A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Stratford-upon-Avon vs. Pisa for Attractions, Food, Old Town, and Families

Should you visit Stratford-upon-Avon or Pisa?

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 Stratford-upon-Avon and Pisa can help you decide which place is right for you.

Stratford-upon-Avon

Stratford-upon-Avon is a historic, quaint, and idyllic town. With plenty of activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Visitors also love the food and theater.

Pisa

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

Stratford-upon-Avon and Pisa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Stratford-upon-Avon or Pisa?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Pisa than Stratford-upon-Avon, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Pisa is better known for its museums, food, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Stratford-upon-Avon is more popular for its theatre productions and small town charm. Pisa is more touristy than Stratford-upon-Avon 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. Stratford-upon-Avon is well known for its status as the birthplace of William Shakespeare.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa

How is Stratford-upon-Avon different from Pisa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Stratford-upon-Avon or Pisa?

Pisa is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Many visitors head to Pisa specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. 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.

Stratford-upon-Avon offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. Many visitors make a point of seeing Shakespeare's Birthplace, Hall's Croft, and Anne Hathaway's Cottage.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Pisa Better for Theater?

Stratford-upon-Avon is terrific for its theatre productions. However, Pisa is not a theatre destination.

The theater and performance venues in Stratford-upon-Avon draw crowds from around the world. Shakespeare enthusiasts must check out a Shakespeare play at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. There are often tickets available the day of for a reduced price.

Pisa is not a theatre destination.

Is the Food Better in Stratford-upon-Avon or Pisa? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Pisa is a very popular place for its restaurants. Also, Stratford-upon-Avon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

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.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Stratford-upon-Avon area. The town center has a few nice restaurants including seafood, Italian food, Indian food, and cafes where you can enjoy high tea.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Pisa Better for Nightlife?

Pisa is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Pisa has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Pisa Better for Beaches?

Pisa is very good for the beache. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is not a beach destination.

Many people head to Pisa to enjoy the beach. 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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not a beach destination.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Pisa Better for its Old Town?

Pisa is a very popular place for its old town. Also, Stratford-upon-Avon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town charm.

There is a nice variety of sights 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.

Stratford-upon-Avon offers a nice historic old town area. The old town has a few highlights including Shakespeare's birthplace, and several museums.

Is the Shopping Better in Stratford-upon-Avon or Pisa?

Pisa is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Pisa Better for Families?

You'll find notable kid-friendly activities in either Stratford-upon-Avon or Pisa.

Stratford-upon-Avon is a family-friendly town. This small town has a ferris wheel that offers beautiful views. There's also a the Stratford Butterfly Farm, which is a beautiful setting and if you stand still enough, you might even be lucky enough to have one land on your shoulder. You can also check out Tudor World, the MAD Museum, or one of the playgrounds around town.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Pisa. 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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Pisa Better for Couples?

Both Stratford-upon-Avon and Pisa are notable destinations to visit as a couple.

Stratford-upon-Avon makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The charming town offers a few nice restaurants where you can enjoy a meal. For a lovely date night, check out a Shakespeare play at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. During the day, wander around the old town or stroll down the river and enjoy the beautiful outdoor setting. Many residents have converted properties into Bed and Breakfasts, so there are a number of cute and affordable places where couples can stay.

Pisa is a good town for couples to visit. 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.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Pisa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Pisa is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is lacking in good options 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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not the best destination for backpackers and budget travelers due to its high prices. Most backpackers skip this town for the more lively cities. There are affordable places to stay, but no real hostels in town.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Pisa Better for Students?

Pisa is an unbeatable place for its student-friendly activities. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is not popular with students.

Students come from all over the world to visit Pisa. 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.

Stratford-upon-Avon is not popular with students.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Pisa Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Pisa is very good for times when you don't have a car. However, Stratford-upon-Avon is lacking in good options for its public transit.

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

Public transit is generally limited in Stratford-upon-Avon. The train station is a bit removed from the town center, but because the town is so small, it's still possible to reach it on foot from most places.

Is Stratford-upon-Avon or Pisa a more walkable city?

Pisa is a very popular place for its high level of walkability. Also, Stratford-upon-Avon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

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

Stratford-upon-Avon is a somewhat walkable town. It's easy to stroll around town on foot, but there aren't many pedestrian only areas. Head for the river for some of the nicest walking areas.

For even more information, also check out Is Stratford-upon-Avon Worth Visiting? and Is Pisa Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Pisa or Stratford-upon-Avon?

How long in Stratford-upon-Avon or Pisa?

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

Families should spend more time in Pisa than Stratford-upon-Avon. 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 Stratford-upon-Avon. 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 Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Pisa?

Stratford-upon-Avon is a small town where visitors enjoy the theater and food. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

In Pisa, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this destination offers. Visiting the old town is also a must. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Stratford-upon-Avon or Pisa?

Stratford-upon-Avon is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the theater. 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.

Many people visit Pisa for a weekend. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Pisa, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Stratford-upon-Avon or Pisa?

Stratford-upon-Avon is a small town, so you can explore the area with less time. This town offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

The beautiful destination of Pisa offers shopping and museums. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Stratford-upon-Avon or Pisa?

Because Stratford-upon-Avon is a small town, it's easy to explore in a short amount of time. 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.

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Pisa. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. This city offers something for everyone. 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 Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom, The Best 3-Day Tours from Edinburgh, The Best 2-Week Tours in Italy, and The Best Bicycle Tours in Italy.

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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Stratford-upon-Avon Expensive? and Is Pisa Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Stratford-upon-Avon or Pisa?

Pisa has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Stratford-upon-Avon. When comparing the sizes of Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon 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 Stratford-upon-Avon or Pisa in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Stratford-upon-Avon and Pisa. Most visitors come to Stratford-upon-Avon for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Pisa because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

Stratford-upon-Avon is cooler than Pisa in the summer. The daily temperature in Stratford-upon-Avon averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Pisa fluctuates around 23°C (73°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Pisa this time of the year. Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives less sunshine than Pisa during summer. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 195 hours of sunny skies, while Pisa receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives more rain than Pisa. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 46 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Stratford-upon-Avon or Pisa in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Stratford-upon-Avon as well as Pisa. The autumn months attract visitors to Stratford-upon-Avon because of the small town atmosphere. Additionally, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Pisa this time of year.

In the autumn, Stratford-upon-Avon is much colder than Pisa. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Stratford-upon-Avon in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Pisa averages at about 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Stratford-upon-Avon often gets less sunshine than Pisa. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 107 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pisa receives 177 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Pisa. Stratford-upon-Avon usually gets less rain in October than Pisa. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Stratford-upon-Avon or Pisa in the Winter?

Both Pisa and Stratford-upon-Avon are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The museums, the theater shows, and the cuisine are the main draw to Stratford-upon-Avon this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Pisa for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Stratford-upon-Avon in the winter. In January, Stratford-upon-Avon is generally much colder than Pisa. Daily temperatures in Stratford-upon-Avon average around 3°C (38°F), and Pisa fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives less sunshine than Pisa during winter. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 52 hours of sunny skies, while Pisa receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Stratford-upon-Avon usually receives less rain than Pisa. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Stratford-upon-Avon or Pisa in the Spring?

Both Pisa and Stratford-upon-Avon during the spring are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Stratford-upon-Avon for the small town charm. Also, many visitors come to Pisa in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

Stratford-upon-Avon is cooler than Pisa in the spring. The daily temperature in Stratford-upon-Avon averages around 9°C (48°F) in April, and Pisa fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Stratford-upon-Avon often gets less sunshine than Pisa. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 147 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pisa receives 192 hours of full sun.

Pisa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Stratford-upon-Avon usually gets less rain in April than Pisa. Stratford-upon-Avon gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Pisa and Stratford-upon-Avon