A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Strasbourg vs. Cinque Terre for Food, Old Town, Couples, and Families

Should you visit Strasbourg or Cinque Terre?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Strasbourg and Cinque Terre can help you decide which place is right for you.

Strasbourg

Strasbourg is a quaint, historic, and charming city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is a picturesque, idyllic, and quaint coastal region. Since it offers so much small town charm with a variety of activities, it attracts plenty of visitors, too. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. Other reasons to visit include hiking, food, and scuba diving and snorkeling.

Strasbourg and Cinque Terre: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Strasbourg or Cinque Terre?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Cinque Terre than Strasbourg, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Cinque Terre is better known for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Strasbourg is more popular for its museums, nightlife, and shopping. Cinque Terre is more touristy than Strasbourg and is known for its charming villages, beautiful vineyards, picturesque waterfront setting, and stunning walking trail. Also, Cinque Terre is famous for Vernazza Harbor. Strasbourg is well known for its charming beauty, its impressive cathedral, and its quaint houses.

Vernazza Harbor

How is Strasbourg different from Cinque Terre?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Strasbourg is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Strasbourg can be an interesting and educational experience. It is filled with grand monuments and historic landmarks. Many are concentrated in La Petite France and highlights include Strasbourg Cathedral, Barrage Vauban, Ponts Couverts, and Église Saint-Thomas.

Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Cinque Terre is a world-class destination for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Strasbourg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Cinque Terre has long been recognized as a culinary destination with great restaurants. 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.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Strasbourg. The cuisine combines French and German flavors for rich and hearty flavors. Popular dishes include Tarte Flambée, Alsatian Sausages, and Baeckeoffe (meat and vegetable stew). Also make sure you sample the Sauerkraut, munster cheese, and Reisling wine.

Is Strasbourg or Cinque Terre Better for Nightlife?

Strasbourg is a nice place to visit for its evening party scene. However, Cinque Terre is lacking in good options for nightlife.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Strasbourg. It's most famous for its monuments and charm, but the city also has plenty to do at night. The liveliest areas are The Krutenau (for students and tourists alike), The Grande-île, and La Petite France.

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 Strasbourg or Cinque Terre Better for Resorts?

Cinque Terre is mediocre for its luxury resorts. However, Strasbourg is not a resort destination.

While Cinque Terre is not known as a resort destination, there are some nice places to stay. 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.

Strasbourg is not a resort destination.

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

Cinque Terre is very good for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Strasbourg is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's worth going snorkeling or scuba diving 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.

Strasbourg is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Strasbourg or Cinque Terre Better for Beaches?

Cinque Terre is very good for its beaches. However, Strasbourg is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Cinque Terre to enjoy the beach. 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.

Strasbourg is not a beach destination.

Is Strasbourg or Cinque Terre Better for its Old Town?

Strasbourg and Cinque Terre are both popular destinations with charming historical areas.

The historic old town of Strasbourg is revered around the world. Known as La Petite France, the old town is filled with charming squares, historic monuments, and beautiful architecture.

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.

Is Strasbourg or Cinque Terre Better for Hiking?

Cinque Terre is a world-class destination for hiking. However, Strasbourg is not a hiking destination.

Many people visit Cinque Terre specifically for its hiking. 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.

Strasbourg is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Strasbourg or Cinque Terre?

Strasbourg is a very popular place for its shopping areas. However, Cinque Terre is lacking in good options for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Strasbourg. The city center is filled with pedestrian shopping streets and boutique stores. For some of the best shopping make sure you check out the main thoroughfare of Grand'Rue. If you want to pick up some trinkets or souvenirs, head to Place de la Cathédrale, and for department store shopping head to Galeries Lafayette Strasbourg.

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 Strasbourg or Cinque Terre Better for Families?

You'll find notable kid-friendly activities in either Strasbourg or Cinque Terre.

Strasbourg offers lots of family activities. Kids who love animals will enjoy a visit to Zoo de l’Orangerie or La Montagne des Singes. If the kids need to stretch their legs you can head to Deux-Rives Garden or on a rainy day check out Planetarium De Strasbourg or the Historical Museum of the City of Strasbourg.

Cinque Terre is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 Strasbourg or Cinque Terre Better for Couples?

Cinque Terre is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Strasbourg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Cinque Terre 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.

Strasbourg is a very popular place to visit for couples. It's arguably one of the most beautiful cities in the region and it is filled with romance. There is beautiful architecture, romantic restaurants, wine tours, and flower filled parks. The scenic squares and grand cathedrals offer a truly perfect couples getaway.

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

For backpackers, both Strasbourg and Cinque Terre are notable places to visit.

Strasbourg is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. The city has a handful of hostels that offer affordable accommodation for those on a shoestring budget.

It's common for backpackers to visit Cinque Terre. 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 Strasbourg or Cinque Terre Better for Students?

Strasbourg is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Cinque Terre is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Strasbourg. Students appreciate the mix of traditional culture and international opportunities.

Cinque Terre is not popular with students.

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

Strasbourg is a very popular place 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.

The public transit in Strasbourg can get you to most places easily. The city has six tramlines and a number of bus routes.

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 Strasbourg or Cinque Terre a more walkable city?

Cinque Terre is a world-class destination for its walkability. Also, Strasbourg is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of walkability.

Cinque Terre is a very easy coastal region 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.

Strasbourg is a very walkable city. One of the best ways to explore the city is on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Cinque Terre or Strasbourg?

How long in Strasbourg or Cinque Terre?

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

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

Couples should spend more time in Cinque Terre than Strasbourg. 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.

One day in Strasbourg or Cinque Terre?

In Strasbourg, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this impressive city offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Strasbourg or Cinque Terre?

Strasbourg is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Even though Cinque Terre is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this coastal region.

Five days in Strasbourg or Cinque Terre?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the charming destination of Strasbourg. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Cinque Terre, a popular coastal region, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this coastal region. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Strasbourg or Cinque Terre?

Strasbourg is a popular place to visit. 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Cinque Terre is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. One week is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from Paris, The Best 2-Week Tours from Paris, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Strasbourg and Cinque Terre, we can see that Cinque Terre 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 Strasbourg Expensive? and Is Cinque Terre Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Strasbourg or Cinque Terre?

Strasbourg has a larger population, and is about 170 times larger than the population of Cinque Terre. When comparing the sizes of Strasbourg 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 Strasbourg or Cinque Terre?

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 Strasbourg or Cinque Terre in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Strasbourg and Cinque Terre. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Strasbourg this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Cinque Terre for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Strasbourg is generally cooler than Cinque Terre. Daily temperatures in Strasbourg average around 20°C (68°F), and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Cinque Terre this time of the year. In Strasbourg, it's very sunny this time of the year. Strasbourg usually receives less sunshine than Cinque Terre during summer. Strasbourg gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while Cinque Terre receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Strasbourg usually receives more rain than Cinque Terre. Strasbourg gets 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Strasbourg or Cinque Terre in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Strasbourg as well as Cinque Terre. Many travelers come to Strasbourg for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Cinque Terre in the autumn for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

Strasbourg is cooler than Cinque Terre in the autumn. The daily temperature in Strasbourg averages around 12°C (53°F) in October, and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Strasbourg often gets less sunshine than Cinque Terre. Strasbourg gets 101 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 177 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Cinque Terre. Strasbourg usually gets less rain in October than Cinque Terre. Strasbourg gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Strasbourg or Cinque Terre in the Winter?

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

Strasbourg can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Strasbourg is much colder than Cinque Terre. Typically, the winter temperatures in Strasbourg in January average around 2°C (35°F), and Cinque Terre averages at about 8°C (46°F).

Strasbourg usually receives less sunshine than Cinque Terre during winter. Strasbourg gets 42 hours of sunny skies, while Cinque Terre receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Cinque Terre. In January, Strasbourg usually receives less rain than Cinque Terre. Strasbourg gets 33 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Strasbourg or Cinque Terre in the Spring?

Both Cinque Terre and Strasbourg during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Strasbourg for the natural beauty during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Cinque Terre because of the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty.

In April, Strasbourg is generally cooler than Cinque Terre. Daily temperatures in Strasbourg average around 11°C (51°F), and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

In the spring, Strasbourg often gets less sunshine than Cinque Terre. Strasbourg gets 161 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 192 hours of full sun.

Strasbourg usually gets less rain in April than Cinque Terre. Strasbourg gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Cinque Terre and Strasbourg