Which place is cheaper, La Spezia or Paris?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Paris or La Spezia?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Paris or La Spezia? 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. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the live music, food, and shopping.
La Spezia
La Spezia is a convenient, cultural, and lively town. Other reasons to visit include shopping, nightlife, and food.
Paris and La Spezia: Pros and Cons
Paris
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Numerous theater shows
- Active nightlife
- Good music scene
- Fun shopping
- Popular at Christmas
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Good for students
- Good public transit
- Big city activities
- Impressive beauty
- Home to the Eiffel Tower
La Spezia
Pros- Popular beach
- Scenic old town
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Less museums and historical sights
- Less popular for nightlife
- Less popular for shopping
- Less family-friendly
- Public transit not as usable
Is there more to do in Paris or La Spezia?
Tourists will generally find more to do in Paris than La Spezia. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Paris is very popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, music, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while La Spezia attracts visitors for its beaches and historical sights. Paris is more touristy than La Spezia and is known for its world-renowned cuisine, iconic landmarks, trendsetting fashion, and dynamic markets. It is also well known for The Eiffel Tower. La Spezia is famous for being the gateway to Cinque Terre.
The Eiffel Tower
How is Paris different from La Spezia?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between La Spezia 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 La Spezia?
Paris
La Spezia
Paris is very popular for its museums and history. However, La Spezia is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.
The museums and tourist attractions in Paris are world-renowned. 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.
La Spezia offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. The highlight of the area is the surrounding natural beauty, but in town you can visit the Maritime Museum, The castle of San Giorgio, and The Amedeo Lia Art Museum.
Is Paris or La Spezia Better for Theater?
Paris
La Spezia
Paris is very popular for its theatre productions. However, La Spezia is not a theatre destination.
Paris is considered to be a world-class theater destination. There are world class theaters as well as smaller local venues where you can enjoy a show.
La Spezia is not a theatre destination.
Is the Food Better in Paris or La Spezia? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Paris
La Spezia
Paris is very popular for its restaurants. Also, La Spezia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.
Eat your way through Paris, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. There are countless local restaurants, markets, and patisseries to explore. Make sure you try the steak tartare, pate, and macarons.
Dining out in La Spezia is an experience not to be missed. The town has many local flavors that incorporate seafood and other local ingredients. Focaccia is popular, as is Farinata, which is a chickpea flour pancake. Anchovies and mussels are also common ingredients.
Is Paris or La Spezia Better for Nightlife?
Paris
La Spezia
Paris is very popular for nightlife and partying. Also, La Spezia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.
Paris is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. 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.
La Spezia has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find more bars and clubs around town than you do in the smaller nearby towns. Some people head into La Spezia for the evening to grab a drink and socialize.
Is Paris or La Spezia Better for Music?
Paris
La Spezia
Paris is very popular for its live music scene. However, La Spezia is not a live music destination.
With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Paris. 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.
La Spezia is not a live music destination.
Is Paris or La Spezia Better for Beaches?
Paris
La Spezia
La Spezia is a popular place for its beaches. However, Paris is not a beach destination.
La Spezia is a good option for a beach vacation. The beaches in the area tend to be rocky and pebbly. For the best beaches, head out of town to nearby areas.
Paris is not a beach destination.
Is Paris or La Spezia Better for its Old Town?
Paris
La Spezia
La Spezia is a popular place for its historic old town. However, Paris does not have a historic old town.
La Spezia is a good destination for visiting its old town. The old town runs between the streets of Corso Cavour and Via Prione and is best explored on foot.
Paris does not have a historic old town.
Is the Shopping Better in Paris or La Spezia?
Paris
La Spezia
Paris is very popular for its shopping opportunities. Also, La Spezia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.
Known for shopping, Paris draws large crowds to its stores. 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.
Many visitors go to La Spezia to go shopping. There's a morning market at Piazza del Mercato as well as many clothing and souvenir shops around town.
Is Paris or La Spezia Better for Christmas?
Paris
La Spezia
Paris is very popular for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, La Spezia 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.
La Spezia does not offer Christmas activities.
Is Paris or La Spezia Better for Families?
Paris
La Spezia
Paris is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. Also, La Spezia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.
With a huge array of activities for kids, Paris is very family-friendly. 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 La Spezia. Visitors often use La Spezia as a base for visiting nearby Cinque Terre. The surrounding region has many kid-friendly activities like hiking, swimming, and beaches.
Is Paris or La Spezia Better for Couples?
Paris
La Spezia
Paris is very popular for its romantic activities. Also, La Spezia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.
Paris is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. A city filled with romance, you really can't find a more ideal destination for a European honeymoon or a couple's getaway.
Couples visit La Spezia frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It makes a nice base for visiting nearby sights if the more popular Cinque Terre area is too overwhelming.
Is Paris or La Spezia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Paris
La Spezia
Paris is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, La Spezia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.
With so many budget-friendly offerings, Paris is extremely popular for backpackers. 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.
La Spezia is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. It's more affordable than the nearby towns in Cinque Terre, but they're still easily accessible from town.
Is Paris or La Spezia Better for Students?
Paris
La Spezia
Paris is very popular for its student-friendly activities. However, La Spezia is not popular with students.
Paris is a very popular place to visit for students. The city is one of the most popular destinations for international and study abroad students.
La Spezia is not popular with students.
Is Paris or La Spezia Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Paris
La Spezia
Paris is very popular for times when you don't have a car. Also, La Spezia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.
Paris has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. 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 La Spezia, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Buses, trains, and ferry boats offer the main forms of transportation in the area.
Is Paris or La Spezia a more walkable city?
Paris
La Spezia
Paris and La Spezia are superb when it comes to walkability.
Paris is very walkable. Some streets can feel a bit overwhelming, but there are many parts of the city that are easily explored on foot.
La Spezia is a very walkable city. The town is easy to walk around and you'll find a pedestrian-only area downhill from the train station.
For even more information, also check out Is Paris Worth Visiting? and Is La Spezia Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in La Spezia or Paris?
How long in Paris or La Spezia?
Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Paris and La Spezia. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Paris than in La Spezia. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Paris, and 2-3 days is enough time in La Spezia.
Families should spend more time in Paris than La Spezia. 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 La Spezia. 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 La Spezia 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.
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How many days in Paris or La Spezia? Ideal Length of StayParis 3-7La Spezia 2-3
One day in Paris or La Spezia?
People visit Paris because there is so much to do. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
In La Spezia, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this convenient destination offers. This town 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 La Spezia?
People visit Paris because there is so much to do. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.
It's hard to know how much time to spend in La Spezia. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. 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 La Spezia?
People visit Paris because there is so much to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.
La Spezia is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of La Spezia. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.
A week in Paris or La Spezia?
Paris is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Paris, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.
You'll find nightlife and food around the convenient destination of La Spezia. 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 Family-Friendly Tours to Italy, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayParis €232La Spezia €198
The average daily cost (per person) in Paris is €232, while the average daily cost in La Spezia is €198. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Paris and La Spezia in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personParis €151La Spezia €113
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomParis €302La Spezia €226
Compare Hotels in Paris and La Spezia
Looking for a hotel in Paris or La Spezia? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Paris Hotel Prices and La Spezia Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Paris €21La Spezia €41
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Paris
Some typical examples of transportation costs in Paris are as follows:
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Metro€6.40
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Train from Airport€9.00
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Metro tickets€6.80
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Train€20
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Paris
Also for Paris, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- transfer from CDG/ORLY airport to Paris ,multilingual driver: $44
- Versailles: Skip-the-Line Day Tour & Transfer from Paris: $2,567
- Versailles Round-Trip Transfers: Multiple Departures: $52
- Versailles Palace Guided Tour with Coach Transfer from Paris: $75
- VERSAILLES CASTLE Round-Trip Transfer from Paris by Luxury Van: $190
- VERSAILLES CASTLE Private Round-Trip Transfer from Paris by Sedan: $186
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Orly HTL-APT (ORY): $104
- Try find your better than us ! Airport transfer in Orly APT-HTL (ORY): $104
- Transfert Privé Aéroport Charles de Gaulle vers Paris: $95
- Transfer private vehicle from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport to 94300 Vincennes: $59
- Transfer in private vehicle from Paris Orly Airport (ORY) - Disney: $61
- Transfer in private vehicle from Paris City - Paris Orly Airport (ORY): $68
Hired Cars and Shuttles in La Spezia
Also for La Spezia, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- La Spezia Cruise Port to Florence - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $260
- Private Transfer from La Spezia to Cinque Terre by car or van: $142
- Private Transfer from La Spezia Cruise Port to Pisa Airport (PSA): $92
- Private Transfer Porto Venere or Lerici to La Spezia by car / van: $91
- Arrival Private Transfer from La Spezia to Porto Venere or Lerici: $91
- La Spezia Cruise Port to La Spezia hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $44
- La Spezia Cruise Port to La Spezia hotels - Arrival Private Transfer: $22
- Private Transfer from La Spezia Port to La Spezia Hotels: $22
Is it cheaper to fly into Paris or La Spezia?
Prices for flights to both La Spezia and Paris change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayParis €41La Spezia €56
Typical Food Prices in Paris
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Paris:
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Ice Cream€8.00
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Breakfast€7.00
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Breakfast for 2€30
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Dinner on River Cruise€86
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Dinner€57
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Cheese€13
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Paris
For Paris, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- 1h30 Cooking Activity in English: $22
- Hard Rock Cafe Paris with Set Menu for Lunch or Dinner : $33
- Paris Capitaine Fracasse 3 Course Seine River Dinner Cruise: $44
- No Diet Club - A selection of the best pizzas in Paris !: $45
- Authentic Indian Dinner in Paris : $49
- Paris : Seine River Bistronomic Dinner Cruise: $52
- Seine River Panoramic Views Dinner Cruise: $56
- Paris en Scene 3 Course Seine River Dinner Cruise: $58
- No Diet Club - Paris : Night food tour - Montmartre: $67
- 1-Hour Sightseeing Cruise with Bistro Dinner: $68
- Paris : No Diet Club Food Tour - Best Spots in Le Marais: $68
- Dinner with Customized Wine Selection: $75
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in La Spezia
For La Spezia, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- La Spezia Cinque Terre Food Tour: $91
- Small-Group Street Food Tour: $95
- Tour of Apericena at Sunset and Dinner on Boat: $96
- Portovenere: Sunset Cruise with Aperitif and Dinner: $96
- La Spezia Cinque Terre Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $97
- Cesarine: Dining & Cooking Demo at Local's Home in La Spezia: $115
- Porto Venere & Islands Sunset Boat Tour w/ Dinner: $138
- Market Tour & Lunch/Dinner at a Cesarina's Home: $149
- Private Cooking Class in an Italian Home: $155
- Market Visit and Seafood Cooking Class with Lunch: $156
- Cesarine: Home Cooking Class & Meal with a Local in La Spezia: $158
- Private Pizza & Tiramisu Class at a Cesarina's home with tasting in La Spezia: $158
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Paris €77La Spezia €37
Typical Entertainment Prices in Paris
For Paris, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Louvre Entry for Two€18
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Admission to Pantheon€5.00
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Catacombs (2)€23
Tours and Activities in Paris
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Paris.
- Île de la Cité: Guided Tour + Sainte-Chapelle Fast Track Entry: $55
- Musée d'Orsay Skip-the-Line Fully Guided Tour: $56
- Napoleon Walking Tour From Empire to Exile : $38
- Paris Boat River Seine Cruise Sightseeing TICKETS: $22
- Paris City Center Self-Guided Walking Tour : $11
- Paris Entrance Ticket to the Aura Invalides Immersive Show: $24
- Paris Sightseeing Tour with Seine River Cruise from Disneyland®: $93
- Private Tour in Medieval Paris with Latin Quarter and Panthéon: $250
- Small Group Tour of An Artistic Odyssey at the Louvre : $148
- Versailles Palace Skip the Line Small Group Guided Tour: $75
- Virtual reality experience in Paris: $33
- Île de la Cité - Sainte-Chapelle & Conciergerie Tour Private Tour: $175
Tours and Activities in La Spezia
For La Spezia, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:
- 4-Hour Guided Boat Tour with Aperitif at Sunset in Spezia: $137
- 6-Hour Guided Tour Portovenere and Cinque Terre with aperitif: $109
- Afternoon Boat Tour to Cinque Terre with brunch on board: $153
- Boat Tour of the 3 Islands & Portovenere: $66
- Boat Tours 5 Terre: $137
- Boat tour 5 terre & Portovenere Food - drink - music - swim : $163
- Boat tour Cinque Terre and Gulf of Poets from La Spezia: $186
- Caving adventure at the Caves of Equi Alpi Apuane: $142
- Cesarine: Market Tour & Dining at a Local's Home in La Spezia: $152
- Cinque Terre & Portovenere: Boat Tour: $142
- Cinque Terre Gems: UNESCO Sites & Secrets Tour: $619
- Cinque Terre SHARED boat tour, Amazing Experience : $164
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayParis €24La Spezia €35
Typical Alcohol Prices in Paris
Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in Paris are as follows:
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Wine€14
Sample the Local Flavors in Paris
Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Paris:
- Daily Paris Pub Crawl : Meet, Drink & Party: $11
- Original Paris Pub Crawl : $16
- Daily Paris Pub Crawl : Meet, Drink & Party: $20
- Latin Quarter Guided Pub Crawl to Bars and Clubs: $22
- Paris Bar Crawl: $24
- Paris Latin Quarter Pub Crawl Bars and Clubs: $24
- Paris Pub Crawl: $25
- Audio guided tour and wine tasting at Caves du Louvre: $32
- Paris Craft gin distillery guided Tour & Tasting in English: $32
- Paris Gin Craft Distillery Tour and Tasting: $33
- Wine Museum Guided Tour with Wine Tasting: $39
- Vineyard tour and wine tasting in Davron: $43
Sample the Local Flavors in La Spezia
Also in La Spezia, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- boat tour with seafood and wine tasting: $214
- Lucca city tour and Pisa tower + wine tasting from La Spezia Port: $217
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Paris and La Spezia, we can see that Paris is more expensive. And not only is La Spezia much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to La Spezia would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in La Spezia 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 La Spezia.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Paris Expensive? and Is La Spezia Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Paris or La Spezia?
Paris has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of La Spezia. When comparing the sizes of Paris and La Spezia, 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.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.