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

Should you visit Messina or Paris?

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 Paris 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. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Paris

Paris is a beautiful, iconic, and bustling city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Messina and Paris: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Messina or Paris?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Paris than Messina, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Paris is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Messina is known for its beaches. Paris is more touristy than Messina and is popular for its world-renowned cuisine, iconic landmarks, trendsetting fashion, and dynamic markets. It is also home to The Eiffel Tower. Messina is popular for being the entry and departure point to Sicily for those traveling by ferry.

The Eiffel Tower

How is Messina different from Paris?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Paris is renowned for its museums and landmarks. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Paris that are not to be missed. One of the most world famous landmarks is the Eiffel Tower. The city is also home to the world renowned Louvre, Notre-Dame, and Palais Garnier Opera House. In addition to the many iconic sights, there are beautiful buildings and hidden gems throughout the city.

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 Messina or Paris Better for Theater?

Paris is renowned for theatre. However, Messina is not a theatre destination.

Visitors will find world class theater shows, plays, and musicals in Paris that are not to be missed. There are world class theaters as well as smaller local venues where you can enjoy a show.

Messina is not a theatre destination.

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

Paris 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 Paris have been singled out for their culinary prowess. There are countless local restaurants, markets, and patisseries to explore. Make sure you try the steak tartare, pate, and macarons.

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 Paris Better for Nightlife?

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

Paris is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. Head to Pigalle or the Latin Quarter for some of the city's best nightlife. There are all-night parties, cabarets, and exclusive night clubs that you can experience.

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 Paris Better for Music?

Paris is renowned for live music. However, Messina is not a live music destination.

Paris is a world class music destination. Some of the most famous music venues include Le Pop In, La Mécanique Ondulatoire, and Les Disquaires. You'll also find many small bars where you can enjoy live music in a quaint setting.

Messina is not a live music destination.

Is Messina or Paris Better for Beaches?

Messina is adequate for its beaches. However, Paris 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.

Paris is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Messina or Paris?

Paris is renowned for shopping. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Paris is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. Some of the best areas for shopping are Boulevard Haussmann and the Grands Boulevards, the Marais, and Avenue Montaigne and the Champs-Elysées. The city is iconic for its fashion scene and world class shopping venues.

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 Paris Better for Christmas?

Paris is renowned for its Christmas activities. However, Messina does not offer Christmas activities.

During Christmas, Paris is not to be missed. The city of lights really proves itself around the holiday season. In addition to checking out the Christmas lights, it's fun to go window shopping or check out one of the city's Christmas markets.

Messina does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Messina or Paris Better for Families?

Paris is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Paris is an extremely popular city to visit for families. Check out Jardin du Luxembourg, or one of the city's many playgrounds. Also grab a treat at one of the city's many patisseries. And of course, there's Disneyland Paris.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Messina is very family-friendly. 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.

Is Messina or Paris Better for Couples?

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

Paris is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. A city filled with romance, you really can't find a more ideal destination for a European honeymoon or a couple's getaway.

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 Paris Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Paris is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. It's a big city, so it's easy to get lost in the chaos, but there are many hostels and other backpacker hangouts around town.

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 Paris Better for Students?

Paris is renowned for students. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Paris is a very popular city for students. The city is one of the most popular destinations for international and study abroad 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.

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

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

Paris has a great public transit system. The city's metro system is very comprehensive. There's also a bus system that you can use to get around.

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 Paris a more walkable city?

Messina and Paris both are excellent 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.

Paris is a very walkable port city. Some streets can feel a bit overwhelming, but there are many parts of the city that are easily explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Paris or Messina?

How long in Messina or Paris?

Both Messina and Paris have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Paris than in Messina. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Messina, and 3-7 days is enough time in Paris.

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

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

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

One day in Messina or Paris?

In Messina, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this local 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.

Because Paris is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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 Paris?

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.

Because Paris 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. 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 Paris?

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.

Paris is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Paris has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Messina or Paris?

You'll find food and shopping around the bustling 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 Paris. Because Paris is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

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 Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Messina or Paris?

Paris has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Messina. When comparing the sizes of Messina and Paris, 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 Paris?

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 Paris in the Summer?

Both Paris 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. Also, many visitors come to Paris in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Messina is a little warmer than Paris in the summer. The daily temperature in Messina averages around 27°C (80°F) in July, and Paris fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In Paris, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Messina. In the summer, Messina often gets more sunshine than Paris. Messina gets 332 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Paris receives 241 hours of full sun.

Messina usually gets less rain in July than Paris. Messina gets 19 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Paris receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Messina or Paris in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Messina is much warmer than Paris. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Messina in October average around 21°C (69°F), and Paris averages at about 13°C (56°F).

Messina usually receives more sunshine than Paris during autumn. Messina gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Paris receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Messina gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Messina usually receives more rain than Paris. Messina gets 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Paris receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Messina or Paris in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Messina as well as Paris. Most visitors come to Messina for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Paris because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

The weather in Paris can be very cold. In January, Messina is generally much warmer than Paris. Daily temperatures in Messina average around 13°C (55°F), and Paris fluctuates around 5°C (40°F).

In the winter, Messina often gets more sunshine than Paris. Messina gets 115 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Paris receives 62 hours of full sun.

Messina receives a lot of rain in the winter. Messina usually gets more rain in January than Paris. Messina gets 113 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Paris receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Messina or Paris in the Spring?

Both Paris 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 activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Paris this time of year.

Messina is a little warmer than Paris in the spring. The daily temperature in Messina averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Paris fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Messina. Messina usually receives more sunshine than Paris during spring. Messina gets 207 hours of sunny skies, while Paris receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Messina usually receives more rain than Paris. Messina gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Paris receives 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Paris and Messina