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

Should you visit Thiva (Thebes) or Messina?

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 Messina 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 historic, authentic, and vibrant city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Messina

Messina is a bustling, local, and historic port city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Thiva (Thebes) and Messina: Pros and Cons

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

Travelers will usually find more to do in Messina. Although Thiva (Thebes) and Messina are popular destinations, Messina has more sights and attractions for tourists. Messina is very popular for its nightlife and beaches, while Thiva (Thebes) attracts visitors for its museums. Thiva (Thebes) is famous for its standing as one of the oldest cities in the world. Messina is famous for being the entry and departure point to Sicily for those traveling by ferry. It is also well known for Piazza del Duomo.

How is Thiva (Thebes) different from Messina?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Messina 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 Messina?

Thiva (Thebes) is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Messina is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into 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.

Messina offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are a number of historic sights around town including the Cathedral and the Piazza del Duomo, the Bell Tower and Astronomical Clock, Santissima Annunziata dei Catalani, and the Regional Museum. There are also many ornate fountains around town.

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

Both Thiva (Thebes) and Messina offer nice local cuisine and restaurants.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Thiva (Thebes). 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.

Messina is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The city's cuisine is a mix of the cultures that have influenced Sicily over the centuries. The city has a longstanding fishing industry and one of the most popular dishes are swordfish rolls. Also try the pidone (similar to calzones with different fillings), and the focaccia (a local bread).

Is Thiva (Thebes) or Messina Better for Nightlife?

Messina is a great destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Thiva (Thebes) is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

The people in Messina know how to have a good time. The nightlife scene is mostly centered around the old town and you'll find a mix of locals and tourists hanging out in pubs and bars. During the summer months there are often free outdoor concerts to enjoy.

If you're looking for night time activities Thiva (Thebes) has a few options to choose from. The city is filled with lively cafes, bars, and pubs that spill out onto the city's vibrant squares.

Is Thiva (Thebes) or Messina Better for Beaches?

Messina is a port city with a few options for the beache. However, Thiva (Thebes) is not a beach destination.

You can check out the beach in Messina. There are pebbly beaches in the area that are becoming more popular with tourists.

Thiva (Thebes) is not a beach destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Thiva (Thebes) or Messina?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Messina 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.

Messina has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. The best shopping is around Piazza Cairoli with the main shopping streets being Viale Europa and Viale San Martino. There are many small boutiques that have cheaper prices than some of the more upscale Sicilian towns.

Is Thiva (Thebes) or Messina Better for Families?

Messina is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Thiva (Thebes) is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Messina is a very kid-friendly port city. There are a number outdoor activities that kids will enjoy including Parco Avventura Dei Peloritani, which has ropes and obstacle courses. There's also the Karting Center, which is fun for the whole family, or a small aquarium in town. If you're looking for an excursion outside of town, head to Cascata Cataolo waterfall, which is very kid-friendly.

Thiva (Thebes) offers lots of family activities. Kids who are interested in history will appreciate the many archeological ruins and museums in the city.

Is Thiva (Thebes) or Messina Better for Couples?

Messina is a port city with good options for its romantic activities. However, Thiva (Thebes) is a city with minimal options for couples.

Messina makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Most visitors see the city as an arrival or departure point for Sicily, but those couples who linger will appreciate a number of historical sights and a nice atmosphere.

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 Messina Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Messina is a port city with good options for backpackers. However, Thiva (Thebes) is a city with minimal options for backpackers and budget travelers.

Messina is a good port city to visit for backpackers. If you're traveling by train or ferry, you'll likely arrive or depart from this city. There are a number of hostels and cheap guesthouses around town that offer affordable accommodation.

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 Messina Better for Students?

Messina is a port city with good options for students. However, Thiva (Thebes) is not popular with students.

Messina is popular with students. There are a few study abroad opportunities that bring international students to town. The city also have good transportation connections and a friendly atmosphere that is welcoming to students.

Thiva (Thebes) is not popular with students.

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

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

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 Messina offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. If your legs are tired then there's an efficient bus system that you can use.

Is Thiva (Thebes) or Messina a more walkable city?

Messina 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.

Messina is a very walkable port city. Most of the city's attractions can be reached on foot and the port is a ten to fifteen minute walk from Piazza del Duomo.

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 Messina Worth Visiting?.

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

How long in Thiva (Thebes) or Messina?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Thiva (Thebes) and Messina. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Messina 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 Messina.

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

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

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

One day in Thiva (Thebes) or Messina?

In Thiva (Thebes), you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

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

A weekend in Thiva (Thebes) or Messina?

In Thiva (Thebes), you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Thiva (Thebes) has to offer.

Messina 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 Messina?

Thiva (Thebes) is a great place to explore. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Messina. 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 Messina?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Thiva (Thebes). Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Thiva (Thebes). One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the port city of Messina. 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 Food and Culinary Tours in Italy, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Thiva (Thebes) and Messina, we can see that Thiva (Thebes) 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 Thiva (Thebes) Expensive? and Is Messina Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Thiva (Thebes) or Messina?

Messina has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Thiva (Thebes). When comparing the sizes of Thiva (Thebes) and Messina, 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 Thiva (Thebes) or Messina?

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 Thiva (Thebes) or Messina in the Summer?

Both Messina and Thiva (Thebes) are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Thiva (Thebes) because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Messina this time of year.

In July, Thiva (Thebes) is generally around the same temperature as Messina. Daily temperatures in Thiva (Thebes) average around 27°C (81°F), and Messina fluctuates around 27°C (80°F).

It's quite sunny in Messina. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Thiva (Thebes). Thiva (Thebes) usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Messina during summer. Thiva (Thebes) gets 357 hours of sunny skies, while Messina receives 332 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Thiva (Thebes) usually receives less rain than Messina. Thiva (Thebes) gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Messina receives 19 mm (0.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Thiva (Thebes) or Messina in the Autumn?

Both Messina and Thiva (Thebes) during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Thiva (Thebes) this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Messina for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

Thiva (Thebes) is around the same temperature as Messina in the autumn. The daily temperature in Thiva (Thebes) averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Messina fluctuates around 21°C (69°F).

It's quite sunny in Thiva (Thebes). In the autumn, Thiva (Thebes) often gets more sunshine than Messina. Thiva (Thebes) gets 206 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Messina receives 189 hours of full sun.

Messina gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Thiva (Thebes) usually gets less rain in October than Messina. Thiva (Thebes) gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Messina receives 109 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Thiva (Thebes) or Messina in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Thiva (Thebes) and Messina. Many travelers come to Thiva (Thebes) for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Messina in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

In the winter, Thiva (Thebes) is cooler than Messina. Typically, the winter temperatures in Thiva (Thebes) in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Messina averages at about 13°C (55°F).

Thiva (Thebes) usually receives more sunshine than Messina during winter. Thiva (Thebes) gets 143 hours of sunny skies, while Messina receives 115 hours of full sun in the winter.

Messina receives a lot of rain in the winter. In January, Thiva (Thebes) usually receives less rain than Messina. Thiva (Thebes) gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Messina receives 113 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Thiva (Thebes) or Messina in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Thiva (Thebes) as well as Messina. Many visitors come to Thiva (Thebes) in the spring for the activities around the city. Additionally, most visitors come to Messina for the beaches and the activities around the city during these months.

In April, Thiva (Thebes) is generally around the same temperature as Messina. Daily temperatures in Thiva (Thebes) average around 16°C (60°F), and Messina fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Messina. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Thiva (Thebes) this time of the year. In the spring, Thiva (Thebes) often gets more sunshine than Messina. Thiva (Thebes) gets 226 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Messina receives 207 hours of full sun.

Thiva (Thebes) usually gets less rain in April than Messina. Thiva (Thebes) gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Messina receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Messina and Thiva (Thebes)