A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Messina vs. Nice for Food, Nightlife, Couples, and Beaches

Should you visit Messina or Nice?

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 Nice 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 nightlife, food, and shopping.

Nice

Nice is a chic, glamourous, and beautiful seaside destination. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. It's also known for nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Messina and Nice: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Messina or Nice?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Nice than Messina. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Nice is very popular for its food, nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Messina attracts visitors for its museums and big city activities. Nice is more touristy than Messina and is known for its beachfront setting in the French Riviera as well as its popularity with A-list celebrities. It is also well known for The Promenade des Anglais. Messina is famous for being the entry and departure point to Sicily for those traveling by ferry.

How is Messina different from Nice?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Messina is a port city with good options for its sights and museums. However, Nice does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Nice does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Nice 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 Nice have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The cuisine brings together fresh regional ingredients and mixes Provençal and Niçoise flavors. You'll find a lot of Italian influence as well. Fresh seafood is the thing to try while you're in town, but other local favorites include socca, Ratatouille, and Salade niçoise.

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 Nice Better for Nightlife?

Nice is renowned for nightlife. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

Nice is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. The city has some of the best nightlife on the Cote d'Azur. You'll find a number of nightclubs along the seaside as well a bars and pubs in the Old Town. Some of the best clubs are along Promenade des Anglais.

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.

Is Messina or Nice Better for Resorts?

Nice is renowned for its resorts. However, Messina is not a resort destination.

Nice is a world class resort vacation destination. The city has boutique hotels as well high end luxury resorts. Popular options include Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée, Hôtel Suisse, and AC Hotel by Marriott.

Messina is not a resort destination.

Is Messina or Nice Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Nice is a seaside destination with good options for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Messina is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Nice. There are some places where you can arrange a snorkeling or dive trip to explore the underwater setting.

Messina is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Messina or Nice Better for Beaches?

Nice is well known for its beaches. However, Messina is not particularly known for the beache.

The beaches at Nice attract visitors from all over. The city has about 4 miles of beach along its coastline and there are both public and private beaches available. La Réserve is a public beach with a laid back and fun vibe. Plage Beau Rivage is a private beach with many amenities, making it a favorite for visitors. Blue Beach is another private beach that is very family-friendly.

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 Nice Better for its Old Town?

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

Nice is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. Wandering around the charming old town is a quintessential part of visiting this city. There are many historic churches and squares, as well as great restaurants and shops that you can pop in.

Messina does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Messina or Nice?

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

Nice is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city has long been a favorite for the rich and famous, so you'll find plenty of shopping opportunities around town. The boutique shops are chic, trendy, and fashionable, but for those on a budget, you can sometimes find a unique local purchase in your budget.

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 Nice Better for Families?

Messina is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Nice is not as famous, but is still a good seaside destination to visit 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.

Nice is a family-friendly port city. The town has many fun playgrounds, kid-friendly beaches, and unique cultural opportunities that kids can enjoy. It also makes a great base for exploring the French Riviera and everything that it has to offer.

Is Messina or Nice Better for Couples?

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

Nice is a great seaside destination for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The old town is filled with romance and charm. You can also take a walk along the Promenade Des Anglais or soak up the romantic countryside that surrounds the town.

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 Nice Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Messina and Nice are nice 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 Nice. Because it's one of the most popular tourist destinations in France, many backpackers make their way here. Nice is known for its high end vibe, so it can be challenging to find affordable options, but if you know where to look, they are around.

Is Messina or Nice Better for Students?

Messina is a port city with good options for students. However, Nice is not popular with students.

Messina is a good port city to visit for 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.

Nice is not popular with students.

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

Nice 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 Nice. There are both buses and trams.

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 Nice a more walkable city?

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

Getting around Nice on foot is easy. You should definitely spend some time exploring the 7 kilometer long Promenade des Anglais.

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 Nice Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nice or Messina?

How long in Messina or Nice?

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

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

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

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

One day in Messina or Nice?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Messina. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Nice, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This seaside destination 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 Nice?

Messina is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Nice, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Messina or Nice?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the bustling destination of Messina. This port city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Nice 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 Nice has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Messina or Nice?

The local port city of Messina offers nightlife and food. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. 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's hard to know how much time to spend in Nice. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Nice. 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 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.

When comparing the travel costs between Messina and Nice, we can see that Nice 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 Nice Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Messina or Nice?

Nice has a larger population, and is about 34% larger than the population of Messina. When comparing the sizes of Messina and Nice, 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 Nice?

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 Nice in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Messina and Nice. The summer months attract visitors to Messina because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Nice this time of year.

In the summer, Messina is a little warmer than Nice. Typically, the summer temperatures in Messina in July average around 27°C (80°F), and Nice averages at about 23°C (73°F).

In July, Messina usually receives more rain than Nice. Messina gets 19 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Nice receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Messina or Nice in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Messina as well as Nice. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Messina this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Nice for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Messina is generally a little warmer than Nice. Daily temperatures in Messina average around 21°C (69°F), and Nice fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

It's quite rainy in Nice. Messina receives a lot of rain in the autumn. Messina usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Nice. Messina gets 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Nice receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Messina or Nice in the Winter?

Both Nice and Messina are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Messina for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Nice in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Messina is a little warmer than Nice in the winter. The daily temperature in Messina averages around 13°C (55°F) in January, and Nice fluctuates around 9°C (48°F).

It's quite rainy in Messina. In January, Messina usually receives more rain than Nice. Messina gets 113 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Nice receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Messina or Nice in the Spring?

Both Nice and Messina during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Messina in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Nice for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Messina is a little warmer than Nice. Typically, the spring temperatures in Messina in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Nice averages at about 13°C (56°F).

Messina usually gets around the same amount of rain in April as Nice. Messina gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Nice receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Nice and Messina