A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Palermo vs. Bressanone for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Couples

Should you visit Palermo or Bressanone?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Palermo and Bressanone 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.

Palermo

Palermo is a dynamic, fun, and colorful city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and shopping.

Bressanone

Bressanone is a charming, quaint, and picturesque town. This is a great small town that is just waiting to be explored. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food, hiking, and shopping.

Palermo and Bressanone: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for hiking
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Small town charm
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less family-friendly


Is there more to do in Palermo or Bressanone?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Palermo. Although Palermo and Bressanone are popular destinations, Palermo has more sights and attractions for tourists. Palermo is very popular for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Bressanone attracts visitors for its historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Palermo is famous for its mild climate, beautiful architecture, fun atmosphere, and fascinating culture. It is also well known for The Cathedral. Bressanone is famous for its charming old town and its idyllic setting.

How is Palermo different from Bressanone?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Palermo or Bressanone?

Palermo
Bressanone

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Palermo or Bressanone.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Palermo. There are a number of grand buildings and impressive architectural buildings that you should visit. The cathedral, the Norman Palace, and Cappella Palatina are among the best.

Bressanone is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Most visitors simply enjoy soaking up the town's atmosphere, but sights around town include The Royal Palace, the cathedral, and Franzenfeste Fortress.


Is the Food Better in Palermo or Bressanone? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Palermo
Bressanone

Both Palermo and Bressanone offer great local cuisine and restaurants.

Dining out in Palermo is an experience not to be missed. The islands long history and occupation by a range of different groups means that the cuisine is heavily influenced by many different cultures. You'll see influences from Phonecians, Greeks, Arabs and Normans. Local dishes include Pasta alla Norma (pasta and vegetables), Arancine (rice balls), and Cannoli.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Bressanone. Despite its small size, there are many family run restaurants that make use of ingredients from local farms. The town also hosts a few culinary festivals throughout the year.

Is Palermo or Bressanone Better for Nightlife?

Palermo
Bressanone

Palermo is a great destination for its evening party scene. However, Bressanone is a town with minimal options for nightlife.

The people in Palermo know how to have a good time. The nightlife scene is surprisingly varied with everything from wine bars by the ocean to dance parties that flood into the street. Some of the most popular areas for nightlife include the old town, Politeama, and Mondello.

Bressanone doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. It's a small town with some quaint bars and pubs where you can enjoy a beer and chat with other visitors.

Is Palermo or Bressanone Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Palermo
Bressanone

Palermo is a city with good options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Bressanone is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Palermo. The dive season lasts most of the year and there are many beautiful dive spots that are accessible from the city. The water is clear and there is a variety of flora and fauna to see.

Bressanone is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.


Is Palermo or Bressanone Better for Beaches?

Palermo
Bressanone

Palermo is a great destination for the beach. However, Bressanone is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Palermo attract visitors from all over. The city has a number of beautiful beaches, some of which are accessible by public transit. Mondello is a popular option with beautiful views. Capo Gallo is a relaxing option on a nature reserve that is good for divers and nature lovers. Addaura is a lively beach with a number of clubs.

Bressanone is not a beach destination.

Is Palermo or Bressanone Better for its Old Town?

Palermo
Bressanone

Bressanone is a well-known place for its historic old town charm. However, Palermo does not have a historic old town.

Bressanone is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The cathedral and beautiful old buildings make this a charming place to explore.

Palermo does not have a historic old town.

Is Palermo or Bressanone Better for Hiking?

Palermo
Bressanone

Bressanone is a well-known place for the nearby hiking options. However, Palermo is not a hiking destination.

Bressanone is a popular spot for hiking. There's a huge variety of hikes in the surrounding countryside. You can walk alongside the river, head into the foothills, or explore the nearby vineyards.

Palermo is not a hiking destination.


Is the Shopping Better in Palermo or Bressanone?

Palermo
Bressanone

Palermo is a great destination for its shopping areas. Also, Bressanone is still popular, but not quite as popular for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Palermo. The city offers a mix of high end shopping streets as well as colorful markets that have the feel of a traditional bazaar. Whether you're looking for European brands or local merchandise, this city has an eclectic mix with something for everyone.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Bressanone. The medieval streets are lined with family-owned shops, boutique clothing stores, and other unique local shopping opportunities.

Is Palermo or Bressanone Better for Families?

Palermo
Bressanone

Palermo is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. However, Bressanone is a town with minimal options for its kid-friendly activities.

Palermo is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The city has beaches where everyone can cool off and play in the relaxing waves. There's also a botanical garden and the fascinating Catacombs of the Capuchins. Kids will also enjoy exploring the many diverse markets throughout the city.

For families, Bressanone is not always the best place to visit. It's a great town to take a lunch break. The kids will enjoy wandering the alley-like streets. There's a river through town and great views of the Alps.

Is Palermo or Bressanone Better for Couples?

Palermo
Bressanone

Bressanone is a well-known place for couples. Also, Palermo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

Bressanone is a very popular place to visit for couples. This charming town is seeped in romance. The quaint streets and surrounding mountain setting make this an idyllic place to take a romantic trip.

Palermo is a nice destination for couples. The city is filled with fun adventures, unique markets, and relaxing beaches. It makes a great city escape for couples who enjoy spending time outdoors but also having access to an urban setting.


Is Palermo or Bressanone Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Palermo
Bressanone

Both Palermo and Bressanone are nice destinations for backpackers.

Palermo is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a decent number of affordable hostels around town as well as plenty of backpackers that keep the scene fun and social.

Plenty of backpackers visit Bressanone. There's a couple of hostels and cheaper guesthouses in town, so backpackers can enjoy a few days in this picturesque alpine town.

Is Palermo or Bressanone Better for Students?

Palermo
Bressanone

Palermo is a city with good options for students. However, Bressanone is not popular with students.

Palermo is popular with students. It's an affordable student destination with a relaxing and laid back vibe. There's enough activity to keep it interesting without a high pressure setting.

Bressanone is not popular with students.

Is Palermo or Bressanone Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Palermo
Bressanone

Bressanone is a town with good options for its public transit. However, Palermo is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Bressanone has a few public transit options. There are trains and buses throughout the region.

Public transit is mostly limited in Palermo. If you stick to the main city center then you can get around by city bus, but if you're headed anywhere else, you'll likely want to take a taxi or Uber.


Is Palermo or Bressanone a more walkable city?

Palermo
Bressanone

Palermo and Bressanone both are great when exploring on foot.

Palermo is a very walkable destination. The city is walkable with a number of streets closed to cars and pedestrian only.

Bressanone is very walkable. The town is compact and small enough to explore on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Palermo Worth Visiting? and Is Bressanone Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bressanone or Palermo?

How long in Palermo or Bressanone?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Palermo than Bressanone 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 Palermo.


  • How many days in Palermo or Bressanone? Ideal Length of Stay
    Palermo 1-3 
    Bressanone 1-2

One day in Palermo or Bressanone?

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the fun city of Palermo, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Palermo, one day is sufficent for most.

Bressanone is a small town with plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This town 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 Palermo or Bressanone?

With scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the destination of Palermo, there's plenty to do. It's also a great beach destination, too. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Bressanone might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Bressanone has to offer.


Five days in Palermo or Bressanone?

Palermo, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Bressanone 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 Palermo or Bressanone?

Palermo is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bressanone. Since Bressanone is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. 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 Luxury Tours to Italy, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy, and The Best Contiki Tours to Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Bressanone or Palermo?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Palermo is €92, while the average daily cost in Bressanone is €138. 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 Palermo and Bressanone in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Palermo 56
    Bressanone 72
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Palermo 112
    Bressanone 144
Compare Hotels in Palermo and Bressanone

Looking for a hotel in Palermo or Bressanone? 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 Palermo


Hotels in Bressanone


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: Palermo Hotel Prices and Bressanone Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Palermo 5.64
    Bressanone 23
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Palermo

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Palermo:


  • Bus to Monreale
    3.00
  • Bus From Airport
    6.00
  • 90 Minute Bus Pass
    1.30
  • Short Taxi Ride
    4.35

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Palermo

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Palermo:

  • Airport Transfer Palermo: $59
  • From Bus Transfer to/from Trapani City Center: $10
  • Grand Hotel Piazza Borsa to Palermo airport, private transfer: $44
  • Grand Hotel Wagner to Palermo airport or vice versa, Private Transfer: $44
  • Palermo Airport (PMO) Departure Transfer (Palermo Hotels or address to Airport): $156
  • Palermo Airport to Palermo city or vice versa, private transfer service: $41
  • Palermo Private Transfer from or to Palermo Airport in Sicily : $137
  • Palermo airport transfer to Grand Hotel et des Palmes: $42
  • 1-Way Bus Transfer to/from Misilmeri: $2.89
  • 1-Way Private Transfer from the Airport: $62
  • Bus Transfer to/from Airport and City Center: $6.42
  • Private Golf Club Class w/ Transfer, Ticket, & Food: $176

Is it cheaper to fly into Palermo or Bressanone?

Prices for flights to both Bressanone and Palermo 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
    Palermo 29
    Bressanone 47
Typical Food Prices in Palermo

Some typical examples of dining costs in Palermo are as follows:


  • Sitdown Dinner (for Two)
    32
  • Fast Food Lunch
    5.32

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Palermo

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

  • Street Food Tour: $42
  • Street Food Tour: $65
  • Explore Palermo's with a Food Tour & Pizza Making Class: $68
  • Small Group Night Street Food Tour: $68
  • Pizza and Gelato Cooking Class with Dinner and Wine: $74
  • Palermo Traditional Food Tour: $74
  • Palermo's Delight: Unleash the Secrets of Pizza and Gelato Making: $75
  • Night Street Food Tour of Palermo : $75
  • Secret Food Tours Palermo: $85
  • Street Food Tour in Ballarò and Vucciria Markets: $86
  • Walking Street Food Tour with the Chef: $91
  • Sicilian Cooking Class: $101

Typical Food Prices in Bressanone

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Bressanone:


  • Gelato
    2.20

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Palermo 17
    Bressanone 20
Typical Entertainment Prices in Palermo

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Palermo are as follows:


  • Capuchin Catacombs (for 2)
    6.00
  • Castello della Zisa Entrance (for Two)
    12
  • Theater Tickets (for Two)
    49

Tours and Activities in Palermo

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Palermo are as follows:

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
  • City Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $6.95
  • sensorial experience of nature and ecology: $8.56
  • Teatro Massimo Opera House Guided Tour: $11
  • Entrance ticket to the Radici Piccolo Museo Della Natura: $11
  • Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour 24-hour Ticket: $21
  • Fast And Furious Bike Tour in Palermo: $27
  • Palermo storie e segreti: tour tra arte misteri e leggende: $31
  • Panoramic Trip to Mondello by CruiserCar: $32
  • Palermo di sera: tour del centro storico: $32
  • Walking Tour of Historic Markets and Monuments: $32

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Palermo 11
    Bressanone 26
Typical Alcohol Prices in Palermo

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Palermo:


  • Beer
    2.56
  • Bottle of Quality Wine
    11

Sample the Local Flavors in Palermo

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

  • Pub Crawl Palermo: $16
  • Wine Tasting with Snacks at Bottega Monteleone: $41
  • Natural Local Wine Tasting & Sicilian Tapas: $49
  • Natural Wine Tasting with snacks at Bottega Monteleone: $53
  • Eating Palermo Food & Wine Tour: $82
  • 2-Hour Sicilian Cheese and Wine Tasting Tour: $128
  • From Erice and Marsala Day Trip with Wine Tasting: $181
  • Wine Tasting for Small Groups in the Palermo Countryside: $196

Typical Alcohol Prices in Bressanone

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Bressanone:


  • 1/2 Litre of wine
    9.00
  • 2 Glasses of Wine
    7.00


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Palermo and Bressanone, we can see that Bressanone is more expensive. And not only is Palermo much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Palermo would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Palermo 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 Bressanone would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Bressanone than you might in Palermo.

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


Which is Bigger, Palermo or Bressanone?

Palermo has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Bressanone. When comparing the sizes of Palermo and Bressanone, 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.