A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Messina vs. Bari for Food, Attractions, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Messina or Bari?

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 Bari 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.

Bari

Bari is a authentic, local, and cultural port city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

Messina and Bari: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Messina or Bari?

You'll generally find more things to do in Bari than Messina. Bari is bigger than Messina, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Messina is more touristy than Bari and is popular for being the entry and departure point to Sicily for those traveling by ferry. Bari is well known for its authentic old town and its role as a ferry port for travelers headed across the Adriatic. Also, Bari is famous for San Nicola.

How is Messina different from Bari?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Bari is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Bari. The city is filled with historical sights and archeological ruins. San Nicola is the main basilica in town and a popular tourist sight. The Castello is also a highlight, as is San Sabino.

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 Bari? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bari 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 Bari have been singled out for their culinary prowess. It's off-the-beaten-path vibe means that you won't find the overpriced tourist restaurants that have taken over more touristy cities. Instead you'll find locally owned pasta shops that cater to the town's residents. You can taste authentic Pugliese cuisine, which is centered around wheat and olive oil. Orecchiette is the local pasta and seafood is one of the most common staples.

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 Bari Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Messina and Bari.

Messina is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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.

Many people head to Bari for the nightlife scene. The city really comes to life at night with many dance clubs, bars, and other fun venues. There's plenty of live music as well as jazz clubs and other local bars.

Is Messina or Bari Better for Beaches?

Bari is a port city with good options for its beaches. However, Messina is not particularly known for the beache.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Bari. There's a sandy beach that you can reach by bus outside of the city center. There are also many great beaches around Puglia if you're willing to take a day trip or travel a bit farther.

You can check out the beach in Messina. There are pebbly beaches in the area that are becoming more popular with tourists.

Is Messina or Bari Better for its Old Town?

Bari is well known for its historic old town. However, Messina does not have a historic old town.

Bari is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The old town is filled with historic sights, mazelike streets, and great food. It's pedestrian-only and, because Bari is not as popular with tourists, it holds on to its authentic charm.

Messina does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Messina or Bari?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Bari 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 Bari. You won't find the souvenir shops that you find in more touristy cities, so if you take the time to do some shopping while you're in town, you can enjoy a truly authentic and cultural experience.

Is Messina or Bari Better for Families?

Both Messina and Bari are very good to visit with kids.

Messina is a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Bari is very family-friendly. There are historical sites and castles to explore as well as the fun-filled Miragica amusement park. There's also an impressive underground city that will spark the kid's imagination. Other fun activities include visiting the nearby beaches, taking a kayak tour, or wandering around the old town.

Is Messina or Bari Better for Couples?

Both Messina and Bari 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.

Bari makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The old town is filled with mazelike streets and the city has many unique activities that appeal to history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Is Messina or Bari Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bari is well known for backpackers. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Bari. There's plenty of hostels around town and the prices are usually very reasonable. Many backpackers pass through this port city on their way to Greece or other Adriatic destinations.

Plenty of backpackers visit Messina. 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.

Is Messina or Bari Better for Students?

Bari is well known for students. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Students come from all over to stay in Bari. It's a great student city that offers access to many nearby Mediterranean destinations. There are also a number of historical sights within town that students can visit.

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.

Is Messina or Bari 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 Bari.

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 Bari offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses around town that are operated by the AMTAB.

Is Messina or Bari a more walkable city?

Messina and Bari both are very good when exploring on foot.

Messina is very walkable. 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.

Bari is a very walkable port city. The old town is pedestrian-only and best explored on foot. It's also about a 20 minute walk from the central train station.

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

Should I spend more time in Bari or Messina?

How long in Messina or Bari?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Messina and Bari. In our opinion, Bari has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Bari than Messina. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Messina, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bari.

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

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

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

One day in Messina or Bari?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Messina. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Bari, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This port city 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 Bari?

Messina 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.

In Bari, you'll find food and shopping. 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. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bari has to offer.

Five days in Messina or Bari?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the local destination of Messina. This port city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Bari 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 Bari?

The local port city of Messina offers nightlife and food. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bari. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bari. One reason most visitors come is for the food. 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 Walking Tours in Italy, and The Best Luxury Tours to Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Messina and Bari, 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 Bari Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Messina or Bari?

Bari has a larger population, and is about 26% larger than the population of Messina. When comparing the sizes of Messina and Bari, 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 Bari?

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 Bari in the Summer?

Both Bari and Messina during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Messina this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bari for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Messina is generally around the same temperature as Bari. Daily temperatures in Messina average around 27°C (80°F), and Bari fluctuates around 25°C (76°F).

In Bari, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Messina. In the summer, Messina often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bari. Messina gets 332 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bari receives 336 hours of full sun.

Messina usually gets more rain in July than Bari. Messina gets 19 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Bari receives 9 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Messina or Bari in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Messina and Bari. Many travelers come to Messina for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bari in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Messina is a little warmer than Bari in the autumn. The daily temperature in Messina averages around 21°C (69°F) in October, and Bari fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

Messina usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bari during autumn. Messina gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Bari receives 178 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 Bari. Messina gets 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Bari receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Messina or Bari in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Messina as well as Bari. Many visitors come to Messina in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Bari for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Messina is a little warmer than Bari. Typically, the winter temperatures in Messina in January average around 13°C (55°F), and Bari averages at about 10°C (49°F).

In the winter, Messina often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bari. Messina gets 115 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bari receives 110 hours of full sun.

Messina receives a lot of rain in the winter. Messina usually gets more rain in January than Bari. Messina gets 113 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Bari receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Messina or Bari in the Spring?

Both Bari and Messina are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Messina for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Bari because of the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Messina is generally a little warmer than Bari. Daily temperatures in Messina average around 16°C (60°F), and Bari fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

It's quite sunny in Bari. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Messina. Messina usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bari during spring. Messina gets 207 hours of sunny skies, while Bari receives 203 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Messina usually receives more rain than Bari. Messina gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Bari receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bari and Messina