A Travel Price Comparison for Italy Urbino vs. Rome for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Backpackers

Should you visit Urbino or Rome?

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 Rome 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 laid back, historic, and undiscovered town. With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Other popular activities here include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Rome

Rome is a ancient, archeological, and bustling city. Visitors will also find so much to do here because it's a large city with many sights and attractions. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the nightlife, live music, and food.

Urbino and Rome: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Scenic old town
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less museums and historical sights
  • Less popular for nightlife
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty
  • Home to the Colosseum


Is there more to do in Urbino or Rome?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Rome. Although Urbino and Rome are popular destinations, Rome has more sights and attractions for tourists. Rome is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Urbino attracts visitors for its historical sights. Rome is more touristy than Urbino and is popular for its iconic archaeological sites such as the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, as well as its gelato, Italian cuisine, and strong religious roots. It is also well known for The Colosseum. Urbino is famous for its Renaissance walls, historic center, and authentic atmosphere.

The Colosseum
The Colosseum

How is Urbino different from Rome?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Urbino
Rome

Rome is an amazing city to visit for its historical sights. Also, Urbino is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its sights and museums.

With plenty of landmarks, attractions, and museums, Rome has many famous sights for visitors. 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.

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 Rome? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Urbino
Rome

Rome is an amazing city to visit for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Urbino is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Many restaurants in Rome have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Homemade pasta, fresh sauces, and fine wine all make the food scene among the best. Also make sure you try the gelato.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Urbino makes for a great culinary experience. 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.

Is Urbino or Rome Better for Nightlife?

Urbino
Rome

Rome is an amazing city to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Urbino is not as popular, but is still a nice town for nightlife.

Rome has a colorful and one-of-a-kind nightlife scene. 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.

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 Rome Better for Music?

Urbino
Rome

Rome is an amazing city to visit for its music scene. However, Urbino is not a live music destination.

Rome has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. Popular music venues include Live Alcazar, Atlantico Live, and Beba do Samba.

Urbino is not a live music destination.


Is Urbino or Rome Better for its Old Town?

Urbino
Rome

Urbino is a town with good options for its historic old town charm. However, Rome does not have a historic old town.

Urbino offers a nice historic old town area. 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.

Rome does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Urbino or Rome?

Urbino
Rome

Rome is an amazing city to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Urbino is not as popular, but is still a nice town for shopping.

Many people travel to Rome specifically to go shopping. 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.

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 Rome Better for Families?

Urbino
Rome

Rome is great for its kid-friendly activities. However, Urbino is not a good destination for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Rome. 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.

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 Rome Better for Couples?

Urbino
Rome

Both Urbino and Rome are great destinations for a couple's getaway.

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.

Rome is a very popular place to visit for couples. With many beautiful buildings, world class restaurants, and world renowned sights, this city makes a great romantic destination.

Is Urbino or Rome Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Urbino
Rome

Rome is an amazing city to visit for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Urbino is not a good destination for backpackers.

A large number of backpackers visit Rome, as it is a very popular city for budget travelers. 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).

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 Rome Better for Students?

Urbino
Rome

Rome 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.

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

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

Urbino
Rome

Rome is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Urbino is not a good destination for its public transit.

Public transit in Rome is top-notch. There's a metro system, trams, and a comprehensive bus system that goes around the city.

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

Is Urbino or Rome a more walkable city?

Urbino
Rome

Rome is an amazing city to visit for its ease of walking around. Also, Urbino is not as popular, but is still a nice town for its walkability.

Rome is a very easy city to get around on foot. 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.

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 Rome Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Rome or Urbino?

How long in Urbino or Rome?

Both Urbino and Rome have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Rome than in Urbino. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Urbino, and 3-7 days is enough time in Rome.

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

Couples should spend more time in Rome than Urbino. 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 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 Rome.


  • How many days in Urbino or Rome? Ideal Length of Stay
    Urbino 1-2 
    Rome 3-7

One day in Urbino or Rome?

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.

Rome is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.


A weekend in Urbino or Rome?

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.

Rome is a great place to explore. With so much to do, a weekend is probably not enough time to see everything. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Urbino or Rome?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the undiscovered 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 Rome. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Urbino or Rome?

The laid back 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.

Rome is a bustling city that offers something for everyone. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.


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, Rome 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 Rome is €170. 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 Rome in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Urbino 53
    Rome 89
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Urbino 106
    Rome 178
Compare Hotels in Urbino and Rome

Looking for a hotel in Urbino or Rome? 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 Rome


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 Rome Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Urbino 44
    Rome 21

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

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Rome

Here are some examples of typical transportation prices from actual travelers in Rome:


  • Metro Ride (for Two)
    2.00
  • Train to the Airport
    15
  • Taxi to Airport
    45
  • Bicycle Rental (Full Day)
    10

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Rome

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Rome:

  • Rome Airport: Round Trip Transfer to Venice Cruise Port: $4,000
  • Trieste Port: One-Way Private Transfer to/from Rome Hotels: $2,525
  • Fiumucino Rome Airport (FCO): 1-Way Transfer To Trieste Port: $2,525
  • Rome Airport (FCO): Transfer to/from Venice Port: $2,000
  • Luxury Private Transfer Siena to Rome Fiumicino Airport: $970
  • Luxury private transfer Siena to Rome Ciampino airport: $932
  • Private luxury transfer Siena to Rome city center: $932
  • Private Transfer from Amalfi to Rome or viceversa: $762
  • From Sorrento: Private Transfer to Rome or Vice Versa: $730
  • Verona Airport (VRN) : One-Way Private Transfer to Ravenna: $703
  • Sorrento to Rome 1-Way Private Transfer: $661
  • Private Transfer from Naples to Rome or viceversa: $618

Is it cheaper to fly into Urbino or Rome?

Prices for flights to both Rome 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
    Rome 47

Typical Food Prices in Rome

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Rome:


  • Casual Lunch (for Two)
    14
  • 4 Ice Cream Sandwiches
    2.99
  • Cafe e doce
    4.00
  • Pizza (Fast Food)
    2.65
  • Sitdown Lunch (for Two)
    32
  • Cheese and bread
    10
  • Espresso
    2.00
  • Dinner
    58

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Rome

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Rome.

  • Award-Winning Roman Food Tours: $15
  • Eat Pasta in Rome, Testaccio - Self-Guided Walking Food Tour: $16
  • Rome Food Tour with Wine Tasting and Farmers Market in Prati Area: $32
  • Food Tour of the Vatican with Farmers Market and Wine Tasting: $32
  • Vatican and Trionfale Farmers Market Food tour and Wine tasting : $32
  • Guided Food Tour with Food and Drink Tastings: $32
  • Cooking Class with Wine - Become a Roman Master Chef: $36
  • Painting & Pizza Party with Unlimited Wine: $40
  • Pasta Making & Wine Tasting with Dinner in Frascati from Rome: $41
  • Campo dei Fiori & Jewish Ghetto area Street Food Tour: $42
  • Leonardo Da Vini, Wine and Pizza Painting Class: $42
  • Vatican Street Food Tour and Wine Experience with Local Guide: $42

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Urbino 15
    Rome 36

Tours and Activities in Urbino

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

  • San Marino: A Self Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Entrance Ticket - Titanus Museum: Multimedia Experience: $8.68
  • San Marino Scavenger Hunt and Sightseeing Tour: $8.97
  • Private Guided Tour with Aperitif in Winebar in San Marino: $92
  • Guided group tour of Ducal Palace and National Gallery: $94
  • E-BIKE Tour San Marino for couples: $114
  • Private tour with Welcome KIT in San Marino: $136
  • 2-Hour Private Walking Tour with certified guide: $139
  • Private Walking Tour with Ducal Palace Ticket: $149
  • San Marino’s Starlit Stroll: A Christmas Walking Tour: $153
  • Private Tour of San Marino: UNESCO World Heritage Site: $172
  • Guided Tour of San Marino at Sunset with aperitif included: $184

Typical Entertainment Prices in Rome

Here are a few typical costs in Rome for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Rome Museum Vaticano (for 2)
    69
  • Coliseum Tickets (for Two)
    33
  • Roma Pass
    30
  • Hop on Hop Off Bus (All Day)
    20
  • Segway Tour
    75

Tours and Activities in Rome

Here are a few actual costs in Rome for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Appian Way and Aqueducts Electric Bike Tour: $82
  • Borghese Gallery Skip-the-Line Ticket & Golf Cart Ride: $56
  • Castel Sant Angelo Skip the Line Tickets: $39
  • Colosseum Arena Floor Guided Tour with Ancient Rome Access : $195
  • Colosseum Arena Floor with Roman Forum and Palatine Hill Tour: $74
  • Colosseum Gladiator Arena Floor Complete Guided Tour : $206
  • Colosseum Tour With Kids: $195
  • Colosseum, Forum and Palatine Hill Professional Guided Tour: $161
  • Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill Tour: $184
  • Colosseum, Roman Forum and Palatine Hill Tour Professional Guided Tour : $151
  • Cruise into Rome?! Full-Day Rome Discovery from Civitavecchia : $96
  • Electric Bike Tour of City Centre with Gelato Highlights of Rome: $75

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Urbino 14
    Rome 18

Typical Alcohol Prices in Rome

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for alcohol and nightlife costs in Rome:


  • Bottle of Wine
    6.50
  • Pint of Beer
    6.34
  • Beer
    10

Sample the Local Flavors in Rome

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Rome:

  • Trionfale and Prati Food and Wine Tasting Tour: $31
  • Cabaret & Burlesque Show: $32
  • Vatican Street Food and Wine Tour with Farmers Market: $37
  • Bar Crawl with Local Guide & Drinks: $52
  • Rome's Ultimate Party aka the Spanish Steps Pub Crawl: $52
  • Tipsy Tour: Fun Bar Crawl In Rome With Local Guide : $53
  • Roman Night Life and Burlesque Show Tour: $53
  • Guided Wine Tasting Experience in a Roman Vineyard: $53
  • Wine Tour in Historic Center of Rome: $54
  • Small-Group Exclusive Winery and Wine Tasting Tour in Frascati: $60
  • Pasta Making Class & Wine Tasting in a Trasteve Villa: $67
  • E-Bike Night Tour with Food and Wine Tasting: $68


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Urbino and Rome, we can see that Rome is more expensive. And not only is Urbino much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Urbino would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Urbino 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 Urbino.

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


Which is Bigger, Urbino or Rome?

Rome has a larger population, and is about 170 times larger than the population of Urbino. When comparing the sizes of Urbino and Rome, 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 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 Urbino or Rome in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Urbino as well as Rome. The summer months attract visitors to Urbino because of the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Rome this time of year.

Urbino is around the same temperature as Rome in the summer. The daily temperature in Urbino averages around 23°C (73°F) in July, and Rome fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

Urbino usually gets more rain in July than Rome. Urbino gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Rome receives 19 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Urbino 23°C (73°F) 
    Rome 25°C (77°F)

Should I visit Urbino or Rome in the Autumn?

Both Rome and Urbino are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Urbino this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Rome for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Urbino is cooler than Rome. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Urbino in October average around 15°C (59°F), and Rome averages at about 17°C (63°F).

In October, Urbino usually receives less rain than Rome. Urbino gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Rome receives 94 mm (3.7 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


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

Should I visit Urbino or Rome in the Winter?

Both Rome and Urbino during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Urbino for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Rome in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Urbino. In January, Urbino is generally much colder than Rome. Daily temperatures in Urbino average around 3°C (37°F), and Rome fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Urbino usually gets less rain in January than Rome. Urbino gets 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain, while Rome receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Urbino 3°C (37°F) 
    Rome 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Urbino or Rome in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Urbino and Rome. Many visitors come to Urbino in the spring for the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Rome for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

Urbino is cooler than Rome in the spring. The daily temperature in Urbino averages around 12°C (54°F) in April, and Rome fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

In April, Urbino usually receives around the same amount of rain as Rome. Urbino gets 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Rome receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Urbino 12°C (54°F) 
    Rome 14°C (57°F)

Typical Weather for Rome and Urbino

Urbino Rome
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 3°C (37°F) 34 mm (1.3 in) 8°C (47°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Feb 5°C (42°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) 9°C (49°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Mar 9°C (49°F) 77 mm (3 in) 11°C (52°F) 64 mm (2.5 in)
Apr 12°C (54°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 14°C (57°F) 50 mm (2 in)
May 16°C (61°F) 50 mm (2 in) 18°C (64°F) 42 mm (1.6 in)
Jun 20°C (68°F) 51 mm (2 in) 22°C (71°F) 21 mm (0.8 in)
Jul 23°C (73°F) 75 mm (3 in) 25°C (77°F) 19 mm (0.7 in)
Aug 22°C (71°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 25°C (77°F) 36 mm (1.4 in)
Sep 19°C (67°F) 68 mm (2.7 in) 22°C (71°F) 74 mm (2.9 in)
Oct 15°C (59°F) 77 mm (3 in) 17°C (63°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)
Nov 9°C (49°F) 73 mm (2.9 in) 12°C (54°F) 105 mm (4.1 in)
Dec 4°C (39°F) 67 mm (2.6 in) 9°C (49°F) 94 mm (3.7 in)