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

Should you visit Montpellier or Rome?

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 Rome. 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 historic, vibrant, and bustling city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and beaches.

Rome

Rome is a archeological, bustling, and fun-filled city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include live music, food, and shopping.

Montpellier and Rome: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Montpellier or Rome?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Rome than Montpellier. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Rome is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Montpellier attracts visitors for its beaches and historical sights. Rome is more touristy than Montpellier 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. It is also well known for The Colosseum. Montpellier is famous for its relaxed atmosphere, grand boulevards, and authentic personality.

The Colosseum

How is Montpellier different from Rome?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Rome is an unbeatable place for its museums and landmarks. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find many recognizable landmarks that put Rome on the map. 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.

Montpellier offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. With such a long history, the city has many landmarks and monuments. Also make sure you visit Musée Fabre and Saint-Pierre Cathedral.

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

Rome 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 Rome, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Homemade pasta, fresh sauces, and fine wine all make the food scene among the best. Also make sure you try the gelato.

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 Rome Better for Nightlife?

Rome is an unbeatable place for its evening party scene. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife.

The nightlife in Rome is well established with world renowned clubs and venues. 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.

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 Rome Better for Music?

Rome is an unbeatable place for its music scene. However, Montpellier is not a live music destination.

In Rome you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. Popular music venues include Live Alcazar, Atlantico Live, and Beba do Samba.

Montpellier is not a live music destination.

Is Montpellier or Rome Better for Beaches?

Montpellier is a great destination for the beach. However, Rome is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Montpellier attract visitors from all over. 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.

Rome is not a beach destination.

Is Montpellier or Rome Better for its Old Town?

Montpellier is an unbeatable place for its historic old town charm. However, Rome does not have a historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Montpellier offers plenty to see. 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.

Rome does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Montpellier or Rome?

Rome is an unbeatable place for its shopping areas. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Rome is a world class destination for shoppers. 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 Montpellier. Head to Rue de la Loge for some of the city's best shopping.

Is Montpellier or Rome Better for Families?

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

Rome is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. 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.

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 Rome Better for Couples?

Montpellier and Rome both very good destinations for a couple.

Couples visit Montpellier frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Rich in history and beautiful architecture, this city offers a romantic setting for a great couple's getaway.

Rome is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. With many beautiful buildings, world class restaurants, and world renowned sights, this city makes a great romantic destination.

Is Montpellier or Rome Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Rome is an unbeatable place for backpackers. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Rome is a very popular city to visit for backpackers. 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).

Montpellier is very popular with the backpacker crowd. With a young population and a number of hostels to choose from, Montpellier attracts its share of backpackers.

Is Montpellier or Rome Better for Students?

Montpellier and Rome are fantastic places to visit 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.

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

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

Rome is an unbeatable place for its public transit. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Visitors in Rome can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. There's a metro system, trams, and a comprehensive bus system that goes around the city.

Visitors to Montpellier can move around easily with public transportation. There are a number of options for getting around town including the tramway, bus, and tourist train.

Is Montpellier or Rome a more walkable city?

Rome is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for its 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.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Rome or Montpellier?

How long in Montpellier or Rome?

Both Montpellier 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 Montpellier. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Montpellier, and 3-7 days is enough time in Rome.

Families should spend more time in Rome than Montpellier. 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 Montpellier. 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 Montpellier 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 Montpellier or Rome?

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.

Rome is a popular city where you can fill many days. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A weekend in Montpellier or Rome?

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.

Rome is a popular big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Montpellier or Rome?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic 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.

Rome is a fun-filled city where you can fill many days. Many people spend five days here.If you enjoy all that's offered here, then five days is just the right amount of time to spend here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

A week in Montpellier or Rome?

The friendly 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.

Rome is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Anyone can find something fun to do here. This is a popular place to visit for one week. In one week, you should have a good grasp of this city.

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 Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Montpellier and Rome, we can see that Rome is more expensive. And not only is Montpellier much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Montpellier would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Montpellier 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 Montpellier.

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

Which is Bigger, Montpellier or Rome?

Rome has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Montpellier. When comparing the sizes of Montpellier 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 Montpellier 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 Montpellier or Rome in the Summer?

Both Rome and Montpellier are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Montpellier for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Rome because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Montpellier is around the same temperature as Rome in the summer. The daily temperature in Montpellier averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, 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 Montpellier. Montpellier usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Rome during summer. Montpellier gets 351 hours of sunny skies, while Rome receives 338 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Montpellier usually receives around the same amount of rain as Rome. Montpellier gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Rome receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Montpellier or Rome in the Autumn?

Both Rome and Montpellier during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Montpellier because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Rome this time of year.

In the autumn, Montpellier is cooler than Rome. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Montpellier in October average around 15°C (60°F), and Rome averages at about 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Montpellier often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Rome. Montpellier gets 187 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 Montpellier. Montpellier usually gets more rain in October than Rome. Montpellier gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Rome receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Montpellier or Rome in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Montpellier and Rome. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Montpellier this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Rome for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In January, Montpellier is generally cooler than Rome. Daily temperatures in Montpellier average around 7°C (44°F), and Rome fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Montpellier usually receives more sunshine than Rome during winter. Montpellier gets 147 hours of sunny skies, while Rome receives 127 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Montpellier usually receives less rain than Rome. Montpellier gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Rome receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Montpellier or Rome in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Montpellier as well as Rome. Many travelers come to Montpellier for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Rome in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Montpellier is around the same temperature as Rome in the spring. The daily temperature in Montpellier averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, 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 Montpellier this time of the year. In the spring, Montpellier often gets more sunshine than Rome. Montpellier gets 230 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rome receives 204 hours of full sun.

Montpellier usually gets more rain in April than Rome. Montpellier gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Rome receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Rome and Montpellier