A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Messina vs. Verona for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Messina or Verona?

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 Verona 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 museums, nightlife, and food.

Verona

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

Messina and Verona: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Messina or Verona?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Messina. Although Messina and Verona are popular destinations, Messina has more sights and attractions for tourists. Messina is very popular for its nightlife, beaches, and big city activities, while Verona attracts visitors for its museums, food, historical sights, and impressive beauty. Verona is more touristy than Messina and is popular for its role as the setting of one of Shakespeare's most famous plays. Messina is famous for being the entry and departure point to Sicily for those traveling by ferry. It is also well known for Piazza del Duomo.

How is Messina different from Verona?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Verona 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 Verona. While most people know Verona as the setting of Shakespeare's play "Romeo and Juliet", there are also many unrelated but still impressive sights around town. Of course you must check out the Casa di Giulietta (Juliet's House and Balcony), but also make sure you visit the fortress of Castelvecchio, Arena di Verona, and Basilica of San Zeno Maggiore.

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 Verona? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Verona is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Verona makes for a great culinary experience. Food is a source of pride for the locals in Verona, and you'll find excellent dishes in most eateries, even those catering specifically to tourists. There are many local recipes that are worth sampling while you're in the area including risotto with tastasal, potato gnocchi, and polenta.

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 Verona Better for Nightlife?

Messina is a great port city for nightlife and partying. Also, Verona is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Messina has something for everybody. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Verona. The nightlife scene caters to a mature crowd and there is a heavy focus on regional wine. There are many local bars and traditional osterie (inns) where you can sip local wine or hear live music.

Is Messina or Verona Better for Beaches?

Messina is adequate for the beache. However, Verona 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.

Verona is not a beach destination.

Is Messina or Verona Better for its Old Town?

Verona is well known for its historic old town. However, Messina does not have a historic old town.

Verona is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. At the heart of the city is the old town, which is filled with medieval and Renaissance style architecture. It's easy to explore this beautiful area on foot.

Messina does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Messina or Verona?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Verona and Messina.

Messina is a great destination for shopping. 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Verona. The most well known shopping street is Corso Santa Anastasia, which has many antique shops as well as jewelry stores and high end boutiques.

Is Messina or Verona Better for Families?

Messina is a great port city for its kid-friendly activities. However, Verona is not known 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.

Verona is not the most family-friendly destination. You can head to the top of the the Lamberti Tower and, of course, check out the Romeo and Juliet balcony. Wandering the streets and grabbing gelato is also fun for the whole family.

Is Messina or Verona Better for Couples?

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

Couples visit Verona frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. As the setting for Shakespeare's famed "Romeo and Juliet", this town is seeped in romantic history. In addition to checking out the classic balcony, couples can enjoy seeing an opera at Verona Arena or seeking out views of the beautiful city. Crossing the romantic Ponte Pietra is another must-do romantic activity in 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 Verona Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Messina and Verona are nice 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 Verona. Backpackers rarely spend more than a day or two in town, but there are hostels in the area that offer cheap accommodation.

Is Messina or Verona Better for Students?

Messina and Verona are nice places to visit for 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.

It's common for students to visit Verona. The city offers a more authentic Italian experience than some of the more popular tourist and study abroad destinations in Italy.

Is Messina or Verona 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 Verona.

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 Verona offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. ATV operates buses through the city.

Is Messina or Verona a more walkable city?

Messina and Verona 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.

Verona is a very walkable port city. It's a compact city that's easy to explore on foot. Many locals get around by walking or biking.

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

Should I spend more time in Verona or Messina?

How long in Messina or Verona?

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

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

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

One day in Messina or Verona?

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 Verona, 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 Verona?

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 Verona, 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 Verona has to offer.

Five days in Messina or Verona?

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.

Verona 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 Verona?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the bustling 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 Verona. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Verona. 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 Walking Tours in Italy, and The Best Luxury Tours to Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Messina or Verona?

Verona has a larger population, and is about 0% larger than the population of Messina. When comparing the sizes of Messina and Verona, 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 Verona?

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 Verona in the Summer?

Both Verona 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. Furthermore, many visitors come to Verona in the summer for the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Messina is a little warmer than Verona. Typically, the summer temperatures in Messina in July average around 27°C (80°F), and Verona averages at about 24°C (75°F).

In Verona, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Messina. In the summer, Messina often gets more sunshine than Verona. Messina gets 332 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Verona receives 286 hours of full sun.

Messina usually gets less rain in July than Verona. Messina gets 19 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Verona receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Messina or Verona in the Autumn?

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

In October, Messina is generally a little warmer than Verona. Daily temperatures in Messina average around 21°C (69°F), and Verona fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

Messina usually receives more sunshine than Verona during autumn. Messina gets 189 hours of sunny skies, while Verona receives 137 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 Verona. Messina gets 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Verona receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Messina or Verona in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Messina as well as Verona. Most visitors come to Messina for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Verona because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Verona can be very cold. Messina is much warmer than Verona in the winter. The daily temperature in Messina averages around 13°C (55°F) in January, and Verona fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Messina often gets more sunshine than Verona. Messina gets 115 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Verona receives 98 hours of full sun.

Messina receives a lot of rain in the winter. Messina usually gets more rain in January than Verona. Messina gets 113 mm (4.5 in) of rain, while Verona receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Messina or Verona in the Spring?

Both Verona 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 natural beauty are the main draw to Verona this time of year.

In the spring, Messina is a little warmer than Verona. Typically, the spring temperatures in Messina in April average around 16°C (60°F), and Verona averages at about 13°C (55°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Messina. Messina usually receives more sunshine than Verona during spring. Messina gets 207 hours of sunny skies, while Verona receives 169 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Messina usually receives less rain than Verona. Messina gets 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Verona receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Verona and Messina