A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Trento vs. Pisa for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Backpackers

Should you visit Trento 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 Trento and Pisa can help you decide which place is right for you.

Trento

Trento is a youthful, high energy, and dynamic city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the museums, food, and hiking.

Pisa

Pisa is a world-famous, classic, and charming city. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Trento and Pisa: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Trento or Pisa?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Pisa. Although Trento and Pisa are popular destinations, Pisa has more sights and attractions for tourists. Pisa is very popular for its museums, nightlife, beaches, historical sights, and shopping, while Trento attracts visitors for its hiking. Pisa is more touristy than Trento and is known for its iconic Leaning Tower, its beautiful squares, and its lively atmosphere. It is also well known for The Leaning Tower of Pisa. Trento is famous for its beautiful mountain scenery and its historical buildings.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa

How is Trento different from Pisa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Trento or Pisa?

Pisa is great for its historical sights. Also, Trento is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its sights and museums.

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.

Trento offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. Perhaps one of the most popular sights is Castello del Buonconsiglio. The Museum of Science is also fun for kids and adults alike and the Duomo is beautiful.

Is the Food Better in Trento or Pisa? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Local dishes at restaurants are fun to try in both Trento and Pisa.

The food selection at local restaurants is excellent in Trento. The food in the region is influenced by nearby countries such as Austria. Carne salada, which is like corned beef, has a long history in the area. Schüttelbrot is a local flatbread and meraner wurst is a bit like a hot dog. You'll also find salamis and various cheeses.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Pisa. 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.

Is Trento or Pisa Better for Nightlife?

Pisa is great for nightlife. However, Trento is not a good destination for nightlife and partying.

Many people head to Pisa for the nightlife scene. 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.

Most people don't head to Trento specifically for the nightlife scene, but you can find a few options. Despite the large student population, there aren't a lot of bars and clubs around town. Most parties are held in private residences, so visitors may find the nightlife scene a bit slow.

Is Trento or Pisa Better for Beaches?

Pisa is very good for its beaches. However, Trento 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.

Trento is not a beach destination.

Is Trento or Pisa Better for its Old Town?

Pisa is great for its historic old town. However, Trento does not have a historic old town.

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.

Trento does not have a historic old town.

Is Trento or Pisa Better for Hiking?

Trento is a great city for hiking. However, Pisa is not a hiking destination.

Many visitors go to Trento for the hiking trails. The surrounding countryside has many beautiful hikes and stunning viewpoints that make for a great outing outside of town.

Pisa is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Trento or Pisa?

Pisa is great for shopping. Also, Trento is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Pisa. 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.

Trento offers some nice shopping areas. Head to the main shopping street, Via Balenzani for boutique shopping. You'll also find artisan shops and other unique vendors around town.

Is Trento or Pisa Better for Families?

You'll find nice kid-friendly activities in either Trento or Pisa.

Trento offers lots of family activities. Outside of town you'll find plenty of outdoor adventures that the kids will enjoy. In town, there's history and fun kid-friendly museums.

Pisa is a family-friendly place to visit. 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 Trento or Pisa Better for Couples?

Both Trento and Pisa are nice destinations to visit as a couple.

Trento is a nice destination for couples. The town mixes old and new in a beautiful setting that makes for a great romantic getaway. Nearby there are outdoor adventures and in town there's a beautiful atmosphere and great restaurants.

Pisa makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. 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 Trento or Pisa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Pisa is great for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Trento is not as popular, but is still a nice city for backpackers.

Pisa is very popular with the backpacker crowd. 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.

It's common for backpackers to visit Trento. There aren't many hostels in town, but there are some fun activities that backpackers will enjoy.

Is Trento or Pisa Better for Students?

For students, both Trento and Pisa are world-class places to visit.

Students come from all over the world to visit Trento. It's a popular study abroad destination and you'll find plenty of interesting places to explore in the area.

Pisa is a great destination for students. 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.

Is Trento or Pisa Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Trento and Pisa both offer nice public transit to get you around.

While Trento offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. The city has a number of bus lines through town.

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

Is Trento or Pisa a more walkable city?

Trento and Pisa are great when it comes to walkability.

Trento is very walkable. Much of the city can be explored on foot.

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

For even more information, also check out Is Trento Worth Visiting? and Is Pisa Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Pisa or Trento?

How long in Trento or Pisa?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Trento and Pisa. In our opinion, Pisa has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Pisa than Trento. However, 1-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Pisa than Trento. 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 Trento. 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 Trento 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 Trento or Pisa?

Visitors enjoy the museums and food when visiting the destination of Trento. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Pisa. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. One day is often enough time to do most activities.

A weekend in Trento or Pisa?

Trento is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. Hikers are also drawn to this area. 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.

Pisa 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 Trento or Pisa?

You'll find shopping and museums around the youthful destination of Trento. This city offers something for everyone. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. 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 Pisa. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Trento or Pisa?

The youthful city of Trento offers museums and food. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the iconic destination of Pisa. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town 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 Bicycle Tours in Italy, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Italy, The Best Coach Bus Tours in Italy, and The Best Adventure Tours to Italy.

When comparing the travel costs between Trento and Pisa, we can see that Trento 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 Trento Expensive? and Is Pisa Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Trento or Pisa?

Trento has a larger population, and is about 17% larger than the population of Pisa. When comparing the sizes of Trento 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 Trento 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 Trento or Pisa in the Summer?

Both Pisa and Trento are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Trento for the hiking and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Pisa because of the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Trento is around the same temperature as Pisa. Typically, the summer temperatures in Trento in July average around 24°C (75°F), and Pisa averages at about 23°C (73°F).

It's quite sunny in Pisa. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Trento. Trento usually receives less sunshine than Pisa during summer. Trento gets 286 hours of sunny skies, while Pisa receives 316 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Trento usually receives more rain than Pisa. Trento gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Trento or Pisa in the Autumn?

Both Pisa and Trento during the autumn are popular places to visit. The autumn months attract visitors to Trento because of the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Pisa this time of year.

In October, Trento is generally cooler than Pisa. Daily temperatures in Trento average around 14°C (57°F), and Pisa fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

In the autumn, Trento often gets less sunshine than Pisa. Trento gets 137 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pisa receives 177 hours of full sun.

Pisa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Trento usually gets less rain in October than Pisa. Trento gets 82 mm (3.2 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Trento or Pisa in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Trento and Pisa. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Trento this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Pisa for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Trento in the winter. Trento is much colder than Pisa in the winter. The daily temperature in Trento averages around 2°C (36°F) in January, and Pisa fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

Trento usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Pisa during winter. Trento gets 98 hours of sunny skies, while Pisa receives 105 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Trento usually receives less rain than Pisa. Trento gets 55 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Trento or Pisa in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Trento as well as Pisa. Many travelers come to Trento for the natural beauty. Additionally, many visitors come to Pisa in the spring for the beaches and the natural beauty.

In the spring, Trento is around the same temperature as Pisa. Typically, the spring temperatures in Trento in April average around 13°C (55°F), and Pisa averages at about 13°C (55°F).

In the spring, Trento often gets less sunshine than Pisa. Trento gets 169 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Pisa receives 192 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Pisa. Trento usually gets less rain in April than Pisa. Trento gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Pisa and Trento