A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Sydney vs. Cinque Terre for Food, Beaches, Hiking, and Families

Should you visit Sydney or Cinque Terre?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Sydney or Cinque Terre, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Sydney

Sydney is a glamorous , diverse, and energetic city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. With stunning beauty, Sydney attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Sydney travel costs.

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 Cinque Terre 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. See Cinque Terre travel costs.

Sydney and Cinque Terre: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Sydney or Cinque Terre?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Sydney. Although Sydney and Cinque Terre are popular destinations, Sydney has more sights and attractions for tourists. Sydney is very popular for its museums and attractions, nightlife, beaches, shopping, and big city activities, while Cinque Terre attracts visitors for its food, resorts, historical sights, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere. Cinque Terre is more touristy than Sydney and is popular for its charming villages, beautiful vineyards, picturesque waterfront setting, and stunning walking trail. Sydney is famous for its iconic buildings, world-renowned beaches, colorful nightlife, and cosmopolitan restaurants. It is also well known for the Sydney Opera House.

How is Sydney different from Cinque Terre?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Sydney has many famous sights for visitors. The city is filled with iconic and world famous landmarks such as the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. There's also the famous Royal Botanic Garden and the Sydney Tower Eye.

Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Cinque Terre is an unbeatable place for its restaurant scene. Also, Sydney is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Cinque Terre is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. 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.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Sydney. There are international restaurants offering impressive dishes from around the world. You'll also find some local Australian favorites around town. Seafood is abundant, as are a number of Asian cuisines. Barramundi is a local fish that you'll find on many menus. Oysters, prawns, and John Dory (a local fish) are also popular.

Is Sydney or Cinque Terre Better for Nightlife?

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

Sydney is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. The city is filled with nightclubs and DJ hosted dance parties. There's a huge young crowd that brings together residents, students, and backpackers in a vibrant nightlife scene. Some of the best areas for nightlife are Kings Cross, Oxford Street, Surry Hills or Darling Harbour.

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 Sydney or Cinque Terre Better for Resorts?

Cinque Terre is not so good for its resorts. However, Sydney 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.

Sydney is not a resort destination.

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

You'll find nice snorkeling or scuba diving in both Sydney and Cinque Terre.

Sydney has a few areas where visitors often go scuba diving or snorkeling. There's some good snorkeling and diving nearby with a diversity of marine life and interesting ecosystems. Some of the best snorkeling spots are at Palm Beach, Shelly Beach, and Clifton Gardens.

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.

Is Sydney or Cinque Terre Better for Beaches?

Sydney is renowned for the beach. Also, Cinque Terre is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

The beaches in Sydney are among the best in the world. There are more than 100 beaches near the city with everything from hidden coves to world famous destinations. Bondi Beach is the most famous beach in town and it has all of the tourist sights and activities that you could need. Surfers often head to Bronte Beach, which isn't too far away. Divers and snorkelers love Gordons Bay. Manly is also a nearby suburb with family-friendly beaches that can be reached by ferry.

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.

Is Sydney or Cinque Terre Better for its Old Town?

Cinque Terre is an unbeatable place for its historic old town charm. However, Sydney 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.

Sydney does not have a historic old town.

Is Sydney or Cinque Terre Better for Hiking?

Cinque Terre is an unbeatable place for its hiking experiences. Also, Sydney is still popular, but not quite as popular for hiking.

Known for its hiking, Cinque Terre draws a crowd to experience the nature and the 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.

Many visitors go to Sydney for the hiking trails. The city offers a number of coastal and inland trails that are easily accessible from town. There are short paths as well as multi-day routes not far and pass by stunning landscapes and viewpoints.

Is the Shopping Better in Sydney or Cinque Terre?

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

Many people travel to Sydney specifically to go shopping. There's a wonderful mix of shopping streets, modern malls, and boutique vendors who sell local fashions. For souvenirs or local art, go to The Rocks, which is not far from Sydney Opera House. The Queen Victoria Building and Strand Arcade are also popular shopping areas.

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 Sydney or Cinque Terre More Beautiful?

Cinque Terre is an unbeatable place for its scenery and beauty. Also, Sydney is still popular, but not quite as popular for its scenery and beauty.

The famous beauty of Cinque Terre is one of the main draws. The region is famous for its striking beauty and dramatic hills that sit beautifully against the rich blue waters.

Sydney is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. The waterfront setting and grand buildings make this a truly beautiful city. It also has a lot of natural beauty with impressive beaches and nice green spaces.

Is Sydney or Cinque Terre Better for Families?

Sydney is renowned for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Cinque Terre is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Sydney is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. The city has great beaches where kids can learn to surf, zoos and aquariums with local wildlife, and outdoor activities that take advantage of the city's waterfront location. There's everything from whale watching to visiting the Olympic Park, all of which will fascinate kids of all ages.

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 Sydney or Cinque Terre Better for Couples?

Sydney and Cinque Terre are both amazing to visit as a couple.

Sydney has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. It's a romantic city that's filled with iconic landmarks like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House. There are also award winning restaurants and world class beaches. Wander around the botanical gardens or take a sailing cruise on the harbor. There is an endless supply of romantic activities to choose from.

Cinque Terre is a great city 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.

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

Sydney 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 Sydney, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. It's popular for its adventure sports, active beaches, and vibrant nightlife. While it's not a particularly cheap city to visit, there are plenty of hostels around town and no shortage of backpackers to hang out with.

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 Sydney or Cinque Terre Better for Students?

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

Sydney is a great destination for students. Students love the energy and plethora of outdoor activities in this beautiful city. Many international students come not only for the excellent universities but also for the diverse environment and many things to do.

Cinque Terre is not popular with students.

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

Sydney 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.

Sydney has a great public transit system. There are a variety of types of public transit in town including buses, trains, ferries and light rail.

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 Sydney or Cinque Terre a more walkable city?

Cinque Terre is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. Also, Sydney is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Getting around Cinque Terre on foot is easy. 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.

Sydney is very walkable. The city center and nearby suburbs are relatively easy to walk around. On the western side of the city, the suburbs are much less walkable.

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

Should I spend more time in Cinque Terre or Sydney?

How long in Sydney or Cinque Terre?

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

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

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

One day in Sydney or Cinque Terre?

Each neighborhood in Sydney has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking 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. Hikers are also drawn to this area. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Sydney or Cinque Terre?

Sydney is a fun place to experience. You'll find plenty of activities on the beach. 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 great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Sydney or Cinque Terre?

Each neighborhood in Sydney has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cinque Terre. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Sydney or Cinque Terre?

Sydney is a popular place to visit. Many people spend one week here. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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.

Cinque Terre is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. This coastal region offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many travelers plan to spend time hiking while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Contiki Tours to Australia, The Best G Adventures Tours to Australia, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Sydney and Cinque Terre, we can see that Sydney 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. Even though Sydney is in Pacific and Cinque Terre is in Europe, both of these destinations have relatively similar prices of travel. Generally, the levels of luxury and expenses are the same for these cities even though they are geographically far apart.

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

Which is Bigger, Sydney or Cinque Terre?

Sydney has a larger population, and is about 2800 times larger than the population of Cinque Terre. When comparing the sizes of Sydney 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 Sydney or Cinque Terre?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Sydney is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Cinque Terre has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Sydney or Cinque Terre in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Sydney as well as Cinque Terre. The summer months attract visitors to Sydney because of the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Cinque Terre this time of year.

Sydney is around the same temperature as Cinque Terre in the summer. The daily temperature in Sydney averages around 23°C (73°F) in January, and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 24°C (75°F)in July.

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Cinque Terre. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Sydney this time of the year. In the summer, Sydney often gets less sunshine than Cinque Terrein July. Sydney gets 236 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 316 hours of full sun.

Sydney receives a lot of rain in the summer. Sydney usually gets more rain in January than Cinque Terrein July. Sydney gets 116 mm (4.6 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sydney or Cinque Terre in the Autumn?

Both Cinque Terre and Sydney are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Sydney this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Cinque Terre for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Sydney is around the same temperature as Cinque Terre. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Sydney in April average around 19°C (65°F), and Cinque Terre averages at about 17°C (63°F)in October.

Sydney usually receives more sunshine than Cinque Terre during autumn. Sydney gets 195 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. It's quite rainy in Sydney. In April, Sydney usually receives less rain than Cinque Terrein October. Sydney gets 120 mm (4.7 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Sydney or Cinque Terre in the Winter?

Both Cinque Terre and Sydney during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Sydney for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Cinque Terre in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

In July, Sydney is generally a little warmer than Cinque Terrein January. Daily temperatures in Sydney average around 12°C (53°F), and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

It's quite sunny in Sydney. In the winter, Sydney often gets more sunshine than Cinque Terrein January. Sydney gets 208 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. Sydney usually gets less rain in July than Cinque Terrein January. Sydney gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Sydney or Cinque Terre in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Sydney and Cinque Terre. Many visitors come to Sydney in the spring for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Cinque Terre for the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty during these months.

Sydney is a little warmer than Cinque Terre in the spring. The daily temperature in Sydney averages around 18°C (64°F) in October, and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 14°C (57°F)in April.

In Sydney, it's very sunny this time of the year. Sydney usually receives more sunshine than Cinque Terre during spring. Sydney gets 240 hours of sunny skies, while Cinque Terre receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In October, Sydney usually receives around the same amount of rain as Cinque Terrein April. Sydney gets 79 mm (3.1 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 Sydney