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

Should you visit Paris or Volterra?

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

Should I visit Paris or Volterra? 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 beautiful, iconic, and bustling city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It's also known for nightlife, live music, and food.

Volterra

Volterra is a cultural, historic, and charming town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Paris and Volterra: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Paris or Volterra?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Paris. Although Paris and Volterra are both popular with visitors, Paris has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Paris is more popular for its museums, theatre productions, nightlife, music, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Volterra is known for its historical sights and small town charm. Paris is more touristy than Volterra and is popular for its world-renowned cuisine, iconic landmarks, trendsetting fashion, and dynamic markets. It is also home to The Eiffel Tower. Volterra is popular for its medieval history, its hilltop setting and its alabaster.

The Eiffel Tower

How is Paris different from Volterra?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Paris is terrific for its museums and landmarks. Also, Volterra is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Visitors will find world class museums and historical sights in Paris that are not to be missed. 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 Volterra specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. For such a large town there are a huge number of historic sights packed into a small area. Check out the Roman Theater, the Etruscan Museum, and the Duomo.

Is Paris or Volterra Better for Theater?

Paris is terrific for theatre. However, Volterra 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.

Volterra is not a theatre destination.

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

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

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.

Volterra has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. The town is surrounded by the region of truffles, so you'll find this item included in all kinds of recipes. Pumpkin sauce is also a specialty of the area and there are also many local cheeses. Many restaurants also have bruschetta as an appetizer.

Is Paris or Volterra Better for Nightlife?

Paris is terrific for nightlife. However, Volterra is not particularly known for nightlife and partying.

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.

Volterra doesn't have the most active nightlife scene. There are cozy bars and cafes where you can sip wine and soak up the atmosphere, but the town isn't known as a nightlife destination.

Is Paris or Volterra Better for Music?

Paris is terrific for live music. However, Volterra is not a live music destination.

Paris is a world class music destination. 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.

Volterra is not a live music destination.

Is Paris or Volterra Better for its Old Town?

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

Volterra has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The walled town is perched on a hilltop and dates back to the 8th century BC. Visitors come specifically to explore its winding streets and stunning setting.

Paris does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Paris or Volterra?

Paris is terrific for shopping. Also, Volterra is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Paris is a famous shopping destination with plenty of 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.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Volterra. Some of the streets are lined with boutique shops and one of the most popular things to buy in town is Alabaster. You'll also find plenty of Italian wine from the nearby vineyards.

Is Paris or Volterra Better for Christmas?

Paris is terrific for its Christmas activities. However, Volterra does not offer Christmas activities.

During Christmas, Paris is not to be missed. 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.

Volterra does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Paris or Volterra Better for Families?

Paris is terrific for its family-friendly activities. Also, Volterra is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-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.

Volterra offers lots of family activities. If you have a Twilight fan, this town is home to the Volturi, who are the royal family of vampires. For everyone else, its a charming town with medieval walls and wandering alleys that kids will enjoy exploring.

Is Paris or Volterra Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Paris and Volterra make for a first-rate 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, Volterra has plenty to offer. It's unique atmosphere, amazing food, and medieval style make for a unique and world class couples destination. While many people visit as a day trip, you can spend the night and soak up the evening atmosphere as well.

Is Paris or Volterra Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Paris is terrific for backpackers. Also, Volterra is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Paris is a mecca for backpackers and 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.

Volterra is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. There's only one or two hostels in town, so if you're looking for a more social backpacker setting, then this may not be your spot. It does make for a great day trip though and if you're more interested in culture than meeting other backpackers, then definitely stop by.

Is Paris or Volterra Better for Students?

Paris is terrific for students. However, Volterra is not popular with students.

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

Volterra is not popular with students.

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

Paris is terrific for its public transit. However, Volterra is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Volterra. Public transit isn't necessary as the city is best explored on foot.

Is Paris or Volterra a more walkable city?

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

Volterra is a very easy town to get around on foot. Most people explore the town on foot.

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 Volterra Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Volterra or Paris?

How long in Paris or Volterra?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Paris or Volterra to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Paris than Volterra 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 Volterra.

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

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 Volterra is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the food. 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 Volterra?

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 Volterra. 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 Volterra?

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.

Volterra is a fun place to experience. Volterra is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. Lots of people come for the food. 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 Volterra?

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.

Volterra 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. Lots of people come for the food. 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 Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy, and The Best Walking Tours in Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Paris or Volterra?

Paris has a larger population, and is about 190 times larger than the population of Volterra. When comparing the sizes of Paris and Volterra, 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 Volterra?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Paris or Volterra in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Paris as well as Volterra. The summer months attract visitors to Paris because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Volterra this time of year.

Paris is cooler than Volterra in the summer. The daily temperature in Paris averages around 20°C (68°F) in July, and Volterra fluctuates around 23°C (74°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Volterra. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Paris this time of the year. In the summer, Paris often gets less sunshine than Volterra. Paris gets 241 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Volterra receives 316 hours of full sun.

Paris usually gets more rain in July than Volterra. Paris gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 23 mm (0.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Paris or Volterra in the Autumn?

Both Volterra and Paris are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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. Also, many travelers come to Volterra for the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Paris is cooler than Volterra. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Paris in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Volterra averages at about 16°C (61°F).

Paris usually receives less sunshine than Volterra during autumn. Paris gets 127 hours of sunny skies, while Volterra receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Volterra. In October, Paris usually receives less rain than Volterra. Paris gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 123 mm (4.8 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Paris or Volterra in the Winter?

Both Volterra and Paris during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Paris for the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Volterra in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Paris. In January, Paris is generally much colder than Volterra. Daily temperatures in Paris average around 5°C (40°F), and Volterra fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In the winter, Paris often gets less sunshine than Volterra. Paris gets 62 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Volterra receives 105 hours of full sun.

Paris usually gets less rain in January than Volterra. Paris gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Paris or Volterra in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Paris and Volterra. Many visitors come to Paris in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Volterra for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

Paris is cooler than Volterra in the spring. The daily temperature in Paris averages around 11°C (52°F) in April, and Volterra fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Paris usually receives less sunshine than Volterra during spring. Paris gets 172 hours of sunny skies, while Volterra receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Paris usually receives less rain than Volterra. Paris gets 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Volterra receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Volterra and Paris