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

Should you visit Montpellier or Urbino?

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 Urbino. 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. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Urbino

Urbino is a laid back, historic, and undiscovered town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Montpellier and Urbino: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular old town
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable


Is there more to do in Montpellier or Urbino?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Montpellier. Although Montpellier and Urbino are popular destinations, Montpellier has more sights and attractions for tourists. Montpellier is very popular for its museums, beaches, historical sights, and shopping, while Urbino attracts visitors for its food. Montpellier is famous for its relaxed atmosphere, grand boulevards, and authentic personality. It is also well known for The Place de la Comédie. Urbino is famous for its Renaissance walls, historic center, and authentic atmosphere.

How is Montpellier different from Urbino?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Montpellier
Urbino

Montpellier is great for its historical sights. Also, Urbino is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Montpellier. With such a long history, the city has many landmarks and monuments. Also make sure you visit Musée Fabre and Saint-Pierre Cathedral.

Urbino is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. At the heart of the city are its historical sights. The cathedral is worth a visit, as is The Ducal Palace, but for most visitors, simply soaking up the town's atmosphere is the best experience.


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

Montpellier
Urbino

Urbino is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Montpellier is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Dining out in Urbino is an experience not to be missed. The city's history has influenced its cuisine. Traditional foods include cornbread, truffles, and meat sausage. While these options aren't as common today, you can still find them if you seek them out.

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 Urbino Better for Nightlife?

Montpellier
Urbino

It's hard to distinguish whether Montpellier or Urbino has a better nightlife scene.

Montpellier has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. 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.

If you're looking for night time activities Urbino has a few options to choose from. Because of the large student population, there are usually some fun activities going on at night. You'll find some good bars around town that are fun to hang out at.

Is Montpellier or Urbino Better for Beaches?

Montpellier
Urbino

Montpellier is great for the beach. However, Urbino 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.

Urbino is not a beach destination.


Is Montpellier or Urbino Better for its Old Town?

Montpellier
Urbino

Montpellier is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town charm. Also, Urbino is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its historic old town.

Montpellier offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. 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 go to Urbino to see the historical old town. The historic center feels a bit undiscovered by Italian standards. There are stone houses and the town is built on a steep hill, giving it a beautiful setting.

Is the Shopping Better in Montpellier or Urbino?

Montpellier
Urbino

Montpellier is great for its shopping areas. Also, Urbino is not as popular, but is still a nice town for shopping.

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

Urbino is a great destination for shopping. You'll find galleries, book shops, and jewelry stores around town that are fun to pop into.

Is Montpellier or Urbino Better for Families?

Montpellier
Urbino

Montpellier is a city with good options for its kid-friendly activities. However, Urbino is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

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.

Urbino is not the most family-friendly destination. The city is filled with history and architecture, which may be lost on the kids. There are the classic Italian restaurants which is a favorite among kids and adults alike.


Is Montpellier or Urbino Better for Couples?

Montpellier
Urbino

Montpellier and Urbino 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.

Urbino is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. This walled city is fun to explore and can make for a great romantic stop. The city is walled and has many historical buildings which couples will enjoy learning about together.

Is Montpellier or Urbino Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Montpellier
Urbino

Montpellier is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Urbino is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Montpellier. With a young population and a number of hostels to choose from, Montpellier attracts its share of backpackers.

Urbino is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not well known by backpackers and there are a very limited number of hostels in the area.

Is Montpellier or Urbino Better for Students?

Montpellier
Urbino

Montpellier is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. Also, Urbino is not as popular, but is still a nice town for students.

Montpellier is a very popular city 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 visit Urbino. The student population is a large part of this small city. University students are usually happy and enjoy many activities and outings into the surrounding area.


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

Montpellier
Urbino

Montpellier is great for times when you don't have a car. However, Urbino is not a good destination 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.

Public transit is generally limited in Urbino. The town is accessible by bus but not by train.

Is Montpellier or Urbino a more walkable city?

Montpellier
Urbino

Montpellier is great for its ease of walking around. Also, Urbino is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its walkability.

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.

Urbino is somewhat walkable. Many parts of the city are easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Urbino or Montpellier?

How long in Montpellier or Urbino?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Montpellier or Urbino to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Montpellier than Urbino because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Montpellier, and 1-2 days is enough time in Urbino.

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

Couples should spend more time in Montpellier than Urbino. 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 Urbino 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.


  • How many days in Montpellier or Urbino? Ideal Length of Stay
    Montpellier 1-3 
    Urbino 1-2

One day in Montpellier or Urbino?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Montpellier. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the authentic town of Urbino. One day should give you a good understanding of everything this town has to offer. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


A weekend in Montpellier or Urbino?

Montpellier 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.

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the laid back destination of Urbino. This town 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 Urbino?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Montpellier. 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. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

The authentic town of Urbino offers shopping and museums. 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 Urbino?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the friendly destination of Montpellier. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Urbino. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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 2-Week Tours in Italy, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Urbino or Montpellier?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Montpellier is €118, while the average daily cost in Urbino is €118. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Montpellier and Urbino in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Montpellier 69
    Urbino 53
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Montpellier 138
    Urbino 106
Compare Hotels in Montpellier and Urbino

Looking for a hotel in Montpellier or Urbino? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Montpellier


Hotels in Urbino


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Montpellier Hotel Prices and Urbino Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Montpellier 26
    Urbino 44

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Montpellier

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Montpellier:

  • Private Transfer from Sète Cruise Port to Marseille city hotels: $131
  • Transfer from Sète Port to Marseille Provence Airport MRS: $131
  • Montpellier Private Transfer from Montpellier city centre to Montpellier Airport: $74
  • Montpellier–Méditerranée Airport Transfer: $64
  • Transfer Montpellier Airport and Beziers Airport: $49

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Urbino

Also for Urbino, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Private Transfer from Borgo Maggiore to Rimini (RMI) Airport: $108

Is it cheaper to fly into Montpellier or Urbino?

Prices for flights to both Urbino and Montpellier change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Montpellier 31
    Urbino 39

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Montpellier

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Montpellier.

  • Guided Food Tour With Local Snacks and Wine: $91
  • Montpellier Food Tour: $93
  • From Pic Saint-Loup Wine and Food Tour: $102
  • Cooking workshop: $106
  • Private cooking class with specialized chefs Montpellier: $108
  • Fusion Food Cooking Class: $428

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Montpellier 12
    Urbino 15

Tours and Activities in Montpellier

Here are a few actual costs in Montpellier for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • CityTour and Photo Portraits Souvenirs in Montpellier: $38
  • From Half-Day Vineyard & Pic Saint-Loup Tour: $80
  • From Wine and Olive Tour: $75
  • Highlights of Sète : history, food and wine experience: $174
  • Legendary Montpellier, flexible legends and storytelling tour: $16
  • Montpellier - Private Historic Walking tour: $428
  • Montpellier Private Guided Walking Tour: $307
  • Montpellier Private Walking Tour With A Professional Guide: $270
  • Montpellier Wine and Oyster Tour: $86
  • Half-Day Hiking Tour of Pic Saint Loup & Picnic: $64
  • Personalized Day-Tour of the South of France: $1,059
  • Photoshoot Experience: $159

Tours and Activities in Urbino

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Urbino.

  • San Marino: A Self Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Entrance Ticket - Titanus Museum: Multimedia Experience: $8.68
  • San Marino Scavenger Hunt and Sightseeing Tour: $8.97
  • Private Guided Tour with Aperitif in Winebar in San Marino: $92
  • Guided group tour of Ducal Palace and National Gallery: $94
  • E-BIKE Tour San Marino for couples: $114
  • Private tour with Welcome KIT in San Marino: $136
  • 2-Hour Private Walking Tour with certified guide: $139
  • Private Walking Tour with Ducal Palace Ticket: $150
  • San Marino’s Starlit Stroll: A Christmas Walking Tour: $153
  • Private Tour of San Marino: UNESCO World Heritage Site: $172
  • Guided Tour of San Marino at Sunset with aperitif included: $184

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Montpellier 15
    Urbino 14

Sample the Local Flavors in Montpellier

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Montpellier:

  • The Châteaux of Grès de Montpellier & Wine Tasting: $80
  • Small-Group Half-Day Châteaux of Montpellier Wine Tour: $84
  • Small-Group Half-Day Languedoc Pic Saint-Loup Wine Tour from Montpellier: $84
  • Wine tour in Pic Saint-Loup area: $142
  • Half-Day Wine Tour with Lunch: $155
  • Montpellier : half day wine tour in Camargue: $159
  • Private Half-Day Languedoc Wine Tour from Sète: $240
  • Sète: Private Half–Day Wine Tour: $353


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


Which is Bigger, Montpellier or Urbino?

Montpellier has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Urbino. When comparing the sizes of Montpellier and Urbino, 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 Urbino?

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 Urbino in the Summer?

Both Urbino and Montpellier during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Montpellier for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Urbino because of the family-friendly experiences.

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

Montpellier usually gets less rain in July than Urbino. Montpellier gets 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, while Urbino receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Montpellier 23°C (73°F) 
    Urbino 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Montpellier or Urbino in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Montpellier and Urbino. The autumn months attract visitors to Montpellier because of the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Urbino this time of year.

In the autumn, Montpellier is around the same temperature as Urbino. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Montpellier in October average around 15°C (60°F), and Urbino averages at about 15°C (59°F).

Montpellier gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Montpellier usually receives more rain than Urbino. Montpellier gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Urbino receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Montpellier 15°C (60°F) 
    Urbino 15°C (59°F)

Should I visit Montpellier or Urbino in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Montpellier as well as Urbino. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Montpellier this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Urbino for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Urbino. In January, Montpellier is generally much warmer than Urbino. Daily temperatures in Montpellier average around 7°C (44°F), and Urbino fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

Montpellier usually gets more rain in January than Urbino. Montpellier gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Urbino receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Montpellier 7°C (44°F) 
    Urbino 3°C (37°F)

Should I visit Montpellier or Urbino in the Spring?

Both Urbino and Montpellier are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Montpellier for the beaches and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Urbino in the spring for the natural beauty.

Montpellier is around the same temperature as Urbino in the spring. The daily temperature in Montpellier averages around 13°C (55°F) in April, and Urbino fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In April, Montpellier usually receives around the same amount of rain as Urbino. Montpellier gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Urbino receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Montpellier 13°C (55°F) 
    Urbino 12°C (54°F)

Typical Weather for Urbino and Montpellier

Montpellier Urbino
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 7°C (44°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 3°C (37°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Feb 8°C (46°F) 72 mm (2.8 in) 5°C (42°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)
Mar 10°C (50°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 9°C (49°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Apr 13°C (55°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 12°C (54°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
May 16°C (61°F) 52 mm (2 in) 16°C (61°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jun 20°C (68°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) 20°C (68°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 20 mm (0.8 in) 23°C (73°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Aug 22°C (72°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) 22°C (71°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Sep 19°C (67°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 19°C (67°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Oct 15°C (60°F) 110 mm (4.3 in) 15°C (59°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Nov 10°C (51°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 9°C (49°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)
Dec 7°C (45°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 4°C (39°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)