A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Thiva (Thebes) vs. La Spezia for Attractions, Food, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Thiva (Thebes) or La Spezia?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Thiva (Thebes) and La Spezia can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Thiva (Thebes)

Thiva (Thebes) is a authentic, vibrant, and historic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. Visitors also love the food, shopping, and museums.

La Spezia

La Spezia is a cultural, lively, and convenient town. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Thiva (Thebes) and La Spezia: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with couples
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights


Is there more to do in Thiva (Thebes) or La Spezia?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Thiva (Thebes) than La Spezia, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Thiva (Thebes) is better known for its museums and big city activities, while La Spezia is more popular for its food, beaches, and historical sights. La Spezia is more touristy than Thiva (Thebes) and is popular for being the gateway to Cinque Terre. Thiva (Thebes) is well known for its standing as one of the oldest cities in the world. Also, Thiva (Thebes) is famous for The Archeological Museum.

How is Thiva (Thebes) different from La Spezia?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between La Spezia and Thiva (Thebes). Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Thiva (Thebes) or La Spezia?

Thiva (Thebes)
La Spezia

Thiva (Thebes) is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, La Spezia is lacking in good options for its museums and landmarks.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Thiva (Thebes). The city is filled with archeological museums and sights that reflect its long-running history as one of the oldest, continuously inhabited cities in the world.

La Spezia offers a handful of options for museums and historical sights. The highlight of the area is the surrounding natural beauty, but in town you can visit the Maritime Museum, The castle of San Giorgio, and The Amedeo Lia Art Museum.


Is the Food Better in Thiva (Thebes) or La Spezia? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Thiva (Thebes)
La Spezia

La Spezia is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Thiva (Thebes) is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit La Spezia. The town has many local flavors that incorporate seafood and other local ingredients. Focaccia is popular, as is Farinata, which is a chickpea flour pancake. Anchovies and mussels are also common ingredients.

Thiva (Thebes) is becoming an appealing option for foodies. It's a large city with restaurants that cater to locals and visitors alike. You can expect high quality ingredients at a fraction of the price that you'll find in more touristy areas.

Is Thiva (Thebes) or La Spezia Better for Nightlife?

Thiva (Thebes)
La Spezia

It's hard to distinguish whether Thiva (Thebes) or La Spezia has a better nightlife scene.

Thiva (Thebes) has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city is filled with lively cafes, bars, and pubs that spill out onto the city's vibrant squares.

If you're looking for night time activities La Spezia has a few options to choose from. You'll find more bars and clubs around town than you do in the smaller nearby towns. Some people head into La Spezia for the evening to grab a drink and socialize.

Is Thiva (Thebes) or La Spezia Better for Beaches?

Thiva (Thebes)
La Spezia

La Spezia is a town with good options for the beache. However, Thiva (Thebes) is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in La Spezia. The beaches in the area tend to be rocky and pebbly. For the best beaches, head out of town to nearby areas.

Thiva (Thebes) is not a beach destination.


Is Thiva (Thebes) or La Spezia Better for its Old Town?

Thiva (Thebes)
La Spezia

La Spezia is a town with good options for its old town. However, Thiva (Thebes) does not have a historic old town.

Many people head to La Spezia to see the old town. The old town runs between the streets of Corso Cavour and Via Prione and is best explored on foot.

Thiva (Thebes) does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Thiva (Thebes) or La Spezia?

Thiva (Thebes)
La Spezia

Shopping is a popular activity in both La Spezia and Thiva (Thebes).

Thiva (Thebes) offers some nice shopping areas. You'll find all of the normal retail options around town. Many are in shopping centers and malls.

La Spezia has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There's a morning market at Piazza del Mercato as well as many clothing and souvenir shops around town.

Is Thiva (Thebes) or La Spezia Better for Families?

Thiva (Thebes)
La Spezia

Both Thiva (Thebes) and La Spezia are notable to visit with kids.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Thiva (Thebes). Kids who are interested in history will appreciate the many archeological ruins and museums in the city.

La Spezia offers lots of family activities. Visitors often use La Spezia as a base for visiting nearby Cinque Terre. The surrounding region has many kid-friendly activities like hiking, swimming, and beaches.


Is Thiva (Thebes) or La Spezia Better for Couples?

Thiva (Thebes)
La Spezia

La Spezia is a great destination for its romantic activities. However, Thiva (Thebes) is a city with minimal options for couples.

Couples visit La Spezia frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It makes a nice base for visiting nearby sights if the more popular Cinque Terre area is too overwhelming.

Thiva (Thebes) is not always the best place to visit for a couple. It's often overlooked as a honeymoon destination in Greece but the history of this long-running city is unique. Today it's a large city but you can still catch glimpses of its past.

Is Thiva (Thebes) or La Spezia Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Thiva (Thebes)
La Spezia

La Spezia is a great destination for backpackers. However, Thiva (Thebes) is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

La Spezia is a great town to visit for backpackers. It's more affordable than the nearby towns in Cinque Terre, but they're still easily accessible from town.

Thiva (Thebes) is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not really on the backpacker circuit so their aren't a lot of hostels in town.

Is Thiva (Thebes) or La Spezia Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Thiva (Thebes)
La Spezia

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Thiva (Thebes) and La Spezia.

You'll find some public transit in Thiva (Thebes), but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There are local buses in the area.

While La Spezia offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Buses, trains, and ferry boats offer the main forms of transportation in the area.


Is Thiva (Thebes) or La Spezia a more walkable city?

Thiva (Thebes)
La Spezia

La Spezia is a great destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Thiva (Thebes) is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

La Spezia is a very walkable town. The town is easy to walk around and you'll find a pedestrian-only area downhill from the train station.

Thiva (Thebes) is a somewhat walkable city. Some areas are more walkable than others.

For even more information, also check out Is Thiva (Thebes) Worth Visiting? and Is La Spezia Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in La Spezia or Thiva (Thebes)?

How long in Thiva (Thebes) or La Spezia?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Thiva (Thebes) and La Spezia. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in La Spezia than in Thiva (Thebes). Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Thiva (Thebes), and 2-3 days is enough time in La Spezia.

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

Couples should spend more time in La Spezia than Thiva (Thebes). You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in La Spezia that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in La Spezia than Thiva (Thebes) 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 La Spezia.


  • How many days in Thiva (Thebes) or La Spezia? Ideal Length of Stay
    Thiva (Thebes) 1-2 
    La Spezia 2-3

One day in Thiva (Thebes) or La Spezia?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Thiva (Thebes). One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Thiva (Thebes) has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In La Spezia, you'll find nightlife and food. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Thiva (Thebes) or La Spezia?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Thiva (Thebes). This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

La Spezia is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.


Five days in Thiva (Thebes) or La Spezia?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the vibrant city of Thiva (Thebes). The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in La Spezia. It offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Thiva (Thebes) or La Spezia?

Thiva (Thebes) is a popular choice for travelers. 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. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the town of La Spezia. Your budget might influence how long you stay. 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 Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Greece, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Greece, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Italy, and The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, La Spezia or Thiva (Thebes)?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Thiva (Thebes) is €127, while the average daily cost in La Spezia is €198. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Thiva (Thebes) and La Spezia in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Thiva (Thebes) 61
    La Spezia 113
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Thiva (Thebes) 122
    La Spezia 226
Compare Hotels in Thiva (Thebes) and La Spezia

Looking for a hotel in Thiva (Thebes) or La Spezia? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Thiva (Thebes)


Hotels in La Spezia


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: La Spezia Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Thiva (Thebes) 37
    La Spezia 41

Hired Cars and Shuttles in La Spezia

Also for La Spezia, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Arrival Private Transfer La Spezia to Genoa by Business or Luxury Vehicle: $253
  • Arrival Private Transfer from La Spezia to Porto Venere or Lerici: $91
  • La Spezia Cruise Port to Florence - Arrival Private Transfer: $130
  • La Spezia Cruise Port to Florence - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $260
  • La Spezia Cruise Port to La Spezia hotels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $44
  • Private Transfer La Spezia to Pisa by Business or Luxury Vehicle: $202
  • Private Transfer Porto Venere or Lerici to La Spezia by car / van: $91
  • Private Transfer from La Spezia Cruise Port to La Spezia hotels: $22
  • Private Transfer from La Spezia Hotels to La Spezia Cruise Port: $22
  • Private Transfer from La Spezia Port to La Spezia Hotels: $22
  • Private Transfer from La Spezia to Cinque Terre by car or van: $141
  • Private Transfer from La Spezia to Florence : $242

Is it cheaper to fly into Thiva (Thebes) or La Spezia?

Prices for flights to both La Spezia and Thiva (Thebes) change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Thiva (Thebes) 41
    La Spezia 56

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in La Spezia

For La Spezia, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • La Spezia Cinque Terre Food Tour: $91
  • Small-Group Street Food Tour: $95
  • Tour of Apericena at Sunset and Dinner on Boat: $96
  • Portovenere: Sunset Cruise with Aperitif and Dinner: $96
  • La Spezia Cinque Terre Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $97
  • Small-group Street food tour in La Spezia: $97
  • Cesarine: Dining & Cooking Demo at Local's Home in La Spezia: $114
  • Porto Venere & Islands Sunset Boat Tour w/ Dinner: $138
  • Market Tour & Lunch/Dinner at a Cesarina's Home: $149
  • Private Cooking Class in an Italian Home: $155
  • Market Visit and Seafood Cooking Class with Lunch: $156
  • Cesarine: Home Cooking Class & Meal with a Local in La Spezia: $158

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Thiva (Thebes) 26
    La Spezia 37

Tours and Activities in La Spezia

For La Spezia, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • Hop-On Hop-Off Open-Top Bus City Tour Ticket: $27
  • La Spezia Walking Tour: $39
  • From Round-Trip to Pisa Cruise Shore Excursion: $42
  • Guided Walking Tour with Italian-Inspired Music: $43
  • From La Spezia to Pisa with optional Leaning Tower Ticket: $49
  • The Sunset Tour: $54
  • 4-Hour E-Bike Guided Tour of the Tellaro and Montemarcello Villages: $55
  • Pisa Tour by bus: $55
  • From Florence & Pisa Cruise Shore Excursion: $58
  • Portovenere & the 3 Islands: Sunset Boat Tour from La Spezia: $58
  • Boat Tour of the 3 Islands & Portovenere: $65
  • Cinque Terre Tour by Boat: $68

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Thiva (Thebes) 18
    La Spezia 35

Sample the Local Flavors in La Spezia

Also in La Spezia, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • boat tour with seafood and wine tasting: $214
  • Lucca city tour and Pisa tower + wine tasting from La Spezia Port: $217


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

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Thiva (Thebes) Expensive? and Is La Spezia Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Thiva (Thebes) or La Spezia?

La Spezia has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Thiva (Thebes). When comparing the sizes of Thiva (Thebes) and La Spezia, 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.

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