A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Palermo vs. Cambridge for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Palermo or Cambridge?

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 Cambridge 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 diverse, dynamic, and fun city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's a gorgeous place to visit. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Cambridge

Cambridge is a collegiate, scholarly, and charming university town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and shopping.

Palermo and Cambridge: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Palermo or Cambridge?

You'll generally find more things to do in Palermo than Cambridge. Palermo is bigger than Cambridge, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Palermo is better known for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and big city activities, while Cambridge is more popular for its museums, small town charm, and impressive beauty. Cambridge is more touristy than Palermo and is popular for its iconic university and the many colleges associated with it. Palermo is well known for its mild climate, beautiful architecture, fun atmosphere, and fascinating culture. Also, Palermo is famous for The Cathedral.

How is Palermo different from Cambridge?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Cambridge is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Palermo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Cambridge. The history is rich and impressive in this university town. There are countless museums and architectural sights that you should check out. High on the list are the Cambridge University buildings, The Fitzwilliam Museum, the Bridge of Sighs, The Round Church, and many more.

Palermo is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. 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.

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

Both Palermo and Cambridge offer very good 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 Cambridge. You'll find college pubs, local eateries, and fine dining, all in one charming town. Enjoy afternoon tea or fish chips at one of the many local restaurants around town.

Is Palermo or Cambridge Better for Nightlife?

Palermo is an excellent place to visit for nightlife. Also, Cambridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Palermo has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. 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.

Cambridge has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene is centered around the student culture and you'll find many university pubs, some lively clubs, theaters, and wine bars around town. Whether you're looking for a chill night with friends or a more wild experience, there are options in Cambridge.

Is Palermo or Cambridge Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Palermo is a good destination for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Cambridge is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery 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.

Cambridge is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Palermo or Cambridge Better for Beaches?

Palermo is an excellent place to visit for its beaches. However, Cambridge is not a beach destination.

Many people visit Palermo for it's beautiful beaches. 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.

Cambridge is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Palermo or Cambridge?

Both Palermo and Cambridge are very good shopping destinations.

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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Cambridge. The town offers independent boutique shops, local brands, and a 7 day a week market. The three main shopping areas in town are The Grafton, Lion Yard and Grand Arcade.

Is Palermo or Cambridge Better for Families?

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

Palermo is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Cambridge. Kids will enjoy following the Treasure Trail, or climbing to the top of the Great St Mary’s Tower. Punting is another iconic experience. On a rainy day, head to the Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences, the Museum of Zoology, or the Cambridge Science Centre.

Is Palermo or Cambridge Better for Couples?

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

Cambridge is a very popular place to visit for couples. The quaint town is fun to explore as a couple. Try your hand at punting or take a tour of one of the colleges. You can also enjoy a picnic in the botanical gardens or have tea at the Orchard Tea Garden.

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 Cambridge Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Palermo and Cambridge are notable 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 Cambridge. With a handful of hostels and a vibrant student population, the town makes for a fun stop on your backpacking trip.

Is Palermo or Cambridge Better for Students?

Cambridge is very popular for students. Also, Palermo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Cambridge is a very popular university town for students. The town is home to more than 25,000 students who come from 140 different countries. This is one of the most iconic university towns in the world, and there's really no better place for students to visit or reside.

Plenty of students visit Palermo. 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.

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

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

Cambridge has a few public transit options. There is a regional bus service that operates through town.

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 Cambridge a more walkable city?

Cambridge is very popular for its ease of walking around. Also, Palermo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its walkability.

It is easy to get around Cambridge on foot. Walking is the best way to explore the town.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Cambridge or Palermo?

How long in Palermo or Cambridge?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Palermo or Cambridge to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Palermo than Cambridge 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 Cambridge.

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

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

One day in Palermo or Cambridge?

You'll find nightlife and food around the city of Palermo. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Palermo has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Cambridge, you'll find nightlife and food. This university 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 Cambridge?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the diverse destination of Palermo. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

In Cambridge, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cambridge has to offer.

Five days in Palermo or Cambridge?

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the diverse city of Palermo. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Cambridge is a great place to explore. 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 Cambridge?

Palermo is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 will give you the chance to have new experiences.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cambridge. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Cambridge. 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 3-Day Tours from London, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from London.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Palermo and Cambridge, we can see that Cambridge 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 Cambridge would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Cambridge 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 Cambridge Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Palermo or Cambridge?

Palermo has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Cambridge. When comparing the sizes of Palermo and Cambridge, 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.