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

Should you visit Messina or Dubrovnik?

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 Dubrovnik 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.

Dubrovnik

Dubrovnik is a coastal, historic, and charming coastal town. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. It's also known for nightlife, food, and beaches.

Messina and Dubrovnik: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Messina or Dubrovnik?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Dubrovnik than Messina, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Dubrovnik is better known for its museums, food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Messina is more popular for its nightlife and big city activities. Dubrovnik is more touristy than Messina and is popular for its well-preserved medieval old town that is surrounded by stone walls and has been the production sight for many major movies and television shows. Also, Dubrovnik is famous for The Old Town Walls. Messina is well known for being the entry and departure point to Sicily for those traveling by ferry.

How is Messina different from Dubrovnik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Dubrovnik 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 Dubrovnik. The old town is a living museum that is filled with historic landmarks like the old town walls, the Dubrovnik Cathedral and Treasury, and Loggia Square.

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 Dubrovnik? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dubrovnik 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 Dubrovnik have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Restaurants are usually locally-sourced with fresh produce and seafood. Traditional local dishes include black risotto (made with squid ink), pašticada (a beef dish), and various pasta dishes.

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 Dubrovnik Better for Nightlife?

Messina is a great port city for its evening party scene. Also, Dubrovnik is not as popular, but is still a nice coastal town for nightlife.

The nightlife in Messina has something for everybody. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Dubrovnik. There are many bars around town that take advantage of the unique architecture of the city. There are far less clubs, but for a drink in a laid back setting, you'll find plenty of options.

Is Messina or Dubrovnik Better for Resorts?

Dubrovnik is well known for its resorts. However, Messina is not a resort destination.

In Dubrovnik, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. The old town is the most famous and charming part of the city, but you'll find most of the resorts spanning the coastline outside of town. Inside the old town there are a few boutique hotels and a number of rooms available for rent, but make sure you book early during peak seasons. For a resort, look outside of the old town with popular options including Hotel Dubrovnik Palace, the Hilton Imperial, and Rixos Premium.

Messina is not a resort destination.

Is Messina or Dubrovnik Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Dubrovnik is a coastal town with a few options for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Messina is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Dubrovnik has a few snorkeling spots. On clear days, snorkeling can be a fun activity, but the weather and visibility can vary so conditions are unpredictable. Buža is a popular snorkeling spot in town, but you can also organize tours to other areas.

Messina is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Messina or Dubrovnik Better for Beaches?

Dubrovnik is a coastal town with good options for its beaches. However, Messina is not particularly known for the beache.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Dubrovnik. The old town is the main appeal of the area, but there are several beaches that are nice for taking a swim or sunbathing. They are often pebbly, but the water is blue and the views are beautiful.

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 Dubrovnik Better for its Old Town?

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

The old town of Dubrovnik is one of the most recognized in the world. This walled old town is among the most famous in Europe. It's sits beautifully along the coast and it is pedestrian only. You can spend plenty of time exploring the historic lanes, popping in shops and restaurants, and soaking up the charming atmosphere.

Messina does not have a historic old town.

Is Messina or Dubrovnik Better for Hiking?

Dubrovnik is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Messina is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Dubrovnik. There are a number of hikes outside of town that take you along the dramatic coastal. The paths offer spectacular views back towards town or along the water.

Messina is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Messina or Dubrovnik?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Dubrovnik 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 Dubrovnik. The old town offers some nice boutique shops where you can buy designer clothes, jewelry, or trinkets.

Is Messina or Dubrovnik Better for Families?

Both Messina and Dubrovnik are excellent 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, Dubrovnik is very family-friendly. The city has nice beaches, beautiful hikes, and historic city walls that are fun to explore with kids. The food is also kid-friendly and the locals love meeting children.

Is Messina or Dubrovnik Better for Couples?

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

Dubrovnik is a great coastal town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. With its beautiful old town, nice beaches, and laid back atmosphere, this makes the perfect couple's getaway destination. Pop in a local restaurant and try the seafood before exploring the charming squares and historic buildings.

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 Dubrovnik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Dubrovnik is renowned for backpackers. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Dubrovnik is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. It's not hard to find a room in a local's home near old town at an affordable price. The food is delicious and affordable as well, and you'll find plenty of other backpackers in town to hang out with.

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 Dubrovnik Better for Students?

Messina is a popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Dubrovnik 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.

Dubrovnik is not popular with students.

Is Messina or Dubrovnik 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 Dubrovnik.

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 Dubrovnik offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are 12 bus lines that connect all parts of the city with the city center.

Is Messina or Dubrovnik a more walkable city?

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

Getting around Dubrovnik on foot is easy. The old town is completely pedestrian-only and you can also explore the city's historic walls 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 Dubrovnik Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Dubrovnik or Messina?

How long in Messina or Dubrovnik?

In either Messina or Dubrovnik, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Dubrovnik than Messina because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Messina, and 1-5 days is enough time in Dubrovnik.

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

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

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

One day in Messina or Dubrovnik?

You'll find shopping and museums around the port city of Messina. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Dubrovnik, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This coastal 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 Dubrovnik?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the bustling destination of Messina. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this port city has to offer. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

In Dubrovnik, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Dubrovnik has to offer.

Five days in Messina or Dubrovnik?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the bustling port city of Messina. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Dubrovnik is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Dubrovnik has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Messina or Dubrovnik?

Messina is a popular choice for travelers. 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 will give you the chance to have new experiences.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Dubrovnik. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Dubrovnik. One reason most visitors come is for the food. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 2-Week Tours from Split, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Croatia.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Messina or Dubrovnik?

Messina has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Dubrovnik. When comparing the sizes of Messina and Dubrovnik, 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 Dubrovnik?

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 Dubrovnik in the Summer?

Both Dubrovnik and Messina during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Messina for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Dubrovnik in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Messina is generally around the same temperature as Dubrovnik. Daily temperatures in Messina average around 27°C (80°F), and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

Messina usually gets less rain in July than Dubrovnik. Messina gets 19 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Messina or Dubrovnik in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Messina and Dubrovnik. Many visitors come to Messina in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Furthermore, most visitors come to Dubrovnik for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Messina is a little warmer than Dubrovnik in the autumn. The daily temperature in Messina averages around 21°C (69°F) in October, and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

Dubrovnik receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Messina gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Messina usually receives less rain than Dubrovnik. Messina gets 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 162 mm (6.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Messina or Dubrovnik in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Messina as well as Dubrovnik. Most visitors come to Messina for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Dubrovnik because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Messina is a little warmer than Dubrovnik. Typically, the winter temperatures in Messina in January average around 13°C (55°F), and Dubrovnik averages at about 9°C (48°F).

It's quite rainy in Dubrovnik. Messina receives a lot of rain in the winter. Messina usually gets less rain in January than Dubrovnik. Messina gets 113 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 139 mm (5.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Messina or Dubrovnik in the Spring?

Both Dubrovnik and Messina are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Messina because of the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Dubrovnik this time of year.

In April, Messina is generally a little warmer than Dubrovnik. Daily temperatures in Messina average around 16°C (60°F), and Dubrovnik fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

It rains a lot this time of the year in Dubrovnik. In April, Messina usually receives less rain than Dubrovnik. Messina gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Dubrovnik receives 104 mm (4.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Dubrovnik and Messina