A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Tenerife vs. Rome for Food, Nightlife, Families, and Backpackers

Should you visit Tenerife or Rome?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Tenerife or Rome, 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.

Tenerife

Tenerife is a beautiful, volcanic, and scenic island. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include scuba diving and snorkeling, beaches, and hiking.

Rome

Rome is a popular, ancient, and archeological city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and live music.

Tenerife and Rome: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Tenerife or Rome?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Rome than Tenerife, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Rome is better known for its museums, food, music, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Tenerife is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. Tenerife is well known for its volcanic landscapes, built-up resorts, and fun-filled beaches. Rome is well known for its iconic archaeological sites such as the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, as well as its gelato, Italian cuisine, and strong religious roots. Also, Rome is famous for The Colosseum.

The Colosseum

How is Tenerife different from Rome?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Tenerife or Rome?

Rome is very popular for its museums and history. However, Tenerife is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Travelers visit Rome from around the world to see its many world-famous attractions. The historical sights around the city are among the most impressive in the world. Almost anywhere you look you'll find a notable landmark but some of the most famous include the Colosseum, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, the Vatican, and the Roman Forum.

Tenerife offers a few options for museum-goers. The island is filled with national parks, beautiful landscapes, and stunning beaches, but if you're not into outdoor activities, then you won't find many museums or other historical sights to visit.

Is the Food Better in Tenerife or Rome? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Rome is very popular for its restaurants. Also, Tenerife is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its restaurant scene.

Known for it's food and restaurant scene, Rome is always at the top of any foodie's travel list. Homemade pasta, fresh sauces, and fine wine all make the food scene among the best. Also make sure you try the gelato.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Tenerife. Many visitors stick to the major touristy areas, eating in their resorts or other nearby restaurants. If you want to try a bit of the island's authentic Canarian cuisine, you'll need to do a little research. Head into the local areas near the markets for the best chance of finding something a little more authentic. Local dishes often include fish and seafood as well as local meats, but you'll rarely find beef as there isn't a lot of land for cows to graze on the island.

Is Tenerife or Rome Better for Nightlife?

The first-rate nightlife scene is relatively similar in Tenerife and Rome.

Tenerife is a party destination, and you'll find plenty of activity all night long. The island has a variety of nightclubs that range in style and personality. There are all night wild beach parties as well as laid back beach clubs and hole-in-the-wall pubs. Many bars have happy hours where you can relax with a drink and many nightclubs host famous DJs that keep the party going into the early morning hours.

People head to Rome just to party. You'll find a huge concentration of bars and clubs in the Testaccio area. There are late night clubs with salsa dancing, merengue, and live DJ's spinning every type of music.

Is Tenerife or Rome Better for Music?

Rome is very popular for live music. However, Tenerife is not a live music destination.

Rome is known as a music capital around the world. Popular music venues include Live Alcazar, Atlantico Live, and Beba do Samba.

Tenerife is not a live music destination.

Is Tenerife or Rome Better for Resorts?

Tenerife is a great destination for its resorts. However, Rome is not a resort destination.

In Tenerife, you'll find some of the region's top resorts. You'll find everything from world-class resorts like the Ritz to more budget-friendly hotels and even some hostels around the island. You'll find most of the resorts on the south side of the island, which is also where you'll find the best weather.

Rome is not a resort destination.

Is Tenerife or Rome Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Tenerife is a great destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Rome is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Tenerife is an extremely popular place to visit for scuba diving and snorkeling. A highlight of snorkeling in this area is the opportunity to swim with sea turtles. Some of the best snorkeling is in El Puertito, which is known for its many turtles and there is no shortage of organized snorkeling trips to the area. The island also has excellent scuba diving trips with a variety of shipwrecks and marine species.

Rome is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Tenerife or Rome Better for Beaches?

Tenerife is a great destination for the beach. However, Rome is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Tenerife attract visitors from all over. The island has a large number of beaches that attract tourists, particularly during the peak winter months. The island's volcanic nature means that many of its natural beaches have black sand. The golden sand from the more developed beaches typically comes from the Sahara Desert. A favorite beach on the island is the 2 kilometer long Playa de las Teresitas.

Rome is not a beach destination.

Is Tenerife or Rome Better for Hiking?

Tenerife is an unbeatable place for its hiking experiences. However, Rome is not a hiking destination.

Around Tenerife visitors will find world-class hiking trails. The island's volcanic landscapes mean that there are dramatic and breathtaking hikes throughout the island. Some of the best hikes are found in the Anaga Rural Park, Teide National Park, and the Teno Mountains.

Rome is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Tenerife or Rome?

Rome is very popular for shopping. Also, Tenerife is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

People travel from around the world to go shopping in Rome. For the biggest brand names, head to Via del Corso, which is near the Spanish Steps. Popular items to buy include Italian ceramics, shoes, leather goods, and jewelry.

Tenerife is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The island's low tax rates make it a popular shopping destination for tourists. The are shopping streets, local markets, and luxury malls that you can explore.

Is Tenerife or Rome Better for Families?

Tenerife is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Rome is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Tenerife is an extremely popular island to visit for families. The island has many great waterparks for kids, with one of the best being Siam Park. Other family-friendly destinations include Aqualand, Loro Parque, Jungle Park, and Monkey Park. There are whale watching trips, outdoor adventures, and kid-friendly beaches as well.

Rome is a very family-friendly destination. What kid wouldn't be thrilled to be surrounded by pizza and spaghetti restaurants? In addition to kid-friendly food options, there are also a number of great activities that the whole family can enjoy including exploring the Colosseum, taking a gladiator class, and eating gelato.

Is Tenerife or Rome Better for Couples?

Tenerife and Rome are both high quality to visit as a couple.

Tenerife makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The natural beauty, great landscapes, and lively beaches make this a great island for a romantic getaway. There's hiking and outdoor adventures as well as swimming, boat rides, and even whale watching.

Couples visit Rome frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. With many beautiful buildings, world class restaurants, and world renowned sights, this city makes a great romantic destination.

Is Tenerife or Rome Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Rome is very popular for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Tenerife is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Many backpackers frequent Rome. Backpackers will find no shortage of hostels where they can stay, particularly near the main train station where accommodation is particularly cheap (but not always the best quality).

Tenerife is a good island to visit for backpackers. The island is large enough that there are a decent number of hostels and budget-friendly places to stay for backpackers.

Is Tenerife or Rome Better for Students?

Rome is very popular for its student-friendly activities. However, Tenerife is not popular with students.

Rome is a great destination for students. The city is a popular study abroad destination and you'll find plenty of international students here.

Tenerife is not popular with students.

Is Tenerife or Rome Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Rome is very popular for times when you don't have a car. Also, Tenerife is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Rome has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. There's a metro system, trams, and a comprehensive bus system that goes around the city.

You'll find some public transit in Tenerife, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. The island has a decent bus service that is operated by a company called "TITSA".

Is Tenerife or Rome a more walkable city?

Rome is very popular for its walkability. Also, Tenerife is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Rome. You'll find many of the most popular sights in a compact area that's easily explored on foot. Do watch out for traffic, which can be a bit chaotic at times.

Tenerife is a somewhat walkable place. There are many walks on the island that make for a fun way to explore the setting.

For even more information, also check out Is Tenerife Worth Visiting? and Is Rome Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Rome or Tenerife?

How long in Tenerife or Rome?

Both Tenerife and Rome have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Rome has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Rome than Tenerife. However, 3-7 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Rome than Tenerife 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 Rome.

One day in Tenerife or Rome?

Visitors enjoy the food and scuba diving and snorkeling when visiting the destination of Tenerife. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

Rome is a big city with plenty to do. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Tenerife or Rome?

Tenerife is a fun place to experience. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Rome is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than a weekend exploring. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Tenerife or Rome?

Visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife when visiting the volcanic destination of Tenerife. This island offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Rome is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Rome, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Tenerife or Rome?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the volcanic island of Tenerife. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Rome is a great place to explore. It is common to spend one week here. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Rome has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Spain, The Best 10-Day Tours in Spain, The Best Luxury Tours to Italy, and The Best Budget Tours to Italy.

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

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

When is the best time to visit Tenerife or Rome?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Tenerife or Rome in the Summer?

Both Rome and Tenerife during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Tenerife this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Rome for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Tenerife is generally around the same temperature as Rome. Daily temperatures in Tenerife average around 23°C (73°F), and Rome fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

In Rome, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Tenerife. In the summer, Tenerife often gets less sunshine than Rome. Tenerife gets 268 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rome receives 338 hours of full sun.

Tenerife usually gets less rain in July than Rome. Tenerife gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Rome receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tenerife or Rome in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Tenerife and Rome. Many travelers come to Tenerife for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, many visitors come to Rome in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Tenerife is a little warmer than Rome in the autumn. The daily temperature in Tenerife averages around 22°C (72°F) in October, and Rome fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In Tenerife, it's very sunny this time of the year. Tenerife usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Rome during autumn. Tenerife gets 200 hours of sunny skies, while Rome receives 198 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Tenerife usually receives less rain than Rome. Tenerife gets 26 mm (1 in) of rain, while Rome receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Tenerife or Rome in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Tenerife as well as Rome. Many visitors come to Tenerife in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Additionally, most visitors come to Rome for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

In the winter, Tenerife is much warmer than Rome. Typically, the winter temperatures in Tenerife in January average around 17°C (63°F), and Rome averages at about 8°C (47°F).

In the winter, Tenerife often gets more sunshine than Rome. Tenerife gets 191 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Rome receives 127 hours of full sun.

Tenerife usually gets less rain in January than Rome. Tenerife gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Rome receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Tenerife or Rome in the Spring?

Both Rome and Tenerife are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Tenerife for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Rome because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Tenerife is generally a little warmer than Rome. Daily temperatures in Tenerife average around 18°C (64°F), and Rome fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

It's quite sunny in Rome. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Tenerife. Tenerife usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Rome during spring. Tenerife gets 205 hours of sunny skies, while Rome receives 204 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Tenerife usually receives less rain than Rome. Tenerife gets 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain, while Rome receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Rome and Tenerife