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

Should you visit Messina or Naples?

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 Naples 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. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Naples

Naples is a historic, authentic, and gritty city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Messina and Naples: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Messina or Naples?

You'll generally find more things to do in Naples than Messina. Naples is bigger than Messina, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Naples is better known for its museums, food, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Messina is more popular for its beaches. Messina is well known for being the entry and departure point to Sicily for those traveling by ferry. Naples is well known for its colorful atmosphere, long running history, and influence on world cuisine as the birthplace of pizza. Also, Naples is famous for Piazza del Plebiscito.

How is Messina different from Naples?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Naples 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 Naples. Most of the sights are concentrated in the city's historic center. The Naples Harbor is a gateway to the Mediterranean. Also worth visiting are the National Archeological Museum, Capodimonte Royal Palace, Castel Nuovo, and the Catacombs of San Gennaro.

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 Naples? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Naples 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 Naples have been singled out for their culinary prowess. As the birthplace of pizza, the city has a well known food reputation. Many local dishes, including an authentic Napoli pizza, use simple flavors such as olive oil, garlic, and tomatoes. The dishes are lighter than their northern counterparts and tomatoes are a very popular ingredient. In addition to the pizza, you should try Lasagna Al Forno Napoletana and Spaghetti Alla Vognole. Also check out a pizza making class.

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 Naples Better for Nightlife?

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

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 Naples for the nightlife scene. The nightlife scene includes small bars, wineries, and dance clubs, but much of the energy and activity is actually focused on being outdoors. There is plenty of live music and many nightclubs are actually "disco bars" that are found tucked away in the city's historic center.

Is Messina or Naples Better for Beaches?

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

The beach in Messina is worth checking out. There are pebbly beaches in the area that are becoming more popular with tourists.

Naples is not a beach destination.

Is Messina or Naples Better for its Old Town?

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

Naples is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. Most of the city's tourist attractions are found in the historic center, which includes beautiful fountains, grand churches, and an impressive network of catacombs and caves.

Messina does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Messina or Naples?

Naples is well known for shopping. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Naples is an extremely popular place for shoppers. There are shopping streets and districts that have boutique clothing vendors, high end brands, and major chains. There's plenty of diversity in the shopping scene and some of the best shopping areas include Via Toledo, the Chiaia District, and Poggioreale Market.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Messina. 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.

Is Messina or Naples Better for Families?

Messina is well known for its family-friendly activities. Also, Naples is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Messina is known to be 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.

Naples offers lots of family activities. Despite its rough-around-the-edges reputation, the city actually has some fun kid-friendly activities. As the birthplace of pizza, a childhood favorite, eating is a kid approved activity. You can even try your hand at pizza making classes. Other fun kid-friendly activities include exploring the underground city, going to The Science Centre of Citta della Scienza, and running around Parco di Capodimonte.

Is Messina or Naples Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Naples frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Dining on pizza, wine tasting, or taking a cruise on the Gulf of Naples all make this city a great couples destination. There are also many romantic day trips in the area, so many couples use Naples as a base for exploring the region.

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 Naples Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Naples 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 Naples. It's more affordable than most of northern Italy, and it has plenty of hostels to choose from. The city makes a great stop for backpackers who want to see a different part of Italy. While not completely off the backpacker trail, Naples is not inundated with tourists the way some other Italian cities are.

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 Naples Better for Students?

Messina and Naples are notable 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 Naples. It's a large city with a lot to see and do. Students also appreciate the many day trips that are available in the area.

Is Messina or Naples Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Naples is well known for its public transit. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors rely on the effecient and affordable public transportation in Naples. There's a metro with two metro lines as well as four suburban train lines. There are also funiculars, regional trains, and ferries to the surrounding areas.

While Messina offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. If your legs are tired then there's an efficient bus system that you can use.

Is Messina or Naples a more walkable city?

Messina and Naples both are high quality 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.

Naples is a very walkable port city. The historic center is flat and easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Naples or Messina?

How long in Messina or Naples?

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

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

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

One day in Messina or Naples?

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.

Because Naples is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This 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 Naples?

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.

Because Naples is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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 Naples has to offer.

Five days in Messina or Naples?

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.

Naples 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 Naples?

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

Which is Bigger, Messina or Naples?

Naples has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Messina. When comparing the sizes of Messina and Naples, 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 Naples?

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 Naples in the Summer?

Both Naples and Messina are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. 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 Naples because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Messina is generally a little warmer than Naples. Daily temperatures in Messina average around 27°C (80°F), and Naples fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

It's quite sunny in Naples. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Messina. Messina usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Naples during summer. Messina gets 332 hours of sunny skies, while Naples receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Messina usually receives less rain than Naples. Messina gets 19 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Naples receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Messina or Naples in the Autumn?

Both Naples and Messina during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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 Naples this time of year.

Messina is a little warmer than Naples in the autumn. The daily temperature in Messina averages around 21°C (69°F) in October, and Naples fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Messina often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Naples. Messina gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Naples receives 189 hours of full sun.

Naples gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Messina. Messina usually gets less rain in October than Naples. Messina gets 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Naples receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Messina or Naples in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Messina and Naples. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Messina this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Naples for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Messina is much warmer than Naples. Typically, the winter temperatures in Messina in January average around 13°C (55°F), and Naples averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Messina usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Naples during winter. Messina gets 115 hours of sunny skies, while Naples receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.

Naples receives a lot of rain in the winter. Messina gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Messina usually receives around the same amount of rain as Naples. Messina gets 113 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Naples receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Messina or Naples in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Messina as well as Naples. Many travelers come to Messina for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, many visitors come to Naples in the spring for the activities around the city.

In April, Messina is generally a little warmer than Naples. Daily temperatures in Messina average around 16°C (60°F), and Naples fluctuates around 13°C (55°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 Naples. Messina gets 207 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Naples receives 189 hours of full sun.

Messina usually gets less rain in April than Naples. Messina gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Naples receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Naples and Messina