A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Rome vs. Cinque Terre for Food, Couples, Backpackers, and Families

Should you visit Rome or Cinque Terre?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Rome and Cinque Terre can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Rome

Rome is a popular, ancient, and archeological city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is a idyllic, quaint, and seaside coastal region. Because it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors for a good reason. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. As it offers a special and quaint atmosphere, visitors come from all over to experience this destination. Other popular activities here include beaches, hiking, and food.

Rome and Cinque Terre: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Rome or Cinque Terre?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Rome. Although Rome and Cinque Terre are popular destinations, Rome has more sights and attractions for tourists. Rome is very popular for its museums, nightlife, music, shopping, and big city activities, while Cinque Terre attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere. Rome is famous for its iconic archaeological sites such as the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, as well as its gelato, Italian cuisine, and strong religious roots. It is also well known for The Colosseum. Cinque Terre is famous for its charming villages, beautiful vineyards, picturesque waterfront setting, and stunning walking trail.

The Colosseum

How is Rome different from Cinque Terre?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Rome or Cinque Terre?

Rome is renowned for its museums and history. However, Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Rome has many famous sights for visitors. The historical sights around the city are among the most impressive in the world. Almost anywhere you look you'll find a notable landmark but some of the most famous include the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, the Vatican, and the Roman Forum.

Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Rome or Cinque Terre? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Dining out at restaurants in both Rome and Cinque Terre can be an enjoyable experience.

Many restaurants in Rome have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Homemade pasta, fresh sauces, and fine wine all make the food scene among the best. Also make sure you try the gelato.

Eat your way through Cinque Terre, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. Like much of Italy, the area focuses on local flavors that include lots of seafood, as well as local fruits, vegetables, and herbs. The towns are known for their focaccia, which actually originated in nearby Genoa. Anchovies are a favorite here as well, and don't be turned off by your experience with anchovies outside of Italy. They don't compare. Also make sure you sample the pesto, mussels, and any fresh caught seafood.

Is Rome or Cinque Terre Better for Nightlife?

Rome is renowned for its evening party scene. However, Cinque Terre is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Rome is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. You'll find a huge concentration of bars and clubs in the Testaccio area. There are late night clubs with salsa dancing, merengue, and live DJ's spinning every type of music.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Cinque Terre. The whole point of a trip to the area is to soak up the quiet village atmosphere. There is basically no nightlife in most of the towns, but you will find a few bars in Monterosso.

Is Rome or Cinque Terre Better for Music?

Rome is renowned for its music scene. However, Cinque Terre is not a live music destination.

Rome has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. Popular music venues include Live Alcazar, Atlantico Live, and Beba do Samba.

Cinque Terre is not a live music destination.

Is Rome or Cinque Terre Better for Resorts?

Cinque Terre is not so good for its resorts. However, Rome is not a resort destination.

Not known for its high-end resorts, Cinque Terre offers a few options. Most people stay in apartments or rooms in local hotels or family homes. There aren't many resorts in the traditional sense, but again, that's part of the charm of the area.

Rome is not a resort destination.

Is Rome or Cinque Terre Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cinque Terre is a coastal region with good options for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Rome is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Cinque Terre. The surrounding waters are part of the of the Pelagos Sanctuary. The area has many rocky coves which are fun to explore with a mask and snorkel. There are also boat excursions available that may let you stop to snorkel, as well as a few dive spots in the area.

Rome is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Rome or Cinque Terre Better for Beaches?

Cinque Terre is a coastal region with good options for the beach. However, Rome is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Cinque Terre. The area is more about the towns than the beaches. The most typical beach setting is in the newer part of Monterosso. There's a long sandy beach with chairs and umbrellas available. There's also a beach near the town's old town. Several of the other towns have swimming areas, including a small stretch of pebbly sand in Vernazza. It's fun to swim between the months of May and October, when the water temperatures are fairly warm.

Rome is not a beach destination.

Is Rome or Cinque Terre Better for its Old Town?

Cinque Terre is an unbeatable place for its historic old town charm. However, Rome does not have a historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Cinque Terre offers plenty to see. Each of the five towns have their own charming old town which have restaurants and local boutique shops.

Rome does not have a historic old town.

Is Rome or Cinque Terre Better for Hiking?

Cinque Terre is an unbeatable place for its hiking experiences. However, Rome is not a hiking destination.

Around Cinque Terre visitors will find world-class hiking trails. The five towns are part of Cinque Terre National Park and there are 120 kilometers of hiking trails in the park. Most people hike along the trails that follow the coastline and connect the towns. There are fees for the most popular stretch of trails which connect Monterosso to Vernazza and then go from Vernazza to Corniglia. All other hiking is free in the area.

Rome is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Rome or Cinque Terre?

Rome is renowned for its shopping areas. However, Cinque Terre is lacking in good options for shopping.

Many people travel to Rome specifically to go shopping. For the biggest brand names, head to Via del Corso, which is near the Spanish Steps. Popular items to buy include Italian ceramics, shoes, leather goods, and jewelry.

Cinque Terre is a good destination for shopping. The towns are more about the atmosphere than the shops, but the best shopping can be found in the largest town of Monterosso. You'll find jewelry, clothing, and local food items that are fun to take home as souvenirs.

Is Rome or Cinque Terre Better for Families?

Rome is a very popular place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Cinque Terre is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Rome. What kid wouldn't be thrilled to be surrounded by pizza and spaghetti restaurants? In addition to kid-friendly food options, there are also a number of great activities that the whole family can enjoy including exploring the Colosseum, taking a gladiator class, and eating gelato.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Cinque Terre. The five towns are all about exploring on foot, so if that's your kid's thing, then they're in for a treat. The hilly terrain can be a bit tricky, particularly for the little ones, but for older kids this area offers the perfect amount of challenge. There are also a couple of beaches and swimming spots as well as a playground or two around. Food, like most of Italy, is very kid-friendly.

Is Rome or Cinque Terre Better for Couples?

Cinque Terre is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Rome is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Cinque Terre is a great coastal region for couples, as it has plenty to offer. These stunning five Italian villages are perched precariously on the water's edge. They're surrounded by beautiful vineyards and connected by impressive hiking trails. This area is truly a dream honeymoon destination and it is sure to make a memorable vacation for any couple who enjoys exploring charming village.

Rome is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. With many beautiful buildings, world class restaurants, and world renowned sights, this city makes a great romantic destination.

Is Rome or Cinque Terre Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Rome is renowned for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Cinque Terre is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Rome, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. Backpackers will find no shortage of hostels where they can stay, particularly near the main train station where accommodation is particularly cheap (but not always the best quality).

Cinque Terre is a good city to visit for backpackers. There are a number of rooms available in the towns and there are even a couple of hostels including one in Riomaggiore and one in Corniglia. It's possible to find affordable food and accommodation, and your entertainment is simply wandering the area, which is perfect for budget travelers.

Is Rome or Cinque Terre Better for Students?

Rome is renowned for its student-friendly activities. However, Cinque Terre is not popular with students.

Rome is a great destination for students. The city is a popular study abroad destination and you'll find plenty of international students here.

Cinque Terre is not popular with students.

Is Rome or Cinque Terre Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Rome is renowned for times when you don't have a car. Also, Cinque Terre is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Rome has a great public transit system. There's a metro system, trams, and a comprehensive bus system that goes around the city.

You'll find some public transit in Cinque Terre, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Most people arrive by train but there are also ferries available.

Is Rome or Cinque Terre a more walkable city?

Rome and Cinque Terre both are first-rate when exploring on foot.

Getting around Rome on foot is easy. You'll find many of the most popular sights in a compact area that's easily explored on foot. Do watch out for traffic, which can be a bit chaotic at times.

Cinque Terre is a very easy city to get around on foot. Vehicle traffic in the towns are heavily restricted so it's very enjoyable to explore on foot. The terrain is hilly and uneven, but that's part of the charm. There are also hiking trails that connect each of the five towns.

For even more information, also check out Is Rome Worth Visiting? and Is Cinque Terre Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cinque Terre or Rome?

How long in Rome or Cinque Terre?

In either Rome or Cinque Terre, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Rome than Cinque Terre because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Rome, and 2-5 days is enough time in Cinque Terre.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Rome than Cinque Terre 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 Rome.

One day in Rome or Cinque Terre?

Each neighborhood in Rome has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Cinque Terre is a small town where visitors enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and food. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. 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 Rome or Cinque Terre?

Rome is a fun place to experience. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring.

Cinque Terre is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. 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 Rome or Cinque Terre?

Each neighborhood in Rome has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Cinque Terre might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. This coastal region offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

A week in Rome or Cinque Terre?

Rome is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one week is just the right amount of time to spend here. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Because Cinque Terre is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Luxury Tours to Italy, The Best Budget Tours to Italy, The Best Tours for Seniors to Italy, and The Best Contiki Tours to Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Rome or Cinque Terre?

Rome has a larger population, and is about 1630 times larger than the population of Cinque Terre. When comparing the sizes of Rome and Cinque Terre, 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 Rome or Cinque Terre?

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 Rome or Cinque Terre in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Rome as well as Cinque Terre. Most visitors come to Rome for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Cinque Terre because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

Rome is around the same temperature as Cinque Terre in the summer. The daily temperature in Rome averages around 25°C (77°F) in July, and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cinque Terre. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Rome this time of the year. In the summer, Rome often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Cinque Terre. Rome gets 338 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 316 hours of full sun.

Rome usually gets less rain in July than Cinque Terre. Rome gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Rome or Cinque Terre in the Autumn?

Both Cinque Terre and Rome are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Rome because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Cinque Terre this time of year.

In the autumn, Rome is around the same temperature as Cinque Terre. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Rome in October average around 17°C (63°F), and Cinque Terre averages at about 17°C (63°F).

Rome usually receives more sunshine than Cinque Terre during autumn. Rome gets 198 hours of sunny skies, while Cinque Terre receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cinque Terre. In October, Rome usually receives less rain than Cinque Terre. Rome gets 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Rome or Cinque Terre in the Winter?

Both Cinque Terre and Rome during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Rome this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Cinque Terre for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In January, Rome is generally around the same temperature as Cinque Terre. Daily temperatures in Rome average around 8°C (47°F), and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In the winter, Rome often gets more sunshine than Cinque Terre. Rome gets 127 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 105 hours of full sun.

Cinque Terre gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Rome usually gets less rain in January than Cinque Terre. Rome gets 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Rome or Cinque Terre in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Rome and Cinque Terre. Many travelers come to Rome for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Cinque Terre in the spring for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

Rome is around the same temperature as Cinque Terre in the spring. The daily temperature in Rome averages around 14°C (57°F) in April, and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

In Rome, it's very sunny this time of the year. Rome usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Cinque Terre during spring. Rome gets 204 hours of sunny skies, while Cinque Terre receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Rome usually receives less rain than Cinque Terre. Rome gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Cinque Terre and Rome