Which place is cheaper, La Spezia or Pisa?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations. These travel costs come from the actual spending of real travelers.
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Should you visit Pisa or La Spezia?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Should I visit Pisa 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.
Pisa
Pisa is a charming, iconic, and world-famous city. The beauty of Pisa is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and shopping. See Pisa travel costs.
La Spezia
La Spezia is a cultural, lively, and convenient town. Visitors also love the shopping, nightlife, and food. See La Spezia travel costs.
Pisa and La Spezia: Pros and Cons
Pisa
Pros- Popular museums and historical sights
- Active nightlife
- Popular beach
- Known for its beauty
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Good for students
- Impressive beauty
- Home to the Leaning Tower of Pisa
La Spezia
Pros- Active nightlife
- Popular beach
- Family-friendly
- Good for couples and romance
- Good for backpackers and budget travelers
- Less museums and historical sights
Is there more to do in Pisa or La Spezia?
Visitors will usually find more to do in Pisa than La Spezia, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Pisa is well known for its iconic Leaning Tower, its beautiful squares, and its lively atmosphere. Also, Pisa is famous for The Leaning Tower of Pisa. La Spezia is well known for being the gateway to Cinque Terre.
The Leaning Tower of Pisa
How is Pisa different from La Spezia?
Which is Better for a Holiday?
Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between La Spezia and Pisa. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.
Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Pisa or La Spezia?
Pisa
La Spezia
Pisa is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, La Spezia is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.
Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Pisa. 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.
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 the Food Better in Pisa or La Spezia? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?
Pisa
La Spezia
Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Pisa and La Spezia.
Pisa has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.
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 Pisa or La Spezia Better for Nightlife?
Pisa
La Spezia
Pisa is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. Also, La Spezia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.
Pisa has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.
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 Pisa or La Spezia Better for Beaches?
Pisa
La Spezia
For a relaxing beach holiday, both Pisa and La Spezia are notable choices.
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.
Many people head to La Spezia to enjoy the beach. The beaches in the area tend to be rocky and pebbly. For the best beaches, head out of town to nearby areas.
Is Pisa or La Spezia Better for its Old Town?
Pisa
La Spezia
Pisa is a very popular place for its old town. Also, La Spezia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town charm.
There are many historical things to see in the old town of Pisa. The old town is where you'll find the city's classic charm and many of the best sights.
La Spezia offers a nice historic old town area. The old town runs between the streets of Corso Cavour and Via Prione and is best explored on foot.
Is the Shopping Better in Pisa or La Spezia?
Pisa
La Spezia
Pisa is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. Also, La Spezia is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.
Pisa is well-known for its shopping. 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.
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 Pisa or La Spezia More Beautiful?
Pisa
La Spezia
Pisa is a very popular place for its scenery and beauty. However, La Spezia is not a destination known for its beauty.
The beauty of Pisa is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. While most people think of the city's iconic Leaning Tower, the city itself is filled with its own beauty and charm.
La Spezia is not a destination known for its beauty.
Is Pisa or La Spezia Better for Families?
Pisa
La Spezia
Kids will enjoy a visit to either Pisa or La Spezia.
Pisa offers lots of family activities. 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.
La Spezia is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 Pisa or La Spezia Better for Couples?
Pisa
La Spezia
La Spezia is a great town for its romantic activities. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.
La Spezia is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. It makes a nice base for visiting nearby sights if the more popular Cinque Terre area is too overwhelming.
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 Pisa or La Spezia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?
Pisa
La Spezia
For backpackers, both Pisa and La Spezia are superb places to visit.
Many backpackers visit Pisa. 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.
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 Pisa or La Spezia Better for Students?
Pisa
La Spezia
Pisa is very popular for its student-friendly activities. However, La Spezia is not popular with students.
Pisa is a very popular place to visit for students. 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.
La Spezia is not popular with students.
Is Pisa or La Spezia Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?
Pisa
La Spezia
Pisa and La Spezia both offer notable public transit to get you around.
While Pisa offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are public buses through town with the most popular lines being the Red and Green Lines.
La Spezia has a few public transit options. Buses, trains, and ferry boats offer the main forms of transportation in the area.
Is Pisa or La Spezia a more walkable city?
Pisa
La Spezia
Pisa and La Spezia are superb when it comes to walkability.
Pisa is a very walkable city. The city is a great place to explore on foot.
La Spezia is a very walkable destination. 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 Pisa Worth Visiting? and Is La Spezia Worth Visiting?.
Should I spend more time in La Spezia or Pisa?
How long in Pisa or La Spezia?
Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Pisa and La Spezia. In our opinion, Pisa has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Pisa than La Spezia. In general, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Pisa, and 2-3 days is enough time in La Spezia.
Families should spend more time in Pisa than La Spezia. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Pisa, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.
Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Pisa 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 Pisa.
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How many days in Pisa or La Spezia? Ideal Length of StayPisa 1-3La Spezia 2-3
One day in Pisa or La Spezia?
You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Pisa. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Pisa has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.
Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of La Spezia. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.
A weekend in Pisa or La Spezia?
You'll find museums and nightlife around the classic destination of Pisa. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.
La Spezia is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.
Five days in Pisa or La Spezia?
Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the charming city of Pisa. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.
You'll find food and shopping around the lively destination of La Spezia. This town offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.
A week in Pisa or La Spezia?
Pisa is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.
The convenient town of La Spezia offers shopping and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Italy, The Best Bicycle Tours in Italy, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Italy, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Italy.
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Pisa Prices
Italy PricesLa Spezia Prices
Italy Prices -
Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayPisa €239La Spezia €231
The average daily cost (per person) in Pisa is €239, while the average daily cost in La Spezia is €231. 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 Pisa and La Spezia in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personPisa €104La Spezia €105
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomPisa €208La Spezia €210
Compare Hotels in Pisa and La Spezia
Looking for a hotel in Pisa 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: Pisa Hotel Prices and La Spezia Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Pisa €44La Spezia €41
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pisa
Also for Pisa, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Tasting in a Tuscan Vineyard with transfer from Pisa: $105
- Tasting in a Tuscan Vineyard with transfer from Pisa: $104
- Private transfer from Pisa to Florence with 2h stop in Lucca: $262
- Private Transfer from Tirrenia to Pisa (PSA) Airport: $140
- Private Transfer from Pisa city hotels to Livorno Cruise Port: $111
- Private Transfer from Pisa Airport (PSA) to Livorno Cruise Port: $111
- Private Transfer from Pisa (PSA) Airport to Vecchiano: $140
- Private Transfer from Pisa (PSA) Airport to San Giuliano Terme: $140
- Private Transfer from Pisa (PSA) Airport to Lucca: $255
- Private Transfer from Pisa (PSA) Airport to Lido di Camaiore: $258
- Private Transfer from Pisa (PSA) Airport to Calcinaia: $182
- Private Transfer from Calambrone to Pisa (PSA) Airport: $162
Hired Cars and Shuttles in La Spezia
Also for La Spezia, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Arrival Private Transfer La Spezia to Genoa by Business or Luxury Vehicle: $284
- Private Transfer La Spezia to Pisa by Business or Luxury Vehicle: $227
- Private Transfer from La Spezia Cruise Port to Pisa Airport (PSA): $206
- La Spezia Cruise Port to Pisa Intl Airport (PSA) - Departure Private Transfer: $206
- Private Transfer from La Spezia to Levanto City by car or van: $182
- Private Transfer from Levanto to La Spezia by Car or Van: $182
- La Spezia Cruise Port to La Spezia hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $131
- Arrival Private Transfer from La Spezia to Porto Venere or Lerici: $102
- Private Transfer Porto Venere or Lerici to La Spezia by Car / Van: $102
- Guided Tour of Florence & Pisa with Bus Transfer: $88
- Private Transfer La Spezia Cruise Port or Train Station to city: $68
- Private Transfer from La Spezia hotels to La Spezia Port: $66
Is it cheaper to fly into Pisa or La Spezia?
Prices for flights to both La Spezia and Pisa 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 dayPisa €102La Spezia €96
Typical Food Prices in Pisa
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Pisa:
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Dinner€75
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pisa
For Pisa, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:
- Pisa’s Ultimate Food Tour: Full Tuscan Meal by Do Eat Better: $80
- Dining Experience at a local's Home in Carrara with Show Cooking: $99
- Pisa Private Cooking Class: $104
- Ultimate Food Tour with Full Tuscan Meal with a Local: $105
- Authentic Tuscan Cooking & Dinner with Local Hosts: $106
- Dine & Enjoy a Cooking Demo at Local's Home in Pisa: $115
- Authentic Full dinner & Wine Experience with a Sommelier in Pisa: $128
- Pisa Traditional Food Tour: $139
- Private Home-made Pasta Cooking Class: $153
- Hands-On Cooking Class at a Local's Home: $171
- Pisa Private Food tour: Exclusive Local Delicacies: $187
- Cathedral guided tour with Leaning tower & local Food tour: $204
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:
- Eat Like a Local in Authentic Street Food Tour: $83
- Taste Cinque Terre on a Full Meal Food Tour: $100
- Taste Cinque Terre on a Food Tour by Do Eat Better: $104
- Dining & Cooking Demo at Local's Home in La Spezia by Cesarine: $104
- Small-Group Street Food Tour: $105
- La Spezia. Sunset Aperitif and Dinner on the Boat: $112
- Sunset aperitif with dinner on the boat: $116
- Tour of Apericena at Sunset and Dinner on Boat: $116
- Sunset Cruise with Aperitif and Dinner: $117
- Dinner on a boat,Sunset views,Good vibes only: $118
- Cook & Eat: Authentic Ligurian Cooking in La Spezia Hills: $145
- Cesarine: Home Cooking Class & Meal with a Local in La Spezia: $170
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Pisa €43La Spezia €39
Tours and Activities in Pisa
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Pisa.
- 2-Hour Small-Group Walking Tour of Pisa Off The Beaten Path: $30
- Adventure Park Il Pineto: $35
- Best of Pisa Guided Walking Tour with Leaning Tower Entry Ticket: $57
- Best of Guided Tour with Optional Tower Tickets: $81
- Best of Private Walking Tour with a Local: $49
- Best of Small Group Tour with Admission Tickets: $85
- Carrara Marble Quarries Tour by Land Rover: $87
- Carrara Marble Quarry and Museum tour: $86
- Carrara's Marble Quarries Tour & Light Lunch + Lardo PGI: $157
- Carrara: Exclusive Marble Cave Tour Adventure in a 4x4: $87
- Cinque Terre tour in Small Group from Pisa: $197
- Excursions / Van Tours / Sightseeing: $125
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 E-Bike Guided Tour of the Tellaro and Montemarcello Villages: $117
- 5 Terre Mini Cruise (Max 12) Open Bar & Swim: $157
- 6 and a half hour boat tour of Cinque Terre: $156
- Best Florence and Pisa Excursion from La Spezia Cruise Port: $85
- Best Florence and Pisa Tour for Cruise Visitors from La Spezia: $99
- Best One Day Florence and Pisa Tour from your Cruise Ship: $94
- Boat Tour - Cinque Terre, Protovenere e La Spezia: $1,120
- Boat Tour Beyond the Cinque Terre – La Spezia – Three Islands – Portovenere: $131
- Boat Tour of the 3 Islands & Portovenere: $81
- Boat Tours 5 Terre: $152
- Boat tour 5 Terre from La Spezia : swim, food & open bar: $170
- Boat tour Cinque Terre and Gulf of Poets from La Spezia: $222
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayPisa €21La Spezia €35
Sample the Local Flavors in Pisa
Also in Pisa, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:
- Wine Tasting with Local Bites in Pisa near the Tower: $55
- Wine Tasting with Local Bites in Pisa near the Tower: $57
- Cathedral Guided Tour and Tower tickets & wine tasting: $93
- From Pisa or Lucca: Half-Day Tuscany Chianti Wine Tasting: $99
- Chianti Half-day Wine Tour in the Tuscan's Hills from Pisa: $104
- Vespa Tour with Lunch & 2 Wine Tastings in Chianti: $105
- Guided tour in San Miniato and wine tasting!: $106
- Tuscan Wine Tour by van from Pisa: $187
- Chianti Classico Wine Tour and San Gimignano Visit Half Day: $198
- "Ramble Through The Rolling Hills Of Chianti" with lunch & Wine Tastings: $292
- Volterra & San Gimignano with Wine Tasting Private Tour: $943
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:
- Winery Tour with Wine Tasting in Monterosso, Cinque Terre: $77
- Vernazza, Cinque Terre: Wine Tasting and Scenic Vineyard Tour: $88
- From Hiking in the Cinque Terre with wine tasting and a light lunch: $118
When comparing the travel costs between Pisa and La Spezia, we can see that Pisa 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 Pisa Expensive? and Is La Spezia Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Pisa or La Spezia?
La Spezia has a larger population, and is about 2% larger than the population of Pisa. When comparing the sizes of Pisa 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.