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

Should you visit Messina or Livorno?

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 Livorno 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.

Livorno

Livorno is a down-to-earth, waterfront, and friendly 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.

Messina and Livorno: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Messina or Livorno?

You'll generally find more things to do in Messina than Livorno. Messina is bigger than Livorno, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. 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. Livorno is well known for its large port and its great seafood.

How is Messina different from Livorno?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Messina is a nice place to visit for its historical sights. However, Livorno is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Messina. 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.

Livorno offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. The waterfront promenade and New Venice are nice to explore. There's an aquarium in town as well as a fun central market.

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

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at notable restaurants in both Messina and Livorno.

Messina offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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).

Livorno has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. As a port city, this is the place to try seafood. Many dishes include calamari, shrimp, or freshly caught fish. The city is less touristy than most in Italy, so even the food has an authentic and down-to-earth vibe.

Is Messina or Livorno Better for Nightlife?

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

Many people head to Messina for the nightlife scene. 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 Livorno. Most visitors arrive by cruise ship, and depart in the evening, but the city is large and for those that stay the night, there are a number of bars and clubs around town.

Is Messina or Livorno Better for Beaches?

Both Messina and Livorno are considered to be respectable beach destinations.

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

You can check out the beach in Livorno. The beaches are pebbly or rocky, so you won't really find a long stretch of sandy beach where you can relax. They can also stay very crowded.

Is the Shopping Better in Messina or Livorno?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Livorno 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 Livorno. The main shopping street in town is Via Grande. It's generally filled with major chain stores and familiar brands.

Is Messina or Livorno Better for Families?

Messina is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Livorno is not as popular, but is still a nice port city 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.

Livorno is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has a nice aquarium as well as outdoor recreational activities like cycling and boating. There's a beach and parks where kids can stretch their legs and run around as well.

Is Messina or Livorno Better for Couples?

Both Messina and Livorno 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.

Livorno makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are some nice museums as well as parks and boat rides that couples can enjoy. There's also an aquarium and a beach.

Is Messina or Livorno Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Messina is a nice place to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Livorno is not a good destination for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to 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.

Livorno is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most backpackers skip this city, so you won't find many hostels around town. It's a relatively affordable place to stay with some fun entertainment options if you do pass through.

Is Messina or Livorno Better for Students?

Messina is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Livorno 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.

Livorno is not popular with students.

Is Messina or Livorno 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 Livorno.

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 Livorno offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are buses around town including lines that run from the central train station to the port.

Is Messina or Livorno a more walkable city?

Messina is great for its ease of walking around. Also, Livorno is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its walkability.

Messina is a very walkable destination. 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.

Livorno is somewhat walkable. Parts of the city are walkable, but if you're arriving by cruise ship, you'll want to take a shuttle bus from the port.

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

Should I spend more time in Livorno or Messina?

How long in Messina or Livorno?

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

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

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

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.

In Livorno, you'll find shopping and nightlife. 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 Livorno?

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.

In Livorno, you'll find nightlife and food. 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 Livorno has to offer.

Five days in Messina or Livorno?

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.

Livorno 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 Livorno?

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 Livorno. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Livorno. 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 Livorno, we can see that Livorno 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 Livorno Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Messina or Livorno?

Messina has a larger population, and is about 61% larger than the population of Livorno. When comparing the sizes of Messina and Livorno, 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 Livorno?

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 Livorno in the Summer?

Both Livorno and Messina during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Messina for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Livorno because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Messina is generally a little warmer than Livorno. Daily temperatures in Messina average around 27°C (80°F), and Livorno fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In Livorno, 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 Livorno. Messina gets 332 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Livorno receives 316 hours of full sun.

Messina usually gets less rain in July than Livorno. Messina gets 19 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Livorno receives 24 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Messina or Livorno in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Messina and Livorno. The autumn months attract visitors to Messina because of the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Livorno this time of year.

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

Messina usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Livorno during autumn. Messina gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Livorno receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Livorno 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 Livorno. Messina gets 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Livorno receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Messina or Livorno in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Messina as well as Livorno. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Messina this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Livorno for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Messina is much warmer than Livorno. Typically, the winter temperatures in Messina in January average around 13°C (55°F), and Livorno averages at about 7°C (45°F).

In the winter, Messina often gets more sunshine than Livorno. Messina gets 115 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Livorno receives 105 hours of full sun.

Messina receives a lot of rain in the winter. Messina usually gets more rain in January than Livorno. Messina gets 113 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Livorno receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Messina or Livorno in the Spring?

Both Livorno and Messina are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Messina for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Livorno in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city.

In April, Messina is generally a little warmer than Livorno. Daily temperatures in Messina average around 16°C (60°F), and Livorno fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Messina. Messina usually receives more sunshine than Livorno during spring. Messina gets 207 hours of sunny skies, while Livorno receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Messina usually receives less rain than Livorno. Messina gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Livorno receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Livorno and Messina