A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Messina vs. Venice for Attractions, Couples, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Messina or Venice?

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 Venice 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. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Venice

Venice is a historic, beautiful, and romantic city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums.

Messina and Venice: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Messina or Venice?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Venice. Although Messina and Venice are roughly the same size, Venice has more sights and attractions for tourists. Venice is better known for its museums, historical sights, shopping, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Messina is more popular for its nightlife, beaches, and big city activities. Venice is more touristy than Messina and is popular for its many canals, famous gondolas, iconic architecture, romantic squares, and beautiful bridges. Also, Venice is famous for St. Mark's Basilica. Messina is well known for being the entry and departure point to Sicily for those traveling by ferry.

How is Messina different from Venice?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Venice 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 Venice that are not to be missed. The many historic and famous landmarks in town include St. Mark's Basilica, St. Mark's Square, Doge's Palace, and the Rialto Bridge.

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 Venice? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at notable restaurants in both Messina and Venice.

Messina offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. 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).

Venice has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. For the best dining experience, you should try to avoid the touristy restaurants that serve the typical pizza and pasta. Instead, find a local eatery that specializes in the region's traditional flavors like fish and vegetables.

Is Messina or Venice Better for Nightlife?

Messina is great for its evening party scene. However, Venice is not a good destination for nightlife.

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.

Most people don't head to Venice specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. If you want to party, your best option is to head to the Lido area where you'll find night clubs and bars. A better alternative for enjoying your evening is to order a late night meal and a glass of wine at a local restaurant in Venice.

Is Messina or Venice Better for Beaches?

Messina is adequate for the beach. However, Venice 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.

Venice is not a beach destination.

Is Messina or Venice Better for its Old Town?

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

The old town of Venice is one of the most recognized in the world. The city's historic area is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, colorful buildings, are world-renowned architecture, make this among the most recognized historic settings in the world.

Messina does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Messina or Venice?

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

Venice is a famous shopping destination with plenty of stores. There are many unique items that people purchase in town. Some of the most popular include Murano glass, Burano lace, Venetian masks, and local fabrics.

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 Venice Better for Families?

Both Messina and Venice are superb 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, Venice is very family-friendly. Even for kids, visiting this city is all about soaking up the atmosphere and sense of place. It is unlike anywhere else in the world. The canals, historic buildings, gondolas, and plazas offer a special environment, even for kids who may be burned out from exploring cities. Attractions that appeal to kids include visiting the prisons at Doge's Palace, shopping for masks, and taking a ride on a gondola.

Is Messina or Venice Better for Couples?

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

Venice is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. With its many truly unique romantic experiences, this city makes for a truly memorable honeymoon or romantic getaway. Ride a gondola, get lost in the city, and enjoy pasta and music around town to make the experience unlike any other.

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 Venice Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Venice 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 Venice. Many backpackers stay just out of town to save a bit of money, but, even though it's not cheap, this city is well-established on the backpacker trail.

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 Venice Better for Students?

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

Venice is a very popular city for students. Because of its well-established reputation, this city attracts many international students for both semester and full length programs. There are many programs to choose between, and many students focus on the region's art, architecture, history, and language.

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

Venice 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.

Venice has a great public transit system. There is a comprehensive boat and ferry system that includes aporettos, alilagunas, private water taxis, gondolas, and traghettos.

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 Venice a more walkable city?

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

Getting around Venice on foot is easy. Because it is small, it's easy to walk to all of the major tourist attractions.

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 Venice Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Venice or Messina?

How long in Messina or Venice?

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

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

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

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

One day in Messina or Venice?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Messina. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

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

Messina is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

In Venice, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Venice has to offer.

Five days in Messina or Venice?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Messina. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Venice is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Venice has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Messina or Venice?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of Messina. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Venice. In Venice, you'll find museums and food. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Venice, we can see that Venice 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 Venice would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Venice 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 Venice Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Messina or Venice?

Venice has a larger population, and is about 7% larger than the population of Messina. When comparing the sizes of Messina and Venice, 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 Venice?

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 Venice in the Summer?

Both Venice and Messina during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Messina in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Venice for the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Messina is generally a little warmer than Venice. Daily temperatures in Messina average around 27°C (80°F), and Venice fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In Venice, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Messina. In the summer, Messina often gets more sunshine than Venice. Messina gets 332 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Venice receives 287 hours of full sun.

Messina usually gets less rain in July than Venice. Messina gets 19 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Venice receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Messina or Venice in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Messina and Venice. Most visitors come to Messina for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Venice because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Messina is a little warmer than Venice in the autumn. The daily temperature in Messina averages around 21°C (69°F) in October, and Venice fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

Messina usually receives more sunshine than Venice during autumn. Messina gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Venice receives 134 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 Venice. Messina gets 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Venice receives 67 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Messina or Venice in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Messina as well as Venice. The winter months attract visitors to Messina because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Venice this time of year.

It's quite cold in Venice in the winter. In the winter, Messina is much warmer than Venice. Typically, the winter temperatures in Messina in January average around 13°C (55°F), and Venice averages at about 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Messina often gets more sunshine than Venice. Messina gets 115 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Venice receives 88 hours of full sun.

Messina receives a lot of rain in the winter. Messina usually gets more rain in January than Venice. Messina gets 113 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Venice receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Messina or Venice in the Spring?

Both Venice and Messina are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Messina this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Venice for the natural beauty.

In April, Messina is generally a little warmer than Venice. Daily temperatures in Messina average around 16°C (60°F), and Venice fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Messina. Messina usually receives more sunshine than Venice during spring. Messina gets 207 hours of sunny skies, while Venice receives 154 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Messina usually receives around the same amount of rain as Venice. Messina gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Venice receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Venice and Messina