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

Should you visit Messina or Sarajevo?

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 Sarajevo 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. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Sarajevo

Sarajevo is a historical, cultural, and beautiful city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, food, and hiking.

Messina and Sarajevo: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Messina or Sarajevo?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Sarajevo than Messina. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Sarajevo is very popular for its museums, food, historical sights, hiking, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Messina attracts visitors for its nightlife and beaches. Messina is more touristy than Sarajevo and is popular for being the entry and departure point to Sicily for those traveling by ferry. Sarajevo is famous for its worn torn past, but today it is a city that is filled with culture, natural beauty, and incredible food. It is also well known for The Old Town.

How is Messina different from Sarajevo?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Sarajevo 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 Sarajevo. The sights in the city reflect its history and culture. Famous places to visit include Gazi Husrev-beg Mosque, the Latin Bridge, Kovači Memorial Cemetery, and the Sarajevo Tunnel Museum.

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 Sarajevo? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Sarajevo 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 Sarajevo have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Bosnia isn't the first place that comes to mind when you think of food, but it is actually among the best. The dishes are heavy on meat and pastry, with the perfect amount of seasoning. Favorite dishes include Bosnian burek and cevapi. And it's easy to dine your way through this beautiful city as restaurants are very affordable.

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 Sarajevo Better for Nightlife?

Messina is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. Also, Sarajevo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Messina has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Sarajevo has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. After immersing yourself in history for the day, the nighttime offers the perfect opportunity to unwind. Locals and tourists come together at the city's many bars and nightclubs where you can listen to music, dance, or chat with locals over a cold beer.

Is Messina or Sarajevo Better for Beaches?

Messina is a decent place to visit for the beache. However, Sarajevo is not a beach destination.

You can check out the beach in Messina. There are pebbly beaches in the area that are becoming more popular with tourists.

Sarajevo is not a beach destination.

Is Messina or Sarajevo Better for its Old Town?

Sarajevo is renowned for its historic old town. However, Messina does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Sarajevo is one of the most recognized in the world. The city's old town, which is known as Baščaršija, is filled with a history charm that is unlike any other European city. The wooden shops, wandering lanes, and striking minarets highlight the area's beautiful culture and long-running history.

Messina does not have a historic old town.

Is Messina or Sarajevo Better for Hiking?

Sarajevo is renowned for its hiking experiences. However, Messina is not a hiking destination.

Around Sarajevo visitors will find world-class hiking trails. If you have a way to get out of town, you'll be rewarded with a natural beauty that is untouched and pristine - a rare find in Europe. There are a number of popular trails that are popular with locals and tourists alike. While landmines remain a concern in off-the-beaten-path areas, if you stay on marked trails, they pose no real threat.

Messina is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Messina or Sarajevo?

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

Sarajevo is an extremely popular place for shoppers. This city offers a unique opportunity to shop for traditional hand-crafted good in the old town. The goods are handmade and reflect the city's long running history as a center for trade. Popular items for purchase include coffee sets, jewelry, and handmade carpets.

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 Sarajevo Better for Families?

Messina is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. However, Sarajevo is lacking in good options for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Sarajevo doesn't usually come to mind when thinking about kid-friendly destinations. Older kids will really benefit from the history and cultural lessons that coincide with a visit to this beautiful city. There are also some fun activities that they can enjoy including a zoo, an indoor play area, and an amusement park not far outside of town.

Is Messina or Sarajevo Better for Couples?

Messina is a good destination for its romantic activities. However, Sarajevo is lacking in good options for couples.

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.

Sarajevo is not always the best place to visit for a couple. Romance isn't the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Sarajevo, but the city has amazing food and world class cultural sights that will make for a truly rewarding trip.

Is Messina or Sarajevo Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Sarajevo 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 Sarajevo. This city is among the most culturally captivating places in Europe. Although it's often overlooked by tourists and backpackers, the affordability, stunning beauty, and unique personality make it a truly amazing place to visit.

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 Sarajevo Better for Students?

Messina is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Sarajevo is not popular with students.

Plenty of students 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.

Sarajevo is not popular with students.

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

Sarajevo 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 Sarajevo. It includes a tram, trolleybus, bus and minibus network.

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 Sarajevo a more walkable city?

Messina is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Sarajevo is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

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.

Sarajevo is a somewhat walkable port city. Most of the touristy areas in the central part of the city are walkable, but there are also some sights outside of town that you will need a taxi to visit.

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

Should I spend more time in Sarajevo or Messina?

How long in Messina or Sarajevo?

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

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

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

One day in Messina or Sarajevo?

The port city of Messina offers food and shopping. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Sarajevo, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Sarajevo?

Messina is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this port city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Messina, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

In Sarajevo, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Sarajevo has to offer.

Five days in Messina or Sarajevo?

Messina is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Sarajevo 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 Sarajevo?

Messina is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This port city offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Sarajevo. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Sarajevo. 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 Cultural Tours in Bosnia and Herzegowina, and The Best Budget Tours to Bosnia and Herzegowina.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Messina and Sarajevo, we can see that Messina is more expensive. And not only is Sarajevo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Sarajevo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Sarajevo 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 Messina would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Messina than you might in Sarajevo.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Messina Expensive? and Is Sarajevo Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Messina or Sarajevo?

Sarajevo has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Messina. When comparing the sizes of Messina and Sarajevo, 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 Sarajevo?

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 Sarajevo in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Messina as well as Sarajevo. The beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Messina this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Sarajevo for the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Messina is around the same temperature as Sarajevo. Typically, the summer temperatures in Messina in July average around 27°C (80°F), and Sarajevo averages at about 26°C (78°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Sarajevo. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Messina this time of the year. In the summer, Messina often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Sarajevo. Messina gets 332 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sarajevo receives 323 hours of full sun.

Messina usually gets less rain in July than Sarajevo. Messina gets 19 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Messina or Sarajevo in the Autumn?

Both Sarajevo and Messina are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Messina for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene. Also, many visitors come to Sarajevo in the autumn for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Messina is generally a little warmer than Sarajevo. Daily temperatures in Messina average around 21°C (69°F), and Sarajevo fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

Messina usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Sarajevo during autumn. Messina gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Sarajevo receives 178 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Sarajevo. It's quite rainy in Messina. In October, Messina usually receives less rain than Sarajevo. Messina gets 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 153 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Messina or Sarajevo in the Winter?

Both Sarajevo and Messina during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Messina in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Sarajevo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Messina is much warmer than Sarajevo in the winter. The daily temperature in Messina averages around 13°C (55°F) in January, and Sarajevo fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In the winter, Messina often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Sarajevo. Messina gets 115 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Sarajevo receives 113 hours of full sun.

Sarajevo 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 January than Sarajevo. Messina gets 113 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 148 mm (5.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Messina or Sarajevo in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Messina and Sarajevo. Most visitors come to Messina for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Sarajevo because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Messina is around the same temperature as Sarajevo. Typically, the spring temperatures in Messina in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Sarajevo averages at about 14°C (58°F).

In Messina, it's very sunny this time of the year. Messina usually receives more sunshine than Sarajevo during spring. Messina gets 207 hours of sunny skies, while Sarajevo receives 174 hours of full sun in the spring.

Sarajevo receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Messina usually receives less rain than Sarajevo. Messina gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Sarajevo receives 127 mm (5 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Sarajevo and Messina