A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Ravenna vs. Pisa for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Ravenna or Pisa?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Ravenna and Pisa. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

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. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Pisa

Pisa is a charming, iconic, and world-famous city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and shopping.

Ravenna and Pisa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Ravenna or Pisa?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Pisa than Ravenna. While Ravenna is larger than Pisa, Pisa has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Pisa is better known for its nightlife, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Ravenna is more popular for its small town charm. Pisa is more touristy than Ravenna and is known for its iconic Leaning Tower, its beautiful squares, and its lively atmosphere. Also, Pisa is famous for The Leaning Tower of Pisa. Ravenna is well known for its many stunning mosaics which date back to the early Christian and Byzantine empires.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa

How is Ravenna different from Pisa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Pisa and Ravenna. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Ravenna or Pisa?

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Ravenna and Pisa.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Ravenna. 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.

Pisa offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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.

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

Both Ravenna and Pisa offer a number of superb restaurants to choose from.

Ravenna has a huge number of terrific restaurants. 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.

Dining out in Pisa is an experience not to be missed. 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.

Is Ravenna or Pisa Better for Nightlife?

Pisa is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. Also, Ravenna 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.

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 Ravenna or Pisa Better for Beaches?

Pisa is a good destination for the beache. However, Ravenna is not a beach destination.

Pisa offers a nice beach destination. 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.

Ravenna is not a beach destination.

Is Ravenna or Pisa Better for its Old Town?

Pisa is a very popular place for its old town. However, Ravenna does not have a historic old town.

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.

Ravenna does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Ravenna or Pisa?

Pisa is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Ravenna 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 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 Ravenna or Pisa Better for Families?

Ravenna is a great town for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Ravenna is very family-friendly. 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.

Pisa is a family-friendly place to visit. 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.

Is Ravenna or Pisa Better for Couples?

Ravenna is a great town for its romantic activities. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

Ravenna is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. 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.

Pisa is a good town 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 Ravenna or Pisa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Pisa is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Ravenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

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.

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 Ravenna or Pisa Better for Students?

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

Ravenna is not popular with students.

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

Visitors will find notable public transit in both Ravenna and Pisa.

Ravenna has some public transit options. Buses in and around town are managed by START ROMAGNA and offer access to many nearby towns.

You'll find some public transit in Pisa, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are public buses through town with the most popular lines being the Red and Green Lines.

Is Ravenna or Pisa a more walkable city?

Ravenna and Pisa are superb when it comes to walkability.

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

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

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

Should I spend more time in Pisa or Ravenna?

How long in Ravenna or Pisa?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Ravenna and Pisa. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Pisa than in Ravenna. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Ravenna, and 1-3 days is enough time in Pisa.

Families should spend more time in Ravenna than Pisa. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Ravenna, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

One day in Ravenna or Pisa?

Ravenna is a small town where visitors enjoy the food and shopping. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

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.

A weekend in Ravenna or Pisa?

Ravenna 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.

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.

Five days in Ravenna or Pisa?

Ravenna is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. This town offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

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.

A week in Ravenna or Pisa?

Because Ravenna is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. 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.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Italy, The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy, The Best Historical Tours in Italy, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ravenna and Pisa, we can see that Pisa 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 Pisa would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Pisa 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 Ravenna Expensive? and Is Pisa Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Ravenna or Pisa?

Ravenna has a larger population, and is about 50% larger than the population of Pisa. When comparing the sizes of Ravenna and Pisa, 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 Ravenna or Pisa?

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 Ravenna or Pisa in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Ravenna and Pisa. The small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Ravenna this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Pisa for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

Ravenna is around the same temperature as Pisa in the summer. The daily temperature in Ravenna averages around 22°C (72°F) in July, and Pisa fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

In July, Ravenna usually receives more rain than Pisa. Ravenna gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Ravenna or Pisa in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Ravenna as well as Pisa. Many travelers come to Ravenna for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Additionally, many visitors come to Pisa in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Ravenna is cooler than Pisa. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Ravenna in October average around 14°C (58°F), and Pisa averages at about 17°C (63°F).

It's quite rainy in Pisa. Ravenna usually gets less rain in October than Pisa. Ravenna gets 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Ravenna or Pisa in the Winter?

Both Pisa and Ravenna are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Ravenna in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Pisa for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Ravenna can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Ravenna is generally much colder than Pisa. Daily temperatures in Ravenna average around 3°C (37°F), and Pisa fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In January, Ravenna usually receives less rain than Pisa. Ravenna gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Ravenna or Pisa in the Spring?

Both Pisa and Ravenna during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Ravenna for the small town charm during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Pisa because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

Ravenna is cooler than Pisa in the spring. The daily temperature in Ravenna averages around 11°C (53°F) in April, and Pisa fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Pisa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Ravenna usually gets less rain in April than Pisa. Ravenna gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Pisa and Ravenna