Saint Bénézet, Musée du Petit Palais, and Basilique Métropolitaine Notre-Dame des Doms.

Messina offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

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

Avignon is renowned for its restaurant scene. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Many restaurants in Avignon have been singled out for their culinary prowess. For such a small town you'll find many great eateries where you can sample French cuisine. You'll find bakeries, patisseries, restaurants, chocolatiers, and cafes to try. Cooking classes are also a popular activity in town.

Messina has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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).

Is Messina or Avignon Better for Nightlife?

Messina is a very popular place for its evening party scene. However, Avignon is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Messina has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Avignon is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. There's a limited nightlife scene but the bars you'll find are usually centered around Place de lHorloge, Place du Palais, Rue Carnot, and Place des Corps-Saints.

Is Messina or Avignon Better for Beaches?

Messina is a decent place to visit for the beach. However, Avignon 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.

Avignon is not a beach destination.

Is Messina or Avignon Better for its Old Town?

Avignon is renowned for its historic old town. However, Messina does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Avignon is one of the most recognized in the world. The walled medieval old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it's filled with history.

Messina does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Messina or Avignon?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Avignon and Messina.

Messina is a great destination for shopping. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Avignon. There are several shopping streets in town like Rue de la Republique, Rue Joseph-Vernet, and Rue St Agricol.

Is Messina or Avignon Better for Families?

Messina is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Avignon 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 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Avignon. Families can enjoy cooking classes, boat tours, and exploring the old town together.

Is Messina or Avignon Better for Couples?

Avignon is well known for romance. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Avignon frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Filled with history, couples can enjoy strolling through the old town or dinner on amazing French food.

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

Is Messina or Avignon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Messina and Avignon are notable places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Messina is a good port city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Avignon. You'll find a few affordable hotels, but hostels are a little bit more difficult to come by.

Is Messina or Avignon Better for Students?

Messina is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Avignon is not popular with students.

Plenty of students 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.

Avignon is not popular with students.

Is Messina or Avignon 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 Avignon.

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 Avignon offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are city buses as well as tourist shuttles around town.

Is Messina or Avignon a more walkable city?

Avignon is renowned for its walkability. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Getting around Avignon on foot is easy. There's almost no traffic in the city center so it's easy to explore on foot.

Messina is a very walkable port city. 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.

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

Should I spend more time in Avignon or Messina?

How long in Messina or Avignon?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Messina or Avignon to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Messina than Avignon 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 Avignon.

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

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

One day in Messina or Avignon?

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.

Avignon is a small town with plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Avignon?

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.

Avignon might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Avignon has to offer.

Five days in Messina or Avignon?

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.

Avignon is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Avignon?

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 Avignon. Since Avignon is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Messina or Avignon?

Messina has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Avignon. When comparing the sizes of Messina and Avignon, 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 Avignon?

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 Avignon in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Messina as well as Avignon. The beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Messina this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Avignon for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Messina is generally a little warmer than Avignon. Daily temperatures in Messina average around 27°C (80°F), and Avignon fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Avignon. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Messina this time of the year. In the summer, Messina often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Avignon. Messina gets 332 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Avignon receives 354 hours of full sun.

Messina usually gets less rain in July than Avignon. Messina gets 19 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Messina or Avignon in the Autumn?

Both Avignon and Messina are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Messina for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Avignon in the autumn for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

Messina is a little warmer than Avignon in the autumn. The daily temperature in Messina averages around 21°C (69°F) in October, and Avignon fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

Messina usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Avignon during autumn. Messina gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Avignon receives 178 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Avignon. It's quite rainy in Messina. In October, Messina usually receives less rain than Avignon. Messina gets 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 130 mm (5.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Messina or Avignon in the Winter?

Both Avignon and Messina during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Messina in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Avignon for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Messina is much warmer than Avignon. Typically, the winter temperatures in Messina in January average around 13°C (55°F), and Avignon averages at about 7°C (44°F).

In the winter, Messina often gets less sunshine than Avignon. Messina gets 115 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Avignon receives 146 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Messina. Messina usually gets more rain in January than Avignon. Messina gets 113 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Messina or Avignon in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Messina and Avignon. Most visitors come to Messina for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Avignon because of the small town charm.

In April, Messina is generally a little warmer than Avignon. Daily temperatures in Messina average around 16°C (60°F), and Avignon fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Avignon this time of the year. In Messina, it's very sunny this time of the year. Messina usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Avignon during spring. Messina gets 207 hours of sunny skies, while Avignon receives 218 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Messina usually receives around the same amount of rain as Avignon. Messina gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Avignon receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Avignon and Messina