A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Reims vs. Varenna for Food, Couples, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit Reims or Varenna?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Reims or Varenna, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Reims

Reims is a scenic, cultural, and beautiful city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

Varenna

Varenna is a pristine, beautiful, and scenic village. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and food.

Reims and Varenna: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Reims or Varenna?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Varenna. Although Reims and Varenna are both popular with visitors, Varenna has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Varenna is more popular for its hiking and impressive beauty, while Reims is known for its nightlife and shopping. Reims is popular for its Champagne Houses, impressive architecture, and beautiful cathedral. Varenna is popular for its beautiful location by Lake Como. It is also home to Lake Como.

Lake Como

How is Reims different from Varenna?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Reims or Varenna?

For an educational experience, head to a museum or a notable sight in either Reims or Varenna.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Reims. Sights around town include Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Reims, Palais du Tau, Basilique Saint-Rémi, and Musée des Beaux-Arts.

Varenna is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. Most people visit the town for its beautiful setting on Lake Como. There are some popular sights around town though such as the Church of San Giorgio and Castello di Vezio.

Is the Food Better in Reims or Varenna? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Both Reims and Varenna offer world-class local cuisine and restaurants.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Reims is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. While its famous for its Champagne, the city also has Michelin starred restaurants, local produce, and an amazing regional cuisine. The region is known for its ham, cheese, mustard, and truffles.

Many restaurants in Varenna have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Despite the touristy nature of the town, the restaurants are surprisingly good and you'll find some excellent Italian food around town.

Is Reims or Varenna Better for Nightlife?

Reims is a good destination for nightlife and partying. However, Varenna is lacking in options for its evening party scene.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Reims. The nightlife scene is relaxing but active. Most locals hang out with friends at local bars near Place Drouet d'Erlon or the Rue Chanzy area. Bars have a combination of local beers and Champagne.

Varenna is generally a quiet destination but there are options around. The best way to enjoy the evening is to head to a restaurant and spend the time sipping wine in a laid back setting.

Is Reims or Varenna Better for Hiking?

Varenna is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Reims is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Varenna. There are lakefront trails and other hiking options near town. The Lungolago di Varenna - Baia di Varenna loop follows the water and makes for a pleasant stroll.

Reims is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Reims or Varenna?

Reims is an excellent place to visit for its shopping opportunities. Also, Varenna is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Reims is well-known for its shopping. You'll find not only Champagne, but also jewellry, designer fashion, and chocolate. The best shopping is located around the Place Drouet d'Erlon which is a pedestrian area. Also check out the shopping streets of Rue de Vesle and Cours Langlet.

Many visitors go to Varenna to go shopping. The streets are lined with artisan shops and boutique venders that are fun to explore.

Is Reims or Varenna Better for Families?

Varenna is a nice place to visit for its family-friendly activities. However, Reims is not particularly known for its kid-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Varenna. The charming village has play areas for children and the beautiful Villa Monastero, which are gardens that they'll enjoy exploring. It's also worth visiting the Castle of Vezio.

For families, Reims is not always the best place to visit. Kids will enjoy exploring the historical city center or visiting the Palace of Tau. For a unique activity, view the region from above with a hot air balloon ride.

Is Reims or Varenna Better for Couples?

Reims and Varenna are both world-class to visit as a couple.

Reims has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. This romantic area is perfect for couples who enjoy wine and history. There is beautiful architecture as well as wine tours and breathtaking hot air balloon rides. Visiting the Champagne Houses is a must for any couple visiting the area.

Varenna is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. This beautiful village has a romantic atmosphere with a "lovers promenade" and many stunning views. It makes the perfect couples trip, whether you're on your honeymoon or just need some time away.

Is Reims or Varenna Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Reims and Varenna are good places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Reims. It's located in the Champagne region, which isn't often associated with backpackers, but it's still not to be missed.

Varenna is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are some hostels and guesthouses that cater to budget travelers. There's also plenty of outdoor activities that are free.

Is Reims or Varenna Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Reims and Varenna.

You'll find some public transit in Reims, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. In town there are buses and trams, but to get into the countryside you'll need your own car.

While Varenna offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The town is easily accessible by public transit and once you're in town you can walk everywhere.

Is Reims or Varenna a more walkable city?

Varenna is very popular for its ease of walking around. Also, Reims is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Getting around Varenna on foot is easy. Everything is walkable and the town is best explored on foot.

Reims is very walkable. You can explore the city on foot and reach many local Champagne Houses. If you really want to explore everything in depth, you'll need a car.

For even more information, also check out Is Reims Worth Visiting? and Is Varenna Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Varenna or Reims?

How long in Reims or Varenna?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Reims or Varenna to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Reims than Varenna because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Reims, and 1-2 days is enough time in Varenna.

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

One day in Reims or Varenna?

In Reims, you'll find nightlife and food. One reason most visitors come is for the food. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Varenna, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this beautiful destination offers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Lots of people come for the food. This village offers a variety of activities to choose from. Because of this, one day is usually enough time for a trip here.

A weekend in Reims or Varenna?

In Reims, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. One reason most visitors come is for the food. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Reims has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Varenna. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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 Reims or Varenna?

Reims 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 Reims has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Varenna is a fun place to experience. Travelers enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Varenna. Lots of people come for the food. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Most people find that five days is more than enough time to see everything.

A week in Reims or Varenna?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Reims. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Reims. One reason most visitors come is for the food. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

You'll find food and shopping around the beautiful destination of Varenna. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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 Budget Tours to Italy, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Reims and Varenna, we can see that Varenna is more expensive. And not only is Reims much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Reims would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Reims 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 Varenna would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Varenna than you might in Reims.

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

Which is Bigger, Reims or Varenna?

Reims has a larger population, and is about 230 times larger than the population of Varenna. When comparing the sizes of Reims and Varenna, 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 Reims or Varenna?

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 Reims or Varenna in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Reims as well as Varenna. Many travelers come to Reims for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Varenna in the summer for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Reims is generally cooler than Varenna. Daily temperatures in Reims average around 19°C (65°F), and Varenna fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Varenna. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Reims this time of the year. In the summer, Reims often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Varenna. Reims gets 235 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Varenna receives 250 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Varenna. Reims usually gets less rain in July than Varenna. Reims gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 133 mm (5.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Reims or Varenna in the Autumn?

Both Varenna and Reims are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Reims in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Varenna for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Reims is cooler than Varenna in the autumn. The daily temperature in Reims averages around 12°C (53°F) in October, and Varenna fluctuates around 15°C (58°F).

Reims usually receives less sunshine than Varenna during autumn. Reims gets 122 hours of sunny skies, while Varenna receives 152 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Varenna. In October, Reims usually receives less rain than Varenna. Reims gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Reims or Varenna in the Winter?

Both Varenna and Reims during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Reims for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Varenna because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Varenna can be very cold. Reims can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Reims is much colder than Varenna. Typically, the winter temperatures in Reims in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Varenna averages at about 5°C (41°F).

In the winter, Reims often gets less sunshine than Varenna. Reims gets 50 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Varenna receives 119 hours of full sun.

Reims usually gets less rain in January than Varenna. Reims gets 44 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Reims or Varenna in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Reims and Varenna. The spring months attract visitors to Reims because of the natural beauty. Furthermore, the natural beauty are the main draw to Varenna this time of year.

In April, Reims is generally cooler than Varenna. Daily temperatures in Reims average around 9°C (49°F), and Varenna fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

Reims usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Varenna during spring. Reims gets 172 hours of sunny skies, while Varenna receives 176 hours of full sun in the spring.

Varenna receives a lot of rain in the spring. In April, Reims usually receives less rain than Varenna. Reims gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Varenna receives 152 mm (6 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Varenna and Reims