A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Montpellier vs. Bari for Food, Old Town, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit Montpellier or Bari?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Montpellier and Bari. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Montpellier

Montpellier is a vibrant, bustling, and beautiful city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, beaches, and shopping.

Bari

Bari is a cultural, authentic, and local port city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. Other popular activities here include food, beaches, and shopping.

Montpellier and Bari: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Montpellier or Bari?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Bari than Montpellier. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Bari is very popular for its food, nightlife, and big city activities, while Montpellier attracts visitors for its beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty. Montpellier is more touristy than Bari and is popular for its relaxed atmosphere, grand boulevards, and authentic personality. Bari is famous for its authentic old town and its role as a ferry port for travelers headed across the Adriatic. It is also well known for San Nicola.

How is Montpellier different from Bari?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Bari and Montpellier. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Montpellier or Bari?

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Montpellier or Bari.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Montpellier. With such a long history, the city has many landmarks and monuments. Also make sure you visit Musée Fabre and Saint-Pierre Cathedral.

Bari offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city is filled with historical sights and archeological ruins. San Nicola is the main basilica in town and a popular tourist sight. The Castello is also a highlight, as is San Sabino.

Is the Food Better in Montpellier or Bari? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bari is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eat your way through Bari, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. It's off-the-beaten-path vibe means that you won't find the overpriced tourist restaurants that have taken over more touristy cities. Instead you'll find locally owned pasta shops that cater to the town's residents. You can taste authentic Pugliese cuisine, which is centered around wheat and olive oil. Orecchiette is the local pasta and seafood is one of the most common staples.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around Montpellier. The dishes are made with fresh ingredients produced in the agricultural areas just outside of town. The area is known for its seafood and fish stews.

Is Montpellier or Bari Better for Nightlife?

Bari is a great destination for its evening party scene. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

The people in Bari know how to have a good time. The city really comes to life at night with many dance clubs, bars, and other fun venues. There's plenty of live music as well as jazz clubs and other local bars.

If you're looking for night time activities Montpellier has a few options to choose from. The weather is mild, making for a nice evening out. The population is also young, so you can expect a lot of activity during the evenings, particularly in the area around Place Jean Jaurés. Make sure you enjoy local wine and champagne while you're in town.

Is Montpellier or Bari Better for Beaches?

Montpellier is a great city for the beach. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its beaches.

Many people visit Montpellier for it's beautiful beaches. The coastline near Montpellier feels pristine and beautiful. You can also visit Villeneuve-lès-Maguelone to the southwest of town, which is a protected area.

Bari is a good option for a beach vacation. There's a sandy beach that you can reach by bus outside of the city center. There are also many great beaches around Puglia if you're willing to take a day trip or travel a bit farther.

Is Montpellier or Bari Better for its Old Town?

Montpellier is terrific for its historic old town charm. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its historic old town.

Montpellier has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. Known as L'Écusson the town's old town dates back to the Middle Ages. It is a pedestrian area that is filled with boutiques, restaurants, and churches.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Bari. The old town is filled with historic sights, mazelike streets, and great food. It's pedestrian-only and, because Bari is not as popular with tourists, it holds on to its authentic charm.

Is the Shopping Better in Montpellier or Bari?

Montpellier is a great city for its shopping areas. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Montpellier. Head to Rue de la Loge for some of the city's best shopping.

Bari is a great destination for shopping. You won't find the souvenir shops that you find in more touristy cities, so if you take the time to do some shopping while you're in town, you can enjoy a truly authentic and cultural experience.

Is Montpellier or Bari Better for Families?

Bari is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Bari is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. There are historical sites and castles to explore as well as the fun-filled Miragica amusement park. There's also an impressive underground city that will spark the kid's imagination. Other fun activities include visiting the nearby beaches, taking a kayak tour, or wandering around the old town.

Montpellier offers lots of family activities. Popular activities for kids include taking a ride on the carousel in the Comedie, visiting the playground - Jardin Champs de Mars, and visiting the botanical garden - Jardin des Plantes.

Is Montpellier or Bari Better for Couples?

Montpellier is a great city for couples. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for romance.

Montpellier is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. Rich in history and beautiful architecture, this city offers a romantic setting for a great couple's getaway.

Bari is a nice destination for couples. The old town is filled with mazelike streets and the city has many unique activities that appeal to history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Is Montpellier or Bari Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Montpellier and Bari are excellent places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Montpellier is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. With a young population and a number of hostels to choose from, Montpellier attracts its share of backpackers.

Bari is very popular with the backpacker crowd. There's plenty of hostels around town and the prices are usually very reasonable. Many backpackers pass through this port city on their way to Greece or other Adriatic destinations.

Is Montpellier or Bari Better for Students?

Montpellier is terrific for its student-friendly activities. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for students.

Montpellier is a very popular place to visit for students. Montpellier is a popular university town that is home to many trendy university students. It's also where you'll find the youngest population of any city in France.

Bari is a very popular city for students and younger travelers. It's a great student city that offers access to many nearby Mediterranean destinations. There are also a number of historical sights within town that students can visit.

Is Montpellier or Bari Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Montpellier is a great city for times when you don't have a car. Also, Bari is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its public transit.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Montpellier. There are a number of options for getting around town including the tramway, bus, and tourist train.

Bari has a few public transit options. There are buses around town that are operated by the AMTAB.

Is Montpellier or Bari a more walkable city?

Montpellier and Bari both are excellent when exploring on foot.

Montpellier is a very walkable destination. Many of the sights and attractions are easily accessible on foot and can be enjoyed as part of a self-guided walking tour.

Bari is very walkable. The old town is pedestrian-only and best explored on foot. It's also about a 20 minute walk from the central train station.

For even more information, also check out Is Montpellier Worth Visiting? and Is Bari Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bari or Montpellier?

How long in Montpellier or Bari?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Montpellier and Bari. In our opinion, Montpellier has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Montpellier than Bari. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Montpellier than Bari 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 Montpellier.

One day in Montpellier or Bari?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Montpellier. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the local port city of Bari. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Most people visit for the food. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this port city has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Montpellier or Bari?

Montpellier is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the cultural destination of Bari. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. This port city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Montpellier or Bari?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the bustling destination of Montpellier. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

The local port city of Bari offers shopping and museums. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Montpellier or Bari?

The historic city of Montpellier offers nightlife and food. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bari. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people visit for the food. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France, The Best 2-Week Tours in France, The Best Historical Tours in Italy, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Montpellier and Bari, we can see that Montpellier 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 Montpellier Expensive? and Is Bari Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Montpellier or Bari?

Bari has a larger population, and is about 28% larger than the population of Montpellier. When comparing the sizes of Montpellier and Bari, 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 Montpellier or Bari?

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 Montpellier or Bari in the Summer?

Both Bari and Montpellier during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Montpellier because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bari this time of year.

Montpellier is around the same temperature as Bari in the summer. The daily temperature in Montpellier averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Bari fluctuates around 25°C (76°F).

In Bari, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Montpellier. In the summer, Montpellier often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Bari. Montpellier gets 351 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bari receives 336 hours of full sun.

Montpellier usually gets more rain in July than Bari. Montpellier gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Bari receives 9 mm (0.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Montpellier or Bari in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Montpellier and Bari. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Montpellier this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Bari for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Montpellier is cooler than Bari. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Montpellier in October average around 15°C (60°F), and Bari averages at about 18°C (65°F).

Montpellier usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Bari during autumn. Montpellier gets 187 hours of sunny skies, while Bari receives 178 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Montpellier gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Montpellier usually receives more rain than Bari. Montpellier gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Bari receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Montpellier or Bari in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Montpellier as well as Bari. Many travelers come to Montpellier for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Bari in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Montpellier is generally cooler than Bari. Daily temperatures in Montpellier average around 7°C (44°F), and Bari fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

In the winter, Montpellier often gets more sunshine than Bari. Montpellier gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bari receives 110 hours of full sun.

Montpellier usually gets more rain in January than Bari. Montpellier gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Bari receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Montpellier or Bari in the Spring?

Both Bari and Montpellier are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Montpellier in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Bari for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

Montpellier is cooler than Bari in the spring. The daily temperature in Montpellier averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Bari fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

It's quite sunny in Bari. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Montpellier. Montpellier usually receives more sunshine than Bari during spring. Montpellier gets 230 hours of sunny skies, while Bari receives 203 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Montpellier usually receives more rain than Bari. Montpellier gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Bari receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bari and Montpellier