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

Should you visit Paris or Ravenna?

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

Should I visit Paris or Ravenna? 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.

Ravenna

Ravenna is a authentic, historic, and off-the-beaten-path town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and food.

Paris and Ravenna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Paris or Ravenna?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Paris than Ravenna. 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 Ravenna attracts visitors for its small town charm. Paris is more touristy than Ravenna and is known for its world-renowned cuisine, iconic landmarks, trendsetting fashion, and dynamic markets. It is also well known for The Eiffel Tower. Ravenna is famous for its many stunning mosaics which date back to the early Christian and Byzantine empires.

The Eiffel Tower

How is Paris different from Ravenna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Paris is a must-visit destination for its museums and history. Also, Ravenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

Ravenna offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Most sights in town are centered around the the beautiful mosaics. Neonian Baptistery is a good place to begin your visit. Other highlights include San Vitale, the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, and Sant'Apollinare Nuovo.

Is Paris or Ravenna Better for Theater?

Paris is a must-visit destination for its theatre productions. However, Ravenna 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.

Ravenna is not a theatre destination.

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

Paris is a must-visit destination for its restaurants. Also, Ravenna 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 Ravenna is an experience not to be missed. The region is most known for its first course dishes, so pasta lovers will enjoy dining on homemade egg pasta dishes that are served with meat or cheese sauces. You'll also find lots of grilled meats and many great desserts.

Is Paris or Ravenna Better for Nightlife?

Paris is a must-visit destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Ravenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

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.

Ravenna has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. You'll find most of the pubs and clubs in town around Marina di Ravenna. There are a couple of places that attract a crowd, but many are open only during the summer months.

Is Paris or Ravenna Better for Music?

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

Ravenna is not a live music destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Paris or Ravenna?

Paris is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Ravenna 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 Ravenna to go shopping. There are some nice shopping streets in town where you can buy locally made mosaics. You'll also find art studios and artisan shops, as well as your typical souvenir shops and clothing stores. Via Cavour, via Diaz, and via Cairoli are some of the most popular shopping streets.

Is Paris or Ravenna Better for Christmas?

Paris is a must-visit destination for its Christmas holiday experiences. However, Ravenna 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.

Ravenna does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Paris or Ravenna Better for Families?

Paris is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Ravenna 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.

Ravenna is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. In town you'll find mosaics, museums, and a charming town, and ten kilometers outside of town you'll find Italy's largest amusement park - Mirabilandia. The city is also filled with parks where kids can explore and learn, and the food, like any Italian city, is very kid-friendly.

Is Paris or Ravenna Better for Couples?

Paris is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Ravenna 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 Ravenna frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Many visitors to Italy don't add this charming town to their itinerary, but for couples who want to experience a small town setting with beautiful art and architecture, then Ravenna is a great option. There are parks to explore and great restaurants to experience as well.

Is Paris or Ravenna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Paris is a must-visit destination for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Ravenna 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.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Ravenna. It's a bit off-the-beaten path, so you won't find a large number of hostels or a lot of backpackers to hang out with. That doesn't mean it won't make a great addition to your itinerary though.

Is Paris or Ravenna Better for Students?

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

Ravenna is not popular with students.

Is Paris or Ravenna 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, Ravenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

You'll find some public transit in Ravenna, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Buses in and around town are managed by START ROMAGNA and offer access to many nearby towns.

Is Paris or Ravenna a more walkable city?

Paris and Ravenna 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.

Ravenna is a very walkable city. There are care-free areas to the town that can only be explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Ravenna or Paris?

How long in Paris or Ravenna?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Paris or Ravenna to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Paris than Ravenna because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Paris, and 1-2 days is enough time in Ravenna.

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

Because Paris is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

Even though Ravenna is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. This town 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 Ravenna?

Because Paris is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Since there is so much to do in the area, a weekend is probably not enough for all of it.

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

Paris is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Paris has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Ravenna is a fun place to experience. Ravenna is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Paris or Ravenna?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Paris. Because Paris is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Ravenna is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. 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.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Paris or Ravenna?

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

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 Ravenna in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Paris and Ravenna. Most visitors come to Paris for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Ravenna because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Paris is cooler than Ravenna. Typically, the summer temperatures in Paris in July average around 20°C (68°F), and Ravenna averages at about 22°C (72°F).

In July, Paris usually receives less rain than Ravenna. Paris gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Ravenna receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Paris or Ravenna in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Paris as well as Ravenna. 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. Additionally, the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Ravenna this time of year.

In October, Paris is generally around the same temperature as Ravenna. Daily temperatures in Paris average around 13°C (56°F), and Ravenna fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

Paris usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Ravenna. Paris gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Ravenna receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Paris or Ravenna in the Winter?

Both Ravenna and Paris are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. 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 Ravenna for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Ravenna. It's quite cold in Paris in the winter. Paris is much warmer than Ravenna in the winter. The daily temperature in Paris averages around 5°C (40°F) in January, and Ravenna fluctuates around 3°C (37°F).

In January, Paris usually receives more rain than Ravenna. Paris gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Ravenna receives 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Paris or Ravenna in the Spring?

Both Ravenna and Paris during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Paris for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Ravenna in the spring for the small town charm.

In the spring, Paris is around the same temperature as Ravenna. Typically, the spring temperatures in Paris in April average around 11°C (52°F), and Ravenna averages at about 11°C (53°F).

Paris usually gets less rain in April than Ravenna. Paris gets 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Ravenna receives 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Ravenna and Paris