A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Palermo vs. Interlaken for Families, Couples, Food, and Backpackers

Should you visit Palermo or Interlaken?

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 Interlaken 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.

Interlaken

Interlaken is a stunning, adventurous, and adrenaline-filled town. You'll find world class beauty here as well. As this is a very quaint destination, you'll find it has a special atmosphere. Other popular activities here include hiking, skiing, and food.

Palermo and Interlaken: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Palermo or Interlaken?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Palermo than Interlaken, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Palermo is better known for its museums, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Interlaken is more popular for its skiing, hiking, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Interlaken is more touristy than Palermo and is popular for its adventure sports, alpine setting, and beautiful lakes. 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 Interlaken?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Is Palermo or Interlaken Better for Skiing?

Interlaken is a town with good options for snow skiing. However, Palermo is not a skiing destination.

Head to Interlaken for some great skiing and other winter activities. While the city itself has no skiing, there is access to several ski areas in Jungfrau. There are several different resorts in the area near Grindelwald, Wengen, and Mürren. You'll need to take a train or ski bus to get most places.

Palermo is not a skiing destination.

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

Palermo is very good for its museums and history. However, Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Interlaken does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Both Palermo and Interlaken offer superb 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 Interlaken. Restaurants in the area serve local classics like fondue, local meats, cheeses, and chocolate. You can finish your meal off with strudel or head to a local bakery and try their samplings. Meals are expensive but the quality is good. You should also out into the countryside and enjoy a meal looking out over the mountains.

Is Palermo or Interlaken Better for Nightlife?

Palermo is an excellent place to visit for nightlife. However, Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

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.

Interlaken is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Palermo or Interlaken Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving 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.

Interlaken is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Palermo or Interlaken Better for Beaches?

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

Palermo is a very popular place to visit for its 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.

Interlaken is not a beach destination.

Is Palermo or Interlaken Better for Hiking?

Interlaken is very popular for the nearby hiking options. However, Palermo is not a hiking destination.

Around Interlaken visitors will find world-class hiking trails. Hikes in the area range from easy to challenging with every option in between. You can experience beautiful waterfalls, breathtaking views, and dramatic ridge hikes. Several of the best hikes in the area include Schynige Platte Ridge Trail, Mt Niesen Panorama Trail, and Giessbach Waterfalls.

Palermo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Palermo or Interlaken?

Palermo is an excellent place to visit for shopping. However, Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting 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.

Interlaken is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Palermo or Interlaken Better for Families?

Interlaken is very popular for its family-friendly activities. Also, Palermo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Interlaken is an extremely popular town to visit for families. While the city is beautiful, it's really the surrounding areas that you and your family will enjoy. There are amazing hikes, stunning views, playgrounds, lakes, and more. There's also an impressive ropes course that adventurous kids will love, funiculars, gondolas, and so many water sports!

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.

Is Palermo or Interlaken Better for Couples?

Interlaken is very popular for couples. Also, Palermo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for romance.

Interlaken is a great town for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The mountaintop views, breathtaking hikes, and beautiful lakes make this a top destination for couples. Make sure you head out of town and fully immerse yourself in everything that the area has to offer. Kayaking, canoeing, paragliding, and more will make this a trip of a lifetime.

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 Interlaken Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Palermo and Interlaken 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 Interlaken. It's a world class destination with so many activities that backpackers will love, but it's also one of the most expensive areas in one of the most expensive countries. There are hostels in town as well as a few in the nearby towns and countryside, but prices are steep. Cook when you can and enjoy all of the free activities that the area has to offer.

Is Palermo or Interlaken Better for Students?

Palermo is very good for its student-friendly activities. However, Interlaken is not popular with students.

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.

Interlaken is not popular with students.

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

Interlaken is a well-known place for its public transit. However, Palermo is not a good city for times when you don't have a car.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Interlaken. Buses travel around town, but to get into the mountains there are trains, cog railways, funiculars, and gondolas.

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 Interlaken a more walkable city?

Palermo is an excellent place to visit for its walkability. Also, Interlaken is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

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

Interlaken is a somewhat walkable place. The old town is relatively walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Interlaken or Palermo?

How long in Palermo or Interlaken?

In either Palermo or Interlaken, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Interlaken than Palermo because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Palermo, and 2-5 days is enough time in Interlaken.

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

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

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

One day in Palermo or Interlaken?

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the colorful 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.

In Interlaken, you'll find skiing and food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Palermo or Interlaken?

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.

In Interlaken, you'll find food and skiing. 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. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Interlaken has to offer.

Five days in Palermo or Interlaken?

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.

Interlaken is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Hikers are also drawn to this area. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Interlaken has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Palermo or Interlaken?

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 Interlaken. Many people enjoy the food and skiing when visiting Interlaken. One reason most visitors come is for the hiking. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Geneva, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Zurich.

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

Which is Bigger, Palermo or Interlaken?

Palermo has a larger population, and is about 130 times larger than the population of Interlaken. When comparing the sizes of Palermo and Interlaken, 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 Palermo or Interlaken?

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 Palermo or Interlaken in the Summer?

Both Interlaken and Palermo during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Palermo in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, most visitors come to Interlaken for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Palermo is a little warmer than Interlaken. Typically, the summer temperatures in Palermo in July average around 25°C (76°F), and Interlaken averages at about 21°C (70°F).

In Interlaken, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Palermo. In the summer, Palermo often gets more sunshine than Interlaken. Palermo gets 347 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Interlaken receives 241 hours of full sun.

Palermo usually gets less rain in July than Interlaken. Palermo gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Palermo or Interlaken in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Palermo and Interlaken. Most visitors come to Palermo for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Furthermore, the autumn months attract visitors to Interlaken because of the hiking trails and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Palermo is generally a little warmer than Interlaken. Daily temperatures in Palermo average around 20°C (67°F), and Interlaken fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

In Palermo, it's very sunny this time of the year. Palermo usually receives more sunshine than Interlaken during autumn. Palermo gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Interlaken receives 120 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Palermo usually receives less rain than Interlaken. Palermo gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Palermo or Interlaken in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Palermo as well as Interlaken. The winter months attract visitors to Palermo because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, the skiing and the cuisine are the main draw to Interlaken this time of year.

It's quite cold in Interlaken in the winter. Palermo is much warmer than Interlaken in the winter. The daily temperature in Palermo averages around 12°C (53°F) in January, and Interlaken fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In the winter, Palermo often gets more sunshine than Interlaken. Palermo gets 133 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Interlaken receives 55 hours of full sun.

Palermo usually gets less rain in January than Interlaken. Palermo gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Palermo or Interlaken in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Palermo is a little warmer than Interlaken. Typically, the spring temperatures in Palermo in April average around 15°C (58°F), and Interlaken averages at about 12°C (53°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Palermo. Palermo usually receives more sunshine than Interlaken during spring. Palermo gets 219 hours of sunny skies, while Interlaken receives 150 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Palermo usually receives less rain than Interlaken. Palermo gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Interlaken receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Interlaken and Palermo