A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Paris vs. Cinque Terre for Food, Families, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Paris or Cinque Terre?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Paris or Cinque Terre? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Paris

Paris is a energetic, beautiful, and iconic city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and live music.

Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is a seaside, stunning, and traditional coastal region. Since it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors, too. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. Other reasons to visit include hiking, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Paris and Cinque Terre: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Paris or Cinque Terre?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Paris than Cinque Terre, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Paris is better known for its museums, theatre productions, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Cinque Terre is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere. Paris is well known for its world-renowned cuisine, iconic landmarks, trendsetting fashion, and dynamic markets. Also, Paris is famous for The Eiffel Tower. Cinque Terre is well known for its charming villages, beautiful vineyards, picturesque waterfront setting, and stunning walking trail.

The Eiffel Tower

How is Paris different from Cinque Terre?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Paris or Cinque Terre?

Paris is renowned for its museums and history. However, Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Paris has many famous sights for visitors. One of the most world famous landmarks is the Eiffel Tower. The city is also home to the world renowned Louvre, Notre-Dame, and Palais Garnier Opera House. In addition to the many iconic sights, there are beautiful buildings and hidden gems throughout the city.

Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Paris or Cinque Terre Better for Theater?

Paris is renowned for its shows and theatre. However, Cinque Terre is not a theatre destination.

Famous for its theaters and plays, you'll find world-renowned shows in Paris. There are world class theaters as well as smaller local venues where you can enjoy a show.

Cinque Terre is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Paris or Cinque Terre? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Paris and Cinque Terre.

For foodies, Paris is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. There are countless local restaurants, markets, and patisseries to explore. Make sure you try the steak tartare, pate, and macarons.

Cinque Terre has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Like much of Italy, the area focuses on local flavors that include lots of seafood, as well as local fruits, vegetables, and herbs. The towns are known for their focaccia, which actually originated in nearby Genoa. Anchovies are a favorite here as well, and don't be turned off by your experience with anchovies outside of Italy. They don't compare. Also make sure you sample the pesto, mussels, and any fresh caught seafood.

Is Paris or Cinque Terre Better for Nightlife?

Paris is renowned for its evening party scene. However, Cinque Terre is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Paris is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. Head to Pigalle or the Latin Quarter for some of the city's best nightlife. There are all-night parties, cabarets, and exclusive night clubs that you can experience.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Cinque Terre. The whole point of a trip to the area is to soak up the quiet village atmosphere. There is basically no nightlife in most of the towns, but you will find a few bars in Monterosso.

Is Paris or Cinque Terre Better for Music?

Paris is renowned for its music scene. However, Cinque Terre is not a live music destination.

Paris has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. Some of the most famous music venues include Le Pop In, La Mécanique Ondulatoire, and Les Disquaires. You'll also find many small bars where you can enjoy live music in a quaint setting.

Cinque Terre is not a live music destination.

Is Paris or Cinque Terre Better for Resorts?

Cinque Terre is mediocre for its luxury resorts. However, Paris is not a resort destination.

While Cinque Terre is not known as a resort destination, there are some nice places to stay. Most people stay in apartments or rooms in local hotels or family homes. There aren't many resorts in the traditional sense, but again, that's part of the charm of the area.

Paris is not a resort destination.

Is Paris or Cinque Terre Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cinque Terre is a popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Paris is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Cinque Terre has a few good snorkeling spots. The surrounding waters are part of the of the Pelagos Sanctuary. The area has many rocky coves which are fun to explore with a mask and snorkel. There are also boat excursions available that may let you stop to snorkel, as well as a few dive spots in the area.

Paris is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Paris or Cinque Terre Better for Beaches?

Cinque Terre is a popular place for its beaches. However, Paris is not a beach destination.

Cinque Terre is a good option for a beach vacation. The area is more about the towns than the beaches. The most typical beach setting is in the newer part of Monterosso. There's a long sandy beach with chairs and umbrellas available. There's also a beach near the town's old town. Several of the other towns have swimming areas, including a small stretch of pebbly sand in Vernazza. It's fun to swim between the months of May and October, when the water temperatures are fairly warm.

Paris is not a beach destination.

Is Paris or Cinque Terre Better for its Old Town?

Cinque Terre is terrific for its historic old town. However, Paris does not have a historic old town.

Cinque Terre has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. Each of the five towns have their own charming old town which have restaurants and local boutique shops.

Paris does not have a historic old town.

Is Paris or Cinque Terre Better for Hiking?

Cinque Terre is terrific for hiking. However, Paris is not a hiking destination.

People visit Cinque Terre specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The five towns are part of Cinque Terre National Park and there are 120 kilometers of hiking trails in the park. Most people hike along the trails that follow the coastline and connect the towns. There are fees for the most popular stretch of trails which connect Monterosso to Vernazza and then go from Vernazza to Corniglia. All other hiking is free in the area.

Paris is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Paris or Cinque Terre?

Paris is renowned for its shopping areas. However, Cinque Terre is lacking in good options for shopping.

Many people travel to Paris specifically to go shopping. Some of the best areas for shopping are Boulevard Haussmann and the Grands Boulevards, the Marais, and Avenue Montaigne and the Champs-Elysées. The city is iconic for its fashion scene and world class shopping venues.

Cinque Terre is a good destination for shopping. The towns are more about the atmosphere than the shops, but the best shopping can be found in the largest town of Monterosso. You'll find jewelry, clothing, and local food items that are fun to take home as souvenirs.

Is Paris or Cinque Terre Better for Christmas?

Paris is renowned for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Cinque Terre does not offer Christmas activities.

Paris offers plenty of sights and activities around Christmas. The city of lights really proves itself around the holiday season. In addition to checking out the Christmas lights, it's fun to go window shopping or check out one of the city's Christmas markets.

Cinque Terre does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Paris or Cinque Terre Better for Families?

Paris is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Cinque Terre is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Paris is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. Check out Jardin du Luxembourg, or one of the city's many playgrounds. Also grab a treat at one of the city's many patisseries. And of course, there's Disneyland Paris.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Cinque Terre. The five towns are all about exploring on foot, so if that's your kid's thing, then they're in for a treat. The hilly terrain can be a bit tricky, particularly for the little ones, but for older kids this area offers the perfect amount of challenge. There are also a couple of beaches and swimming spots as well as a playground or two around. Food, like most of Italy, is very kid-friendly.

Is Paris or Cinque Terre Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Paris and Cinque Terre make for a fantastic place to visit.

Paris makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. A city filled with romance, you really can't find a more ideal destination for a European honeymoon or a couple's getaway.

For those traveling as a couple, Cinque Terre has plenty to offer. These stunning five Italian villages are perched precariously on the water's edge. They're surrounded by beautiful vineyards and connected by impressive hiking trails. This area is truly a dream honeymoon destination and it is sure to make a memorable vacation for any couple who enjoys exploring charming village.

Is Paris or Cinque Terre Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Paris is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Cinque Terre is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Paris, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. It's a big city, so it's easy to get lost in the chaos, but there are many hostels and other backpacker hangouts around town.

Cinque Terre is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a number of rooms available in the towns and there are even a couple of hostels including one in Riomaggiore and one in Corniglia. It's possible to find affordable food and accommodation, and your entertainment is simply wandering the area, which is perfect for budget travelers.

Is Paris or Cinque Terre Better for Students?

Paris is renowned for its student-friendly activities. However, Cinque Terre is not popular with students.

Paris is a great destination for students. The city is one of the most popular destinations for international and study abroad students.

Cinque Terre is not popular with students.

Is Paris or Cinque Terre Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Paris is renowned for times when you don't have a car. Also, Cinque Terre is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Paris has a great public transit system. The city's metro system is very comprehensive. There's also a bus system that you can use to get around.

You'll find some public transit in Cinque Terre, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Most people arrive by train but there are also ferries available.

Is Paris or Cinque Terre a more walkable city?

Cinque Terre is terrific for its walkability. Also, Paris is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of walkability.

Cinque Terre is a very easy coastal region to get around on foot. Vehicle traffic in the towns are heavily restricted so it's very enjoyable to explore on foot. The terrain is hilly and uneven, but that's part of the charm. There are also hiking trails that connect each of the five towns.

Paris is a very walkable city. Some streets can feel a bit overwhelming, but there are many parts of the city that are easily explored on foot.

For even more information, also check out Is Paris Worth Visiting? and Is Cinque Terre Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cinque Terre or Paris?

How long in Paris or Cinque Terre?

In either Paris or Cinque Terre, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Paris than Cinque Terre because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Paris, and 2-5 days is enough time in Cinque Terre.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Paris than Cinque Terre 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 Paris.

One day in Paris or Cinque Terre?

Each neighborhood in Paris has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Even though Cinque Terre is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This coastal region offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Paris or Cinque Terre?

Paris is a fun place to experience. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cinque Terre. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Paris or Cinque Terre?

Each neighborhood in Paris has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Cinque Terre is a fun place to experience. Cinque Terre is a small town with plenty to do. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Paris or Cinque Terre?

Paris is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Cinque Terre is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in France, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Paris and Cinque Terre, we can see that Paris is more expensive. And not only is Cinque Terre much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Cinque Terre would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Cinque Terre 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 Paris would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Paris than you might in Cinque Terre.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Paris Expensive? and Is Cinque Terre Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Paris or Cinque Terre?

Paris has a larger population, and is about 1360 times larger than the population of Cinque Terre. When comparing the sizes of Paris and Cinque Terre, 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 Paris or Cinque Terre?

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 Paris or Cinque Terre in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Paris and Cinque Terre. Many travelers come to Paris for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Cinque Terre in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Paris is generally cooler than Cinque Terre. Daily temperatures in Paris average around 20°C (68°F), and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cinque Terre this time of the year. In Paris, it's very sunny this time of the year. Paris usually receives less sunshine than Cinque Terre during summer. Paris gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Cinque Terre receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Paris usually receives more rain than Cinque Terre. Paris gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Paris or Cinque Terre in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Paris as well as Cinque Terre. Many visitors come to Paris in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, most visitors come to Cinque Terre for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Paris is cooler than Cinque Terre in the autumn. The daily temperature in Paris averages around 13°C (56°F) in October, and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Paris often gets less sunshine than Cinque Terre. Paris gets 127 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 177 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Cinque Terre. Paris usually gets less rain in October than Cinque Terre. Paris gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Paris or Cinque Terre in the Winter?

Both Cinque Terre and Paris are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Paris for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Cinque Terre because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Paris can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Paris is much colder than Cinque Terre. Typically, the winter temperatures in Paris in January average around 5°C (40°F), and Cinque Terre averages at about 8°C (46°F).

Paris usually receives less sunshine than Cinque Terre during winter. Paris gets 62 hours of sunny skies, while Cinque Terre receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cinque Terre. In January, Paris usually receives less rain than Cinque Terre. Paris gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Paris or Cinque Terre in the Spring?

Both Cinque Terre and Paris during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Paris because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Cinque Terre this time of year.

In April, Paris is generally cooler than Cinque Terre. Daily temperatures in Paris average around 11°C (52°F), and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

In the spring, Paris often gets less sunshine than Cinque Terre. Paris gets 172 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 192 hours of full sun.

Paris usually gets less rain in April than Cinque Terre. Paris gets 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Cinque Terre and Paris