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

Should you visit Paris or Positano?

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

Should I visit Paris or Positano? 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. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the theater, nightlife, and live music.

Positano

Positano is a stunning, luxurious, and charming Mediterranean village. 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 shopping, food, and beaches.

Paris and Positano: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Paris or Positano?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Paris than Positano, 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 Positano 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. Positano is well known for its beautiful cliffside setting, its colorful buildings, and its quintessential Amalfi atmosphere.

The Eiffel Tower

How is Paris different from Positano?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Paris is a must-visit destination for its historical sights. However, Positano 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.

Positano does not have museums and landmarks.

Is Paris or Positano Better for Theater?

Paris is a must-visit destination for its shows and theatre. However, Positano 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.

Positano is not a theatre destination.

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

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

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.

Positano has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. Seafood is the obvious choice along the Amalfi Coast but Positano is also famous for its salami, chestnuts, cheese, and figs.

Is Paris or Positano Better for Nightlife?

Paris is a must-visit destination for its evening party scene. However, Positano is not a good destination for nightlife.

Paris is a world class 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.

Most people don't head to Positano specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. The town has a relaxing nightlife that is usually centered around the clubs found at nearby resorts.

Is Paris or Positano Better for Music?

Paris is a must-visit destination for its music scene. However, Positano 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.

Positano is not a live music destination.

Is Paris or Positano Better for Resorts?

Positano is terrific for its luxury resorts. However, Paris is not a resort destination.

For the ultimate resort vacation, Positano is a great choice. The town has a number of luxury resorts including Le Sirenuse, Il San Pietro di Positano, and Hotel Le Agavi.

Paris is not a resort destination.

Is Paris or Positano Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Positano is adequate for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Paris is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

There are few places where you can go snorkeling in Positano. There are snorkeling boat trips that you can book to enjoy exploring the undersea world.

Paris is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Paris or Positano Better for Beaches?

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

Positano is a good option for a beach vacation. Like the rest of the Amalfi Coast, beaches near Positano tend to be pebbly instead of sandy. They can also get a bit crowded during the summer months. Still, the picturesque setting makes these beaches truly amazing. The main beach at the edge of town is Spiaggia Grande, but there are several others nearby as well.

Paris is not a beach destination.

Is Paris or Positano Better for its Old Town?

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

Positano has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. Exploring the old town, soaking up the atmosphere, and simply enjoying the colorful buildings is what a trip to Positano is all about.

Paris does not have a historic old town.

Is Paris or Positano Better for Hiking?

Positano is great for hiking. However, Paris is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Positano for the hiking trails. The best way to explore the area out of town is on foot. There are a number of foot paths and trails that will take you through the stunning landscapes.

Paris is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Paris or Positano?

Paris is a must-visit destination for its shopping areas. Also, Positano is not as popular, but is still a nice Mediterranean village 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.

Positano is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The main street in town is lined with quaint shops that sell local lemon products, ceramics, clothing, and more.

Is Paris or Positano Better for Christmas?

Paris is a must-visit destination for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Positano does not offer Christmas activities.

With so many activities, Paris is a top place to visit during 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.

Positano does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Paris or Positano Better for Families?

Paris is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Positano is not as popular, but is still a nice Mediterranean village 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.

Positano is a family-friendly place to visit. Fun activities include boat rides, eating gelato, and hanging out at the beach. Some of the best family-friendly beaches are Spiaggia Grande, Fornillo Beach, and Arienzo Beach.

Is Paris or Positano Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Paris and Positano make for a amazing 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, Positano has plenty to offer. It is a picturesque coast town that is both romantic and fun. Wandering through the streets and sampling Italian food make this the perfect honeymoon getaway.

Is Paris or Positano Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Paris is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Positano is not as popular, but is still a nice Mediterranean village 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Positano. The town has a handful of great hostels that make the Amalfi Coast accessible to backpackers on a budget.

Is Paris or Positano Better for Students?

Paris is a must-visit destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Positano 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.

Positano is not popular with students.

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

Paris is a must-visit destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Positano is not as popular, but is still a nice Mediterranean village for its public transit.

Paris has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The city's metro system is very comprehensive. There's also a bus system that you can use to get around.

Positano has a few public transit options. You can walk everywhere once you arrive, and the SITA bus travels to and from the town.

Is Paris or Positano a more walkable city?

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

Positano is a very easy Mediterranean village to get around on foot. The town is best explored on foot. You can wander the quaint streets or take the foot path to the beach or nearby castles.

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 Positano Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Positano or Paris?

How long in Paris or Positano?

Both Paris and Positano have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Paris has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Paris than Positano. In general, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Paris, and 2-7 days is enough time in Positano.

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

Paris is a big city with plenty to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Even though Positano is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. Lots of people come for the food. This Mediterranean village 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 Positano?

Paris is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Positano. 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 Positano?

Paris is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Paris, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Positano is a fun place to experience. Positano is a small town with plenty to do. Lots of people come for the food. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Paris or Positano?

Paris is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Paris has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.

Positano might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the food. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Historical Tours in France, The Best 10-Day Tours in France, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Italy, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Paris and Positano, we can see that Paris is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Paris or Positano?

Paris has a larger population, and is about 550 times larger than the population of Positano. When comparing the sizes of Paris and Positano, 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 Positano?

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 Positano in the Summer?

Both Positano and Paris are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Paris for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Positano because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Paris is generally cooler than Positano. Daily temperatures in Paris average around 20°C (68°F), and Positano fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

It's quite sunny in Positano. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Paris. Paris usually receives less sunshine than Positano during summer. Paris gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Positano receives 313 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Paris usually receives more rain than Positano. Paris gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Positano receives 26 mm (1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Paris or Positano in the Autumn?

Both Positano and Paris during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Paris because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Positano this time of year.

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

In the autumn, Paris often gets less sunshine than Positano. Paris gets 127 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Positano receives 189 hours of full sun.

Positano gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Paris usually gets less rain in October than Positano. Paris gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Positano receives 132 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Paris or Positano in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Paris and Positano. The museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Paris this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Positano for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Paris in the winter. In the winter, Paris is much colder than Positano. Typically, the winter temperatures in Paris in January average around 5°C (40°F), and Positano averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Paris usually receives less sunshine than Positano during winter. Paris gets 62 hours of sunny skies, while Positano receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.

Positano receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Paris usually receives less rain than Positano. Paris gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Positano receives 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Paris or Positano in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Paris as well as Positano. Many travelers come to Paris for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Positano in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In April, Paris is generally cooler than Positano. Daily temperatures in Paris average around 11°C (52°F), and Positano fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Paris often gets less sunshine than Positano. Paris gets 172 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Positano receives 189 hours of full sun.

Paris usually gets less rain in April than Positano. Paris gets 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Positano receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Positano and Paris