A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Palermo vs. Nice for Food, Nightlife, Couples, and Beaches

Should you visit Palermo or Nice?

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 Nice 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 colorful, diverse, and dynamic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Nice

Nice is a chic, glamourous, and beautiful seaside destination. You'll find world class beauty here as well. This is an attractive and quaint destination worth visiting as well. Other popular activities here include nightlife, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Palermo and Nice: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Palermo or Nice?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Palermo than Nice, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Palermo is more popular for its museums and big city activities, while Nice is known for its food, nightlife, resorts, historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Nice is more touristy than Palermo and is known for its beachfront setting in the French Riviera as well as its popularity with A-list celebrities. Palermo is popular for its mild climate, beautiful architecture, fun atmosphere, and fascinating culture. It is also home to The Cathedral.

How is Palermo different from Nice?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Palermo is a city with good options for its sights and museums. However, Nice does not have museums and landmarks.

Palermo offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. 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.

Nice does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Nice is very popular for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Palermo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

Many restaurants in Nice have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The cuisine brings together fresh regional ingredients and mixes Provençal and Niçoise flavors. You'll find a lot of Italian influence as well. Fresh seafood is the thing to try while you're in town, but other local favorites include socca, Ratatouille, and Salade niçoise.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Palermo. 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.

Is Palermo or Nice Better for Nightlife?

Nice is very popular for its evening party scene. Also, Palermo is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife.

Nice is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. The city has some of the best nightlife on the Cote d'Azur. You'll find a number of nightclubs along the seaside as well a bars and pubs in the Old Town. Some of the best clubs are along Promenade des Anglais.

Palermo has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Is Palermo or Nice Better for Resorts?

Nice is very popular for its resorts. However, Palermo is not a resort destination.

Nice is a world class resort vacation destination. The city has boutique hotels as well high end luxury resorts. Popular options include Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée, Hôtel Suisse, and AC Hotel by Marriott.

Palermo is not a resort destination.

Is Palermo or Nice Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Both Palermo and Nice offer good scuba diving or snorkeling.

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.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Nice. There are some places where you can arrange a snorkeling or dive trip to explore the underwater setting.

Is Palermo or Nice Better for Beaches?

Both Palermo and Nice are considered to be great beach destinations.

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.

Many people visit Nice for it's beautiful beaches. The city has about 4 miles of beach along its coastline and there are both public and private beaches available. La Réserve is a public beach with a laid back and fun vibe. Plage Beau Rivage is a private beach with many amenities, making it a favorite for visitors. Blue Beach is another private beach that is very family-friendly.

Is Palermo or Nice Better for its Old Town?

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

Nice is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. Wandering around the charming old town is a quintessential part of visiting this city. There are many historic churches and squares, as well as great restaurants and shops that you can pop in.

Palermo does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Palermo or Nice?

Both Palermo and Nice are great 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 Nice. The city has long been a favorite for the rich and famous, so you'll find plenty of shopping opportunities around town. The boutique shops are chic, trendy, and fashionable, but for those on a budget, you can sometimes find a unique local purchase in your budget.

Is Palermo or Nice Better for Families?

Palermo is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Nice is not as famous, but is still a good seaside destination to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Palermo is a very kid-friendly city. 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.

Nice is a family-friendly city. The town has many fun playgrounds, kid-friendly beaches, and unique cultural opportunities that kids can enjoy. It also makes a great base for exploring the French Riviera and everything that it has to offer.

Is Palermo or Nice Better for Couples?

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

Nice is a great seaside destination for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The old town is filled with romance and charm. You can also take a walk along the Promenade Des Anglais or soak up the romantic countryside that surrounds the town.

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 Nice Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Palermo and Nice are good 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 Nice. Because it's one of the most popular tourist destinations in France, many backpackers make their way here. Nice is known for its high end vibe, so it can be challenging to find affordable options, but if you know where to look, they are around.

Is Palermo or Nice Better for Students?

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

Palermo is a good city to visit for 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.

Nice is not popular with students.

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

Nice 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 Nice. There are both buses and trams.

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 Nice a more walkable city?

Nice 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 Nice on foot. You should definitely spend some time exploring the 7 kilometer long Promenade des Anglais.

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 Nice Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Nice or Palermo?

How long in Palermo or Nice?

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

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

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

One day in Palermo or Nice?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Palermo. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Nice, you'll find nightlife and food. Travelers enjoy the resorts in the area as well. This seaside destination 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 Nice?

Palermo is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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.

In Nice, you'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

Five days in Palermo or Nice?

You'll find scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping around the colorful destination of Palermo. This city offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Nice is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Nice has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Palermo or Nice?

The dynamic city of Palermo offers shopping and museums. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 Nice. Many people enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting Nice. It's also a relaxing resort destination. 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 10-Day Tours in France, and The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in France.

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

Which is Bigger, Palermo or Nice?

Palermo has a larger population, and is about 99% larger than the population of Nice. When comparing the sizes of Palermo and Nice, 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 Nice?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Palermo or Nice in the Summer?

Both Nice and Palermo are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Palermo because of the beaches, snorkeling, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Nice this time of year.

In July, Palermo is generally around the same temperature as Nice. Daily temperatures in Palermo average around 25°C (76°F), and Nice fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In July, Palermo usually receives less rain than Nice. Palermo gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Nice receives 16 mm (0.6 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Palermo or Nice in the Autumn?

Both Nice and Palermo during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Palermo this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Nice for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Palermo is a little warmer than Nice in the autumn. The daily temperature in Palermo averages around 20°C (67°F) in October, and Nice fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Nice gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Palermo usually gets less rain in October than Nice. Palermo gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Nice receives 108 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Palermo or Nice in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Palermo and Nice. Many travelers come to Palermo for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Nice in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In the winter, Palermo is a little warmer than Nice. Typically, the winter temperatures in Palermo in January average around 12°C (53°F), and Nice averages at about 9°C (48°F).

In January, Palermo usually receives less rain than Nice. Palermo gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Nice receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Palermo or Nice in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Palermo as well as Nice. Many visitors come to Palermo in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Nice for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Palermo is generally a little warmer than Nice. Daily temperatures in Palermo average around 15°C (58°F), and Nice fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Palermo usually gets less rain in April than Nice. Palermo gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Nice receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Nice and Palermo