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

Should you visit Messina or Beaune?

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 Beaune 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 bustling, local, and historic port city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Beaune

Beaune is a historic, culinary, and quaint town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Messina and Beaune: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Messina or Beaune?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Messina. Although Messina and Beaune are popular destinations, Messina has more sights and attractions for tourists. Messina is very popular for its nightlife, beaches, and big city activities, while Beaune attracts visitors for its museums, food, historical sights, and small town charm. Beaune is more touristy than Messina and is known for its surrounding vineyards and world-renowned wines. Messina is famous for being the entry and departure point to Sicily for those traveling by ferry. It is also well known for Piazza del Duomo.

How is Messina different from Beaune?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Beaune 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 Beaune. Top sights and museums around town include Hôtel-Dieu (a former hospital), Château de Savigny, and Château de la Rochepot.

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 Beaune? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Beaune 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 Beaune have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The restaurant scene is made up of small, narrow, local bistros that serve local dishes with regional ingredients. Many of the menus are focused on wine with the dishes designed specifically to compliment the wines. This is a tourist town, and you'll find many visitors come specifically to enjoy the French cuisine.

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 Beaune Better for Nightlife?

Messina is a great destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Beaune is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

The people in Messina know how to have a good time. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Beaune has a few options to choose from. You'll find bars and pubs as well as many places to sip French wine and enjoy the evening.

Is Messina or Beaune Better for Beaches?

Messina is a port city with a few options for the beache. However, Beaune is not a beach destination.

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

Beaune is not a beach destination.

Is Messina or Beaune Better for its Old Town?

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

The old town of Beaune is one of the most recognized in the world. The old town is walled and compact. It is centered around the medieval hospital complex and it is filled with cobblestone streets and shops.

Messina does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Messina or Beaune?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Beaune 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 Beaune. Boutiques, wine shops, and independent vendors are fun to explore in town.

Is Messina or Beaune Better for Families?

Messina is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Beaune is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Messina is a very kid-friendly port city. 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.

Beaune offers lots of family activities. The town has museums like Hospices de Beaune, Hotel-Dieu (a formal hospital), as well as vineyards that you can hike through. Many people enjoy taking a hot air balloon ride while they're in the region.

Is Messina or Beaune Better for Couples?

Beaune is renowned for romance. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Beaune is a great town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. Couples will enjoy exploring vineyards, sipping French wine, and wandering through the charming old town. There are breathtaking hot air balloon rides and wonderful French restaurants that make for a romantic trip.

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 Beaune Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Messina is a good destination for backpackers. However, Beaune is a town with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

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.

Beaune is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's a charming town, but it's not on many backpacker's itineraries. There are also a limited number of hostels to choose from.

Is Messina or Beaune Better for Students?

Messina is a good destination for students. However, Beaune is not popular with students.

Messina is popular with students. 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.

Beaune is not popular with students.

Is Messina or Beaune 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 Beaune.

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 Beaune offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. While you can walk around the historic center, it's possible to take a bus if you're traveling further.

Is Messina or Beaune a more walkable city?

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

Getting around Beaune on foot is easy. It's a walkable town that's perfect for taking a stroll.

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 Beaune Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Beaune or Messina?

How long in Messina or Beaune?

It's fun to spend time in either Messina or Beaune. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Beaune due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Messina, and 2-4 days is enough time in Beaune.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Messina than Beaune 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 Beaune?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Messina. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Beaune, 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 town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Messina or Beaune?

Messina is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

In Beaune, 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 Beaune has to offer.

Five days in Messina or Beaune?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Messina. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Beaune 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 Beaune?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the bustling destination of Messina. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Beaune. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Beaune. 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 Vineyard & Wine Tours in France, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Messina and Beaune, we can see that Beaune 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 Beaune would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Beaune 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 Beaune Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Messina or Beaune?

Messina has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Beaune. When comparing the sizes of Messina and Beaune, 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 Beaune?

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 Messina or Beaune in the Summer?

Both Beaune and Messina are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Messina this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Beaune for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Messina is a little warmer than Beaune. Typically, the summer temperatures in Messina in July average around 27°C (80°F), and Beaune averages at about 21°C (70°F).

It's quite sunny in Beaune. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Messina. Messina usually receives more sunshine than Beaune during summer. Messina gets 332 hours of sunny skies, while Beaune receives 266 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Messina usually receives less rain than Beaune. Messina gets 19 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Beaune receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Messina or Beaune in the Autumn?

Both Beaune and Messina during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Messina for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, many visitors come to Beaune in the autumn for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

In October, Messina is generally much warmer than Beaune. Daily temperatures in Messina average around 21°C (69°F), and Beaune fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the autumn, Messina often gets more sunshine than Beaune. Messina gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Beaune receives 121 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Messina. Messina usually gets more rain in October than Beaune. Messina gets 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Beaune receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Messina or Beaune in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Messina and Beaune. Many visitors come to Messina in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Beaune for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Beaune can be very cold during winter. Messina is much warmer than Beaune in the winter. The daily temperature in Messina averages around 13°C (55°F) in January, and Beaune fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Messina usually receives more sunshine than Beaune during winter. Messina gets 115 hours of sunny skies, while Beaune receives 53 hours of full sun in the winter.

Messina gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Messina usually receives more rain than Beaune. Messina gets 113 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Beaune receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Messina or Beaune in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Messina as well as Beaune. Most visitors come to Messina for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Beaune because of the small town charm.

In the spring, Messina is a little warmer than Beaune. Typically, the spring temperatures in Messina in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Beaune averages at about 11°C (53°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Messina this time of the year. In the spring, Messina often gets more sunshine than Beaune. Messina gets 207 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Beaune receives 178 hours of full sun.

Messina usually gets more rain in April than Beaune. Messina gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Beaune receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Beaune and Messina