A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Pisa vs. Livorno for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Backpackers

Should you visit Pisa or Livorno?

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

Should I visit Pisa or Livorno? 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 world-famous, classic, and charming city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Livorno

Livorno is a waterfront, friendly, and down-to-earth port city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and nightlife.

Pisa and Livorno: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Pisa or Livorno?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Pisa than Livorno. While Livorno is larger than Pisa, Pisa has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Pisa is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Livorno is known for its big city activities. Pisa is more touristy than Livorno and is known for its iconic Leaning Tower, its beautiful squares, and its lively atmosphere. It is also home to The Leaning Tower of Pisa. Livorno is popular for its large port and its great seafood.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa

How is Pisa different from Livorno?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Pisa is great for its historical sights. However, Livorno is not a good destination for its sights and museums.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Pisa can be an interesting and educational experience. 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.

Livorno offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. The waterfront promenade and New Venice are nice to explore. There's an aquarium in town as well as a fun central market.

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

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

Pisa has a number of nationally recognized food spots and 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.

Livorno offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. As a port city, this is the place to try seafood. Many dishes include calamari, shrimp, or freshly caught fish. The city is less touristy than most in Italy, so even the food has an authentic and down-to-earth vibe.

Is Pisa or Livorno Better for Nightlife?

Pisa is great for its evening party scene. Also, Livorno is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for nightlife.

Many people head to Pisa for the nightlife scene. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Livorno. Most visitors arrive by cruise ship, and depart in the evening, but the city is large and for those that stay the night, there are a number of bars and clubs around town.

Is Pisa or Livorno Better for Beaches?

Pisa is a nice place to visit for the beach. However, Livorno is not a good destination for its beaches.

Pisa has a beach worth visiting. 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.

Livorno is a good spot to see the beach. The beaches are pebbly or rocky, so you won't really find a long stretch of sandy beach where you can relax. They can also stay very crowded.

Is Pisa or Livorno Better for its Old Town?

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

Many visitors go to Pisa to see the historical old town. The old town is where you'll find the city's classic charm and many of the best sights.

Livorno does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Pisa or Livorno?

Pisa is great for its shopping areas. Also, Livorno is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas 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.

Livorno is a great destination for shopping. The main shopping street in town is Via Grande. It's generally filled with major chain stores and familiar brands.

Is Pisa or Livorno Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Pisa or Livorno.

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.

Livorno is a family-friendly place to visit. The city has a nice aquarium as well as outdoor recreational activities like cycling and boating. There's a beach and parks where kids can stretch their legs and run around as well.

Is Pisa or Livorno Better for Couples?

With fun activities for couples, both Pisa and Livorno make for a good place to visit.

Pisa makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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.

Livorno is a good city for couples to visit. There are some nice museums as well as parks and boat rides that couples can enjoy. There's also an aquarium and a beach.

Is Pisa or Livorno Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Pisa is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Livorno is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and 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.

Livorno is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Most backpackers skip this city, so you won't find many hostels around town. It's a relatively affordable place to stay with some fun entertainment options if you do pass through.

Is Pisa or Livorno Better for Students?

Pisa is renowned for its student-friendly activities. However, Livorno is not popular with students.

Pisa is a great destination 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.

Livorno is not popular with students.

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

Pisa and Livorno both offer good 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.

Livorno has a few public transit options. There are buses around town including lines that run from the central train station to the port.

Is Pisa or Livorno a more walkable city?

Pisa is great for its ease of walking around. Also, Livorno is not as popular, but is still a nice port city for its walkability.

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

Livorno is somewhat walkable. Parts of the city are walkable, but if you're arriving by cruise ship, you'll want to take a shuttle bus from the port.

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

Should I spend more time in Livorno or Pisa?

How long in Pisa or Livorno?

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

Families should spend more time in Pisa than Livorno. 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.

Couples should spend more time in Pisa than Livorno. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Pisa that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Pisa than Livorno 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.

One day in Pisa or Livorno?

In Pisa, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the destination of Livorno. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in Pisa or Livorno?

In Pisa, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Pisa has to offer.

Livorno 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 Livorno?

Pisa is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

You'll find food and shopping around the waterfront destination of Livorno. This port city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Pisa or Livorno?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Pisa. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Pisa. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

The friendly port city of Livorno 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.

When comparing the travel costs between Pisa and Livorno, we can see that Livorno 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 Livorno Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Pisa or Livorno?

Livorno has a larger population, and is about 74% larger than the population of Pisa. When comparing the sizes of Pisa and Livorno, 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 Pisa or Livorno?

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 Pisa or Livorno in the Summer?

Both Livorno and Pisa are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Pisa for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Livorno in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Pisa is around the same temperature as Livorno. Typically, the summer temperatures in Pisa in July average around 23°C (73°F), and Livorno averages at about 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Livorno. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Pisa. Pisa usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Livorno during summer. Pisa gets 316 hours of sunny skies, while Livorno receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Pisa usually receives more rain than Livorno. Pisa gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Livorno receives 24 mm (0.9 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Pisa or Livorno in the Autumn?

Both Livorno and Pisa during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Pisa in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Livorno for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In October, Pisa is generally around the same temperature as Livorno. Daily temperatures in Pisa average around 17°C (63°F), and Livorno fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

In the autumn, Pisa often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Livorno. Pisa gets 177 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Livorno receives 177 hours of full sun.

Livorno gets a good bit of rain this time of year. It rains a lot this time of the year in Pisa. Pisa usually gets more rain in October than Livorno. Pisa gets 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain, while Livorno receives 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Pisa or Livorno in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Pisa and Livorno. Most visitors come to Pisa for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Livorno because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Pisa is around the same temperature as Livorno in the winter. The daily temperature in Pisa averages around 7°C (45°F) in January, and Livorno fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

Pisa usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Livorno during winter. Pisa gets 105 hours of sunny skies, while Livorno receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Pisa usually receives around the same amount of rain as Livorno. Pisa gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Livorno receives 74 mm (2.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Pisa or Livorno in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Pisa as well as Livorno. The spring months attract visitors to Pisa because of the beaches and the natural beauty. Additionally, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Livorno this time of year.

In the spring, Pisa is around the same temperature as Livorno. Typically, the spring temperatures in Pisa in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Livorno averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Pisa often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Livorno. Pisa gets 192 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Livorno receives 192 hours of full sun.

Pisa receives a lot of rain in the spring. Pisa usually gets more rain in April than Livorno. Pisa gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Livorno receives 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Livorno and Pisa