A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Saint-Etienne vs. Bari for Food, Attractions, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Saint-Etienne or Bari?

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 Saint-Etienne and Bari. 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.

Saint-Etienne

Saint-Etienne is a authentic, historic, and park-filled city. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and hiking.

Bari

Bari is a local, cultural, and authentic port city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, beaches, and shopping.

Saint-Etienne and Bari: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saint-Etienne or Bari?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Bari than Saint-Etienne, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Bari is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Saint-Etienne is known for its hiking and impressive beauty. Saint-Etienne is popular for its industrial and manufacturing past. Bari is popular for its authentic old town and its role as a ferry port for travelers headed across the Adriatic. It is also home to San Nicola.

How is Saint-Etienne different from Bari?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Saint-Etienne or Bari?

Bari is great for its historical sights. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Bari. The city is filled with historical sights and archeological ruins. San Nicola is the main basilica in town and a popular tourist sight. The Castello is also a highlight, as is San Sabino.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Saint-Etienne. There are several great museums in town including the Musée d'Art et d'Industrie, Musée de la Mine, Musée des Verts, and the planetarium.

Is the Food Better in Saint-Etienne or Bari? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Bari is an amazing port city to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Eat your way through Bari, as it has many local or world renowned restaurants to choose from. It's off-the-beaten-path vibe means that you won't find the overpriced tourist restaurants that have taken over more touristy cities. Instead you'll find locally owned pasta shops that cater to the town's residents. You can taste authentic Pugliese cuisine, which is centered around wheat and olive oil. Orecchiette is the local pasta and seafood is one of the most common staples.

Saint-Etienne may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Try the many local cheeses which are a defining part of the cuisine in the area. You'll find some local restaurants around town where you can sample local flavors.

Is Saint-Etienne or Bari Better for Nightlife?

Bari is great for nightlife and partying. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its evening party scene.

Many people head to Bari for the nightlife scene. The city really comes to life at night with many dance clubs, bars, and other fun venues. There's plenty of live music as well as jazz clubs and other local bars.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Saint-Etienne. The nightlife is centered around sipping wine or visiting one of the clubs in town.

Is Saint-Etienne or Bari Better for Beaches?

Bari is a good destination for the beache. However, Saint-Etienne is not a beach destination.

Bari offers a nice beach destination. There's a sandy beach that you can reach by bus outside of the city center. There are also many great beaches around Puglia if you're willing to take a day trip or travel a bit farther.

Saint-Etienne is not a beach destination.

Is Saint-Etienne or Bari Better for its Old Town?

Bari is great for its old town. However, Saint-Etienne does not have a historic old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Bari. The old town is filled with historic sights, mazelike streets, and great food. It's pedestrian-only and, because Bari is not as popular with tourists, it holds on to its authentic charm.

Saint-Etienne does not have a historic old town.

Is Saint-Etienne or Bari Better for Hiking?

Saint-Etienne is a good destination for hiking. However, Bari is not a hiking destination.

Saint-Etienne offers some nice hiking trails. You'll find several great hikes just outside of town. It's a great way to experience the surrounding countryside.

Bari is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint-Etienne or Bari?

Bari is a good destination for its shopping opportunities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its shopping areas.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Bari. You won't find the souvenir shops that you find in more touristy cities, so if you take the time to do some shopping while you're in town, you can enjoy a truly authentic and cultural experience.

Saint-Etienne has some good spots for those that want to go shopping. Shopping malls and several boutique shopping areas make up the city's shopping scene.

Is Saint-Etienne or Bari Better for Families?

Bari is great for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Because of its large number of kid-friendly activities, Bari is very family-friendly. There are historical sites and castles to explore as well as the fun-filled Miragica amusement park. There's also an impressive underground city that will spark the kid's imagination. Other fun activities include visiting the nearby beaches, taking a kayak tour, or wandering around the old town.

Saint-Etienne is a family-friendly place to visit. There are several kid-friendly museums as well as plenty of natural settings just outside of town. Your kids can run around and stretch their legs nearby at Crest of the Partridge or on a rainy day, the planetarium is a fun place to visit.

Is Saint-Etienne or Bari Better for Couples?

Bari is a good destination for its romantic activities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for couples.

Bari makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The old town is filled with mazelike streets and the city has many unique activities that appeal to history buffs and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Saint-Etienne is not always the best place to visit for a couple. There are museums, parks, gardens, and beautiful architecture that make this a wonderful place for couples.

Is Saint-Etienne or Bari Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bari is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for backpackers.

Many backpackers visit Bari. There's plenty of hostels around town and the prices are usually very reasonable. Many backpackers pass through this port city on their way to Greece or other Adriatic destinations.

Saint-Etienne is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not high on the backpacker trail, but there are hostels and plenty of activities to enjoy.

Is Saint-Etienne or Bari Better for Students?

Bari is great for its student-friendly activities. However, Saint-Etienne is not popular with students.

Many students visit Bari. It's a great student city that offers access to many nearby Mediterranean destinations. There are also a number of historical sights within town that students can visit.

Saint-Etienne is not popular with students.

Is Saint-Etienne or Bari Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Saint-Etienne and Bari both offer good public transit to get you around.

While Saint-Etienne offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are tram and bus options available in town.

Bari has a few public transit options. There are buses around town that are operated by the AMTAB.

Is Saint-Etienne or Bari a more walkable city?

Bari is great for its high level of walkability. Also, Saint-Etienne is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its ease of walking around.

Bari is a very walkable port city. The old town is pedestrian-only and best explored on foot. It's also about a 20 minute walk from the central train station.

Saint-Etienne is a somewhat walkable city. There are several walkable areas in the city.

For even more information, also check out Is Saint-Etienne Worth Visiting? and Is Bari Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bari or Saint-Etienne?

How long in Saint-Etienne or Bari?

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

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Bari than Saint-Etienne 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 Bari.

One day in Saint-Etienne or Bari?

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

Many travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural destination of Bari. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then one day is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A weekend in Saint-Etienne or Bari?

Saint-Etienne 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bari. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. A weekend is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Five days in Saint-Etienne or Bari?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the industrial destination of Saint-Etienne. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the authentic destination of Bari. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This port city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Five days 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.

A week in Saint-Etienne or Bari?

The historic city of Saint-Etienne offers nightlife and museums. 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.

You'll find food and shopping around the port city of Bari. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Paris, The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, The Best Historical Tours in Italy, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Saint-Etienne and Bari, we can see that Bari 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 Saint-Etienne Expensive? and Is Bari Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Saint-Etienne or Bari?

Bari has a larger population, and is about 80% larger than the population of Saint-Etienne. When comparing the sizes of Saint-Etienne and Bari, 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 Saint-Etienne or Bari?

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 Saint-Etienne or Bari in the Summer?

Both Bari and Saint-Etienne are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Saint-Etienne because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bari this time of year.

In the summer, Saint-Etienne is cooler than Bari. Typically, the summer temperatures in Saint-Etienne in July average around 22°C (71°F), and Bari averages at about 25°C (76°F).

It's quite sunny in Bari. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint-Etienne. Saint-Etienne usually receives less sunshine than Bari during summer. Saint-Etienne gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Bari receives 336 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Saint-Etienne usually receives more rain than Bari. Saint-Etienne gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Bari receives 9 mm (0.3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Saint-Etienne or Bari in the Autumn?

Both Bari and Saint-Etienne during the autumn are popular places to visit. The hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Saint-Etienne this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bari for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In October, Saint-Etienne is generally cooler than Bari. Daily temperatures in Saint-Etienne average around 14°C (56°F), and Bari fluctuates around 18°C (65°F).

In the autumn, Saint-Etienne often gets less sunshine than Bari. Saint-Etienne gets 127 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bari receives 178 hours of full sun.

Saint-Etienne usually gets more rain in October than Bari. Saint-Etienne gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Bari receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saint-Etienne or Bari in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint-Etienne and Bari. Many travelers come to Saint-Etienne for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Bari in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Saint-Etienne. Saint-Etienne is much colder than Bari in the winter. The daily temperature in Saint-Etienne averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Bari fluctuates around 10°C (49°F).

Saint-Etienne usually receives less sunshine than Bari during winter. Saint-Etienne gets 62 hours of sunny skies, while Bari receives 110 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Saint-Etienne usually receives less rain than Bari. Saint-Etienne gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Bari receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Saint-Etienne or Bari in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Saint-Etienne as well as Bari. Many visitors come to Saint-Etienne in the spring for the natural beauty. Additionally, most visitors come to Bari for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

In the spring, Saint-Etienne is cooler than Bari. Typically, the spring temperatures in Saint-Etienne in April average around 11°C (53°F), and Bari averages at about 14°C (58°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Bari. In the spring, Saint-Etienne often gets less sunshine than Bari. Saint-Etienne gets 174 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Bari receives 203 hours of full sun.

Saint-Etienne usually gets more rain in April than Bari. Saint-Etienne gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Bari receives 32 mm (1.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Bari and Saint-Etienne