A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Paris vs. Pisa for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Paris or Pisa?

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

Should I visit Paris or Pisa? 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 iconic, bustling, and energetic city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the live music, food, and shopping.

Pisa

Pisa is a world-famous, classic, and charming city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include beaches, shopping, and museums.

Paris and Pisa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Paris or Pisa?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Paris than Pisa. 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 Pisa attracts visitors for its beaches and historical sights. Paris is more touristy than Pisa and is known for its world-renowned cuisine, iconic landmarks, trendsetting fashion, and dynamic markets. It is also well known for The Eiffel Tower. Pisa is famous for its iconic Leaning Tower, its beautiful squares, and its lively atmosphere.

The Eiffel Tower

How is Paris different from Pisa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Paris is terrific for its historical sights. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

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.

Many visitors head to Pisa specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. The city is more than a one hit wonder. In addition to the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, you'll find many beautiful buildings and museums. Popular places to visit include the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, Campo Santo (Sacred Field), and Museo dell'Opera del Duomo.

Is Paris or Pisa Better for Theater?

Paris is terrific for its theatre productions. However, Pisa is not a theatre destination.

The theater and performance venues in Paris draw crowds from around the world. There are world class theaters as well as smaller local venues where you can enjoy a show.

Pisa is not a theatre destination.

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

Paris is terrific for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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.

Dining out in Pisa is an experience not to be missed. The local cuisine is heavily influenced by the city's maritime roots. You'll find many seafood dishes as well as local classic recipes that have been passed down through the generations. A quintessential local dish is Bordatino alla Pisana, which is made with beans, cabbage, and cornflour. Also popular are Pasta e Ceci (chickpea pasta), Palette (a local polenta), and Trippa alla Pisana.

Is Paris or Pisa Better for Nightlife?

Paris is terrific for nightlife and partying. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

Paris is a must-see party destination. 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.

Pisa offers plenty to do in the evening. Head out to an aperitivo bar for an early drink, then head to one of the area's best nightlife neighborhoods. For the biggest party scene, go about 10 kilometers out of town to the Versilian coast. This area has the most popular clubs. If you decide to stay in town, there are still plenty of places to catch live music and dance.

Is Paris or Pisa Better for Music?

Paris is terrific for its live music scene. However, Pisa 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.

Pisa is not a live music destination.

Is Paris or Pisa Better for Beaches?

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

Pisa is a good option for a beach vacation. Many people forget that there are beaches near Pisa, but the city is close to the sea. Some of the closest beaches include Marina di Vecchiano and Marina di Pisa.

Paris is not a beach destination.

Is Paris or Pisa Better for its Old Town?

Pisa is great for its historic old town. However, Paris does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Pisa. The old town is where you'll find the city's classic charm and many of the best sights.

Paris does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Paris or Pisa?

Paris is terrific for its shopping opportunities. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity in Pisa. There's a great mix of traditional markets, high end stores, and indoor shopping malls where you can find anything that you might need. Corso Italia is one of the most popular shopping areas, but also worth checking out are Centro Commerciale Pisanova, Borgo Stretto and Borgo Largo.

Is Paris or Pisa Better for Christmas?

Paris is terrific for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Pisa does not offer Christmas activities.

People travel from all around to experience the Christmas season in Paris. 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.

Pisa does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Paris or Pisa Better for Families?

Paris is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Paris is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Pisa is a family-friendly place to visit. It's a lively city with beautiful squares and the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. Kids will enjoy hanging out in the city center, visiting Parco Don Bosco, Giardino Scotto Park, or Marina di Pisa. If you have a car and are willing to venture a bit further away, there's the Piccolo Mondo Amusement Park and Parco Preistorico Peccioli.

Is Paris or Pisa Better for Couples?

Paris is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

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.

Pisa is a good city for couples to visit. It's an iconic Italian destination that offers so much more than its most famous landmark. The city is filled with charming squares, beautiful architecture, and plenty of fun activities that couples can enjoy.

Is Paris or Pisa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Paris is terrific for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city 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.

Pisa is a very popular city for backpackers and budget travelers. Most backpackers pass through on their way to other towns, but for those that linger, there are plenty of hostels and a lively social scene.

Is Paris or Pisa Better for Students?

For students, both Paris and Pisa are first-rate places to visit.

Many students frequent Paris. The city is one of the most popular destinations for international and study abroad students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Pisa. Many study abroad students flock to Italy for its beautiful culture, art, and architecture. Pisa makes a nice base for international students, and it offers easy access to other parts of Italy. It's also home to an internationally acclaimed university, Scuola Normale Superiore, which was founded in 1810.

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

Paris is terrific for times when you don't have a car. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Paris can take you anywhere. The city's metro system is very comprehensive. There's also a bus system that you can use to get around.

Pisa has a few public transit options. There are public buses through town with the most popular lines being the Red and Green Lines.

Is Paris or Pisa a more walkable city?

Paris and Pisa are high quality 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.

Pisa is a very walkable city. The city is a great place to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Pisa or Paris?

How long in Paris or Pisa?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Paris and Pisa. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Paris than in Pisa. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Paris, and 1-3 days is enough time in Pisa.

Families should spend more time in Paris than Pisa. 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 Pisa. 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 Pisa 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 Pisa?

Paris is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

In Pisa, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this charming destination offers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Paris or Pisa?

Paris is a fun place to experience. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Pisa. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 Pisa?

Paris is a beautiful big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Pisa is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the destination of Pisa. Visiting the old town is also a must. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Paris or Pisa?

Paris is a iconic city where you can fill many days. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

You'll find food and shopping around the classic destination of Pisa. 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 2-Week Tours in Italy, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Paris and Pisa, we can see that Paris is more expensive. And not only is Pisa much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Pisa would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Pisa 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 Pisa.

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

Which is Bigger, Paris or Pisa?

Paris has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Pisa. When comparing the sizes of Paris and Pisa, 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 Pisa?

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 Pisa in the Summer?

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

In the summer, Paris is cooler than Pisa. Typically, the summer temperatures in Paris in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Pisa averages at about 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Pisa. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Paris. Paris usually receives less sunshine than Pisa during summer. Paris gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Pisa receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

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

Should I visit Paris or Pisa in the Autumn?

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

In October, Paris is generally cooler than Pisa. Daily temperatures in Paris average around 13°C (56°F), and Pisa fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

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

Pisa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Paris usually gets less rain in October than Pisa. Paris gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Paris or Pisa in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Paris and Pisa. Many travelers come to Paris for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Pisa in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Paris. Paris is much colder than Pisa in the winter. The daily temperature in Paris averages around 5°C (40°F) in January, and Pisa fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

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

In January, Paris usually receives less rain than Pisa. Paris gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Paris or Pisa in the Spring?

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

In the spring, Paris is cooler than Pisa. Typically, the spring temperatures in Paris in April average around 11°C (52°F), and Pisa averages at about 13°C (55°F).

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

It's quite rainy in Pisa. Paris usually gets less rain in April than Pisa. Paris gets 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Pisa and Paris