A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Utrecht vs. Cinque Terre for Food, Old Town, Couples, and Backpackers

Should you visit Utrecht or Cinque Terre?

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

Should I visit Utrecht or Cinque Terre? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Utrecht

With stunning beauty, it attracts visitors from all around. Because of its quaint atmosphere, it draws plenty of visitors, too. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Cinque Terre

Cinque Terre is a picturesque, idyllic, and quaint coastal region. This is also a fantastic small town with plenty of charm and local activities. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. It's also known for food, scuba diving and snorkeling, and beaches.

Utrecht and Cinque Terre: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Utrecht or Cinque Terre?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Cinque Terre than Utrecht, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Cinque Terre is better known for its food, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, small town charm, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Utrecht is more popular for its museums, nightlife, and shopping. Cinque Terre is more touristy than Utrecht and is popular for its charming villages, beautiful vineyards, picturesque waterfront setting, and stunning walking trail. Also, Cinque Terre is famous for Vernazza Harbor. Utrecht is well known for its beautiful canals, huge number of bikes, and charming old town.

Vernazza Harbor

How is Utrecht different from Cinque Terre?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Utrecht or Cinque Terre?

Utrecht is a nice place to visit for its museums and history. However, Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Utrecht. The Dom Tower and St. Martin's Cathedral is a highlight of the city, but you'll also find smaller, more local museums and several beautiful churches. If you're up for heading out of town, you can visit De Haar Castle, which is most accessible if you have a private vehicle.

Cinque Terre does not have museums and landmarks.

Is the Food Better in Utrecht or Cinque Terre? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Cinque Terre is a world-class destination for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Utrecht is not as famous, but is still a good to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, Cinque Terre is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Like much of Italy, the area focuses on local flavors that include lots of seafood, as well as local fruits, vegetables, and herbs. The towns are known for their focaccia, which actually originated in nearby Genoa. Anchovies are a favorite here as well, and don't be turned off by your experience with anchovies outside of Italy. They don't compare. Also make sure you sample the pesto, mussels, and any fresh caught seafood.

Utrecht has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are a number of interesting international restaurants around town including Greek, Italian, and Spanish tapas. It's particularly fun to dine canal-side and sip wine as the boats pass by.

Is Utrecht or Cinque Terre Better for Nightlife?

Utrecht is a very popular place for its evening party scene. However, Cinque Terre is lacking in good options for nightlife.

Utrecht has a large number of nightlife venues. The student population keeps the nightlife scene fun and lively. There are plenty of bars in the old town and you'll find tourists and locals hanging out at the same spots.

Things get quiet in the evenings in Cinque Terre. The whole point of a trip to the area is to soak up the quiet village atmosphere. There is basically no nightlife in most of the towns, but you will find a few bars in Monterosso.

Is Utrecht or Cinque Terre Better for Resorts?

Cinque Terre is not a good place to visit for its resorts. However, Utrecht is not a resort destination.

While Cinque Terre is not known as a resort destination, there are some nice places to stay. Most people stay in apartments or rooms in local hotels or family homes. There aren't many resorts in the traditional sense, but again, that's part of the charm of the area.

Utrecht is not a resort destination.

Is Utrecht or Cinque Terre Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Cinque Terre is a popular place for the nearby scuba diving and snorkeling. However, Utrecht is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Cinque Terre has a few good snorkeling spots. The surrounding waters are part of the of the Pelagos Sanctuary. The area has many rocky coves which are fun to explore with a mask and snorkel. There are also boat excursions available that may let you stop to snorkel, as well as a few dive spots in the area.

Utrecht is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Utrecht or Cinque Terre Better for Beaches?

Cinque Terre is a popular place for its beaches. However, Utrecht is not a beach destination.

Cinque Terre is a good option for a beach vacation. The area is more about the towns than the beaches. The most typical beach setting is in the newer part of Monterosso. There's a long sandy beach with chairs and umbrellas available. There's also a beach near the town's old town. Several of the other towns have swimming areas, including a small stretch of pebbly sand in Vernazza. It's fun to swim between the months of May and October, when the water temperatures are fairly warm.

Utrecht is not a beach destination.

Is Utrecht or Cinque Terre Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the fantastic old towns in both Utrecht and Cinque Terre.

The historic old town of Utrecht is revered around the world. The old town is large, charming, and filled with locals. There are canals that that see a frequent stream of boats and kayakers. There are also historic buildings and cobblestone streets. The city is unique because many cafes offer seating directly next to the canals.

With a famous historical old-town, Cinque Terre offers plenty to see. Each of the five towns have their own charming old town which have restaurants and local boutique shops.

Is Utrecht or Cinque Terre Better for Hiking?

Cinque Terre is a world-class destination for the nearby hiking options. However, Utrecht is not a hiking destination.

People visit Cinque Terre specifically for its hiking, as the natural beauty is well-known. The five towns are part of Cinque Terre National Park and there are 120 kilometers of hiking trails in the park. Most people hike along the trails that follow the coastline and connect the towns. There are fees for the most popular stretch of trails which connect Monterosso to Vernazza and then go from Vernazza to Corniglia. All other hiking is free in the area.

Utrecht is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Utrecht or Cinque Terre?

Utrecht is a very popular place for its shopping areas. However, Cinque Terre is lacking in good options for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Utrecht. You'll find both local shops and European chains throughout the old town. There's also a large mall right next to the main tourist area.

Cinque Terre is a good destination for shopping. The towns are more about the atmosphere than the shops, but the best shopping can be found in the largest town of Monterosso. You'll find jewelry, clothing, and local food items that are fun to take home as souvenirs.

Is Utrecht or Cinque Terre Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either Utrecht or Cinque Terre.

Utrecht is a family-friendly place to visit. There are a few museums around town that are fun for kids. Make sure you check out the Miffy Museum, which is great for younger kids. The Museum Speelklok is fun for kids and adults alike. Families will also enjoy renting bikes for the day or taking a canal boat tour. Also make sure you try some local pancakes.

Cinque Terre is a family-friendly . The five towns are all about exploring on foot, so if that's your kid's thing, then they're in for a treat. The hilly terrain can be a bit tricky, particularly for the little ones, but for older kids this area offers the perfect amount of challenge. There are also a couple of beaches and swimming spots as well as a playground or two around. Food, like most of Italy, is very kid-friendly.

Is Utrecht or Cinque Terre Better for Couples?

Cinque Terre is a world-class destination for romance. Also, Utrecht is not as famous, but is still a good to visit for its romantic activities.

Cinque Terre makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. These stunning five Italian villages are perched precariously on the water's edge. They're surrounded by beautiful vineyards and connected by impressive hiking trails. This area is truly a dream honeymoon destination and it is sure to make a memorable vacation for any couple who enjoys exploring charming village.

Utrecht makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. The charming old town and cozy cafes make for a wonderful date day. You can take a canal boat tour, sip coffee at a cafe by a canal, or explore the city as it lights up at night.

Is Utrecht or Cinque Terre Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Utrecht is a very popular place for backpackers and budget travelers. Also, Cinque Terre is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for backpackers.

Plenty of budget travelers and backpackers visit Utrecht. It's a university city with a young population and plenty to do in the evening. There are also a decent number of hostels to choose from and a lively atmosphere with fun activities and festivals.

Cinque Terre is a good to visit for backpackers. There are a number of rooms available in the towns and there are even a couple of hostels including one in Riomaggiore and one in Corniglia. It's possible to find affordable food and accommodation, and your entertainment is simply wandering the area, which is perfect for budget travelers.

Is Utrecht or Cinque Terre Better for Students?

Utrecht is a very popular place for its student-friendly activities. However, Cinque Terre is not popular with students.

Utrecht is a great to visit as a student. This is a great university city. The population is young, but housing can be challenging to find and very expensive.

Cinque Terre is not popular with students.

Is Utrecht or Cinque Terre Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Utrecht is a very popular place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Cinque Terre is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

The public transit in Utrecht can get you to most places easily. There are buses around town and two tram lines that travel to the suburbs.

You'll find some public transit in Cinque Terre, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Most people arrive by train but there are also ferries available.

Is Utrecht or Cinque Terre a more walkable city?

Utrecht and Cinque Terre both are fantastic when exploring on foot.

It is easy to get around Utrecht on foot. The old town is easy to explore on foot, but don't walk in a bike lane or you'll likely receive a firm scolding from a local. Utrecht is regularly ranked as one of the world's most bike-friendly cities.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Cinque Terre. Vehicle traffic in the towns are heavily restricted so it's very enjoyable to explore on foot. The terrain is hilly and uneven, but that's part of the charm. There are also hiking trails that connect each of the five towns.

For even more information, also check out Is Utrecht Worth Visiting? and Is Cinque Terre Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Cinque Terre or Utrecht?

How long in Utrecht or Cinque Terre?

In either Utrecht or Cinque Terre, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Cinque Terre than Utrecht because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Utrecht, and 2-5 days is enough time in Cinque Terre.

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

Couples should spend more time in Cinque Terre than Utrecht. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Cinque Terre that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Utrecht than Cinque Terre 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 Utrecht.

One day in Utrecht or Cinque Terre?

In Utrecht, many people enjoy the food and shopping that this historic offers. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. In one day, you should have a good grasp of this .

Cinque Terre is a small town with plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This coastal region offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Utrecht or Cinque Terre?

Utrecht is a fun place to experience. Visiting the old town is also a must. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Cinque Terre might be a small town, but there's plenty to do in the area. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cinque Terre has to offer.

Five days in Utrecht or Cinque Terre?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the canal-filled destination of Utrecht. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days.

Cinque Terre is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Cinque Terre has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Utrecht or Cinque Terre?

Utrecht is a popular place to visit. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Cinque Terre. Since Cinque Terre is a small town, it's easily explored when your time is limited. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Netherlands, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Netherlands, The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Italy, and The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Italy.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Utrecht or Cinque Terre?

Utrecht has a larger population, and is about 180 times larger than the population of Cinque Terre. When comparing the sizes of Utrecht and Cinque Terre, 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 Utrecht or Cinque Terre?

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 Utrecht or Cinque Terre in the Summer?

Both Cinque Terre and Utrecht during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Utrecht for the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Cinque Terre in the summer for the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Utrecht is generally cooler than Cinque Terre. Daily temperatures in Utrecht average around 17°C (62°F), and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

In Cinque Terre, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Utrecht often gets less sunshine than Cinque Terre. Utrecht gets 194 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 316 hours of full sun.

Utrecht usually gets more rain in July than Cinque Terre. Utrecht gets 75 mm (3 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Utrecht or Cinque Terre in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Utrecht and Cinque Terre. Many visitors come to Utrecht in the autumn for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Also, most visitors come to Cinque Terre for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Utrecht is much colder than Cinque Terre in the autumn. The daily temperature in Utrecht averages around 11°C (51°F) in October, and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Utrecht usually receives less sunshine than Cinque Terre during autumn. Utrecht gets 100 hours of sunny skies, while Cinque Terre receives 177 hours of full sun in the autumn.

Cinque Terre receives a lot of rain in the autumn. In October, Utrecht usually receives less rain than Cinque Terre. Utrecht gets 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 150 mm (5.9 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Utrecht or Cinque Terre in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Utrecht as well as Cinque Terre. Most visitors come to Utrecht for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Cinque Terre because of the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Utrecht can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Utrecht is much colder than Cinque Terre. Typically, the winter temperatures in Utrecht in January average around 2°C (36°F), and Cinque Terre averages at about 8°C (46°F).

In the winter, Utrecht often gets less sunshine than Cinque Terre. Utrecht gets 38 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Cinque Terre receives 105 hours of full sun.

It's quite rainy in Cinque Terre. Utrecht usually gets less rain in January than Cinque Terre. Utrecht gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 100 mm (3.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Utrecht or Cinque Terre in the Spring?

Both Cinque Terre and Utrecht are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Utrecht because of the natural beauty. Also, the beaches, the small town charm, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Cinque Terre this time of year.

In April, Utrecht is generally much colder than Cinque Terre. Daily temperatures in Utrecht average around 8°C (46°F), and Cinque Terre fluctuates around 14°C (57°F).

Utrecht usually receives less sunshine than Cinque Terre during spring. Utrecht gets 156 hours of sunny skies, while Cinque Terre receives 192 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Utrecht usually receives less rain than Cinque Terre. Utrecht gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Cinque Terre receives 85 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Cinque Terre and Utrecht