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

Should you visit Messina or Reims?

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 Reims 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.

Reims

Reims is a cultural, beautiful, and relaxing city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Messina and Reims: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Messina or Reims?

You'll generally find more things to do in Messina than Reims. Messina is bigger than Reims, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Messina is better known for its nightlife, beaches, and big city activities, while Reims is more popular for its food, shopping, and impressive beauty. Reims is more touristy than Messina and is known for its Champagne Houses, impressive architecture, and beautiful cathedral. 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.

How is Messina different from Reims?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Both Messina and Reims have notable landmarks and museums for visitors.

Messina is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

Reims offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Sights around town include Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims, Palais du Tau, Basilique Saint-Rémi, and Musée des Beaux-Arts.

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

Reims 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 Reims have been singled out for their culinary prowess. While its famous for its Champagne, the city also has Michelin starred restaurants, local produce, and an amazing regional cuisine. The region is known for its ham, cheese, mustard, and truffles.

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 Reims Better for Nightlife?

Messina is well known for its evening party scene. Also, Reims is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

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.

If you're looking for night time activities Reims has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is relaxing but active. Most locals hang out with friends at local bars near Place Drouet d'Erlon or the Rue Chanzy area. Bars have a combination of local beers and Champagne.

Is Messina or Reims Better for Beaches?

Messina is a port city with a few options for the beach. However, Reims 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.

Reims is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Messina or Reims?

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

Reims is an extremely popular place for shoppers. You'll find not only Champagne, but also jewellry, designer fashion, and chocolate. The best shopping is located around the Place Drouet d'Erlon which is a pedestrian area. Also check out the shopping streets of Rue de Vesle and Cours Langlet.

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 Reims Better for Families?

Messina is well known for its family-friendly activities. However, Reims is not particularly known 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.

For families, Reims is not always the best place to visit. Kids will enjoy exploring the historical city center or visiting the Palace of Tau. For a unique activity, view the region from above with a hot air balloon ride.

Is Messina or Reims Better for Couples?

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

Reims is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. This romantic area is perfect for couples who enjoy wine and history. There is beautiful architecture as well as wine tours and breathtaking hot air balloon rides. Visiting the Champagne Houses is a must for any couple visiting the area.

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 Reims Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Messina and Reims are notable 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 Reims. It's located in the Champagne region, which isn't often associated with backpackers, but it's still not to be missed.

Is Messina or Reims Better for Students?

Messina is a nice place to visit for students. However, Reims is not popular with 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.

Reims is not popular with students.

Is Messina or Reims 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 Reims.

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 Reims offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. In town there are buses and trams, but to get into the countryside you'll need your own car.

Is Messina or Reims a more walkable city?

Messina and Reims 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.

Reims is a very walkable port city. You can explore the city on foot and reach many local Champagne Houses. If you really want to explore everything in depth, you'll need a car.

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

Should I spend more time in Reims or Messina?

How long in Messina or Reims?

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

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

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

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

In Reims, you'll find nightlife and food. One reason most visitors come is for the food. 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 Reims?

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.

In Reims, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. 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 Reims has to offer.

Five days in Messina or Reims?

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.

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

A week in Messina or Reims?

You'll find food and shopping around the historic 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 Reims. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Reims. One reason most visitors come is for the food. 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 Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Messina or Reims?

Messina has a larger population, and is about 28% larger than the population of Reims. When comparing the sizes of Messina and Reims, 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 Reims?

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 Reims in the Summer?

Both Reims 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 Reims because of the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Messina is generally a little warmer than Reims. Daily temperatures in Messina average around 27°C (80°F), and Reims fluctuates around 19°C (65°F).

It's quite sunny in Reims. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Messina. Messina usually receives more sunshine than Reims during summer. Messina gets 332 hours of sunny skies, while Reims receives 235 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Messina usually receives less rain than Reims. Messina gets 19 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Reims receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Messina or Reims in the Autumn?

Both Reims 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 shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Reims this time of year.

Messina is much warmer than Reims in the autumn. The daily temperature in Messina averages around 21°C (69°F) in October, and Reims fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In the autumn, Messina often gets more sunshine than Reims. Messina gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reims receives 122 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Messina. Messina usually gets more rain in October than Reims. Messina gets 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Reims receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Messina or Reims in the Winter?

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

Be prepared for some very cold days in Reims. In the winter, Messina is much warmer than Reims. Typically, the winter temperatures in Messina in January average around 13°C (55°F), and Reims averages at about 3°C (37°F).

Messina usually receives more sunshine than Reims during winter. Messina gets 115 hours of sunny skies, while Reims receives 50 hours of full sun in the winter.

Messina gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In January, Messina usually receives more rain than Reims. Messina gets 113 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Reims receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Messina or Reims in the Spring?

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

In April, Messina is generally much warmer than Reims. Daily temperatures in Messina average around 16°C (60°F), and Reims fluctuates around 9°C (49°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 Reims. Messina gets 207 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reims receives 172 hours of full sun.

Messina usually gets more rain in April than Reims. Messina gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Reims receives 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Reims and Messina