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

Should you visit Nafplio or Rome?

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

Should I visit Nafplio or Rome? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Nafplio

Nafplio is a picturesque, romantic, and beautiful city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and beaches.

Rome

Rome is a bustling, fun-filled, and popular city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Nafplio and Rome: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Nafplio or Rome?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Rome. Although Nafplio and Rome are popular destinations, Rome has more sights and attractions for tourists. Rome is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Nafplio attracts visitors for its beaches and historical sights. Rome is more touristy than Nafplio and is popular 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. Nafplio is famous for its romantic atmosphere, beautiful architecture, and impressive Venetian castles.

The Colosseum

How is Nafplio different from Rome?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Nafplio or Rome?

Rome is a must-visit destination for its museums and history. Also, Nafplio is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Rome has many famous sights for visitors. 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.

Many visitors head to Nafplio specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. There are a number of historic sights that are accessible from the town. One of the most iconic sights is the Palamidi Castle. You'll also find several fortresses in the area. There's also an archeological museum in town as well as the Folklore Museum.

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

Rome is a must-visit destination for its restaurants. Also, Nafplio is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

For foodies, Rome is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Homemade pasta, fresh sauces, and fine wine all make the food scene among the best. Also make sure you try the gelato.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Nafplio makes for a great culinary experience. The local restaurants serve up traditional Greek dishes that are local to the region and country. You'll find fresh seafood on most menus as well as moussaka, souvlaki, the famous Greek salad.

Is Nafplio or Rome Better for Nightlife?

Rome is a must-visit destination for its evening party scene. Also, Nafplio is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Rome is a world class party destination. 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.

The people in Nafplio know how to have a good time. You'll find a good concentration of bars and clubs along the waterfront. There are also a number of smaller bars and cafes near Syntagma Square and the nearby streets. In the later hours, many bars turn up the music and turn into dance clubs.

Is Nafplio or Rome Better for Music?

Rome is a must-visit destination for its music scene. However, Nafplio is not a live music destination.

Rome has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. Popular music venues include Live Alcazar, Atlantico Live, and Beba do Samba.

Nafplio is not a live music destination.

Is Nafplio or Rome Better for Beaches?

Nafplio is a city with good options for the beach. However, Rome is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Nafplio. If you head outside of the city, you'll find some nice beaches where you can spend a day. The most notable beaches in the area are Tolo, Kandia, and Nea Kios.

Rome is not a beach destination.

Is Nafplio or Rome Better for its Old Town?

Nafplio is a great destination for its historic old town charm. However, Rome does not have a historic old town.

Nafplio is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The charming old town spreads out from Syntagma Square. It's a great place to start your day with many cafes spilling into the streets.

Rome does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Nafplio or Rome?

Rome is a must-visit destination for its shopping areas. Also, Nafplio is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many people travel to Rome specifically to go shopping. 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.

Nafplio is a great destination for shopping. Shopping in the old town is charming, but for the best retail options, you'll actually want to visit the new town. There are a variety of clothing and fashion outlets, with some of the best shopping streets being Sidiras Merarchias, Argous, and Asklipiou.

Is Nafplio or Rome Better for Families?

Rome is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Nafplio is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Rome. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Nafplio. The charming, car-free center is fun to explore for all ages. There are several archeological sights around town as well as playgrounds and a great castle.

Is Nafplio or Rome Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Nafplio and Rome make for a excellent place to visit.

Nafplio makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Many people consider this to be one of the most romantic towns in Greece. You can explore the quaint village center and sample the cuisine at one of the many restaurants. It's easy to reach from Athens and the seaside setting is perfect any time of the year.

Couples visit Rome frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. With many beautiful buildings, world class restaurants, and world renowned sights, this city makes a great romantic destination.

Is Nafplio or Rome Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Rome is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Nafplio is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Rome, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. 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).

Nafplio is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There are pensions and other affordable accommodation options around town, if you decide to spend a night here.

Is Nafplio or Rome Better for Students?

Rome is a must-visit destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Nafplio is not popular with students.

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

Nafplio is not popular with students.

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

Rome is a must-visit destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Nafplio is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Rome has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. There's a metro system, trams, and a comprehensive bus system that goes around the city.

You'll find some public transit in Nafplio, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are buses through the region that are operated by KTEL Argolidas. Most routes leave from the central bus station.

Is Nafplio or Rome a more walkable city?

Nafplio and Rome are terrific when it comes to walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Nafplio. There are parts of the center of town that are car-free and there are many great areas that you can explore on foot.

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.

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

Should I spend more time in Rome or Nafplio?

How long in Nafplio or Rome?

Both Nafplio 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 Nafplio. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Nafplio, and 3-7 days is enough time in Rome.

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

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Nafplio. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Because Rome is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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 Nafplio or Rome?

Nafplio is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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.

Because Rome is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Nafplio or Rome?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the romantic destination of Nafplio. 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 great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Rome has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Nafplio or Rome?

The beautiful city of Nafplio 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Rome. Because Rome is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Greece, The Best Budget Tours to Greece, The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Nafplio or Rome?

Rome has a larger population, and is about 180 times larger than the population of Nafplio. When comparing the sizes of Nafplio 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 Nafplio or Rome?

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 Nafplio or Rome in the Summer?

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

Nafplio is around the same temperature as Rome in the summer. The daily temperature in Nafplio averages around 25°C (76°F) in July, and Rome fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

In Rome, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Nafplio. In the summer, Nafplio often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Rome. Nafplio gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rome receives 338 hours of full sun.

Nafplio usually gets less rain in July than Rome. Nafplio gets 4 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Rome receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nafplio or Rome in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, Nafplio is around the same temperature as Rome. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Nafplio in October average around 19°C (66°F), and Rome averages at about 17°C (63°F).

In Nafplio, it's very sunny this time of the year. Nafplio usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Rome during autumn. Nafplio gets 202 hours of sunny skies, while Rome receives 198 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Nafplio gets a good bit of rain this time of year. In October, Nafplio usually receives around the same amount of rain as Rome. Nafplio gets 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain, while Rome receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Nafplio or Rome in the Winter?

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

In January, Nafplio is generally a little warmer than Rome. Daily temperatures in Nafplio average around 10°C (51°F), and Rome fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Nafplio often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Rome. Nafplio gets 135 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rome receives 127 hours of full sun.

Nafplio receives a lot of rain in the winter. Nafplio usually gets more rain in January than Rome. Nafplio gets 113 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Rome receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Nafplio or Rome in the Spring?

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

Nafplio is around the same temperature as Rome in the spring. The daily temperature in Nafplio averages around 15°C (58°F) in April, and Rome fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

It's quite sunny in Rome. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Nafplio. Nafplio usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Rome during spring. Nafplio gets 217 hours of sunny skies, while Rome receives 204 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Nafplio usually receives around the same amount of rain as Rome. Nafplio gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Rome receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Rome and Nafplio