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

Should you visit Palermo or Manchester?

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 Manchester 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 fun, colorful, and diverse 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.

Manchester

Manchester is a dynamic, diverse, and cultural city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Other popular activities here include nightlife, live music, and food.

Palermo and Manchester: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Palermo or Manchester?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Manchester than Palermo. While Palermo is larger than Manchester, Manchester has more sights and attractions for tourists. Manchester is better known for its museums, music, and big city activities, while Palermo is more popular for its scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and impressive beauty. Palermo is well known for its mild climate, beautiful architecture, fun atmosphere, and fascinating culture. Manchester is well known for its strong music culture as well as being home to the world-renowned Manchester United Football Club. Also, Manchester is famous for The National Football Museum.

How is Palermo different from Manchester?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Manchester 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 Manchester. Head to the Science and Industry Museum, the Imperial War Museum North, Manchester Cathedral, or John Rylands Library & Manchester Central Library to see some of the cities most interesting sights.

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 Manchester? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Palermo and Manchester 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 Manchester. You'll find a great food scene with diverse restaurant options that include international flavors, vegetarian options, and more. There are also many great places to try craft beer.

Is Palermo or Manchester Better for Nightlife?

Both Palermo and Manchester are superb when it comes to partying.

Palermo offers plenty to do in the evening. 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.

Manchester has a large number of nightlife venues. The nightlife scene is diverse and high energy. Head to Deansgate or the Northern Quarter for some of the best nightlife venues. You'll also find a huge rave scene in town.

Is Palermo or Manchester Better for Music?

Manchester is a well-known place for its music scene. However, Palermo is not a live music destination.

The music scene in Manchester is very popular with diverse venues. There's a long running music reputation here. Some of the iconic bands that began here include Oasis and Stone Roses.

Palermo is not a live music destination.

Is Palermo or Manchester Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Palermo is very good for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Manchester 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.

Manchester is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Palermo or Manchester Better for Beaches?

Palermo is great for its beaches. However, Manchester 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.

Manchester is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Palermo or Manchester?

Both Palermo and Manchester are superb 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 Manchester. From jewelry to boutique clothing outlets, there are many places to shop around town. Head to Manchester Arndale, Trafford Centre, or Market Street for some of the best shopping.

Is Palermo or Manchester Better for Families?

Both Palermo and Manchester are superb to visit with kids.

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.

Manchester is a very family-friendly destination. You'll find a number of kid-friendly activities around town including the popular Legoland Discovery Center. Another fun activity is taking a behind the scenes CBBC interactive tour at MediaCityUK. Animal lovers will enjoy visiting the SeaLife Aquarium or the Chester Zoo and sports enthusiasts will not want to miss a visit to the National Football Museum or doing a tour of Old Trafford where you can also visit the Manchester United Museum.

Is Palermo or Manchester Better for Couples?

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

Manchester is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples can enjoy a visit to a spa, a nice meal out, or simply wandering down the canal. For a unique experience, you can hit to slopes at Chill Factore.

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 Manchester Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Palermo and Manchester 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 Manchester. You'll find hostels around town and a number of visitors, particularly during the sports season.

Is Palermo or Manchester Better for Students?

Manchester is a well-known place for students. Also, Palermo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its student-friendly activities.

Students come from all over to stay in Manchester. There's a large number of students as well as a great music scene and tons of festivals that make this a great city to do your studies.

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 Manchester Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Manchester 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 Manchester. The city has bus, train, and tram options for travel.

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 Manchester a more walkable city?

Palermo is great for its walkability. Also, Manchester is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Manchester is a somewhat walkable place. Some neighborhoods are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Manchester or Palermo?

How long in Palermo or Manchester?

It's fun to spend time in either Palermo or Manchester. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Manchester due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Palermo, and 2-4 days is enough time in Manchester.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Manchester 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 Manchester.

One day in Palermo or Manchester?

With food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the diverse 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.

Because Manchester 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 Palermo or Manchester?

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.

Because Manchester 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. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Manchester has to offer.

Five days in Palermo or Manchester?

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.

Manchester 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 Manchester?

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 Manchester. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Manchester. 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 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh, and The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Kingdom.

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

Which is Bigger, Palermo or Manchester?

Palermo has a larger population, and is about 70% larger than the population of Manchester. When comparing the sizes of Palermo and Manchester, 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 Manchester?

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 Manchester in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Palermo as well as Manchester. Many visitors come to Palermo in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Manchester for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Palermo is a little warmer than Manchester. Typically, the summer temperatures in Palermo in July average around 25°C (76°F), and Manchester averages at about 16°C (62°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Palermo this time of the year. In the summer, Palermo often gets more sunshine than Manchester. Palermo gets 347 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Manchester receives 176 hours of full sun.

Palermo usually gets less rain in July than Manchester. Palermo gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Manchester receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Palermo or Manchester in the Autumn?

Both Manchester and Palermo are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Manchester because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In October, Palermo is generally much warmer than Manchester. Daily temperatures in Palermo average around 20°C (67°F), and Manchester fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Palermo. Palermo usually receives more sunshine than Manchester during autumn. Palermo gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Manchester receives 97 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Palermo usually receives less rain than Manchester. Palermo gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Manchester receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Palermo or Manchester in the Winter?

Both Manchester and Palermo during the winter are popular places to visit. The winter months attract visitors to Palermo because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Manchester this time of year.

It's quite cold in Manchester in the winter. Palermo is much warmer than Manchester in the winter. The daily temperature in Palermo averages around 12°C (53°F) in January, and Manchester fluctuates around 4°C (39°F).

In the winter, Palermo often gets more sunshine than Manchester. Palermo gets 133 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Manchester receives 53 hours of full sun.

Palermo usually gets less rain in January than Manchester. Palermo gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Manchester receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Palermo or Manchester in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Palermo and Manchester. The beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Palermo this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Manchester for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Palermo is much warmer than Manchester. Typically, the spring temperatures in Palermo in April average around 15°C (58°F), and Manchester averages at about 8°C (46°F).

In Palermo, it's very sunny this time of the year. Palermo usually receives more sunshine than Manchester during spring. Palermo gets 219 hours of sunny skies, while Manchester receives 144 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Palermo usually receives less rain than Manchester. Palermo gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Manchester receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Manchester and Palermo