A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Palermo vs. Trento for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Attractions

Should you visit Palermo or Trento?

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 Trento 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.

Trento

Trento is a high energy, dynamic, and youthful city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include food, hiking, and shopping.

Palermo and Trento: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Palermo or Trento?

You'll generally find more things to do in Palermo than Trento. Palermo is bigger than Trento, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Palermo is better known for its nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Trento is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty. Palermo is well known for its mild climate, beautiful architecture, fun atmosphere, and fascinating culture. Also, Palermo is famous for The Cathedral. Trento is well known for its beautiful mountain scenery and its historical buildings.

How is Palermo different from Trento?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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.

Trento is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Perhaps one of the most popular sights is Castello del Buonconsiglio. The Museum of Science is also fun for kids and adults alike and the Duomo is beautiful.

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

Both Palermo and Trento 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 Trento. The food in the region is influenced by nearby countries such as Austria. Carne salada, which is like corned beef, has a long history in the area. Schüttelbrot is a local flatbread and meraner wurst is a bit like a hot dog. You'll also find salamis and various cheeses.

Is Palermo or Trento Better for Nightlife?

Palermo is great for nightlife. However, Trento is not a good destination for nightlife and partying.

Many people head to Palermo for the nightlife scene. 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.

Most people don't head to Trento specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. Despite the large student population, there aren't a lot of bars and clubs around town. Most parties are held in private residences, so visitors may find the nightlife scene a bit slow.

Is Palermo or Trento Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

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

Trento is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Palermo or Trento Better for Beaches?

Palermo is great for its beaches. However, Trento 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.

Trento is not a beach destination.

Is Palermo or Trento Better for Hiking?

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

Trento is a popular spot for hiking. The surrounding countryside has many beautiful hikes and stunning viewpoints that make for a great outing outside of town.

Palermo is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Palermo or Trento?

Palermo is great for shopping. Also, Trento is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping opportunities.

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.

Trento offers some nice shopping areas. Head to the main shopping street, Via Balenzani for boutique shopping. You'll also find artisan shops and other unique vendors around town.

Is Palermo or Trento Better for Families?

Palermo is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Trento is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Trento is a family-friendly place to visit. Outside of town you'll find plenty of outdoor adventures that the kids will enjoy. In town, there's history and fun kid-friendly museums.

Is Palermo or Trento Better for Couples?

Both Palermo and Trento are notable destinations for a couple's getaway.

Palermo is a good city for couples to visit. 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.

Trento is a nice destination for couples. The town mixes old and new in a beautiful setting that makes for a great romantic getaway. Nearby there are outdoor adventures and in town there's a beautiful atmosphere and great restaurants.

Is Palermo or Trento Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Palermo and Trento 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 Trento. There aren't many hostels in town, but there are some fun activities that backpackers will enjoy.

Is Palermo or Trento Better for Students?

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

Trento is a very popular city for students. It's a popular study abroad destination and you'll find plenty of interesting places to explore in the area.

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

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

Trento has a few public transit options. The city has a number of bus lines 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 Trento a more walkable city?

Palermo and Trento both are superb 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.

Trento is very walkable. Much of the city can be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Trento or Palermo?

How long in Palermo or Trento?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Palermo and Trento. In our opinion, Palermo has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Palermo than Trento. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Palermo than Trento 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 Trento?

Many travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the destination of Palermo. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

In Trento, you'll find museums and food. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This city 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 Trento?

Palermo is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

In Trento, you'll find food and shopping. 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 Trento has to offer.

Five days in Palermo or Trento?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Palermo. Most people come for the beaches. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Trento is a great place to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Trento?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the colorful destination of Palermo. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Trento. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Trento. 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 Tours for Seniors to Italy, and The Best Contiki Tours to Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Palermo or Trento?

Palermo has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Trento. When comparing the sizes of Palermo and Trento, 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 Trento?

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 Trento in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Palermo as well as Trento. 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 Trento for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Palermo is around the same temperature as Trento. Typically, the summer temperatures in Palermo in July average around 25°C (76°F), and Trento averages at about 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Trento. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Palermo this time of the year. In the summer, Palermo often gets more sunshine than Trento. Palermo gets 347 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Trento receives 286 hours of full sun.

Palermo usually gets less rain in July than Trento. Palermo gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Trento receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Palermo or Trento in the Autumn?

Both Trento 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 Trento because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Palermo is generally a little warmer than Trento. Daily temperatures in Palermo average around 20°C (67°F), and Trento fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Palermo. Palermo usually receives more sunshine than Trento during autumn. Palermo gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Trento receives 137 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Palermo usually receives less rain than Trento. Palermo gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Trento receives 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Palermo or Trento in the Winter?

Both Trento 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 Trento this time of year.

It's quite cold in Trento in the winter. Palermo is much warmer than Trento in the winter. The daily temperature in Palermo averages around 12°C (53°F) in January, and Trento fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

In the winter, Palermo often gets more sunshine than Trento. Palermo gets 133 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Trento receives 98 hours of full sun.

Palermo usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Trento. Palermo gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Trento receives 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Palermo or Trento in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Palermo and Trento. 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 Trento for the natural beauty.

In the spring, Palermo is a little warmer than Trento. Typically, the spring temperatures in Palermo in April average around 15°C (58°F), and Trento averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In Palermo, it's very sunny this time of the year. Palermo usually receives more sunshine than Trento during spring. Palermo gets 219 hours of sunny skies, while Trento receives 169 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Palermo usually receives less rain than Trento. Palermo gets 37 mm (1.5 in) of rain, while Trento receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Trento and Palermo