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

Should you visit Messina or Dijon?

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 Dijon 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 historic, bustling, and local port city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Dijon

Dijon is a laid-back, culinary, and relaxing city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Messina and Dijon: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Messina or Dijon?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Dijon than Messina. While Messina is larger than Dijon, Dijon has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Dijon is more popular for its museums, food, and impressive beauty, while Messina is known for its nightlife and beaches. Dijon is more touristy than Messina and is known for its cuisine, wine, and nearby vineyards. It is also home to The Ducal Palace. Messina is popular for being the entry and departure point to Sicily for those traveling by ferry.

How is Messina different from Dijon?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Dijon 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 Dijon. This historic city is filled with sights worth checking. Palais des Ducs and the Musée des Beaux-Arts, Cathédrale Saint-Bénigne, and Eglise Notre-Dame are among the favorites.

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 Dijon? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dijon 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 Dijon have been singled out for their culinary prowess. It is one of the top foodie destinations in France, and you'll find amazing local markets, award winning restaurants, and world class cuisine. Make sure you check out Les Halles Market to try local flavors. In addition to its famous mustard, the city is also popular for gingerbread, truffles, escargot, and, of course, wine.

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 Dijon Better for Nightlife?

Messina is notable for nightlife. Also, Dijon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

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

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Dijon. While it's not a active as the larger European cities, there's still an fun nightlife scene that is driven mostly by the large student population.

Is Messina or Dijon Better for Beaches?

Messina is a moderate port city for its beaches. However, Dijon is not a beach destination.

Messina is a good spot to see the beach. There are pebbly beaches in the area that are becoming more popular with tourists.

Dijon is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Messina or Dijon?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Dijon 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 Dijon. For the best shopping in town, head to the main shopping street - Rue de la Liberté. It's lined with everything from clothing stores to wine shops and larger department stores. You'll even be able to pick up some of the famed mustard while you're in town.

Is Messina or Dijon Better for Families?

Messina is notable for its family-friendly activities. Also, Dijon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

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.

Dijon is a family-friendly port city. Kids will enjoy the open space that the city offers. There are parks where they can run around, like The Parc de la Colombieres which has a carousel and a ropes course. There are also many museums including two favorites for young ones - Musee de la Vie Bourguignonne and Musee d'Histoire Naturelle.

Is Messina or Dijon Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Dijon frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Art, palaces, gardens, and fine wine make it a perfect couple's getaway. There is some of the best food in France, as well as a welcoming culture and many beautiful sights to explore.

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 Dijon Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Messina and Dijon are good 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 Dijon. It's a beautiful city with a touristy vibe, so you'll likely meet other travelers while you're in town.

Is Messina or Dijon Better for Students?

Messina and Dijon are good places to visit for 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.

It's common for students to visit Dijon. While it's quieter than the bigger cities, you'll find a young vibe and enough of a nightlife scene to keep it interesting.

Is Messina or Dijon 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 Dijon.

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 Dijon offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Tram and buses offer access to many parts of the city.

Is Messina or Dijon a more walkable city?

Messina is notable for its walkability. Also, Dijon is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

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.

Dijon is a somewhat walkable place. Most of the inner city is walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Dijon or Messina?

How long in Messina or Dijon?

It's fun to spend time in either Messina or Dijon. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Dijon 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 Dijon.

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

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

In Messina, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this historic destination offers. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

In Dijon, you'll find nightlife and food. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This city 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 Dijon?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Messina. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

In Dijon, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. 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 Dijon has to offer.

Five days in Messina or Dijon?

Messina is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Messina. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

Dijon 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 Dijon?

You'll find food and shopping around the local destination of Messina. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dijon. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Dijon. One reason most visitors come is for the food. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to France, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Messina or Dijon?

Messina has a larger population, and is about 68% larger than the population of Dijon. When comparing the sizes of Messina and Dijon, 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 Dijon?

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 Dijon in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Messina and Dijon. Many travelers come to Messina for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Dijon in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Messina is a little warmer than Dijon in the summer. The daily temperature in Messina averages around 27°C (80°F) in July, and Dijon fluctuates around 21°C (70°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Dijon this time of the year. In Messina, it's very sunny this time of the year. Messina usually receives more sunshine than Dijon during summer. Messina gets 332 hours of sunny skies, while Dijon receives 266 hours of full sun in the summer.

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

Should I visit Messina or Dijon in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Messina as well as Dijon. Many visitors come to Messina in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, most visitors come to Dijon for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In the autumn, Messina is much warmer than Dijon. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Messina in October average around 21°C (69°F), and Dijon averages at about 13°C (55°F).

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

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

Should I visit Messina or Dijon in the Winter?

Both Dijon and Messina are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Messina for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Dijon because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Dijon can be very cold. In January, Messina is generally much warmer than Dijon. Daily temperatures in Messina average around 13°C (55°F), and Dijon fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

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

It's quite rainy in Messina. In January, Messina usually receives more rain than Dijon. Messina gets 113 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Dijon receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Messina or Dijon in the Spring?

Both Dijon and Messina during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Messina because of the beaches and the activities around the city. Furthermore, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Dijon this time of year.

Messina is a little warmer than Dijon in the spring. The daily temperature in Messina averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Dijon fluctuates around 11°C (53°F).

It's quite sunny in Messina. In the spring, Messina often gets more sunshine than Dijon. Messina gets 207 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dijon receives 178 hours of full sun.

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

Typical Weather for Dijon and Messina