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

Should you visit Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne 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.

Saint-Etienne

Saint-Etienne is a historic, park-filled, and industrial city. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. Visitors also love the hiking, museums, and nightlife.

Pisa

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

Saint-Etienne and Pisa: Pros and Cons

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

Visitors will generally find more to do in Pisa than Saint-Etienne. While Saint-Etienne is larger than Pisa, Pisa has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Pisa is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Saint-Etienne is more popular for its hiking. Pisa is more touristy than Saint-Etienne 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. Saint-Etienne is well known for its industrial and manufacturing past.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa

How is Saint-Etienne different from Pisa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Pisa 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 Pisa. 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.

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 Pisa? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Pisa is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Pisa has a huge number of terrific 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.

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 Pisa Better for Nightlife?

Pisa 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 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 Saint-Etienne. The nightlife is centered around sipping wine or visiting one of the clubs in town.

Is Saint-Etienne or Pisa Better for Beaches?

Pisa is a good destination for the beache. However, Saint-Etienne 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.

Saint-Etienne is not a beach destination.

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

Pisa 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 Pisa. The old town is where you'll find the city's classic charm and many of the best sights.

Saint-Etienne does not have a historic old town.

Is Saint-Etienne or Pisa Better for Hiking?

Saint-Etienne is a popular place for hiking. However, Pisa is not a hiking destination.

Saint-Etienne is a good destination for hiking. You'll find several great hikes just outside of town. It's a great way to experience the surrounding countryside.

Pisa is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Saint-Etienne or Pisa?

Pisa is great for its shopping opportunities. However, Saint-Etienne is not a good destination 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.

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 Pisa Better for Families?

Both Saint-Etienne and Pisa are notable family-friendly destinations.

Saint-Etienne offers lots of family activities. 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.

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 Saint-Etienne or Pisa Better for Couples?

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

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.

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 Pisa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

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 Pisa Better for Students?

Pisa is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Saint-Etienne 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.

Saint-Etienne is not popular with students.

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

Saint-Etienne and Pisa both offer notable 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.

Pisa has a few public transit options. There are public buses through town with the most popular lines being the Red and Green Lines.

Is Saint-Etienne or Pisa a more walkable city?

Pisa 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.

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

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 Pisa Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Saint-Etienne or Pisa?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Saint-Etienne and Pisa. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Pisa 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 Pisa.

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

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

One day in Saint-Etienne or Pisa?

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 charming destination of Pisa. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. 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 Pisa?

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 Pisa. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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 Pisa?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the undiscovered 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 classic destination of Pisa. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This 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 Pisa?

The park-filled 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 beautiful city of Pisa. 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 2-Week Tours in Italy, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Italy.

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

Which is Bigger, Saint-Etienne or Pisa?

Saint-Etienne has a larger population, and is about 97% larger than the population of Pisa. When comparing the sizes of Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne 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 Saint-Etienne or Pisa in the Summer?

Both Pisa and Saint-Etienne are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The hiking and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Saint-Etienne this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Pisa for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

Saint-Etienne is around the same temperature as Pisa in the summer. The daily temperature in Saint-Etienne averages around 22°C (71°F) in July, and Pisa fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Pisa. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Saint-Etienne. Saint-Etienne usually receives less sunshine than Pisa during summer. Saint-Etienne gets 285 hours of sunny skies, while Pisa receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Saint-Etienne usually receives more rain than Pisa. Saint-Etienne gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

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

Both Pisa and Saint-Etienne during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Saint-Etienne for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Pisa in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Saint-Etienne is cooler than Pisa. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Saint-Etienne in October average around 14°C (56°F), and Pisa averages at about 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Saint-Etienne often gets less sunshine than Pisa. Saint-Etienne gets 127 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pisa receives 177 hours of full sun.

Pisa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Saint-Etienne usually gets less rain in October than Pisa. Saint-Etienne gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

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

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Saint-Etienne and Pisa. Many visitors come to Saint-Etienne in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, most visitors come to Pisa for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Saint-Etienne can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Saint-Etienne is generally much colder than Pisa. Daily temperatures in Saint-Etienne average around 4°C (39°F), and Pisa fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

Saint-Etienne usually receives less sunshine than Pisa during winter. Saint-Etienne gets 62 hours of sunny skies, while Pisa receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Saint-Etienne usually receives less rain than Pisa. Saint-Etienne gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

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

The spring brings many poeple to Saint-Etienne as well as Pisa. Most visitors come to Saint-Etienne for the natural beauty during these months. Additionally, the spring months attract visitors to Pisa because of the beaches and the natural beauty.

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

In the spring, Saint-Etienne often gets less sunshine than Pisa. Saint-Etienne gets 174 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pisa receives 192 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Pisa. Saint-Etienne usually gets less rain in April than Pisa. Saint-Etienne gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Pisa and Saint-Etienne