A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Urbino vs. Pisa for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Old Town

Should you visit Urbino or Pisa?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Urbino and Pisa 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.

Urbino

Urbino is a historic, undiscovered, and authentic town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Pisa

Pisa is a world-famous, classic, and charming city. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Urbino and Pisa: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Popular beach
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Leaning Tower of Pisa


Is there more to do in Urbino or Pisa?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Pisa. Although Urbino and Pisa are both popular with visitors, Pisa has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Pisa is more touristy than Urbino and is known for its iconic Leaning Tower, its beautiful squares, and its lively atmosphere. It is also home to The Leaning Tower of Pisa. Urbino is popular for its Renaissance walls, historic center, and authentic atmosphere.

The Leaning Tower of Pisa
The Leaning Tower of Pisa

How is Urbino different from Pisa?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Urbino
Pisa

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

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

Urbino is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. At the heart of the city are its historical sights. The cathedral is worth a visit, as is The Ducal Palace, but for most visitors, simply soaking up the town's atmosphere is the best experience.


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

Urbino
Pisa

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Urbino and Pisa can be difficult as they are each excellent in their own way.

Urbino has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. The city's history has influenced its cuisine. Traditional foods include cornbread, truffles, and meat sausage. While these options aren't as common today, you can still find them if you seek them out.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Pisa makes for a great culinary experience. 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 Urbino or Pisa Better for Nightlife?

Urbino
Pisa

Pisa is great for its evening party scene. Also, Urbino is not as popular, but is still a nice town for nightlife.

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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Urbino. Because of the large student population, there are usually some fun activities going on at night. You'll find some good bars around town that are fun to hang out at.

Is Urbino or Pisa Better for Beaches?

Urbino
Pisa

Pisa is a city with good options for the beach. However, Urbino is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Pisa. 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.

Urbino is not a beach destination.


Is Urbino or Pisa Better for its Old Town?

Urbino
Pisa

Pisa is great for its historic old town charm. Also, Urbino is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its historic old town.

Pisa is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The old town is where you'll find the city's classic charm and many of the best sights.

Many visitors go to Urbino to see the historical old town. The historic center feels a bit undiscovered by Italian standards. There are stone houses and the town is built on a steep hill, giving it a beautiful setting.

Is the Shopping Better in Urbino or Pisa?

Urbino
Pisa

Pisa is great for its shopping areas. Also, Urbino is not as popular, but is still a nice town for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in 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.

Urbino is a great destination for shopping. You'll find galleries, book shops, and jewelry stores around town that are fun to pop into.

Is Urbino or Pisa Better for Families?

Urbino
Pisa

Pisa is a city with good options for its kid-friendly activities. However, Urbino is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

Pisa offers lots of family activities. 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.

Urbino is not the most family-friendly destination. The city is filled with history and architecture, which may be lost on the kids. There are the classic Italian restaurants which is a favorite among kids and adults alike.


Is Urbino or Pisa Better for Couples?

Urbino
Pisa

Urbino is a great town for its romantic activities. Also, Pisa is not as popular, but is still a nice city for couples.

Urbino is a great town if you're traveling as a couple. This walled city is fun to explore and can make for a great romantic stop. The city is walled and has many historical buildings which couples will enjoy learning about together.

Pisa is a good town for couples to visit. 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 Urbino or Pisa Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Urbino
Pisa

Pisa is great for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Urbino is not a good destination for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Pisa. 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.

Urbino is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. It's not well known by backpackers and there are a very limited number of hostels in the area.

Is Urbino or Pisa Better for Students?

Urbino
Pisa

Pisa is an amazing city to visit for its student-friendly activities. Also, Urbino is not as popular, but is still a nice town for students.

Pisa is a very popular city 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.

Many students visit Urbino. The student population is a large part of this small city. University students are usually happy and enjoy many activities and outings into the surrounding area.


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

Urbino
Pisa

Pisa is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Urbino is not a good destination for its public transit.

While Pisa offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are public buses through town with the most popular lines being the Red and Green Lines.

Public transit is generally limited in Urbino. The town is accessible by bus but not by train.

Is Urbino or Pisa a more walkable city?

Urbino
Pisa

Pisa is great for its ease of walking around. Also, Urbino is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its walkability.

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

Urbino is somewhat walkable. Many parts of the city are easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Pisa or Urbino?

How long in Urbino or Pisa?

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

Families should spend more time in Pisa than Urbino. 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 Urbino. 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 Urbino 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.


  • How many days in Urbino or Pisa? Ideal Length of Stay
    Urbino 1-2 
    Pisa 1-3

One day in Urbino or Pisa?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the destination of Urbino. 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 Urbino or Pisa?

Urbino is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. 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 Urbino or Pisa?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Urbino. This town offers something for everyone. 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 Urbino or Pisa?

The historic town of Urbino offers nightlife and food. 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 world-famous 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 2-Week Tours in Italy, The Best Bicycle Tours in Italy, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Italy, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Italy.


Which place is cheaper, Pisa or Urbino?

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

The average daily cost (per person) in Urbino is €118, while the average daily cost in Pisa is €120. 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 Urbino and Pisa in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Urbino 53
    Pisa 60
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Urbino 106
    Pisa 120
Compare Hotels in Urbino and Pisa

Looking for a hotel in Urbino or Pisa? 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 Urbino


Hotels in Pisa


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: Urbino Hotel Prices and Pisa Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Urbino 44
    Pisa 11

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Urbino

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

  • Private Transfer from Borgo Maggiore to Rimini (RMI) Airport: $108

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Pisa

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

  • From Florence: Round-trip Transfer to Pisa & Cinque Terre: $1,224
  • Florence: Private Transfer from Pisa Airport (PSA): $394
  • Transfer from Pisa to Siena with stop in San Gimignano for lunch: $272
  • Private Transfer from Pisa (PSA) Airport to Fiesole: $263
  • Private Transfer from Pisa (PSA) Airport to Ulignano : $250
  • Private Sightseeing Transfer from Pisa to Florence: $245
  • Private Transfer from Pisa (PSA) Airport to Firenze: $239
  • Private Transfer from Pisa (PSA) Airport to Volterra: $229
  • Private Transfer from Pisa Airport to Florence Hotels: $201
  • Private Transfer from Pisa (PSA) Airport to Lucca: $196
  • Private Transfer from Pisa (PSA) Airport to Montecatini Terme: $194
  • Private Transfer from Pisa (PSA) Airport to Massa: $194

Is it cheaper to fly into Urbino or Pisa?

Prices for flights to both Pisa and Urbino 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
    Urbino 39
    Pisa 50

Typical Food Prices in Pisa

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Pisa:


  • Dinner
    75

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Pisa

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

  • Chianni: wine and oil tasting with lunch or dinner: $43
  • Pisa Private Cooking Class: $82
  • Private Home-Made Pasta Cooking Class in Pisa.: $93
  • Dining experience at a local's home in Pontedera with cooking demo: $93
  • Pisa Food Tour: $95
  • Pisa Food Tour - Do Eat Better Experience: $101
  • Home-made Pasta Cooking Class: $138
  • Hands-On Cooking Class at a Local's Home: $154
  • Private Cooking Class at a Cesarina's Home in Pisa: $158
  • Private Pizza & Tiramisu Class at a Cesarina's home with tasting in Pisa: $158

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Urbino 15
    Pisa 20

Tours and Activities in Urbino

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Urbino.

  • E-BIKE Tour San Marino for couples: $114
  • Entrance Ticket - Titanus Museum: Multimedia Experience: $8.68
  • From Montefeltro Tour with Truffle Lunch: $394
  • Guided Tour of San Marino at Sunset with aperitif included: $184
  • Guided group tour of Ducal Palace and National Gallery: $94
  • Private Guided Tour with Aperitif in Winebar in San Marino: $92
  • Private Tour of San Marino: UNESCO World Heritage Site: $172
  • Private tour with Welcome KIT in San Marino: $136
  • San Marino Scavenger Hunt and Sightseeing Tour: $8.97
  • San Marino’s Starlit Stroll: A Christmas Walking Tour: $153
  • San Marino: A Self Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • San Marino: Food Tasting Tour: $195

Tours and Activities in Pisa

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Pisa.

  • Skip-the-Line Best of Pisa and Leaning Tower Guided Tour for Kids and Families: $272
  • 2-Day Tour: Pisa, Cinque Terre & Tuscany: $318
  • 2-hour tour to Rocca della Verruca by E-bike: $54
  • An Authentic Food Experience with a Sommelier and Culinary Expert: $139
  • Best of Pisa Guided Walking Tour with Leaning Tower Entry Ticket: $53
  • Best of Small group tour with admission tickets: $57
  • Bocelli Chianti Hills E-Bike Guided Tour + Wine Food Tasting: $156
  • Carrara Marble Quarries Tour by Land Rover: $82
  • Carrara Marble Quarry Tour with Food Tasting: $97
  • Carrara: Exclusive Marble Cave Tour Adventure in a 4x4: $82
  • Cinque Terre tour in Small Group from Pisa: $184
  • Discovering Pisa in Christmas Time - Walking Tour: $225

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Urbino 14
    Pisa -

Sample the Local Flavors in Pisa

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

  • Cathedral Guided Tour & Wine Tasting & Optional Tower: $48
  • Pisa guided tour and Wine tasting with Leaning Tower ticket (option): $50
  • Winery Tour and Wine Tasting with Local Food Pairing: $74
  • From Pisa or Lucca: Half-Day Tuscany Chianti Wine Tasting: $89
  • Chianti Half-day Wine Tour in the Tuscan's Hills from Pisa: $97
  • Tuscan Wine Tour in Pisa by shuttle: $162
  • Pisa & Lucca with wine Tasting and Lunch from Livorno: $660


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


Which is Bigger, Urbino or Pisa?

Pisa has a larger population, and is about 6 times larger than the population of Urbino. When comparing the sizes of Urbino 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 Urbino 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 Urbino or Pisa in the Summer?

Both Pisa and Urbino are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Urbino for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Pisa in the summer for the beaches and the family-friendly experiences.

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

In July, Urbino usually receives more rain than Pisa. Urbino gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Urbino 23°C (73°F) 
    Pisa 23°C (73°F)

Should I visit Urbino or Pisa in the Autumn?

Both Pisa and Urbino during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Urbino in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Furthermore, most visitors come to Pisa for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Urbino is cooler than Pisa in the autumn. The daily temperature in Urbino averages around 15°C (59°F) in October, and Pisa fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Pisa gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Urbino usually gets less rain in October than Pisa. Urbino gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Urbino 15°C (59°F) 
    Pisa 17°C (63°F)

Should I visit Urbino or Pisa in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Urbino and Pisa. Most visitors come to Urbino for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Furthermore, the winter months attract visitors to Pisa because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Urbino can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Urbino is much colder than Pisa. Typically, the winter temperatures in Urbino in January average around 3°C (37°F), and Pisa averages at about 7°C (45°F).

In January, Urbino usually receives less rain than Pisa. Urbino gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Urbino 3°C (37°F) 
    Pisa 7°C (45°F)

Should I visit Urbino or Pisa in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Urbino as well as Pisa. The spring months attract visitors to Urbino because of the natural beauty. Additionally, the beaches and the natural beauty are the main draw to Pisa this time of year.

In April, Urbino is generally around the same temperature as Pisa. Daily temperatures in Urbino average around 12°C (54°F), and Pisa fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

It's quite rainy in Pisa. Urbino usually gets less rain in April than Pisa. Urbino gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Pisa receives 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Urbino 12°C (54°F) 
    Pisa 13°C (55°F)

Typical Weather for Pisa and Urbino

Urbino Pisa
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 7°C (45°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Feb 5°C (42°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 8°C (46°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Mar 9°C (49°F) 77 mm (3 in) 11°C (52°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 12°C (54°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
May 16°C (61°F) 50 mm (2 in) 16°C (61°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jun 20°C (68°F) 51 mm (2 in) 20°C (68°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 75 mm (3 in) 23°C (73°F) 30 mm (1.2 in)
Aug 22°C (71°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 23°C (73°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Sep 19°C (67°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 21°C (70°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Oct 15°C (59°F) 77 mm (3 in) 17°C (63°F) 150 mm (5.9 in)
Nov 9°C (49°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 11°C (52°F) 110 mm (4.3 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 8°C (46°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)