A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Messina vs. Rome for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Backpackers

Should you visit Messina or Rome?

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 Rome 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.

Rome

Rome is a ancient, archeological, 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 Rome: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Messina or Rome?

You'll generally find more things to do in Rome than Messina. Rome is bigger than Messina, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Rome is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, music, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Messina is more popular for its beaches. Rome is more touristy than Messina and is known for its iconic archaeological sites such as the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, as well as its gelato, Italian cuisine, and strong religious roots. Also, Rome is famous for The Colosseum. Messina is well known for being the entry and departure point to Sicily for those traveling by ferry.

The Colosseum

How is Messina different from Rome?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Rome 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 Rome that are not to be missed. The historical sights around the city are among the most impressive in the world. Almost anywhere you look you'll find a notable landmark but some of the most famous include the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, the Vatican, and the Roman Forum.

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 Rome? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Rome 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 Rome have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Homemade pasta, fresh sauces, and fine wine all make the food scene among the best. Also make sure you try the gelato.

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 Rome Better for Nightlife?

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

Rome is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. You'll find a huge concentration of bars and clubs in the Testaccio area. There are late night clubs with salsa dancing, merengue, and live DJ's spinning every type of music.

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 Rome Better for Music?

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

Rome is a world class music destination. Popular music venues include Live Alcazar, Atlantico Live, and Beba do Samba.

Messina is not a live music destination.

Is Messina or Rome Better for Beaches?

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

Rome is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Messina or Rome?

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

Rome is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. For the biggest brand names, head to Via del Corso, which is near the Spanish Steps. Popular items to buy include Italian ceramics, shoes, leather goods, and jewelry.

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 Rome Better for Families?

Both Messina and Rome are great to visit with kids.

Messina is 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.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Rome is very family-friendly. What kid wouldn't be thrilled to be surrounded by pizza and spaghetti restaurants? In addition to kid-friendly food options, there are also a number of great activities that the whole family can enjoy including exploring the Colosseum, taking a gladiator class, and eating gelato.

Is Messina or Rome Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Rome frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. With many beautiful buildings, world class restaurants, and world renowned sights, this city makes a great romantic destination.

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 Rome Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Rome is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. Backpackers will find no shortage of hostels where they can stay, particularly near the main train station where accommodation is particularly cheap (but not always the best quality).

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 Rome Better for Students?

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

Rome is a very popular city for students. The city is a popular study abroad destination and you'll find plenty of international students here.

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 Rome Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Rome 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.

Rome has a great public transit system. There's a metro system, trams, and a comprehensive bus system that goes around the city.

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 Rome a more walkable city?

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

Getting around Rome on foot is easy. You'll find many of the most popular sights in a compact area that's easily explored on foot. Do watch out for traffic, which can be a bit chaotic at times.

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 Rome Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Rome or Messina?

How long in Messina or Rome?

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

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

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

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

One day in Messina or Rome?

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.

Because Rome 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 Rome?

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.

Because Rome 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 Rome?

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.

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

A week in Messina or Rome?

The bustling 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 Rome. Because Rome 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 Walking Tours in Italy, and The Best Luxury Tours to Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Messina or Rome?

Rome has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Messina. When comparing the sizes of Messina and Rome, 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 Rome?

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 Rome in the Summer?

Both Rome and Messina are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Messina because of the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Rome this time of year.

In July, Messina is generally around the same temperature as Rome. Daily temperatures in Messina average around 27°C (80°F), and Rome fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

It's quite sunny in Rome. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Messina. Messina usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Rome during summer. Messina gets 332 hours of sunny skies, while Rome receives 338 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Messina usually receives around the same amount of rain as Rome. Messina gets 19 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Rome receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Messina or Rome in the Autumn?

Both Rome and Messina during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Messina this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Rome for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

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

In the autumn, Messina often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Rome. Messina gets 189 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rome receives 198 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Messina. Messina usually gets more rain in October than Rome. Messina gets 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Rome receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Messina or Rome in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Messina and Rome. Many travelers come to Messina for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Rome in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

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

Messina usually receives less sunshine than Rome during winter. Messina gets 115 hours of sunny skies, while Rome receives 127 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 Rome. Messina gets 113 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Rome receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Messina or Rome in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Messina as well as Rome. Many visitors come to Messina in the spring for the beaches and the activities around the city. Additionally, most visitors come to Rome for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Messina is generally a little warmer than Rome. Daily temperatures in Messina average around 16°C (60°F), and Rome fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Rome. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Messina this time of the year. In the spring, Messina often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Rome. Messina gets 207 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rome receives 204 hours of full sun.

Messina usually gets more rain in April than Rome. Messina gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Rome receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Rome and Messina